Accident analysis
Use these systematic instructions to analyze an accident so you can prevent it from happening again.
You may also find SFM's Accident analysis worksheet useful. Fill out a worksheet each time you are analyzing an incident. The worksheet will help you answer key questions about the incident and walk you through your analysis.
1. Collect data. Gather facts about what happened by talking to people involved including the injured employee, co-workers and the supervisor. Ask questions like:
• What type of injury occurred?
• What type of treatment was received?
• What happened and how did it happen?
• Was any equipment damaged?
• What caused the incident?
• What can be done to prevent recurrence?
• Was the employee violating safety
regulations or specific instruction?
• What other concerns do you have?
Examine materials, tools and equipment. Start with whatever caused the injury.
2. Identify the causes. Accident analysis typically looks at four possible causes:
• Equipment: Is it working properly? Are the guards and other safety precautions present and functioning?
• At-risk behaviors: Were there procedures not implemented? Are safety procedures routinely enforced? Was the employee working alone? Was the employee out of sight from co-workers?
• Personnel: Was the employee trained for this particular job? What shift and how long was the employee's shift? Can the employee read the language on warnings?
• Environment: Was the work area properly lighted? Were work surfaces free of clutter and distraction? Was noise an issue? Dust? Chemicals? Was space sufficient?
3. Analyze the findings. Examine the facts and observations. Be conscious of what's missing.
4. Develop a plan for corrective action. The plan should mirror the results you got from your analysis.
Make recommendations for each of the possible causes identified. For instance, you may suggest changes to machinery, work procedures, employee training, safety process,
personnel or the environment.
While trying to learn how to prevent an accident from recurring,
you may run across information useful to your SFM claims representative
It could help your claims representative determine whether the injured employee involved in the accident you are analyzing is entitled to work comp benefits, or it may help in handling the claim. You could help by:
• Identifying witnesses. Your SFM claims representative may want to speak to people who saw the incident happen.
• Taking pictures. Photos of the accident scene help document what actually happened.
• Saving broken parts. If a machine part broke, save the broken piece. Save anything that might be useful in determining the cause of the accident.
• Watching for red flags. For instance, you may have noticed the employee limping on his way into work that morning, suggesting he was not injured on the job.
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