Citation

Burgoyne JH. J. Occup. Accid. 1982; 3(4): 289-297.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Burgoyne, J.H., 1982. Accident investigation. Journal of Occupational Accidents, 3: 289-297.Knowledge, either practical or even fundamental, can often be extended by the proper investigation of an accident and some notable examples are given. It is suggested that "proper" investigation is of the nature of a research project in which a hypothesis is formed, tested and refined until it is in the fullest possible conformity with the ascertained facts. This process is discussed in some detail.In practice, the ideal procedure is often curtailed by considerations of time and cost. In other circumstances, an investigation, although lengthy, may be unbalanced because the real object is less to ascertain the true cause than to serve an ulterior purpose. These matters are discussed in relation to statutory and public inquiries, to insurance and industrial investigations and to the compilation of statistics.Pleas are made for the preservation of a proper balance between the weights given to each kind of evidence, however long or short, expensive or inexpensive, the approach to the conclusion may be, and for the publication of the experience that is gained.