What is PEEPO?

At ICAM Australia, we are dedicated to helping organisations enhance and improve Workplace Health and Safety (WHS). We provide proactive and reactive solutions to ensure your workplace remains safe. Our services range from WHS training courses investigations and consulting services. One remarkable feature of our business that has proven invaluable in incident investigations is the PEEPO process.

Breaking Down PEEPO

PEEPO (People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, and Organisation) is the acronym for a crucial process in data collection in the Incident Cause Analysis Method. This feature provides a structured roadmap for your investigation team, guiding them on what needs to be explored, who to talk to, and other critical tasks. The PEEPO framework ensures that every aspect of the incident is thoroughly investigated, helping to identify the contributing factors.

By focusing on the following five main areas, PEEPO brings clarity and structure to an otherwise complex process:

People: Addresses witnesses and other individuals associated with the incident. Data is collected through interviews, written statements, and observations. This ensures that personal accounts and relevant insights are not ignored, offering a complete narrative of the incident.

Environment: This section focuses on the physical conditions surrounding the incident. Collecting data through observation, inspection, photography, and event reconstruction allows us to understand how environmental factors may have played a role. This helps identify any enviromental impact present at the time.

Equipment: Analyse the tools, vehicles, plants, and other infrastructures involved in the incident. Data is collected via inspection, testing, and operation reviews. This ensures that any equipment-contributing factors are identified.

Procedures: Examine existing procedures, documents/paperwork, and reports relevant to the incident to understand what procedural considerations are relevant to the event. This helps identify any procedural gaps that may have contributed to the event.

Organisation: Evaluates the overarching systems, policies, and structures that govern the workplace. We can detect organisational deficiencies or policy lapses that may have contributed to the incident through meticulous reviews and comparisons. 

Why Use PEEPO?

The PEEPO framework is a structured approach and part of the Incident Cause Analysis Method. It provides a plan of attack when collecting data and categorising and sorting it into contributing and non-contributing factors. 
This thorough approach helps in:

• Identifying Contributing Factors: Examining the incident from multiple angles reduces the likelihood of overlooking contributing factors.

• Mitigating Recurrences: Understanding the contributing factors helps in implementing measures to mitigate similar incidents in the future.

• Improving Workplace Safety: A safer work environment benefits everyone, boosting morale and productivity.

Enhance Your Incident Investigations with ICAM Australia

Incident investigations are critical to identifying contributing factors and maintaining a safe workplace. Utilising tools like the PEEPO framework, businesses can contribute to thorough and effective investigations that identify contributing factors and improve overall safety.

With our experience work, heath and safety expert consultants, we are well-equipped to guide you through any safety concerns you may face. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your workforce remains safe and that your operations run smoothly.

Partner with ICAM Australia to enhance your workplace safety practice. Let's work together to create an environment where safety is the standard, not an exception.