Workplace accidents: How they happen

Effective controls can protect workers from workplace hazards. They help avoid injuries, illnesses and incidents; minimize or eliminate safety and health risks; and help employers provide workers with safe and healthful working conditions. But despite these controls, many workers are injured each year.

Most accidents do not “just happen.” In many cases, one or more people make an error (or several errors) that could have been avoided. So, what can be done to reduce preventable injuries?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) strongly encourages employers to investigate all incidents in which a worker was hurt, as well as close calls (sometimes called "near misses") in which a worker might have been hurt if the circumstances had been slightly different.

It is important to have a procedure in place for investigating workplace injuries. If your policyholders do not already have a process in place for gathering and documenting injury-related information, we offer the following suggestions:

• Secure a written or recorded statement from the employee explaining in their own words how the injury occurred, the names of the witnesses and when and how the injury was reported.
• If applicable, secure written or recorded statements from witnesses.
• When possible, take photographs of the injury, the area where the injury occurred and any involved machinery or equipment.
• Make a record of all conversations had in reference to the injury.
• Record all medical treatment given (if applicable).

Every accident should be investigated thoroughly in order to determine the cause and put preventive measures in place. Investigations should be conducted as soon as possible to gather the most accurate information, obtain the facts and prevent recurrence.