Icologiq Knowledge · Process
Incident Investigation
A structured process for establishing what happened in an incident, why it happened, which controls failed or were missing, and what actions can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Also known as:
accident investigation, incident investigation process, safety incident investigation, workplace incident investigation
At a glance
Type
Process
Topic
CAPA & Incidents
Applies to
Cross-industry
Current version
HSG245
Status
HSE guidance
Last reviewed
September 30, 2026
Definition
Incident investigation is a structured process for establishing what happened, how it happened and why an incident, accident or near miss occurred. It starts with evidence and the event sequence, then examines immediate causes, underlying causes and the risk controls or barriers that should have prevented or limited the event. The aim is not to allocate blame, but to understand the conditions and system weaknesses that made the event possible and identify actions that reduce the risk of recurrence. The depth of the investigation should be proportionate to the actual and potential consequences.
Why it matters
When an incident is closed after only recording the event and assigning an action, the same weakness can remain in the system. Quality, HSE and Operations managers need to be able to show which controls failed or were missing, what evidence supports the conclusions, which underlying causes need to be addressed and whether the resulting actions were effective. This is especially important in high-hazard operations, but the same discipline applies to quality incidents, deviations and near misses in regulated organisations. A well-run investigation creates a defensible basis for corrective action, trend analysis and learning across sites and teams.
The structured process for reporting, assessing, investigating, following up and learning from incidents and related events.
Incident Management
Process
· Incident Management
An event that did not result in injury, damage or loss but had the potential to do so under slightly different circumstances.
Near Miss
Event
· Incident Management
A systematic approach for identifying the underlying causes of a problem or event instead of addressing only its immediate symptoms.
Root Cause Analysis
Method
· CAPA & Incidents
A structured process for addressing causes of actual or potential problems through corrective or preventive measures and verifying that actions are effective.
CAPA
Process
· CAPA & Incidents
An action taken to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity, incident or other unwanted condition and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Corrective Action
Process
· CAPA & Incidents
A planned, evidence-based check that confirms an implemented corrective action or CAPA achieved its intended result and remains effective.
Effectiveness Check
Method
· CAPA & Incidents
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