Description
Introduction to Health and Safety Incident Investigation Training
The health and safety incident investigation training by INVESTRAC equips managers, supervisors, and officers with essential knowledge to investigate workplace accidents and incidents effectively. Participants learn to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and comply with South African OHSA legal requirements.
This training focuses on the entire lifecycle of incident management—from pre-incident planning to root cause analysis and corrective actions. By completing this health and safety incident investigation training, participants will reduce risks, prevent repeat incidents, and strengthen organizational safety culture.
Part 1 – Introduction to Course
This module introduces participants to the objectives, scope, and expected outcomes of the health and safety incident investigation training:
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Overview of program activities and learning goals.
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Understanding why incident investigation is critical for legal compliance and workplace safety.
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Aligning the course with OHSA sections relevant to employers and employees.
Part 2 – Introduction to OHS Management
Effective incident investigation requires a strong understanding of occupational health and safety systems:
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Definitions, Terminology & Glossary – Essential terms for investigation and reporting.
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History of Health & Safety – Lessons from past incidents and evolution of OHS practices.
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Consequences of Incidents – Human, organizational, and environmental impact.
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Management Systems – Differences between symptoms and systemic issues.
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Health & Safety Investigations – Overview and connection to management systems.
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HIRA Fundamentals – Pre-incident identification, legal requirements, and hazard mitigation hierarchy.
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Introduction to Occupational Health – Recognizing disease manifestations and health hazards.
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Safety vs Security – Differentiating between safety hazards and security risks.
Participants learn how OHS systems support the investigation process and enhance overall workplace safety.
Part 3 – Legal Requirements
This module covers the legislative framework underpinning the health and safety incident investigation training:
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Sect 24 – Incident vs Accident – Legal definitions and reporting obligations.
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Structure of the Act & Regulations – OHSA framework and mandatory compliance.
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Introduction to Standards – Understanding relevant workplace standards.
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Health & Safety Committee Structure – Roles, responsibilities, and meeting procedures.
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Duties of H&S Committees – Ensuring legal compliance and proactive risk management.
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Documents & Records – Legal documentation, retention, and accessibility requirements.
Understanding these legal requirements is critical for employers and officers to avoid liability and implement corrective actions.
Part 4 – Extracts from OHSA & Regulations
Key OHSA sections relevant to the health and safety incident investigation training include:
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Employer Duties (Sect 8) – Protecting employees, conducting HIRA, and enforcing control measures.
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Informing H&S Representatives (Sect 13) – Duties in sharing investigation and inquiry information.
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Functions of Health & Safety Representatives (Sect 18) – Supporting investigations and workplace audits.
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H&S Committee Discussions (Sect 20) – Handling incidents and maintaining records.
These sections ensure that participants understand the legal context of incident investigations.
Part 5 – Legal Requirement: Reporting Incidents
Reporting is a critical part of health and safety incident investigation training:
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Reporting to Inspectors (Sect 24) – Obligations to report incidents and near misses.
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Victimisation Forbidden (Sect 26) – Protecting employees who report hazards.
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Reporting Incidents & Diseases (GAR 8) – Documentation and proof requirements.
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Emergency Occurrences (MHIR 7) – Handling high-risk events.
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Reporting to Employers (Sect 14) – Ensuring management receives timely and accurate reports.
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Employees Reporting Injuries (GSR 3) – Legal responsibility and proof of facts.
Proper reporting ensures legal compliance and enables root cause identification.
Part 6 – Recording and Investigation of Incidents
Accurate recording and systematic investigation are key outcomes of health and safety incident investigation training:
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Employers’ Responsibilities (GAR 9) – Maintaining records and investigation procedures.
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Incident Case Study – Real-world examples for practical learning.
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Disturbing Incident Sites (Sect 24) – Legal boundaries when investigating.
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Consequences of Non-Compliance – Offences, penalties, and court orders (Sect 38 & GAR 12).
This module emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation for legal compliance and continuous improvement.
Part 7 – DEL Inquiries & Investigations
Participants learn investigation processes under regulatory oversight:
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Witness at DEL Inquiry (GAR 10) – Understanding rights and obligations.
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Investigations by Inspectors (Sect 31) – Legal authority and processes.
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Formal & Joint Inquiries (Sects 32–33) – Procedures and responsibilities.
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Obstruction of Investigation (Sect 34) – Legal implications of interfering with inquiries.
This ensures management can cooperate effectively with inspectors while maintaining compliance.
Part 8 – Reporting Incidents
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Purpose of Reporting – Legal and operational benefits.
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Incident Types – Differentiating minor, major, and near misses.
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Investigating Past Incidents – Learning from history.
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Guidelines and Best Practices – Correct reporting procedures.
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Zero Incident Programs – Avoiding false safety metrics.
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Immediate Response – Steps to take following an incident.
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Employee Reporting Challenges – Understanding barriers to reporting.
Effective reporting strengthens organizational safety culture and supports regulatory compliance.
Part 9 – Documents and Records
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Legal Report Forms – Standardized templates for reporting incidents.
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Annexure 1 – Templates for investigation documentation.
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Fraudulent Reports – Recognizing and addressing misleading documentation.
Proper record management is a cornerstone of health and safety incident investigation training.
Part 10 – Causes of Incidents
Understanding incident causes is crucial:
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Causal Chain & Domino Sequence – Linking events and underlying factors.
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Domino 1 – Lack of Control – Management system gaps.
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Domino 2 – Human & Work Factors – Behavioral and organizational contributors.
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Domino 3 – Unsafe Acts & Conditions – Direct causes of accidents.
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Domino 4 & 5 – Incident & Consequences – Event outcomes and effects.
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Domino 6 – Cost of Incidents – Financial and operational impacts.
Participants learn to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Part 11 – Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
The RCA module reinforces investigative methodology:
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Introduction & Benefits of RCA – Structured problem-solving approach.
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Fault Tree Analysis – Visualizing cause-effect relationships.
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Example Cases – Practical application in workplace incidents.
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Management System Problems – Recognizing systemic failures.
This ensures participants can systematically identify the root cause of incidents.
Part 12–15 – Investigation Preparation, Interviews & Statements
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Investigator Appointment – Roles and responsibilities.
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Conducting Interviews – Managing, questioning, and documenting witness accounts.
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Taking Statements – Practical and legal considerations.
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Investigation Steps – Assemble team, visit scene, collect evidence, identify causes, make recommendations, implement corrective actions.
These modules provide actionable skills to conduct health and safety incident investigations that are legally defensible and operationally effective.
Part 16 – Learner Exercise – Practical
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One Minute Safety Manager Exercise – Apply investigation principles in a practical scenario.
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Templates and Annexures – Structured documents for hands-on learning.
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Case Studies – Realistic examples for practice.
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Investigator Appointment & Incident Reports – Reinforcing documentation skills.
Practical exercises consolidate theoretical learning and ensure participants are ready to conduct health and safety incident investigations in real workplaces.
