Accident Investigation in Critical Injuries or Fatalities
Source: BrantHR Staff
Know the Reporting Requirements
The Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outlines separate reporting requirements based on the type of accident or injury that has occurred at the work site. Accidents involving fatalities or critical injuries are to be reported to the Ministry of Labour (MOL) immediately, with written reports to follow within 48 hours. Please see the OHSA for written report guidelines. The MOL will send an investigator out immediately to your work site, no matter what time of day or night the incident occurred. The accident must also be immediately reported to the Joint Health and Safety Committee or the Health and Safety Representative, and to the Union if there is one in place in your organization.
Secure the Accident Scene
In the case of a fatality or critical injury, the OHSA requires that the accident scene be secured until released by the MOL inspector. The exceptions include the need to disturb the scene in order to administer medical care, to maintain public utility or transportation service, or to prevent unnecessary damage to equipment or property.
Interviewing Witnesses
The MOL inspector has a right to interview any and all witnesses without a manager present. The MOL has twelve months in which to lay charges related to the incident, therefore, it is important that the employer conduct their own thorough investigation immediately following the accident. This investigation can include interviewing all witnesses, taking photographs of the scene and any equipment involved, recording measurements and securing all documentation related to the incident. It is important to review the incident and outcomes with all staff, regardless if they were present at the time of the incident.
After-Action Review with Staff
- What had been planned for the day?
- What actually happened during the day?
- Why did that happen?
- What should be done next time?
For more information, please contact:
http://www.labor.gov.on.ca/