The Sample Accident Investigation Questions will follow the 5W1H framework which consists of six key categories of questions: What, Who, Where, When, Why, and How. Below are 5 sample questions for each category tailored for accident investigation questions.
Accident Investigation Questions
1. What (Understanding the Incident Details)
- What happened during the accident?
- What equipment, tools, or materials were involved?
- What were the employees doing at the time of the incident?
- What damage or injuries resulted from the accident?
- What safety measures or procedures were in place?
2. Who (Identifying People Involved)
- Who was involved in the incident (employees, contractors, visitors)?
- Who witnessed the accident, and what did they observe?
- Who was responsible for supervising the task or area?
- Who reported the incident, and when was it reported?
- Who is responsible for ensuring safety in the affected area?
3. Where (Determining the Location)
- Where exactly did the accident occur?
- Where were the injured individuals positioned during the incident?
- Where was the equipment or machinery involved located?
- Where were safety signs, barriers, or controls situated about the incident?
- Where could additional hazards or risks in the area have contributed?
4. When (Establishing the Timeline)
- When did the accident occur (date and time)?
- When was the last safety inspection of the equipment or area?
- When did the employees involved start their tasks that day?
- When were any maintenance activities last performed in the area?
- When was the last safety training session conducted for those involved?
5. Why (Understanding the Root Cause)
- Why did the accident happen (initial observations)?
- Why were safety protocols not followed (if applicable)?
- Why was the equipment or process being used in this way?
- Why was the hazard not identified or mitigated earlier?
- Why did the involved parties take specific actions before the accident?
6. How (Analyzing the Process and Resolution)
- How did the accident happen step by step?
- How were the injured individuals assisted after the incident?
- How could this accident have been prevented?
- How did environmental factors contribute to the accident?
- How should the company improve its safety procedures to avoid recurrence?
These questions ensure a thorough investigation, focusing on gathering essential facts, uncovering root causes, and identifying preventive measures.
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A seasoned Health and Safety Consultant with over a decade of hands-on experience in Occupational Health and Safety, UBONG EDET brings unmatched expertise in health and safety management, hazard prevention, emergency response planning, and workplace risk control. With a strong passion for training and coaching, he has empowered professionals and organizations to build safer, more compliant work environments.
Certified in globally recognized programs including NEBOSH, ISO standards, and OSHA regulations, he combines technical know-how with practical strategies to drive health and safety excellence across industries. designing comprehensive HSE management systems or delivering impactful safety training, whether he] is committed to promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.