What is the purpose of an incident investigation?

The purpose of an incident investigation is fundamentally about understanding the underlying factors that contributed to an incident. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of determining the cause of the incident and implementing changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This proactive approach focuses on identifying hazards and weaknesses in processes or procedures, rather than merely addressing the symptoms of a problem after it has occurred.

Incident investigations are critical for fostering a culture of safety within an organization. By thoroughly analyzing what went wrong, organizations can develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks and enhance their overall safety performance. This process not only helps protect employees but also contributes to the organization’s efficiency and productivity.

In contrast, determining the cost of the incident or gathering evidence for legal action does not address the core goal of improving safety and preventing future incidents. Assigning blame can create a negative atmosphere where individuals might be reluctant to report incidents or near misses, ultimately hindering an organization’s ability to learn and improve. Thus, the focus should always be on learning from incidents rather than placing blame.