IOSH Investigating Incidents

Question 1

Why should workplace incidents be investigated?

Accepted Answer

To identify root causes, prevent recurrence, comply with legal duties, and improve safety management

Answer

Incident investigations serve multiple purposes: identifying root causes (not just immediate causes), preventing recurrence, meeting legal requirements (RIDDOR), gathering evidence, improving safety systems, learning lessons, and demonstrating due diligence. The aim is prevention, not blame.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

An immediate cause is the direct trigger; a root cause is the underlying systemic failure that allowed the incident to happen

Answer

The immediate (direct) cause is what directly triggered the incident (e.g., a spill on the floor). The root cause is the underlying systemic failure that allowed the conditions to exist (e.g., no cleaning schedule, inadequate supervision, poor training). Addressing root causes prevents recurrence.

Question 3

What does RIDDOR stand for?

Accepted Answer

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

Answer

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It requires employers, the self-employed and those in control of premises to report certain workplace incidents to the HSE.

Question 4

Which of the following is reportable under RIDDOR?

Accepted Answer

A fracture (other than to fingers, thumbs or toes), amputation, or an injury causing incapacitation for more than 7 consecutive days

Answer

RIDDOR-reportable injuries include: deaths, specified injuries (fractures other than fingers/thumbs/toes, amputations, crush injuries, loss of sight, burns, scalping, loss of consciousness), over-7-day incapacitation, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences.

Question 5

Within what timeframe must a RIDDOR-reportable death or specified injury be reported?

Accepted Answer

Without delay — by the quickest practicable means, followed by a written report within 10 days

Answer

Deaths and specified injuries must be reported without delay by the quickest practicable means (usually by telephone to the HSE). This must be followed by a written report (online Form F2508) within 10 days. Over-7-day incapacitation injuries must be reported within 15 days.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Investigating Incidents