ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The following points should be kept in mind while investigating an accident: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. Receiving of 1st. information report. Preparation for investigation. Site survey/collection of evidence. Recording of evidence from injured persons/eye-witnesses. Discussion and analysis. Report writing. Receiving of 1st information report: 2. Try to maintain a comfortable state of mind whilst receiving the first information report of any accident. Identify the informer as far as possible. Be sure of the location of the accident. Ask for the approach way if the location of the site is not clear and request the informer to remain t a known/prominent nearby place. Enquire about the details of the victims for e.g., how many, their names designations etc. Enquire about the nature of the injury. Inform concerned agencies like Fire Brigade, Fuel Management, Gas Control, F/A stn. Etc. to do the needful. If the danger is till persisting or continuing, suggest measures to stop control or minimise it. Suggest maintaining the site undisturbed. If the information is received telephonically during night hours, check back with the concerned department before proceeding. Take minimum time in getting first information report without compromising on the above guidelines.

Preparation for investigation. A. Keep your Head and other officers concerned informed about the F.I.R. received by you. B. Ask for any assistance required, e.g. Sending other inspectors/officers to help in the investigation. Calling the Fire Brigade /Ambulance /Photographer etc. Involving other specialised / expert agencies. C. Take the following accessories with you. A writing pad, a pen and carbon papers. A torchlight. A measuring tape. Co-detector with at least 3 carbon monoxide detecting tubes. N.B., Check the expiry date of tubes. Your own safety appliances eg. Shoes, helmet, hand-gloves

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Site survey/collection of evidence.

Different kinds of sites; a) Deserted site b) Crowded site c) Furious mob at site The above sites could be those where injuries and loss of life and properties has already taken place. or Where persons are still in the process of being injured or were the property is in the process of being damaged. Advice: a) Ask for assistance b) Try to locate the agencies executing the job c) Also, make an assessment of the situation prevailing at the site, giving a rough/approximate estimate of the damage/loss incurred. d) Make out a sketch Take photographs e) Help of security may be sought to keep the mob at a safe distance or to disperse/control them. f) Suggest & help to stop/minimise losses if it is continuing. CHECK LIST FOR SITE SURVEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Which agency is doing the job? Which agency is supervising the job? Who gave the clearance? Was the clearance given on a proper form? Was there any other agency involved in a parallel activity? Who were the co-workers present at the time of occurrence? Was there any other person who was an eye witness to the occurrence? Is there any material evidence lying at the site? Has the site been cordoned off? Collect details of the injured persons? Is there any need for other agencies to investigate? Inform them. Is there any need of more persons to assist? Ask for it. Check the approach way to the site for unsafe conditions Look for unsafe conditions which are still existing at the accident site which might have caused or may cause injury to persons. Check the surroundings, for any unsafe conditions, with respect to Gas, Electricity, Chemicals, mobile equipments etc. How is the illumination, ventilation and general cleanliness of the work area.

4. Check list for recording of statements of injured persons/eye-witnesses. i) Particulars of the injured persons/eye witness: Name, S/O, T.No., P.No., G.P.No.(In case of contractor employees), Designation, department, permanent address, Date of employment, Date of Birth (Age) ii) Date, Time and place of occurrence iii) Duty of the party/was he on O.T.? iv) Experience of the injured person on the job. v) Was he given safety induction related to the job by the staff of safety & Environment? vi) Was the clearance taken from the authorised agency, as per procedure and in the proper form? vii) Was the standard operating procedure available and was it being followed? viii) What was the party doing at the time of accident? ix) What was the causing agent? 2

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How was the party sustained the injury? Which part/s of the body was/were injured? Whether the party was conscious or unconscious? Is there any history of any medical ailment? Was he exposed to any dangerous chemical? What was the position of the injured person at the time of accident with respect to other coworkers/machines/equipment etc? xvi) What was the condition of the tools/tackles he was working with? xvii) Who was supervising the job? Was the present there? xviii) Was any external factor involved in the accident? xix) Any other relevant fact about the accident? 5. Discussion and analysis. All accidents before suggesting preventive measures should be discussed with: I) Site supervisors/officers. II) Union Committee members. III) Head of section/department. IV) Area specialist. Objectives To arrive at the immediate and basic (Root) causes of the accident so as to suggest effective preventive measures. N.B.: Discussions should be done at a place away from the site and in the presence of the concerned persons only. They should be asked for the possible preventive measures and practicability of the various measures proposed. Decision A final decision regarding the preventive measures should be taken taking the implementing authorities in confidence. Hints for suggesting preventive measures: 1. Explore the possibility of: * Change in layout. * Change in existing procedures/process. * Use of substitutes. Provide guards/fences/interlocks etc. Provide necessary safety appliances. Imparting necessary training. Ensure effective supervision. Enforce discipline.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.