What role does incident investigation play in EM 385-1-1?

Incident investigation is crucial within the framework of EM 385-1-1 as it focuses on identifying ways to improve the safety program and prevent future incidents. The main objective of conducting thorough investigations after an incident is not only to understand what went wrong but also to analyze contributing factors and develop strategies that enhance safety protocols and measures.

By fostering an environment of learning, incident investigations provide insights that can lead to modifications in practices, training, and resource allocation. This proactive approach to safety aligns with the overarching goal of EM 385-1-1, which is to ensure that workers are protected from hazards and that effective measures are implemented to mitigate risks. As a result, the process not only enhances current safety measures but also contributes to a culture of continuous improvement, where lessons learned from past incidents lead to stronger safety performance in the future.

The focus on preventing future incidents underscores the importance of investigating not just the incidents themselves, but also the systems and processes that may have contributed to them, ensuring that findings translate into actionable recommendations for strengthening the safety program.