Investigator kits

Some items to be considered when preparing for investigations. When the "unexpected" arrives it helps to be prepared. The content of the investigator kit will depend on the type of work, the working environment and the type of accidents that may be expected.

A well-prepared accident investigation kit will include all the materials you need to gather information, along with clear instructions for the steps to take. You can put all of the items into a small box. As necessary keep one at each jobsite and make sure that every field crew carries one with them.

Administrative items

Such as: notebook, accident investigation checklist, sign-in sheets, witness forms, pens, plastic bags, envelopes, aluminum foil, paper toweling, adhesive labels, yellow crayon, orange spray paint

Tools

Such as : flashlight, measuring devices, voice recorder, signs and barricade tape, brushes, nails, rope and string, barrier tape

Special equipment

Such as: sound level meter, gas and vapor analyzer, electrical receptacle tension tester, wire/hemp rope calculators, calipers, fluid sample containers

Personal protective and medical supplies for the investigator 

Such as: (special) first aid equipment, hand cleaner gel, PPE - hard had, gloves, eye protection, orange safety vest, ear plugs, breathing protection

Successful Investigations 

The success of an investigation depends largely upon the initial response to an accident. Lack of
preparation to receive reports of accidents can result in valuable information being lost; in complication of injuries, movement of items of evidence, failure to identify witnesses and failure to protect evidence from damage or theft. Preplanning and training in the initial response can counter these problems through precise, disciplined response. In accident response first consideration should go to the rescue of injured and endangered people. Next should be an expert reduction of the risk of secondary accidents and injury to investigators. Third, the main elements - people, equipment, material and environment - should be identified for examination by investigators. Finally, the accident site and other evidence should be protected and preserved for careful examination and analysis.