The Process

The person who does the investigation must be licensed as an inquiry agent under the relevant state legislation. They are required to follow standards, and operate within relevant privacy, compensation, and health records acts.

Some investigators specialise in particular areas, such as chemicals in the workplace.

The investigator will interview all relevant personnel. This may include:

oThe employee - the interview can occur in the workplace or at the person's home.

oThe supervisor

oSite management

oHuman resources

oWitnesses to an event

oCo-workers

Photos or a video of the job and site of injury may be taken.

A review of relevant documents is a common part of the investigation:

1. The Employee information

•Pay records

•Initial employment forms including pre employment assessments

•Induction records

•Wage and leave records

•Medical certificates, including compensation and ordinary sickness certificates

•Training records

2. Injury related information

•Incident investigation

•Incident reports and injury record book

•The accident injury record book

•Any safety investigation reports relevant to the alleged incident

•Material safety data sheets (information on chemicals used in the workplace)

•Photos or videos at the time of the incident or immediately post accident

The site of the incident or problem is generally reviewed.

A report is prepared, outlining the issues, and including witness statements and other relevant documents.