What are the five main accident investigation techniques

Accident Investigation Techniques

Question 1

Why is it important to include near misses in the accident investigation process?

Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

Question 2

How do accident investigations help an organization avoid spending money in the future?
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

Question 3

Describe two characteristics of an effective accident investigation process that you feel are particularly important. Briefly explain your choices.
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

Question 4

In addition to identifying accident causal factors, what other benefits does an effective accident investigation process provide to a safety and health program?
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

Question 5

What steps must an organization take before an accident occurs to ensure it is prepared to conduct an effective accident investigation?
Your response must be at least 200 words in length.

Question 6

Explain the four levels of accidents, providing an example of each. How are the categories different from each other?
Your response must be at least 200 words in length.

Question 7

What is the difference between linear and non-linear accident models? Why are non-linear accident models not used more often in workplace accident investigations?
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

Question 8

Why is it better to apply the multiple causation theory rather than the unsafe acts/unsafe conditions model to an accident investigation? Provide an example that illustrates your point.
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.

Question 9

Consider the following accident scenario:

Two workers were assigned to replace a water valve located in an underground concrete vault. After removing the manhole cover, worker #1 climbed down the ladder into the vault. Worker #1 collapsed and became unconscious within seconds of reaching the bottom. Worker #2 went down the ladder to rescue worker #1 but was quickly overcome by the lack of oxygen. Both workers died at the bottom of the vault.

Discuss how you could apply the Haddon matrix theory to investigate this accident. You may make additional assumptions about the scenario, as needed, for your discussion.

Your response must be at least 200 words in length.

Question 10

Consider the following accident scenario:
A maintenance worker mopped the floor in a hallway and then left the area without posting a "wet floor" warning. The lighting in the hallway had been lowered to conserve energy, so visibility was poor. Two employees walked down the hallway on their way to lunch, discussing where they wanted to go to eat. One of the employees slipped and fell, suffering a broken wrist.

Discuss how you could apply a domino theory to investigate this accident. You may make additional assumptions about the scenario, as needed, for your discussion.

Your response must be at least 200 words in length.

Question 11

There are several interviewing tips; which, in your opinion, is the most important?

Questionn12

One step in the accident investigation process is preserving the scene of the accident. How do you preserve an accident scene?

Question 13

Why is a "ready" investigative kit so important and valuable to accident preparedness?

Question 14

Consider the following accident scenario:

Three workers were assigned to replace a water valve located in an underground concrete vault. After removing the manhole cover, worker #1 climbed down the ladder into the vault. Worker #1 collapsed and became unconscious within seconds of reaching the bottom. Worker #2 went down the ladder to rescue worker #1 but was quickly overcome by the lack of oxygen. Both workers died at the bottom of the vault. Worker #3 stayed outside the vault and called for emergency response after worker #2 collapsed.

Develop a list of five questions you would ask a witness to the accident. Explain why you chose each question.

Question 15

Consider the following accident scenario:

Two workers were assigned to replace a water valve located in an underground concrete vault. After removing the manhole cover, worker #1 climbed down the ladder into the vault. Worker #1 collapsed and became unconscious within seconds of reaching the bottom. Worker #2 went down the ladder to rescue worker #1 but was quickly overcome by the lack of oxygen. Both workers died at the bottom of the vault. Worker #3 stayed outside the vault and called for emergency response after worker #2 collapsed.

Applying the "four P" evidence concept (physical, paper, people, and photographic), discuss the evidence related to the accident that you would want to collect. Explain the reasons for your choices.

1. How do accident investigations help an organization avoid spending money in the future?

Accident investigations are essential because they help an organization to know what the cause of the specific accident was and the effects arising from the accident. Therefore, with this information, the firm manages to put in place measures that prevent the occurrence of the same accident and any other related accident in the future. It results in a situation where the funds that would cater for the accidents are saved considering that the accidents do not take place in the future. Reason, (2016).

2. In addition to identifying accident causal factors, what other benefits does an effective accident investigation process provide to a safety and health program?

An effective accident investigation process is the reason why most of the firms advance their safety programs. The process ensures that the workers are healthy and in the condition that allows them to work accordingly. Therefore, firms ensure that they always access all the advanced technological safety measures that ensure a healthy company. Moreover, the employees are always satisfied and motivated which is one of the reasons that they end up increasing the firm’s production levels. Haney, (2003).

