Investigation

Accident/Incident Investigations are conducted whenever an accident or incident either results in an injury to an employee or had a potential to cause a serious injury. 

The goals of the investigation are to identify and correct the unsafe work methods or workplace conditions that caused or contributed to the accident, and to produce recommendations for changes that will prevent such an accident or incident from occurring again. 

Both Employees and Leaders play a role in the Accident/Incident Investigation process. Managers / Supervisors are responsible for

• initiating and arranging the investigation as soon as possible, at most within 72 hours of the event,
• ensuring that the investigation is conducted effectively by people who know the type of work involved,
• taking or initiating corrective action as required,
• following up to ensure that the corrective action has been implemented and is effective, and 
• reporting investigation findings to the Wellness and Safety Department and the JOH&S (Joint Occupational Health & Safety) Committee.

Employees are responsible for

• reporting injury or near miss situations promptly using the Employee Incident, Exposure, Symptom, Injury and Accident Investigation Report (EIR) form,
• taking part in inspections as members of Investigation Teams,
• making recommendations regarding root causes and contributing factors in the accident/incident, and 
• cooperating with all responsible for conducting and documenting the investigation.

The Wellness and Safety Department supports leaders and employees in the Accident/Incident Investigation process by

• helping managers and investigators with the investigation process,
• reporting investigation information to Joint Occupational Health & Safety (JOH&S) Committees, 
• reviewing and adjusting the process and associated documentation as necessary, and
• providing training and educational materials to those conducting investigations.

JOH&S Committees promote and support the Accident/Incident Investigation process by

• reviewing and following up on investigation information as necessary, and
• participating in investigations as required by regulations.