Page 1 of 4 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION POLICY AND GUIDELINES 1. AIMS 1.1 The aims of this policy and guidelines are to provide a framework for the investigation of accidents. Not everything may be applicable for any given accident. The more serious the accident, the greater the depth of investigation is likely to be. The main purpose of the investigation is to find all that can be learned to enable similar accidents / near misses to be prevented in the future. The information gathered from the investigation will be used to improve the management of health and safety within WATMOS. 2. OBTAIN GENERAL INFORMATION 2.1 General information about the accident should be collected using the Accident Investigation Form:  Has anything been altered since the accident / near miss?  Names of injured / ill employees / witnesses / people first at the scene.  Extent of injury / damage / disruption.  The condition of any equipment.  Any chemicals / substances in use or present at the time of the accident / near miss.  The task that was being undertaken.  The time, place and layout of area.  The environmental conditions (lighting, ventilation, slippery surfaces, obstructions, weather conditions if outside)  Record conditions (take photographs, make sketches). 3. OBTAIN WITNESS STATEMENTS 3.1 Witness statements should be taken and include:  Name, contact details and occupation of witnesses  What did they observe and what did they do? 4. ESTABLISH CIRCUMSTANCES 4.1 The circumstances surrounding the accident should be explored.  What was being done at the time and what happened?  What were the events leading up to the accident?  What was the accepted method for carrying out the task? Was it being followed? Was it adequate?  Was the individual competent to carry out the task (qualification/experience)?  What instruction and training was given (records available)?  Were they aware of the risk assessment for the task? (how they could be harmed and the measures they should take to prevent harm)  Had the individuals been told to carry out the task, or were they acting on their own initiative?