IOSH Investigating Incidents 4

Question 1

What is a 'timeline analysis' in incident investigation?

Accepted Answer

A chronological reconstruction of events leading up to, during and after the incident to identify where things went wrong

Answer

Timeline analysis plots the sequence of events in chronological order before, during and after the incident. It helps investigators understand the chain of events, identify deviations from normal procedures, and pinpoint where controls failed or were absent.

Question 2

What is the difference between a 'specified injury' and an 'over-7-day' injury under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

Specified injuries are defined types of serious injury (fractures, amputations); over-7-day injuries are those causing incapacitation for more than 7 days

Answer

Specified injuries are particular types of serious injury listed in RIDDOR (fractures, amputations, crush injuries, loss of sight, etc.) that must be reported immediately. Over-7-day injuries are any injuries causing the worker to be incapacitated from normal work for more than 7 consecutive days, reported within 15 days.

Question 3

How should witnesses be interviewed during an investigation?

Accepted Answer

Individually, as soon as possible after the event, using open questions in a supportive, non-judgemental manner

Answer

Witnesses should be interviewed individually (to avoid accounts influencing each other), as soon as practicable (while memories are fresh), using open questions (what, where, when, how), in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. Notes should be taken and verified with the witness.

Question 4

What is the role of the accident book in incident management?

Accepted Answer

It provides a statutory record of workplace accidents and incidents, required under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979

Answer

The accident book (BI 510) is a legal requirement. It records details of workplace accidents and incidents, providing important data for identifying trends, supporting investigations, and evidencing events for compensation claims and RIDDOR reporting.

Question 5

What is meant by 'no-blame culture' in incident investigation?

Accepted Answer

An approach where the focus is on understanding systemic failures rather than blaming individuals, encouraging open reporting

Answer

A no-blame (or just) culture focuses on identifying systemic failures rather than punishing individuals. It encourages open reporting of incidents and near misses because workers are not afraid of being disciplined. However, it does not mean there are no consequences for deliberate or reckless behaviour.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Investigating Incidents 4