5 Steps to Conducting a Successful ICAM Investigation

Conducting a successful ICAM investigation is crucial for organisations to enhance workplace health and safety and alleviate incident risks. At ICAM Australia, we've long recognised that investigating workplace incidents is not merely an obligation but a strategic step towards understanding the underlying causes and WHS risk reduction.

While organisations conduct incident investigations for various reasons, at ICAM Australia, we believe they are invaluable opportunities to gain deeper insights into the contributing factors of these incidents. Here are five steps to conducting a successful ICAM investigation:

Step 1 – Initial and Emergency Response

When an incident occurs, the first step is to make the area safe, preserve the scene, and notify relevant parties. The responses include immediate actions by site personnel, critical site assessment and scene safety, and appointment of the investigation team. 

Step 2 – Investigation Planning

A well-structured plan ensures a thorough investigation. Consider necessary resources, involved personnel, and timelines. Many things must be considered when planning the investigation. These include logistical arrangements, the scope of the investigation, authorisation to enter the site or incident scene, and the well-being of the Investigation Team Members.

Step 3 – Information Gathering

Gather information from all relevant sources, including witnesses, equipment, documents, and the incident scene, to build a comprehensive picture. Using the PEEPO (People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures and Organisation) categories allows for all the contributing factors to be identified.

Step 4 – Incident Analysis

Incidents often involve many factors that may have contributed to the event. Analysing the event and the data collected using PEEPO ensures that contributing factors are identified. When analysing the data collected, cross-referencing your findings from all five PEEPO areas. This helps map out the sequence of events and identify the contributing factors.  

Step 5 – Action and Communication

Based on your analysis, develop corrective actions. These may include training to fill any gaps in employee skills, developing strategies for varying environmental conditions, reviewing procedures, currency and communication, and identifying any similar incidents to identify if there are any learnings. Share findings through formal reports and presentations to promote learning and mitigate the risk of similar incidents.

These five-step process is crucial for ensuring a thorough and insightful investigation in conducting an ICAM investigation.

Why Choose ICAM Australia for Your Investigation Needs?

With years of workplace health and safety expertise, ICAM Australia has become a trusted partner for organisations aiming to improve incident investigations. Led by seasoned investigator Jo De Landre, we've trained thousands to reduce risk through a deeper understanding of human factors.

Our personalised training and consulting services are designed to elevate safety standards and guide you confidently through every step of ICAM investigations. 

Discover how ICAM training can empower your team to build a safer, more resilient workplace. Let’s work together to reduce risks and create a secure future for your organisation. Partner with us today.