3. Describe two characteristics of an effective accident investigation process that you feel are particularly important. Briefly explain your choices.

One of the features of the effective accident investigation process that are paramount is the provision of first aid (Ferry, 2000). It is one of the crucial features considering that it helps in the elimination of further injuries to the victims. The other aspect that is crucial is the identification of the causes of that specific accident. It is because it is through this procedure that it becomes possible to improve the preparedness of the same issues in future.

4. Why is it important to include near misses in the accident investigation process?

The importance of including near misses is that it creates awareness to the employees. In other words, it is one of the ways that can ensure safety in the firm and other locations. It is because near misses inform people about some of the matters that would result in problems. Therefore, people come up with tactics to prevent these issues and deal with the issues in case they take place ensuring that few injuries are noted. According to Lindberg, (2010). Today near miss reports are used as an important tool of safety

5. Explain the four levels of accidents, providing an example of each. How are the categories different from each other?

The different levels of accidents comprise of near miss, minor injury, major injury, and catastrophic injury (Griffiths, Tang, & Yeoh, 2014). The near miss refers to that situation where an accident almost occurred but it did not literally take place. In other words, near miss refers to the occasions where an accident nearly took place but it did not occur fortunately. An example of a near miss is when a person evades an accident that would because of equipment that was not locked out appropriately. A minor injury is that accident that causes certain pain, no matter how small. Examples of the minor injuries include strains and chemical burns that do not require medical attention. Major injury refers to that accident that causes prolonged pain and disability. Examples of the major injuries include major trauma and deep wounds. Therefore, these kinds of injuries require the help of the medical professionals since they can become worse if not handled on time. Catastrophic injury refers to the fatal injuries that prevent people from being in a position to perform duties in the same way that they used to before the occurrence of the injuries. An example of a catastrophic injury is the spinal fracture that results in the walking disability.

6. What steps must an organization take before an accident occurs to ensure it is prepared to conduct an effective accident investigation?

A firm is required to come up with all the tools that can be utilized when performing handling the issue. For instance, it includes making sure that there are adequate first aid kits that can be utilized when performing first aids when emergencies take place. Moreover, the company should inform all the employees about all the accidents that can take place any time. It includes granting the workers access to training materials that are meant to help them to acquire information and knowledge regarding how they should conduct an effective accident investigation. In other words, it is essential to train the workers regarding how they should handle themselves when conducting the accident investigation processes. There is also the need to come up with the best team that should be granted the task to handle the accident investigation processes. In other words, for the company to make sure that it is ready for the conduction of the accident investigation processes, there is the need to select the individuals that are well conversant with the measures. Moreover, it is necessary to make sure that all the funds that are related to the processes are available and the steps that are associated with the acquisition of the funds are made conducted on time. Benner, (1986).

7. What is the difference between linear and non-linear accident models? Why are non-linear accident models not used more often in workplace accident investigations?

Linear accident models are known to seek information about what were the causes of the accidents while non-linear models seek to know information about the actual accidents. The difference between the two models is that the linear accident models looks into the relationship between the causes and effects of the accidents while non-linear accident models do not. The non-linear models are rarely utilized in accident investigations since they put less attention in identifying the effects of the accidents and how to reduce them. Woolley, (2001)

8. Why is it better to apply the multiple causation theory rather than the unsafe acts/unsafe conditions model to an accident investigation? Provide an example that illustrates your point.

The multiple causation theory is advantageous considering that it puts much attention that accidents are caused by different factors rather than unsafe acts model that provides that accidents are caused by human acts. It is true that accidents arise because of various factors but not only human acts. For instance, an accident can arise because of issues such as power and the default of the machines. Therefore, all the blame cannot be put on people when accidents take place. Fu, (2017).

9. Two workers were assigned to replace a water valve located in an underground concrete vault. After removing the manhole cover, worker #1 climbed down the ladder into the vault. Worker #1 collapsed and became unconscious within seconds of reaching the bottom. Worker #2 went down the ladder to rescue worker #1 but was quickly overcome by the lack of oxygen. Both workers died at the bottom of the vault.

Discuss how you could apply a domino theory to investigate this accident. You may make additional assumptions about the scenario, as needed, for your discussion.

