Describe what happened. Thorough investigations can sift through sometimes conflicting
evidence and arrive at an accurate description of the incident.
Determine the causation. Any investigation should be detailed and thorough in order to
reach a conclusion of the causes of the incident.
Determine the risks. Good investigations provide the basis of deciding the likelihood of recurrence and the potential for major loss -- two critical factors in determining the amount of
time and money to spend on corrective action.
Develop controls. Adequate controls that minimize or eliminate a problem can only come
from a sound investigation, which has truly identified the problem. Otherwise, the problem
will appear again and again but with different symptoms.
Define trends. Few accidents and incidents are truly isolated cases. When a significant
number of good reports are analyzed, emerging trends can be identified and so controls can
be set.
Demonstrate concern. Accidents give people vivid pictures of threats to their well-being. It is
assuring to see a prompt, objective investigation in process. Good investigations aid personnel relations.