Investigations

• Visual assessment of hazards during the investigation process

• Investigation Policy

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Hard Hat
• CSA/ANSI approved safety footwear
• Hearing Protection
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Additional PPE based on site specific hazards including respiratory protection, chemical-resistant boots
• Hard hat
• CSA / ANSI approved safety footwear
• Hearing protection
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Other items to be determined based on the incident scene

• Incident investigating training for all personnel involved in investigations.

1. Do not disturb the scene unless necessary for rescue or to prevent further injury or property damage.
2. Never enter dangerous emergency scenes or unauthorized areas until cleared by emergency services, such as 911 responders.
3. Report all incidents to your Supervisor, Superintendent or Regional Safety Manager immediately.
4. For serious incidents, immediately notify the Regional Safety Manager.

Pre-Operation

1. Secure the Scene:
   1. Confirm that the incident site is safe to enter.
   2. Use Lock-out/Tag Out procedure for any equipment that needs to be rendered inoperable during the investigation.
   3. If safe, take control of the scene, restrict access. Potentially using barricade tape or temporary fencing or anything available to preserve the scene and any evidence.
2. Ensure Victim Care:
   1. Check that any injured persons receive medical care. This is the first priority.

During Operation

1. Control Residual Hazards:
   1. Eliminate or manage hazards to prevent additional injuries or damage.
2. Gather Initial Information:
   1. Obtain a detailed summary of events leading to, during, and following the incident.
3. Inspect the Scene:
   1. Examine any equipment, tools, or materials involved. Again, remember to use Lock-out/Tag Out procedure when necessary.
   2. Check for signs of equipment/tool malfunction, wear, or improper use. Review maintenance and inspection records.
   3. Safeguard physical evidence and prevent tampering.
   4. Verify if required PPE was worn and used correctly. Check the condition of PPE. Review training records for involved personnel.
4. Document the Scene:
   1. Take photographs or videos of the scene from multiple angles to capture all relevant details.
   2. Note lighting, weather conditions, noise and ventilation.
5. Interview Witnesses:
   1. Interview all involved personnel or witnesses. Use the “5 W’s 1 H” approach:
   2. Who was involved?
   3. What happened?
   4. Where did it occur?
   5. When did it happen?
   6. Why did it happen?
   7. How did it happen?
6. Request written statements where applicable.

Post Operation

1. Analyze Information:
   1. Review all evidence, summaries, and statements to identify the root causes.
   2. Consider system failures that may have contributed to the incident (e.g., lack of training, equipment defects).
   3. Verify applicable training records/certificates/licenses of persons on site if necessary.
   4. Determine if safe work procedures were followed. Identify gaps in training or supervision.
2. Develop Corrective Actions:
   1. Identify and recommend actions to prevent reoccurrence. Example actions may include updating procedures, employee retraining, or modifying the work environment.
3. Complete and Submit the Incident Report:
   1. Compile a detailed report of findings, including causes and corrective actions. Submit the report to the safety department.
   2. Share investigation findings and lessons learned with the safety team and all relevant workers to prevent further incidents in the future.
4. Media Communication:
   1. Never speak to media personnel unless explicitly authorized. Direct all inquiries to the designated Qualico spokesperson.