GENERAL INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES
Investigation is the process of gathering information about an accident, the resulting harm, possible legal liability of any party for having caused that harm, and potential sources of restorative payments owed to or collectible from others to finance recovery from that harm. One purpose of an investigation is to secure these facts so that any resulting claim--any consequent duty to pay, or right to receive, compensatory funds--can be evaluated, settled or in some cases resisted.
Use general format outlined below in your investigation of an accident. Select appropriated procedures that apply to the type of incident (injury, collision, damage, theft, etc.)
STEP A: ASSURE THAT ESSENTIAL DETAILS HAVE BEEN REPORTED;
1. Time and date of occurrence.
2. Exact location.
3. Conditions at time of occurrence.
4. Full names, addresses and phone numbers of all persons (employees, bystanders, claimants, contractors, medics or physicians) involved.
5. Nature and extent of any injuries.
6. Full names, address and phone number of all witnesses.
7. Witness accounts of the incident.
8. Equipment involved.
STEP B: RECORD IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
1. Where did the incident occur?
2. What are the events leading up to the incident?
3. What were the conditions surrounding the incident:
4. Draw a diagram or sketch.
5. When did the incident occur?
6. Who was injured?
7. What/who was damaged/injured? How extensive?
STEP C: DESCRIBE INCIDENT
1. Who had control of cause?
2. What happened?
STEP D: ANALYZE
1. What were the unsafe acts or conditions, if any?
2. What personal job factors were involved?
STEP E: EVALUATE INCIDENT
1. What is the severity of the loss?
2. What is the probability of recurrence?
STEP F: DETERMINE CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. What can be done to avoid, prevent, or reduce occurrence?
STEP G: PREPARE INVESTIGATION REPORT(S)
1. Fill out Report Form(s): BRIM/Safety Department/Other.
2. Date report.
3. Transmit investigation reports to appropriate persons.
STEP H: DOCUMENT COSTS WHEN INCIDENT INVOLVES DAMAGE/LOSS TO PARK PROPERTY
1. Assign specific work order number for DNR labor and materials used for clean-up expense, restoration and repair of damaged property.
2. Charge all related labor and in-house materials costs to this work-order number
3. Provide documentation of materials and services purchased
4. Document extra expenses over and above normal operating costs that are directly related to the loss until the damaged or destroyed property has been repaired, or replaced, commencing with the date of damage or destruction and ending with resumption of normal operations.
A. Example; charge for rental equipment required while repairs made to damaged Park equipment.