IOSH Investigating Incidents 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the key steps in an incident investigation process?
- Only interview the injured person
- Secure the scene, gather evidence, interview witnesses, analyse causes, identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and report findings (Correct answer)
- Only take photographs
- Only complete the accident book
Correct answer: Secure the scene, gather evidence, interview witnesses, analyse causes, identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and report findings
A thorough investigation follows systematic steps: secure and preserve the scene, gather physical evidence (photos, measurements), collect witness statements, review documentation, analyse the sequence of events, identify immediate and root causes, recommend corrective actions, and produce a report.
Question 2: What is 'root cause analysis' (RCA)?
- Finding the first person who made a mistake
- A systematic approach to identifying the fundamental, underlying causes that led to an incident (Correct answer)
- Analysing the physical location where the incident occurred
- A method only used in the chemical industry
Correct answer: A systematic approach to identifying the fundamental, underlying causes that led to an incident
Root cause analysis is a systematic process of looking beyond the immediate cause to identify the fundamental underlying reasons why an incident occurred. Techniques include the '5 Whys', fault tree analysis, fishbone diagrams, and timeline analysis. The goal is to identify systemic failures.
Question 3: What is the '5 Whys' technique?
- Asking five different people about an incident
- Repeatedly asking 'why' (typically five times) to drill down from the immediate cause to the root cause (Correct answer)
- Identifying five hazards related to an incident
- Reviewing five similar past incidents
Correct answer: Repeatedly asking 'why' (typically five times) to drill down from the immediate cause to the root cause
The '5 Whys' technique involves repeatedly asking 'why' to peel back the layers of cause and effect. Starting with the immediate cause, each answer forms the basis of the next question. Typically, asking 'why' about five times reaches the root cause, though the exact number may vary.
Question 4: What evidence should be gathered during an incident investigation?
- Only written statements from the injured person
- Physical evidence, photographs, witness statements, CCTV, documents (risk assessments, training records, maintenance logs), and environmental data (Correct answer)
- Only the accident book entry
- Only the risk assessment for the area
Correct answer: Physical evidence, photographs, witness statements, CCTV, documents (risk assessments, training records, maintenance logs), and environmental data
A comprehensive evidence gathering includes: physical evidence (broken parts, substances, measurements), photographs/video, witness statements, CCTV footage, relevant documents (risk assessments, procedures, training records, maintenance logs, shift patterns), and environmental conditions (weather, lighting, noise).
Question 5: What is a 'corrective action' following an incident investigation?
- Disciplining the person who caused the incident
- A measure implemented to address the root cause and prevent the incident from recurring (Correct answer)
- Updating the accident book entry
- Reporting the incident to the insurance company
Correct answer: A measure implemented to address the root cause and prevent the incident from recurring
Corrective actions are specific measures implemented to address the root causes identified during the investigation. They should be practical, targeted, assigned to specific individuals, time-bound, and followed up to confirm effectiveness. They focus on systemic improvements, not blame.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'Fishbone' (Ishikawa) diagram in incident investigation?
- To draw the layout of the incident scene
- To systematically identify and categorise all possible causes of an incident under headings such as people, equipment, environment, procedures (Correct answer)
- To calculate the financial cost of an incident
- To determine the correct RIDDOR reporting category
Correct answer: To systematically identify and categorise all possible causes of an incident under headings such as people, equipment, environment, procedures
A Fishbone (Ishikawa or cause-and-effect) diagram is a visual tool that systematically maps out all possible causes of an incident. Causes are categorised under headings such as People, Equipment, Environment, Materials, Methods and Management, helping ensure no potential cause is overlooked.
IOSH Investigating Incidents 2
What are the key steps in an incident investigation process?