What should be included in an incident investigation?

An effective incident investigation should prioritize gathering information to prevent future incidents. This process involves collecting detailed accounts of what occurred, examining evidence, and understanding the sequence of events that led to the incident. The goal is to identify underlying causes and contributing factors in order to develop preventive measures that enhance safety and reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future.

This approach not only addresses the immediate situation but also contributes to a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the organization. By focusing on prevention rather than blame, organizations can foster an environment where employees feel empowered to report incidents and near misses without fear of retribution, thus promoting a safer workplace overall.

The other options do not align with the primary objectives of an incident investigation. Assigning blame detracts from understanding the true causes and learning from the incident, while writing a summary without analysis fails to provide insights necessary for improvement. Ignoring human factors overlooks significant influences on behavior and decision-making that could lead to future incidents.