Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is part of many existing accident prevention programs. In general, JSA breaks a job into basic steps, and identifies the hazards associated with each step. The JSA also prescribes controls for each hazard. A JSA is chart listing these steps, hazards, and controls. Review the JSA during the investigation if a JSA has been conducted for the job involved in an accident. Perform a JSA as a part the investigation to determine the events and conditions that led to the accident. As noted above, an accident investigation is not complete until a report is prepared and submitted to proper authorities.
Special report forms are available in many cases. Other instances may require a more extended report. Such reports are often very elaborate and may include a cover page, a title page, an abstract, a table of contents, a commentary or narrative portion, a discussion of probable causes, and a section on conclusions and recommendations.
The following outline is useful in developing the information to be included in the formal report:
- Background Information
a. Where and when the accident occurred;
b. Who and what were involved; Operating personnel and other witness - Account of the Accident (What happened?)
a. Sequence of events;
b. Extent of the damage;
c. Accident type;
d. Agency or source (of energy or hazards materials)). - Discussion (Analysis of the Accident –HOW; WHY:
a) Direct causes (energy sources; hazards materials);
b) Indirect causes (unsafe acts and conditions);
c) Basic causes (management policies; personal or environmental factors). - Recommend at ones (to prevent a recurrence) for immediate and long-range action to remedy:
a. Basic causes;
b. Indirect causes;
c. Direct causes (such as reduced quantities or protective equipment or structures).