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Most effective and efficient safety programs are by far proactive programs with primary emphasis in the prevention of workplace illness or injuries. Likewise, and based on years of observation, these programs share a common, clearly visible, and measurable objective of prevention in workplace illness or injuries. During evaluations of these programs, one can easily find a well-defined and documented trail of workplace hazard identification and analysis, comprehensive and thorough inspection reports, and well-documented follow-up corrective action(s). Prevention through early identification and intervention of any actual or potential loss-producing event should be the norm inherent in all organizational management activities. However, like a coin, there is always the other side. In spite of best efforts, the dynamics of the environment, insidious material, and procedural obsolescence, combined with the human factors involved, will out-maneuver the best made plans or procedures and can ultimately lead to a mishap or a misfortunate event resulting in unforeseen property loss or an injury. This is the reactive side of the coin and of equal importance since now it is necessary to find out what happened? Why? In order to prevent recurrence and to make an informed decision by the insurance carrier on compensability issues. This section of the Safety Puzzle will address the investigation process and techniques involved in identifying the root cause(s) of a mishap, implementation of appropriate corrective action(s), and the steps to help determine the disposition of a claim. |
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION |