Services › Investigations
Incident Investigation
Thorough, independent investigation of workplace accidents, near misses, dangerous occurrences, and environmental incidents. Root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and regulatory reporting support — delivered by an experienced EHS professional with no stake in the outcome.
Why independence matters
Internal investigations have limits
When a serious incident occurs, the pressure to reach conclusions quickly — and to conclusions that minimise organisational exposure — can compromise the rigour of an internal investigation. Line managers investigating incidents involving their own teams, or safety professionals investigating events within their area of responsibility, face real or perceived conflicts of interest.
An independent investigator has no stake in the outcome. We follow the evidence. Our findings are credible because they're objective, and a credible investigation is what regulators, courts, insurers, and employees need to see.
Beyond independence, we bring specialist investigation methodology — structured approaches to evidence collection, causal analysis, and corrective action development that go well beyond the incident form.
When to call us
You should consider an independent investigation when:
- A serious injury or fatality has occurred
- A RIDDOR-reportable event has taken place
- HSE or the Environment Agency is, or may become, involved
- A significant near miss or dangerous occurrence has occurred
- A major environmental release, spill, or pollution event has happened
- Your insurer requires an independent investigation
- You want to defend the quality of your investigation process
- Previous investigations haven't prevented recurrence
Methodology
How we investigate
We use structured, recognised investigation methodologies appropriate to the severity and complexity of the event. Every investigation follows a rigorous process from evidence preservation to corrective action verification.
Stage 1
Immediate response
Rapid mobilisation to preserve physical evidence and begin witness account collection before memories fade and scenes change. Immediate advice on regulatory notification obligations (RIDDOR, environmental incidents).
Stage 2
Evidence collection
Systematic collection and documentation of physical evidence, documentary records (training records, risk assessments, maintenance logs, permits), CCTV footage, and structured witness interviews.
Stage 3
Causal analysis
Root cause analysis using appropriate techniques — fault tree analysis, bow-tie, why-why analysis, or ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method) — to distinguish immediate causes, contributing factors, and underlying root causes.
Stage 4
Investigation report
A clear, structured investigation report documenting the sequence of events, evidence basis, causal analysis, findings, and a prioritised corrective action plan. Written for internal use and, where required, for submission to regulators.
Stage 5
Corrective action & follow-up
Support with developing and implementing corrective actions, monitoring their effectiveness, and verifying closure. Corrective actions are linked to root causes to ensure systemic issues — not just immediate causes — are addressed.
Regulatory reporting
Navigating your reporting obligations
An incident investigation often runs alongside regulatory engagement. Whether you're required to notify HSE under RIDDOR, report an environmental incident to the Environment Agency (or SEPA in Scotland, or NRW in Wales), or manage communication with the police or coroner, we help you navigate the process.
We advise on notification requirements and timelines, support the preparation of regulatory submissions, and help you engage with investigators and enforcement officers in a way that is co-operative and transparent without unnecessarily prejudicing your position.
We always recommend working alongside your legal advisors for serious incidents where enforcement or prosecution is a possibility. We're experienced at working within legal professional privilege frameworks where appropriate.
Key regulatory frameworks
RIDDOR 2013
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. Mandatory reporting to HSE for specified categories of workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences.
Environmental incident reporting
Duty to report certain environmental incidents to the Environment Agency, SEPA, or NRW — including spills, releases, and permit breaches. We advise on when and how to report.
Going further
Learning from incidents — beyond the individual event
A single investigation is valuable. But organisations that consistently learn from incidents — at all severity levels — are the ones that progressively reduce their risk. We help you build that capability.
Systems
Incident reporting system review
Assessment of your near-miss and incident reporting culture, reporting rates, and investigation quality. Recommendations to improve the quantity and quality of reporting — the leading indicator that predicts future serious events.
Capability
Investigation skills training
Training for line managers, safety representatives, and EHS teams on incident investigation methodology, evidence collection, root cause analysis techniques, and corrective action development. Builds internal investigation capability for lower-severity events.
Trends
Incident trend analysis
Analysis of your historical incident and near-miss data to identify patterns, recurring root causes, high-risk work activities, and leading indicators. Supports proactive risk management and management review reporting.
Get started
Need an independent investigator?
If you've had a serious incident and need independent investigation support, contact us now. For non-urgent enquiries about investigation capability building or training, use the consultation booking form.