Understanding what happened, and why, before it happens again
Independent accident and incident investigations that look past the immediate cause, identify root causes, and support your RIDDOR reporting obligations.
Arrange an investigation
An independent view is essential after any workplace accident. When something goes wrong, it's easy for the investigation to stop at the immediate cause, a slip, a piece of faulty equipment, a moment of inattention. That rarely tells the full story.
We look at what happened and why, considering procedures, training, supervision, equipment and working conditions, so the corrective action actually addresses the reasons the accident happened, not just its symptoms.
If an accident occurs, it's important the scene is left undisturbed wherever possible and that you contact us as soon as you can, so nothing relevant to the investigation is lost or altered.
Our approach
A structured process that gets to the real cause, not just the easiest explanation.
Secure the scene
We advise on preserving evidence before conditions change or the area is disturbed.
Gather evidence
Site visit, photographs, documentation review and interviews with witnesses and those involved.
Identify root cause
Looking past the immediate event to failures in process, equipment, training or supervision.
Report & recommend
An independent report with clear, practical recommendations and, where required, RIDDOR support.
What we look at
Every investigation is different, but these areas come up in most workplace accidents.
Accident investigation questions
Where can I contact Safety First for help with workplace accident investigations and RIDDOR reporting?
Safety First can support businesses with workplace accident investigations, looking beyond the immediate cause of an incident to consider factors such as procedures, training, supervision, equipment, working conditions and management arrangements. The objective isn't just to establish what happened, but to identify practical corrective and preventative actions. Contact us as soon as possible after an incident so the scene and evidence can be properly assessed.
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) requires employers to report certain workplace accidents, injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences to the relevant enforcing authority. We can help you understand whether an incident is reportable and support you through the reporting process.
What is root cause analysis?
Root cause analysis looks past the immediate, visible cause of an accident to the underlying failures that allowed it to happen, whether that's a gap in training, an unclear procedure, inadequate supervision, or a piece of equipment that wasn't properly maintained. Addressing the root cause reduces the chance of the same type of accident happening again.
How soon after an accident should an investigation start?
As soon as possible. Evidence, witness recollection and the state of the scene all degrade quickly. If an accident occurs, leave the scene undisturbed where it's safe to do so and contact us as soon as you can.
Understand what happened. Identify the root cause. Prevent it happening again.
Need an accident investigated?
Contact us as soon as possible after an incident, so the scene and evidence can be properly assessed before anything is lost or disturbed.