Workplace incidents can lead to serious consequences, from employee injuries, to property damage, to operational shutdowns. Conducting a thorough incident investigation is essential for identifying root causes and preventing future occurrences. At SMG, we regularly provide this service to our clients as part of their ongoing safety management program.  

However, we also understand that companies with full-time safety oversight may require external expertise for specific incidents. That’s why we offer our incident investigation services ensuring that every business, whether large or small, has access to expert insights when they need it most.  

What is an Incident Investigation? 

An incident investigation systematically examines a workplace accident, near-miss, or other safety incident to determine what went wrong and how future incidents can be prevented. An investigation aims to identify root causes, such as unsafe conditions, equipment failures, lack of pre-planning, and inadequate training. Companies can develop targeted corrective actions that address underlying risks and improve safety by analyzing all contributing factors. 

An investigation typically involves data collection, interviews with employees, and a detailed incident analysis. The outcome is a comprehensive report that outlines what happened, why it happened, and what steps should be taken to prevent it from happening again. 

Why Incident Investigations Are Crucial for Workplace Safety 

Conducting thorough incident investigations is a key element of maintaining a safe work environment. By investigating every workplace incident—from minor near-misses to significant accidents—companies can uncover potential hazards before they lead to more serious consequences. A proper investigation not only prevents future incidents but also ensures that businesses comply with OSHA regulations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties. 

Additionally, effective incident investigations improve employee engagement in safety programs. When workers see that their safety is a core business value and that steps are being taken to address risks, it fosters a culture of accountability and awareness that benefits the entire organization. 

Our Incident Investigation Process 

At SMG, we follow a rigorous process to ensure each investigation is comprehensive and yields actionable insights. Below is a breakdown of the incident investigation process we use: 

• Initial Response: We secure the site to ensure the safety of all employees and preserve evidence. 

• Data Collection: Gathering detailed information from the incident site, including photos, witness statements, and equipment logs. 

• Employee Interviews: Conducting interviews with employees involved in or witnessing the incident to get firsthand accounts of what occurred. 

• Root Cause Analysis: Analysing the collected data to identify the underlying factors that contributed to the incident. 

• Corrective Action Recommendations: Provide a customized action plan that outlines specific steps your business can take to eliminate hazards and improve safety procedures. 

Common Types of Incidents We Investigate 

SMG investigates a wide range of workplace incidents, each requiring a different approach based on industry-specific risks and standards. Below are examples of common incidents we help companies navigate: 

Equipment-Related Accidents 

In industries like manufacturing and construction, equipment failures or misuse can lead to serious workplace accidents. SMG’s incident investigations focus on determining improper maintenance or operator error caused the incident, providing targeted recommendations to prevent future equipment-related accidents. 

Hazardous Material Exposure 

In sectors like chemical processing or healthcare, employees are often exposed to dangerous substances. Our investigations identify where breakdowns in hazard communication protocols, training, or PPE usage occurred, helping businesses mitigate future risks and remain compliant with OSHA’s hazardous material handling standards. 

Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents 

These incidents are common across all industries, particularly in construction and logistics. SMG investigates slip, trip, and fall incidents by examining factors such as workplace conditions, safety training, and the adequacy of fall protection systems. 

The Benefits of an Incident Investigation 

Conducting regular incident investigations provides both immediate and long-term benefits to your organization:  

• Improved workplace safety: Identify and mitigate risks that could lead to future incidents. 

• Prevention of repeat incidents: Address root causes to prevent similar incidents from recurring. 

• Regulatory compliance: Stay in line with OSHA and other industry-specific safety regulations. 

• Cost savings: Reducing the risk of accidents lowers potential costs from fines, workers’ compensation claims, and equipment damage. 

• Enhanced employee morale: A proactive approach to safety builds trust and boosts worker confidence in the organization. 

• Reduced insurance premiums: With fewer incidents and compliance issues, businesses often see lower insurance premiums. 

• Stronger safety culture: Incident investigations foster a culture of safety awareness and responsibility across the organization. 
  

Contact Us for an Incident Investigation 

SMG’s team of experienced safety advisors provides comprehensive incident investigation services to help businesses improve their safety protocols and prevent future incidents. Our investigations are thorough, data-driven, and tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization. Contact us today to schedule an incident investigation and ensure your workplace is compliant, safe, and ready for the future. 

Incident Investigation FAQs

Incident investigation can feel overwhelming to organizations on where to start, and how to create a plan so the safety is improved for the future. To help clarify some of the common questions, we’ve compiled a list of FAQs to explain further of what incident investigation is, how it works, and why it’s important.