SafetyMAP:Auditing Health & Safety ... - WorkSafe Victoria

PART 2: AUDIT CRITERIA4.3 Incident investigation and correctiveactionHazards will still exist and accidents andincidents can still occur even with the mostproactive health and safety managementsystem. It is important to report accidentsand incidents so that an investigation canbe carried out. Corrective action should aimto remove or minimise the hazard toprevent a recurrence.In establishing and maintaining proceduresfor investigating incidents, and takingappropriate corrective and preventiveaction, the organization should includethese basic elements:a) identifying the cause(s) of incidents;b)identifying and implementing thenecessary corrective action;c) implementing or modifying controlsnecessary to avoid repetition of theincident; andd) recording any changes in written proceduresresulting from the corrective action.4.3.1 There is a procedure, which includesinvolvement of operational linemanagement, for the investigation ofhazards, injuries, illnesses, incidents andother systems failures impacting onhealth and safety.4.3.2 Investigations shall:a) be undertaken by a competentperson(s);b) identify the factor(s) that led to thehazard, injury, illness, incident or othersystem failure;c) review the identified hazards, assessedrisks and effectiveness of the controlmeasures; andd) recommend appropriate controlmeasures.4.3.3 Responsibility is assigned to identifiedpersonnel for implementing and reviewingthe effectiveness of corrective actionsarising from investigations.4.3.4 Corrective actions are discussed withpersonnel affected prior to implementation.Depending on the situation this may beaccomplished rapidly and with a minimumof formal planning or it may be a morecomplex and long-term activity. Theassociated documentation should beappropriate to the level of corrective action.30PART 2: AUDIT CRITERIA