Purpose
This part of the directive enhances and/or supplements Part II of the Code [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/L-2/bo-ga:l_II/en/en#anchorbo-ga:l_II] and Part XV (Hazardous Occurrence Investigation, Recording and Reporting [HOIRR]) [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cr/SOR-86-304/bo-ga:l_XV//en#anchorbo-ga:l_XV] of the COHSR and should be read in that context.
15.1 Scope
15.1.1 The employer shall develop, in consultation with the appropriate health and safety committee, hazardous occurrence investigation procedures and methodology, which include the process for selecting and appointing a qualified person to conduct investigations.
15.1.2 Health and safety committee members must be informed within 24 hours of any hazardous occurrence.
15.2 Objectives
15.2.1 Develop and implement appropriate investigative and analytical techniques/methodologies to identify the direct causes of hazardous occurrences.
15.2.2 Make recommendations for preventative and corrective measures to eliminate, reduce or protect against the risk of accidents and incidents.
15.2.3 For the purpose of this provision, hazardous occurrence means, but is not limited to, a workplace incident that results in a:
- a disabling injury or illness;
- a fire, explosion, loss of consciousness or other incident for which there is a potential for injury or illness; or
- a minor injury.
15.3 Timely and Effective Hazardous Occurrence Investigations
15.3.1 Investigations of hazardous occurrences by a qualified person shall begin as soon as possible after the occurrence has been reported.
15.3.2 The health and safety committee shall be informed of any hazardous occurrence and the name of the qualified person appointed to investigate no more than 24 hours after the occurrence has been reported.
15.3.3 The procedure for conducting investigations shall include the selection of an appropriate methodology and, as a minimum, include the following steps:
- planning and preparation;
- the identification and gathering facts (use of a methodology);
- the analysis and assessment of facts;
- the determination of direct causes – unsafe conditions/acts;
- the recommendation of appropriate preventative and corrective measures — in order to eliminate, reduce, or protect against risks;
- the verification, in consultation with the health and safety committee or representative, of the corrective measures recommended and their effectiveness, and an acceptable time frame for implementation; and
- a written report setting out the qualified person's observations and recommendations.