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Incident Investigation and Reporting – Canada
Glossary

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C

change analysis
A problem-solving technique in which unanticipated changes from normal operating procedures are analyzed to determine the cause of an incident.

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D

direct cause
A cause that is the result of a direct influence, such as the unplanned release of energy or hazardous materials.

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E

evidence
Data gathered from various sources during the course of an incident investigation that help the investigators form a conclusion as to the cause of the incident.

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F

fact finding
The phase of an incident investigation in which evidence is gathered.

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I

incident
Any unplanned event that results in personal injury or property damage.
incident investigation
The systematic process of examining an incident, conducted to determine the causes of the incident and make recommendations for change.
incident investigation kit
A kit prepared in advance that contains items that help an incident investigation team conduct a thorough investigation of an incident.
incident investigation team
A group of personnel who are experienced in incident investigation, including a subject matter expert.
incident report
A formal written document that is an account of the results of an incident investigation. Key sections of the report include background information, an account of the accident, discussion, and recommendations.
indirect cause
A cause that is the result of intervening or unplanned factors such as unsafe work practices or unsafe work conditions.
interview
A formal, structured conversation in which facts or statements are obtained from a witness.

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J

job safety analysis
The process of breaking a job into basic steps, identifying the hazards associated with each step, and the controls for each hazard. The analysis is reviewed as part of an incident investigation or developed if there is not an existing analysis.

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N

near miss
An event that could have resulted in a serious incident, but for which there was no incident. The investigative and reporting requirements are the same for a near miss as for an actual incident.

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R

root cause
Also referred to as basic cause. A significant, fundamental cause of an incident that includes safety and policy decisions, personal factors, and environmental factors.

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W

witness
Person who physically observed an incident, events leading to an incident, or post-incident events. Could also be a person who has information regarding causal factors.

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