OSHA strongly encourages employers to investigate all incidents in which a worker was hurt, as well as close calls (sometimes called “near misses”), in which a worker might have been hurt if the circumstances had been slightly different.

Investigating a worksite incident – a fatality, injury, illness, or close call – provides employers and workers the opportunity to identify hazards in their operations and shortcomings in their safety and health programs. Most importantly, it enables employers and workers to identify and implement the corrective actions necessary to prevent future incidents.

WHY INVESTIGATE? Incident investigations help employers:

  • Prevent injuries and illnesses
  • Save lives
  • Save money
  • Demonstrate commitment to health and safety
  • Promote positive workplace morale
  • Improve management

OSHA strongly encourages employers to investigate all incidents in which a worker was hurt, as well as close calls (sometimes called “near misses”), in which a worker might have been hurt if the circumstances had been slightly different. OSHA has published Incident [Accident] Investigations: A Guide for Employers to provide employers with a systems approach to identifying and controlling the underlying or root causes of all incidents in order to prevent their recurrence. OSHA’s Incident Investigation webpage offers many additional resources.

Upcoming OSHA #7505 Introduction to Incident (Accident) Investigation Classes