Unit 7: Communication Skills
Accident Investigation
The principles of accident investigation apply to many other types of criminal investigation and anyone interested in a career in state or local law enforcement should be familiar with them. In addition, many federal agencies assign their agents the task of investigating an accident when it involves a fellow agent. Accidents can take many forms and may involve automobiles, weather (hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes), the explosion of a chemical plant, or the collapse of a roller coaster at an amusement park.
The list of “rules” outlined for you below were used by law enforcement officers to investigate what appeared to be an industrial accident where a man was crushed and suffocated when the forks on a fork lift he was working on dropped on him. The investigation revealed that the man had been killed by a co-worker who released the forks while the victim was lying under them in order to examine some wiring in the engine.
The subject of accident investigation is so broad and complicated that it will probably always remain an art more than a science. The portion based on science is rapidly being increased.
In any investigatory activity, a fundamental rule is “never accept anything as fact until it has been proven.” In the determination of ways and means to reduce or eliminate hazards, the application of this principle is particularly important.
In general, the accident investigator must prepare himself in many fields before attempting to investigate an accident. It is best to have a wide background. A good memory is necessary. No two people witness the same event in the same way; nor will they convey verbally what they saw or heard in the same way. This can be best illustrated by the demonstration used in some colleges where a student known to the class enters one doorway, points a banana, a loud noise occurs (caused by the professor striking a book on the edge of the desk) and the professor falls to the floor, and then the student with the banana exits through another door, passing some or all of the class. When the initial shock is over, the class is questioned as to what they saw, and the majority will have seen some stranger shoot the professor but will be unable to describe him accurately.
Another demonstration that is used to convey the thought of verbal misunderstandings is when the instructor starts with a sentence of ten words and whispers it to another student and so on until it reaches the last student. Usually, the sentence is so distorted that it is not recognizable.
Physical evidence is usually more dependable, and this should be noted in great detail. It is good practice for the investigator, in his spare time, to describe objects, scenes, occurrences, and places accurately and also test his ability to describe things and persons in motion. Much can be said for the necessity of sketching practice. Sketching objects, persons, rooms, terrains, and any action observed which will assist in describing as well as recalling the scene of the accident is important.
He who waits until he is confronted with a difficult case before he fortifies himself with a broad general knowledge in every field of endeavor is destined to fail in accident investigations.
Before proceeding to the scene of an action that requires his services, the investigator must be certain that he is equipped with the tools of his profession, including drawing materials, compass, stop watch, pen/pencil, notebook, penknife, flashlight, folding ruler/tape measure, industrial type thermometer, an angle/degree indicator, and a camera with an adequate supply of film.
It is impossible to give all the rules for conducting every variety of investigation the investigator is called upon to make, but we shall attempt to list some rules which have general application for all types of accidents.
1. Begin the investigation as soon as possible after the occurrence.
2. Note the time of arrival and the condition of the weather.
3. If assistance is needed, don’t hesitate to call for it from any source.
a. Assistance of an Industrial Hygienist may be required.
b. Help of Regional or National Office specialists may be needed.
4. A preliminary survey of the situation should be taken.
5. Take names and addresses of all witnesses and immediate verbal statements.
6. The scene of the accident may need to be roped off.
7. Avoid preconceived theories.
8. Never alter the position of, or even touch, any object before it is sketched, photographed, and properly described in the report.
9. Note the time of accident and/or injury (hour, day, month, and year).
10. The specific place where the accident occurred in detail.
11. The name of the injured person/persons involved.
12. Nature of injury (bruise, laceration, etc. ).
13. Location of injury (head, toe, etc. ).
14. The severity of injury (profuse bleeding, partial amputation, etc. ).
15. Exactly what the person / persons were doing.
16. How the action took place (chronological order is most helpful here).
17. The who, what, where, why, how, and when formula is most helpful to follow each time a new person is introduced.
18. A subsequent interview of the witnesses should be conducted at this time. More detail should be noted and, if possible, assistance from another investigator obtained.
19. A re-examination of the area should be in minute detail starting from left to right or reverse, but each time the area is examined it should be done in the same manner.
20. Points of the compass should always be used in describing the general features of everything important that has been observed.
21. Items, objects, and conditions should be further described as to position, class, quantity, form, dimension, direction, style, make, identifying numbers, and color.
22. Maps or drawings showing exact position of all parties involved and location of all evidence.
23. Photographs often show what the eye misses and should be used.
24. Marks, stains, or tracks should be measured and photographed. It’s advisable to use a tape measure whenever photographs are taken.
25. All physical conditions must be listed in detail with regard to the following:
a. Guarding
b. Condition of equipment
c. Design or construction
d. Process, operation, or arrangement
e. Illumination
f. Dress or apparel
g. Weather, if applicable
26. Personal behavior must be noted in detail with regard to the following:
a. Action or what the individuals were doing.
b. Performing operations with or without authority.
c. Using or not using guards.
d. Operating speeds.
e. Using or not using improper equipment.
27. Length of time injured or involved person(s) has been working at the job.
28. The age of the principals involved.
29. Name of his supervisor.
30. The costs due to the accident (time, material, and equipment).
31. What established rules, if any, govern the process or operations which involved the accident?
32. What established safety rule was involved in the process or operation, and was it violated?
33. Past record of the machine operation or other agency involved in the accident.
34. Physical defects of principals involved (if any).
35. Mental state of principals involved.
36. Shift being worked by employees.
37. Was principal involved working within the classification of the job?
38. Did all persons involved in the accident agree when statements were made?
39. Revisit the scene of the accident, perhaps some detail was missed.
40. Take names, addresses and negative statements from individuals who claim they didn’t witness the accident or who don’t want to get involved or are afraid they will lose their job.
41. Assemble all data to write report.