Accident and Incident Investigation / Support

Accident & Incident Investigation Services

Professional workplace accident and incident investigation services that establish what happened, why it happened, and what needs to change to help prevent recurrence.

We investigate accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences using a structured, evidence-led approach. Our investigations consider immediate, underlying, and root causes—including weaknesses in work systems, supervision, training, equipment, and management.

The objective is to identify why existing controls did not prevent the event, turn findings into practical corrective actions, and—when necessary—help you manage the formal RIDDOR reporting process.

Independent Workplace Accident Investigations

A thorough investigation provides valuable evidence about weaknesses within an organisation's health and safety arrangements. Depending on the circumstances, we may review:

• Witness statements and CCTV
• The scene of the incident
• Risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Training, competence, and supervision records
• Equipment, inspection, and maintenance logs
• Previous accidents and near misses

The investigation is proportionate and focuses on establishing facts, causes, contributing factors, and appropriate risk controls.

A Structured Investigation Process

Our methodology is informed by recognised HSE guidance, including HSG245.

1. Gather the Evidence

We establish the facts by collecting available evidence, speaking with personnel, and examining the circumstances before drawing conclusions.

2. Analyse the Causes

We look beyond the direct event to identify:

• Immediate causes: The direct circumstances.
• Underlying causes: Inadequate supervision, training deficiencies, or ineffective controls.
• Root causes: Wider management or organisational weaknesses.

3. Identify Risk Control Measures

We consider which physical controls, work methods, training, or management procedures could reasonably prevent a similar event.

4. Develop Corrective Actions

Findings are translated into clear, proportionate corrective actions, identifying the issue, proposed control, priority, and responsible person.

Events We Investigate

• Workplace Accidents: Establishing causes of injury or damage to reduce recurrence.
• Near Misses: Identifying weaknesses in controls before a serious event occurs.
• Dangerous Occurrences: Investigating RIDDOR-defined events with the potential to cause serious injury.

RIDDOR Reporting Considerations

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) establish legal reporting requirements for specific workplace incidents.

Where required as part of our agreed scope, we can also help with the RIDDOR reporting process, supporting you with:

• Reviewing the circumstances of the event
• Considering whether RIDDOR criteria apply
• Collating the information required for reporting
• Navigating the practical steps of the official reporting process

The legal responsibility for making a RIDDOR report remains with the relevant responsible person, but we provide the guidance needed to ensure compliance alongside the investigation.

What Does an Investigation Report Include?

Depending on the event's severity, reports typically include:

• Incident summary and background
• Evidence and documentation reviewed
• Witness accounts
• Immediate, underlying, and root causes
• Control failures or weaknesses
• Proportionate corrective actions and recommendations

From Findings to Preventive Action

An investigation only delivers value when acted upon. We help you translate findings into concrete improvements across:

• Risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Training and competence
• Plant and equipment maintenance
• Management arrangements (including ISO 45001 nonconformity reviews)

Need an Accident or Incident Investigated?

Whether dealing with an accident, serious near miss, or recurring incident pattern, an objective investigation helps establish facts and improve controls.

We can discuss the circumstances, required scope, and appropriate next steps.