Conduct an investigation into workplace incidents L3
DESCRIPTION
Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 120335)
The main objective of conducting an incident investigation is prevention. A good investigation identifies what actually happened and compares it to what should have happened. This helps determine where improvements are needed to prevent future incidents.This course is designed for individuals who are involved in, or wish to be involved in, reporting, tracking, and investigating workplace incidents across various industries. It supports a more effective approach to incident investigation and helps learners develop recommendations that address the root causes of incidents.
Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Explain the specified requirements pertaining to conducting an investigation into workplace incidents
- Prepare to gather data for the investigation.
- Gather and evaluate data
- Perform post-investigation functions
COURSE DURATION: 1 day
NQF LEVEL: 3
CREDITS: 4
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
Incident Investigation Learning Outcomes
Learners credited with this course will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct investigations into workplace incidents. The competency includes all the activities required to successfully conduct incident investigations. The area of focus of this course will be;
Requirements
The Need For Safety, Health And Environmental Protection
- The “industrial Revolution” and after
Legal And Organisational Requirements
- The Constitution Of The RSA – Act 108, 1996
- Occupational Health And Safety Act 85, 1993
- Responsibilities
- Liabilities
- Other Legal Requirements
- Regulations
- Other legislation
- Summary of Legal Requirements
- OHS Act
Example of Code of Practice
- Safety code of practice for freight lifting
- Handling the load
- General housekeeping for freight lifting
- Stacking Of Articles/General Safety Regulation 8
- Important factors for packing and securingExample of Code of Practice
Requirements for an investigation
- Records to be kept
- Reporting incidents
- Investigating accidents or incidents
- The aims of an investigation
- Methods of gathering data
Prepare to Gather Data
- Resources
Accidents in the Workplace
- What is an Accident
- Basic Causes of Accidents
- Effects
Occupational Safety
- Hazards and risks
- Common Hazards
- General Housekeeping
- Workplace Procedures
- How to Work Safely
- Contingency plans
Gather information
- Preserve the incident scene
- Preparing for an investigation
- Levels of observation
- Hints for procedure at the scene of an incident
- Gather accurate and relevant information
- Methods for gathering data
- Recording Evidence
- Investigation Checklist
- Inspect the scene of the incident
- Interview witnesses and take statements
- Process physical evidence
- Gather documents
- Evaluate the information
Recording Incidents
- Incident reports
- Keeping minutes and records
- Company Policy
- Section 24 incidents
- Procedure for reporting
- Report Writing
- Identify the cause of the incident
- Make suggestions for remedial action
- Submit Reports
- Procedure for reporting
Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme
- Certified copy of his/her ID document.
- School certificate Grade 10 or Skills certificate equivalent NQF Level 3
Learning Assumed To Be In Place And Recognition Of Prior Learning
- Communication at NQF Level 2 or equivalent.
- Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent
Who Should Attend?
This CETA-accredited Workplace Incident Investigation course is designed for anyone involved in or responsible for reporting, tracking and investigating incidents in the workplace. It serves to support a more effective approach and to develop recommendations that address the systemic causes of incidents. It is specifically recommended for:
- SHE Representatives — appointed to support the process of reporting, tracking and investigating incidents across various industries
- Health and Safety Committee Members — responsible for reviewing incident reports, identifying trends and recommending corrective action
- Supervisors and Team Leaders — who are often first on scene when an incident occurs and are responsible for preserving evidence and initiating the investigation process
- Operations and Production Managers — accountable for ensuring incidents in their departments are correctly investigated and that root causes are addressed
- Compliance and Risk Officers — responsible for ensuring the organisation meets its legal obligations under the OHS Act regarding incident reporting and investigation
- HR Managers — involved in the documentation, reporting and follow-up of workplace incidents including injuries on duty
- Construction Site Managers and Foremen — operating in high-risk environments where incident investigation is a legislative requirement under the Construction Regulations
- Any employee in any industry — who is or wishes to be involved in the process for reporting, tracking and investigating incidents






