There is a specialty investigator that investigates construction and engineering accidents and structural failures. The primary focus of such accidents is to determine:
• What caused the accident. Is there negligence, non-compliance or other cause.
• How can the accident be prevented in the future?
• What are the regulatory compliance and other legal issues?
• What is the cost of the accident? Manhours lost, damage restoration, work stoppage etc.?
• Worker’s compensation claims.
Construction Accident Investigations & Reports
Most private investigators that do this type of investigations are retained by the insurance companies. They (the insurance company) need to have a factual report to determine liability. The field investigator may work with a forensic engineer to reconstruct the accident or structural failure. A combination of technical and investigative skills is required to successfully complete the investigation. Liability and negligence go hand in hand. Not only is the employer responsible for providing a safe working environment it is the employee’s responsibility to follow the safety rules and utilize the recommended equipment and follow safety procedures and protocols. Determining the level of injury, if on-site medical first-aide is sufficient or referral to a Quick Care or Clinic or in extreme cases emergency care are the foreman’s or supervisor’s call. In the US OSHA or the Occupation Safety and Health Administration is the federal level work place safety authority. OSHA mandates procedures, rules and safety equipment specifications. Some states have their own state level equivalent. Injuries are expensive, not only in treatment but time lost if the injury is severe enough. During the investigation interviews will reveal if the injured employee was negligent or in non-compliance. Their disciplinary history reference safety is reviewed. Interview of the victim, fellow employees and supervisor are needed to complete an in depth investigation. The investigator requires to be experienced in causation modeling, investigative techniques, knowledgeable of legal and/or organizational requirements, occupational health and safety fundamentals. A knowledge of the work conditions expected within an industry. Work processes, procedures, supervision and the industrial relations environment for that situation. Ability to conduct not only interviews but have skills in mediation and conflict resolution. Documentation requirements, records, reports and data-collection will aid the investigation and of course the investigator will need to analyze the gathered data and determine the findings and reach a recommendation.
Workplace Incidents
There are a lot of concerns involved in an accident investigation. Some are conflicting. Regulatory agencies, employer, unions, insurance companies and the employee. If the accident harmed a customer or client, the investigation is further complicated. The term accident implies a random, unplanned and unwanted event. Since most workplace accidents are preventable, the term ‘incident’ has come to describe incidents with injuries or illnesses connected to the workplace. OSHA has no authority to shut down a job though they can suggest a halt to the work activity. It takes a court order to shut down a job and that would be an uncommon and extreme response.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Miami Gardens Florida
Accident investigation is a specialized and demanding endeavor that relies a lot on experience, training and a store of knowledge. Another aspect is who you represent, the employer, insurance agency or regulating agency. The investigators perspective is influenced by his employer or client. The primary aim to find the root cause of the incident and to determine preventative actions. It is suggested that an experience investigator be assigned over all control of the investigation. Advanced Private Investigator and Security Of Boca Raton FL offers expert private investigations and security.
