Incident investigation a key to safer workplaces

Workplace incidents may harm employees and disrupt operations. The term “accident” implies randomness and inevitability—but most workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities are preventable. That’s why Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends using the term incident investigation.

Incident investigations are not about assigning blame—they’re about uncovering root causes and implementing corrective actions to reduce risk and prevent recurrence. A strong investigation program helps lower claims and workers compensation costs while strengthening your safety culture.

Regulatory requirements

OSHA encourages employers to investigate all incidents involving injury, as well as near misses where injury could have occurred under slightly different circumstances.

Some states have specific requirements. For example, California’s Injury & Illness Prevention Program mandates documented investigations that identify causes and preventive measures. These investigations must be conducted by trained individuals, and safety committees—where present—should review findings and recommend corrective actions. Additional requirements may apply based on your operations.

Incident investigation process

OSHA’s Incident Investigation Guide for Employers outlines four key steps:

1. Immediate response
Provide medical care for injured employees and secure the scene to prevent further harm.

2. Gather evidence
Collect photos, environmental details, and witness statements promptly. Use structured forms for consistency. Include supervisors, managers, and employees in the process for a well-rounded perspective.

3. Analyze root causes
Go beyond surface-level explanations. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety suggests examining five categories: task, material, environment, personnel, and management. Avoid oversimplifying—worker error alone rarely tells the full story.

4. Implement corrective actions
Recommendations may include engineering controls, updated procedures, or enhanced training.

Turning incidents into opportunities

Incident investigations are a cornerstone of effective risk management. They transform setbacks into actionable insights that protect both people and profits. OSHA offers guides, forms, and training resources. Markel Risk Solution Services provides additional tools through SafetyNow, a robust library featuring on-demand webinars, checklists, safety talks, PowerPoints, quizzes, and videos. Visit markel.safetynow.com or contact the Markel Risk Solution Services team for tailored recommendations. Learn more here.

Source
Incident Investigation, (n.d.)
Incident (accident) investigations: A guide for employers, OSHA (2015)
Health and safety programs, CCOHS (2025)

Reference to specific commercial products, manufacturers, companies, or trademarks does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The material is otherwise available on the agency website for no charge.