The domino theory explains that most of the accidents that take place in the society are caused by the unsafe acts of individuals. In other words, the domino theory details that it is because of the human acts that most of the accidents take place. Therefore, the concept in this theory can be related to this scenario because the workers were aware of the consequences that were present when doing this activity. In other words, having been working in the organization for a long time, it was inevitable for them to take precautions when dealing with the assignment. Therefore, the investigation of this accident would be based on the fact that the workers were aware that they would definitely have issues with oxygen while in the vault. Therefore, it was their mandate to make sure that they planned how best they would handle the problem in case it took place. Moreover, the investigation of the accident should be based on whether the workers had been informed in advance, what were some of the problems that they might encounter when climbing down the ladders. Therefore, this information would help when carrying out the investigation and seeking to gather information about whether the accident could have been prevented. Rad, (2013).

10. Consider the following accident scenario:

A maintenance worker mopped the floor in a hallway and then left the area without posting a "wet floor" warning. The lighting in the hallway had been lowered to conserve energy, so visibility was poor. Two employees walked down the hallway on their way to lunch, discussing where they wanted to go to eat. One of the employees slipped and fell, suffering a broken wrist.

Discuss how you could apply the Haddon matrix theory to investigate this accident. You may make additional assumptions about the scenario, as needed, for your discussion.

The Haddon matrix theory is one of the theories that are utilized to assist in the prevention of most of the injuries that take place in the society. The theory considers different factors such as personal attributes, environmental attributes, and agent attributes (Vincoli, 2004). It is evident that the theory tends to expound the different causes that result in the various accidents and injuries that occur in the community. Therefore, when conducting investigation concerning this scenario, it would be advantageous to consider all these attributes to help in identifying the different constraints of the accident. For instance, it would be paramount to acquire information about whether any caution was granted to the employees. If not, the individuals that were responsible for the cause of the accident were supposed to be held liable for the losses. Moreover, if it was the mandate of another person to inform the workers about the issue it is supposed to be examined whether it was his mistake. Additionally, some of accidents take place because of environment factors that change from time to time. Therefore, it was necessary to confirm whether any environmental factors could have resulted in the accident. All the concepts are meant to assist in responding to the accident. According to Oakley, (2003). Why should you wait until there is an accident to use the accident theories? They should be utilized even before to prevent accidents.

11. There are several interviewing tips; which, in your opinion, is the most important?

The best interviewing tip is to make use of a team when doing this activity. It is because the creation of an interviewing team helps to have an easy time when evaluating all the causes of the accidents. In other words, a team can have skilled people that are required to conduct different activities that pertain to the entire interview process. Therefore, success becomes easier when a team is used since people tend to bring their ideas together. Cote, (1996).

12. One step in the accident investigation process is preserving the scene of the accident. How do you preserve an accident scene?

The preservation of the accident’s scene is essential since it gives an opportunity to conduct future investigation. The preservation of the accident scene can be done in different ways. The first step is the filing of an accident report with the premises. The second step is to identify and name all the people that were present in the scene at that time the accident took place and who came later. The other step is to take some photos about the situation of the accident scene. Magee, (2001,).

13. Why is a "ready" investigative kit so important and valuable to accident preparedness?

The readiness of the investigative kit makes it possible for the investigators to begin their work immediately (McKinnon, 2000). In other words, the availability of the investigative kit makes it possible for the examiners to check for any injuries and complications that could arise and ensure that they are prevented. Therefore, it is valuable because it prevents further injuries and response is initiated within the shortest time possible. Moreover, the investigators have adequate time to initiate first aids appropriately.

14. Consider the following accident scenario:

Three workers were assigned to replace a water valve located in an underground concrete vault. After removing the manhole cover, worker #1 climbed down the ladder into the vault. Worker #1 collapsed and became unconscious within seconds of reaching the bottom. Worker #2 went down the ladder to rescue worker #1 but was quickly overcome by the lack of oxygen. Both workers died at the bottom of the vault. Worker #3 stayed outside the vault and called for emergency response after worker #2 collapsed.

Develop a list of five questions you would ask a witness to the accident. Explain why you chose each question.

I. What exactly happened? This question creates an opportunity to the witness to offer adequate information that regards how every incident took place. The question helps to access information concerning some of the factors that resulted in the accident.

II. At what time did the accident take place? This question is essential to understand the specific moment at which the incident took place. Moreover, the answer to the question is essential when it comes to recording and reporting the accident.

III. How many people were present and how many were affected? The answer to this question is essential since it creates an opportunity to understand how many people were present when the accident took place. Moreover, it helps to realize whether some of the people who might have left the scene were responsible for the incident.

