Policy and Procedure for Incident Investigations
This Policy section pertains to the following WCA
Part 3 Division 3, Sections 115(b) (c) General duties of employers
Part 3 Division 10 Sections 172-177 Accident Reporting and Investigation
This Policy and Procedure section pertains to the following OHS Regulation:
Part 3 Contents of a Health and Safety Program Section 3.3 Contents of program sub section (e)
Part 3 Rights and Responsibilities
Section 3.4 Incident investigation reports
The Policy Statement
Northern Lights College will conduct investigations for all Incidents to find the causes and to prevent similar recurrences. All incidents, Incidents or near miss Incidents, no matter how small, must be reported to the supervisor and will be investigated by the appropriate JOHSC representative(s).
The purpose of the investigation process is to determine the cause or causes of the Incident. Any unsafe conditions, acts or procedures, which contributed in any manner to the Incident, will be identified. These will be used to develop recommended corrective action to prevent reoccurrence of similar Incidents.
All Incident investigations are intended to determine the causes of Incidents to prevent re-occurrence. If it is deemed to be appropriate through the investigation process, disciplinary action will be reviewed.
The following will be investigated:
- All Incidents involving injuries or the potential for injury.
- Near miss occurrences.
- Fires
- Minor injuries. (First aid related Incidents)
- Property damage Incidents.
- Motor vehicle incidents.
Investigations will be conducted as in accordance with the BC Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) and the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)
The following require immediate reporting to WorkSafeBC and investigation by the JOHSC:
- Resulted in death or critical condition with a serious risk of death.
- Resulted in serious injury requiring extensive medical treatment, and lost time.
- Did not involve injury but had a potential for causing serious injury.
- Involved a major structural failure or collapse of a building, crane, hoist, temporary construction support system, or excavation.
- Involved the major release of a toxic or hazardous substance
As soon as possible a Northern Lights College Incident /Near Miss Reporting form must be filled out and emailed or forwarded to the HSEA so that an investigation can be initiated.
WorkSafeBC Reporting
A First Aid treatment record is a legal document and must be made available to WorkSafeBC or the applicable Occupational Health and Safety Regulatory Authority upon request for review.
Investigations for minor Incidents / injuries / near miss Incidents will be documented and kept on file. There is no requirement for these reports to be sent to WorkSafeBC; however they will be made available for review upon request.
A copy of the investigations for serious Incidents / injuries / near miss Incidents will be sent to the local WorkSafeBC Office after the JOHSC has reviewed the investigation and made its recommendations.
The HSEA or designate will notify WorkSafeBC of any situation or Incident that meets the requirements of BC WCB Act Division 10 Part 3 Section 172, or other applicable Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and Regulation.
Informing the board BC WCB Act - Division 10 Part 3 Section 172
An employer must immediately notify the Board of the occurrence of any INCIDENT that:
(a) Resulted in serious injury to or the death of a worker
(b) Involved a major structural failure or collapse of a building, bridge, tower, crane, hoist, temporary construction support system, or excavation.
(c) Involved the major release of a toxic or hazardous substance, or
(d) Was an Incident required by regulation to be reported?
Contact the local WorkSafeBC Office or the Richmond Office.
Fort St. John Office 785-1283
Pr. Geo. Office 561-3700 or 1-800-663-6623 fax - 561-3703
Richmond office – 1-604-273-2266 or 1-800-661-2112
After Hours Health & Safety Emergency Reporting 1-866-922-4357
Additional Links:
-- Created May 2008 | Review Date June 2009 -----