Scout's Toolbox Talks

Incident Reporting and Investigation

Toolbox Talk:

Investigating Incidents to Improve Safety

June 27, 2025

An incident isn’t the end of the story — it’s the start of understanding what went wrong and how to prevent it next time.

Why It Matters:

Whether it’s an injury, property damage, or a near-miss, investigating incidents helps uncover root causes. By identifying the “why” behind what happened, we can prevent it from happening again — possibly with more serious consequences.

Key Points:

  • Every incident deserves a review, no matter how minor it seems.
  • Look past the obvious. Don’t just blame the worker — examine procedures, training, supervision, and equipment.
  • Interview witnesses promptly while memories are fresh.
  • Document the findings. Use photos, forms, and timelines to support conclusions.
  • Share what’s learned. Use toolbox talks or safety briefings to raise awareness among the crew.

✅ The goal is not to assign blame — it’s to learn and improve.

Ask the Crew:

  • Have we talked about past incidents and what caused them?
  • What improvements can we make to avoid similar situations?