IV. How did the accident occur? The answer to this question is important since it helps to understand what caused the accident and if it could have been prevented. Moreover, it helps when it comes to preventing such an accident in the future.

V. Do you have any evidence to what happened? This question is essential since it helps to access information that can be used to support what is reported.

15. Consider the following accident scenario:

Two workers were assigned to replace a water valve located in an underground concrete vault. After removing the manhole cover, worker #1 climbed down the ladder into the vault. Worker #1 collapsed and became unconscious within seconds of reaching the bottom. Worker #2 went down the ladder to rescue worker #1 but was quickly overcome by the lack of oxygen. Both workers died at the bottom of the vault. Worker #3 stayed outside the vault and called for emergency response after worker #2 collapsed.

Applying the "four P" evidence concept (physical, paper, people, and photographic), discuss the evidence related to the accident that you would want to collect. Explain the reasons for your choices.

In occasions where accidents take place, it becomes important to come up with evidence that pertains that scenario. The accident investigations that are conducted require the availability of evidence that is meant to inform other people about what happened at that accident scene. Moreover, the evidence is of great importance since it helps when it comes to an understanding of the best way that can be initiated to prevent the occurrence of the same accident in the near future. The creation of evidence has been aided by the application of the concept of the 4Ps. The 4Ps stand for physical, paper, people, and photographic and are very important when it comes to the presentation of the evidence to other people (Hendrick, & Benner, 2002).

For this situation where people were required to replace the water valve, there is certain evidence that pertains to this issue. In the light of physical as a concept, I would make sure that I investigate about some of the materials that were present in the accident scene. In other words, I would seek to realize some of the tools and equipment that were present when the accident took place. It includes seeking to gather information regarding how many were in the scene at the time it took place and any materials that were present. It includes identifying the condition of the environment at that time. This kind of evidence helps in understanding what might have caused the accident. Moreover, this kind of evidence seeks to gather facts about the issues that resulted in the accident and whether the individuals could have prevented the consequences.

In light of paper’s concept, documents are investigated to ensure that issues that regard to the accident’s causes are identified. For instance, training records can be assessed to view whether the workers had been trained about how they should deal with such as issue when it occurs. Moreover, schedules should be assessed to understand if the individuals were supposed to do different tasks at different moments as a way of ensuring that the water valve was replaced. Some of the procedures include job practices that include seeking to understand some of the standards related to the replacement of the water valve.

In light of the people’s concept, I would seek to question any witness that was at the scene at the time the accident took place. It is because the witness can avail all the facts that are relevant to the accident better than any other person. Therefore, I would ask questions pertaining the time the accident took place and the specific manner in which it happened.

Regarding the photographic concept, I would seek to understand if any materials and tools had been provided to the workers to help them in the case where they had issues to do with oxygen. Therefore, I would take some photos that would assist me to understand all the equipment that was available at the time of the accident. With this information, it would help me when coming up with the report that pertains whether preventive measures had been put in place.

References

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Ferry, T. (2000). Modern accident investigation and analysis. New York: Wiley.

Fu, G., Cao, J. L., Zhou, L., & Xiang, Y. C. (2017). Comparative study of HFACS and the 24Model accident causation models. Petroleum Science, 14(3), 570-578.

Griffiths, S., Tang, J. & Yeoh, E. (2014). Routledge handbook of global public health in Asia. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Haney, L. (2003). A primer for effective accident investigation: reducing the toll on resources. Aaohn Journal, 51(4), 180-186.

Hendrick, K. & Benner, L. (2002). Investigating accidents with STEP. New York: M. Dekker.

Hendrick, K., Benner Jr, L., & Benner, L. (1986). Investigating accidents with STEP (Vol. 13). CRC Press.

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Oakley, J. S. (2003). Accident investigation techniques: Basic theories, analytical methods, and applications. Amer Society of Safety Engineers.

Rad, K. G. (2013). Application of domino theory to justify and prevent accident occurrence in construction sites. IOSR J. Mech. Civ. Eng. IOSR-JMCE, 6, 72-76.

Reason, J. (2016). Managing the risks of organizational accidents. Routledge.

Vincoli, J. (2004). Basic guide to accident investigation and loss control. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Woolley, R. L. (2001). Non-linear damage analysis in accident reconstruction. SAE transactions, 508-536.