bizSAFE Incident Investigation

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a workplace incident investigation under Singapore's WSH framework?

Accepted Answer

To identify root causes and prevent recurrence, not to assign blame

Answer

To gather evidence to support disciplinary action against responsible employees

Answer

To satisfy the insurance company's requirements for a claims payout

Answer

To document the incident for inclusion in the annual report

Question 2

What is the difference between an 'immediate cause' and a 'root cause' in incident investigation?

Accepted Answer

An immediate cause is the direct trigger of the incident, while a root cause is the underlying systemic reason that allowed the immediate cause to occur

Answer

Immediate causes are investigated by management; root causes are investigated by MOM

Answer

Root causes only apply to fatal accidents, not near-misses

Answer

There is no practical difference — both terms refer to what triggered the incident

Question 3

What should a first responder do to preserve the incident scene before investigation begins?

Accepted Answer

Secure the area, attend to injured persons, and do not disturb the scene unless necessary to prevent further harm

Answer

Clean up the scene immediately to prevent slip and fall hazards for other workers

Answer

Take photographs and then resume normal operations as quickly as possible

Answer

Allow all workers to view the scene so they understand the danger

Question 4

Which of the following tools is commonly used in WSH incident investigation to systematically identify root causes?

Accepted Answer

The '5 Whys' technique

Answer

The SWOT analysis framework

Answer

The balanced scorecard method

Answer

The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle

Question 5

Under the WSH Act, which type of workplace accident must be reported to MOM?

Accepted Answer

Any accident that results in death, major injury, or more than 3 days of medical leave

Answer

All minor accidents regardless of the severity of injury

Answer

Only accidents involving foreign workers

Answer

Only accidents that result in hospitalisation for more than 24 hours

Question 6

What should be included in a workplace incident investigation report?

Accepted Answer

Description of the incident, sequence of events, immediate and root causes, and corrective actions with assigned responsibilities and timelines

Answer

Only the name of the injured person and the date of the incident

Answer

A financial estimate of the cost of the accident to the company

Answer

Statements from witnesses only, without management analysis