How to Use PEEPO for Effective Incident Analysis

A comprehensive approach to incident analysis is essential for maintaining workplace safety and mitigating risks effectively. At ICAM Australia, we guide organisations through both proactive and reactive strategies to ensure workplace health and safety (WHS). One powerful tool we utilise is the PEEPO model: People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, Organisation. Let’s explore how to use PEEPO for effective incident analysis and enhance your safety protocols.

Introduction to PEEPO

PEEPO stands for People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, and Organisation. It’s a structured framework that helps you examine all the factors contributing to workplace incidents. This model is a crucial component of an ICAM investigation, identifying the contributing factors and developing recommendations.

Why Use PEEPO?

PEEPO provides a structured approach to incident investigation, allowing you to:

• Uncover Contributing Factors: Identify the contributing factors that led to the event.
• Enhance Risk Management: Implement targeted solutions to reduce recurrence.
• Improve Safety Culture: Foster a proactive approach to safety within your organisation.
  

How to Use PEEPO for Incident Analysis in Five Simple Steps

Step 1: Gathering Data

• People: Start by examining the individuals involved, considering their roles, training, level of supervision, and experience. This helps determine what behaviours could have mitigated the invention and what the preferred behaviour is within the operational context.
• Environment: Assess the setting where the incident occurred and review items such as weather forecasts, photographs, video footage and satellite mapping apps. This will allow the investigator to identify any environmental conditions that could have impacted the task, the personnel or the equipment being used at the time.
• Equipment: Review all of the equipment in use at the time of the incident. It is suggested that prestart reports, inspection reports, maintenance records, metallurgical examinations, equipment operating manuals, and condition monitoring be reviewed. These considerations and questions will help identify equipment-related factors contributing to the incident.
• Procedures: Evaluate the procedures in place at the time of the incident. Was the task being conducted in accordance with set procedures/work instructions? Determine if the adequacy and utilisation of relevant procurers were a factor. Addressing these can reduce the risk of similar events in the future.
• Organisation: This may involve reviewing previous similar incidents, audit or compliance reports, job or role descriptions, and any relevant legislation requirements or obligations at the time of the incident.

Communication and understanding of rules, enforcement of regulations, training, risk management processes, and the organisation's safety culture are a few considerations that may be taken when conducting an investigation. ICAM Australia offers incident investigation, consulting and training services to help identify any contributing factors.

Step 2: Identifying Contributing Factors

With your data gathered, identify the contributing factors across the PEEPO categories. Some examples of contributing factors may include:

• People: Was there insufficient training or inadequate communication?
• Environment: Did factors like poor visibility or hazardous conditions contribute?
• Equipment: Were there equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues?
• Procedures: Were the procedures followed and effective?
• Organisation: Were safety rules communicated and understood by personnel?
  

Step 3: Analysing Data

Cross-reference your findings from all five PEEPO areas. This helps map out the sequence of events and identify the contributing factors. ICAM Australia's experienced team of experts can help you and your organisation to analyse these findings to develop recommendations.

Step 4: Developing Recommendations

Based on your analysis, develop corrective actions, such as:

• Provide training to fill any gaps in employee skills.
• Develop strategies for varying environmental conditions.
• Review procedures currency and how they are communicated.
• Reviewing previous similar incidents to identify if there is any learning. 

Step 5: Implementing and Monitoring

Put your recommendations into action and establish metrics to track their effectiveness. Setting up KPIs and performance indicators will help monitor the impact of these changes. ICAM Australia is here to assist in ensuring that your new safety measures are integrated seamlessly into your operations.

Tailored Solutions for Safer Workplaces through PEEPO

Utilising PEEPO can significantly enhance your workplace safety and incident investigations. By thoroughly examining People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, and Organisation, you’ll gain valuable insights to mitigate similar future incidents. At ICAM Australia, we simplify work health and safety and offer tailored solutions for ICAM incident investigations, ICAM training, and consulting services.

Partner with ICAM Australia for a dedicated approach to enhancing your workplace safety. Contact our experts today to learn how we can support your organisation.