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The potential for catastrophic Personal Injury Loss exists at all plants…even in the best of Safety & Health processes!


  • Falls
  • Fires/Explosions
  • Confined Spaces
  • Caught in machines
  • Contractors
  • Motor vehicle crashes
Crisis Management

  • Use your own “crystal ball.”
  • What resources will you need to manage the crisis?
  • People,
  • Equipment,
  • Services,
  • Support,
  • A phone, fax, notebook and pen.

Every catastrophic personal injury loss is different,But the management principles are similar.


Principles of Critical Incident Response

  • “Do no [more] harm”…At all times, the priority is to assure scene safety.
  • Prompt, appropriate care for the injured.
  • Preserve respect & dignity for the injured, all of the “involved,” the family, all others.
  • Fix the problem, not the blame.
  • Restore “normal” operations.
  • Prevent recurrence.


Incident Command System

  • Organized system for managing emergencies.
  • Used by the Fire Service since the 1950’s, originally for managing forest fires - staff, equipment, changing status, etc.
  • Helps you to plan, lead, organize, control response & resources.
  • Establishes hierarchy for emergency…not for everyday site management.
  • Requires intimate knowledge of the facility, the people, emergency management, multitude of site plans.
  • Some of your best “everyday” managers will become totally useless under ICS.
  • Develop ICS Structure & Roles in your site Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Getting to the Scene~ Initial “Seize Up”

  • Take your own pulse.
  • Ensure the area is safe & that no other persons will become similarly injured.
  • Protect would-be responders/rescuers.
  • Ensure structural integrity.
  • Stop equipment/process operation.
  • Stop activity in immediate area.
  • Plan rescue, determine resources...

Medical Care for the Injured

  • Who is injured?
  • What type & extent of injuries?
  • Observe the location & position of the injured.
  • Who is there? What are they doing?
  • What treatment is being rendered?
  • What hospital are they going to?

Begin “Seeing” Area ~ Observing the Physical World

  • Look for pieces of evidence…expect that pieces will not yet fit together.
  • What is the equipment doing? Note settings of controls.
  • Any physical evidence from victim?
  • Begin to note (& sketch) what you see…provide all notes to the investigator!


Meanwhile, Back at the “Office”…Gathering Records

  • OBTAIN EMPLOYEE INFORMATION:
  • Employee name & address, DOB, emergency contact;
  • EMPLOYMENT SPECIFICS:
  • Job title,
  • length of employment,
  • Time on the job;
  • TRAINING RECORDS:
  • safety training,
  • orientation,
  • department specific.

Before the Investigation...

  • Get the incident stabilized.
  • Get the area under control.
  • Stop activity.
  • Minimize discussion about the details of the incident. Everyone is a witness.
  • Minimize written communication about the incident.
  • Disallow “conclusion jumping.”