Posted By Martin Can anyone help with a source of clearly written, concise guidance on how to investigate for the root causes of accidents, ie how to look beyond the primary or short term causes to see what underlies problems, to give a more useful type of answer on the recommendations section of a report form (other than "should be more careful"!) Lots of web searching has been surprisingly fruitless so far. Any help gratefully recieved

Posted By Rob Waldie Try appendix 5 of HSG65 - Successful Health & Safety Management.

Posted By John Usher Martin, Why not get your company to send you on a course in Accident/Incident Investigation. There are loads of them about,some more expensive than others. It would show the company's commitment to safety. Regards John

Posted By Ciaran McAleenan Martin My advice: "Keep it simple". I have posted below section "c" of the Operational Analysis & Control (OAC) Model, recently show cased at ISSA International Construction Safety Conference in Paris. It deals with your topic. "C. Review the Effectiveness of the Operation 1. Has the operation progressed as planned? Things change or things can go wrong. You need to be aware of the effects of any change and try to anticipate how they will need to be dealt with. Ask yourself the following questions; · What has changed since the last operational analysis?’, ‘What effect will it have on operational management?’, and ‘How will it be dealt with?’, If nothing has changed then note that the review has taken place and set the next review date. Where things have gone wrong ask the following; · ‘What went wrong?’, ‘How did it happen?’, and ‘How did you deal with it?’. Note: We do not always get it right but if an accident does occur that is no reason to give up or to accept lower standards. Accepting accidents as inevitable is fatalistic. The objective of integrating the highest standards of health and safety with improved business performance means that the end product/ service must be achieved in a manner that protects employees and the public from harm. Operating to any less a standard will only guarantee a negative outcome and ensure that accidents continue. 2. Detail the changes needed. If changes have occurred then itemise them and consider how they will affect the operation. 3. List the improvement actions. Draw up an action plan, identifying the resources implications, managers responsible for completing the actions and the timescales for completion." Also you can see the full OAC model in an e-learning program at the following web address; http://www.confinedspaces.com/oac/index.htm Good luck Ciaran

Posted By Robert K Lewis Just realised you have not activated your e-mail address at the top. Can you supply it or a postal address Bob

Posted By Martin Many thanks for all your responses - extremely useful information. Robert, My e-mail address is martin.29@ntlworld.com. Thanks again!