What is an accident and why should it be investigated?

According to OSHA, the term “accident” can be defined as an unplanned event that interrupts the completion of an activity, and that may (or may not) include injury or property damage.

An incident usually refers to an unexpected event that did not cause injury or damage this time but had the potential. “Near miss” or “dangerous occurrence” are also terms for an event that could have caused harm but did not.

Reasons to investigate workplace accident include:

  • Most importantly, to find out the cause of accidents and to prevent similar accidents in the future

  • To fulfill any legal requirements

  • To determine the cost of an accident

  • To determine compliance with applicable safety regulations

  • To process workers’ compensation claims

Incidents that involve no injury or property damage should still be investigated by a specialist who is qualified to determine the hazards that should be
corrected. The same principles apply to a quick inquiry of a minor incident and to the more formal investigation of a serious event.


With accident investigations a qualified investigator will provide you the answers you are looking to find.

Detectives.com Network Agents specialize in the above investigations. They will provide you the answers you are looking to find. To find a qualified investigator in your area, search our network.


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