Investigating and Reporting Policy
Investigation Policy
The purpose of this policy is to effectively investigate incidents such that root cause can be determined and corrective actions can be implemented to prevent reoccurrence.
All serious incidents are to be reported to the appropriate Regulatory Body. The site of a serious incident is to be preserved, except to the extent necessary to free a trapped person or to avoid the creation of an additional hazard. No aspect of the scene of a serious incident is to be altered or moved until the investigation is complete or until the appropriate Regulatory Body indicates it is permissible to do so.
The following types of incidents shall be investigated:
- Near miss, including potentially serious incidents.
- All serious incidents such as fatality, electrocution, concussion, bone fractures, amputation, third degree burns, permanent or temporary loss of sight, cut or laceration that requires medical attention, asphyxiation or poisoning.
- Work Refusals.
- Failure of an atmosphere (supplying respirator).
- Explosion, fire or flood.
- Occupational illness.
- Uncontrolled spill or escape or a hazardous substance.
- Collapse or structural failure of a building, structure crane, hoist lift, temporary support system or excavation.
- Harassment or violence claims.
Responsibilities
All Employees shall report all incidents immediately to their Supervisor / Superintendent. All Contractors shall report incidents immediately to the Qualico Supervisor or the Qualico Regional Safety Manager. All Workers shall secure the area of an incident to ensure the safety of others.
Qualico Supervisors / Superintendents and Contractors shall conduct the initial investigations and submit their reports to the Qualico Regional Safety Manager. They shall also determine the root cause(s) and recommend corrective action(s).
The Qualico Regional Safety Manager shall review all time loss and serious incident reports with The Qualico Regional Vice-President to determine corrective action, disciplinary procedures, or a disbursement of safety letters.
Introduction
An incident is any event that results or could have resulted in damage or injury. Almost every incident is the result of a combination of causes. The primary purpose of the investigation is to identify these causes so that corrective action can be taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident. Additionally, information collected will be valuable in meeting the reporting requirements of Applicable Legislation.
Investigations should be conducted by the site Supervisor / Superintendent (Construction Manager in Texas) in charge of the area and any Workers immediately involved. Supervisors / Superintendents may assist in the investigations and must review every incident report to ensure that appropriate corrective actions take place.
Preservation of Evidence
Where practicable, the scene of any incident should be left untouched, except for activity necessary for rescue. This is to preserve evidence and prevent further injury or damages until the incident has been fully investigated.
When an incident occurs or has potential for causing serious injuries refer to the designation of serious injury and incident regulation, a per Applicable Legislation.
Conducting Investigations
The person or team investigating an incident should proceed as follows:
- Once the investigation site has be determined safe to enter, take control of the scene and preserve evidence.
- Ensure that any injured persons are cared for.
- Ensure that any hazards that may cause further injury or damage are controlled or removed.
- Obtain a summary of the events leading up to, during, and following the incident.
- Examine the equipment and / or materials involved.
- Collect and safeguard any physical evidence.
- Take photographs of the scene.
- Interview people involved and obtain written statements where appropriate. Follow the “5 W’s”: Who, What, Where, When and Why.
- Analyze all the available information to determine the causes.
- Look for causes where “the system failed the Worker” not only for those where the Worker failed the system.
- Determine what corrective action will prevent reoccurrence.
- Complete the report.
- Never speak to the media unless you are explicitly authorized to do so. Give the name of the appropriate Qualico spokesperson only as required.
Note: Incident investigations are not conducted to affix blame. They are conducted to prevent recurrence.
This information in this policy does not take precedence over all Applicable Legislation, with which all persons should be knowledgeable and compliant.