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Lead Accident Investigator Training

Lead Accident Investigator Training

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Course Duration: Approximately 8 hours

This IIRSM-approved course explains how to structure and lead accident investigations that uncover root causes and deliver meaningful improvements in safety performance.

The multi-module course equips users with the knowledge and tools to lead investigations with confidence – from securing the scene and collecting evidence to interviewing witnesses and analysing data. Users will learn how to investigate accidents using a constructive, evidence-led approach that reveals underlying issues within safety systems. This insight enables targeted improvements that prevent repeat incidents and can often be applied in other areas to proactively reduce risk.

The course includes a downloadable e-checklist to guide each step of an investigation, supporting consistency, evidence gathering and a clear, constructive resolution.

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Full audio voiceover
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Fully online assessment
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Discounts when you buy in bulk
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Access on any device
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App available for iOS & Android

Training You Can Trust

Approved by IIRSM

Aligned with UK Legislation

Certificate on completion

Developed by health and safety professionals

Lead Accident Investigator Training Certificate
Lead Accident Investigator Training
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£595.00 +VAT
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Course Details
Course Suitable For
Course Outline
Customer Feedback

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Course Details

Course Duration Approximately 8 hours
Approval body IIRSM
Format Fully online
Assessment Multiple choice
Certification Same-day digital certificate
Certificate Valid For 3 years

Suitable For

Health and Safety Officers

Line Managers and Supervisors

Facilities and Operations Managers

Lead Investigators and Internal Auditors

Contractor Safety Coordinators

Risk and Compliance Specialists

Course Content

This course contains the following modules:

Introduces the essential terms, mindsets and structures for conducting effective, system-focused accident investigations in the workplace that go beyond surface-level causes.

  • Definition of Key Terms
  • Introduction to Accident Investigation
  • Key Mindsets for Effective Accident Investigators
  • What is an Accident?
  • Accident Case Study
  • Structure of this Course

Explains how system weaknesses give rise to human error and introduces frameworks for analysing unsafe acts within organisational and task-level contexts.

  • Human Error is Normal
  • How the Brain Works – Elephant & Rider
  • How the Brain Works – More About the Elephant
  • How the Brain Works – More About the Rider
  • Human Error Framework
  • Example to Illustrate Unsafe Acts Framework
  • Slips & Lapses
  • Mistakes
  • Violations
  • Unsafe Acts Assessment Framework

Covers the critical first steps following an accident and how to plan a structured investigation that protects evidence and sets the direction for meaningful findings.

  • Key Roles
  • Emergency Response
  • Initial Response
  • Deciding on Investigation Level Response
  • Appointing the Team
  • Accident Response Toolkit
  • Document Control
  • Communication
  • Final Preparations
  • Action Steps

Explains how to gather high-quality evidence using the data collection matrix, supported by techniques such as photography.

  • Understanding the Data Collection Matrix
  • Applying the Data Collection Matrix
  • Data Gathering Techniques
  • Walk-Through Talk-Through’s
  • Photography
  • People
  • Environment
  • Equipment
  • Procedures
  • Organisation
  • Case Study

Introduces a structured method for conducting effective, unbiased witness interviews that produce clear, reliable and revealing evidence.

  • Introduction to Interviewing
  • Obstacles to Effective Interviews
  • Clear Interview Structure
  • Hierarchy of Question Types
  • Clean Language
  • Assisting in Recall
  • Supporting Interviewees
  • Actions Steps Case Study

Explains how to build and use timelines to clarify event sequences, reveal information gaps and support deeper root cause analysis.

  • What is a Timeline?
  • Additional Types of Timelines
  • Action Steps for Building a Timeline
  • Case Study

Covers how to analyse investigation data using proven models to identify root causes and systemic contributing factors.

  • Preparation
  • Overview of Analysis
  • Define the Accident
  • Analyse Absent & Failed Defences
  • Analyse Individual & Team Actions
  • Analyse Task & Environmental Conditions
  • And Analyse Organisational Factors
  • Action Steps Case Study

Explains how to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations that address immediate causes and drive lasting improvements in safety systems.

  • Developing Corrective Actions & Recommendations
  • Hierarchy of Controls
  • Reasonably Practicable Assessment
  • SMARTER Process
  • Collaborating on Solutions
  • Key Learnings
  • Actions Steps
  • Case Study

What You Will Learn

Legal responsibilities and the role of lead investigators in workplace accidents

Structured investigation methods from initial response to final recommendations

Techniques for collecting physical evidence, documents and witness accounts

Frameworks for analysing human error and unsafe acts in context

Tools for identifying root causes and preventing repeat incidents

Approaches for developing corrective actions and promoting organisational learning

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Available in 13 Languages

Course subtitles are available in multiple languages, including:

French

Dutch

German

Italian

Spanish

Polish

Learn More

Course Approval Body

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Approved by IIRSM

This course is approved by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM).

The course certificate includes:

  • User name
  • Company name
  • Course name
  • Completion date
  • Expiry date
  • Approval body

An IIRSM-approved certificate will be available for download and printing instantly upon course completion.

Users must complete a final theory test before earning their certificate.

The end-of-course test is:

  • Fully online
  • Multiple choice

A score of 80% is required to pass.

Lead Accident Investigator Training Certificate

Accident Investigation e-Checklist

The course includes a free digital Accident Investigation e-Checklist to support a consistent, structured approach to workplace incident investigations.

This checklist supports users through each step of the investigation process, from initial response to final recommendations. Use it to:

  • Identify immediate actions and secure the scene appropriately
  • Collect and categorise evidence using the Data Collection Matrix
  • Structure timelines and assess unsafe acts using proven frameworks
  • Analyse root causes and develop practicable, SMARTER-aligned recommendations
  • Share key learnings and improve organisational safety culture

The checklist is accessible on any digital device.

Note – This offer is for one Accident Investigation e-Checklist licence per trainee who completes this course. This e-Checklist is for individual use and cannot be transferred or shared with others.

Terms and conditions apply – Access to this e-Checklist is available for 12 months from purchase

Customer Feedback

Why Is Lead Accident Investigator Training Important?

In many organisations, workplace accident investigations focus on identifying immediate causes rather than understanding why the incident occurred. Without a structured methodology, investigations risk becoming superficial – overlooking critical evidence, misinterpreting contributing factors, and ultimately failing to address the systemic issues that enable accidents to happen.

This course is designed to support those responsible for leading accident investigations. It provides the practical knowledge, structure and techniques needed to move beyond surface-level conclusions and ensure each investigation becomes a driver for measurable, organisation-wide improvement.

Learners will gain the skills to secure scenes, gather reliable evidence, conduct effective interviews, and analyse contributing factors. This foundation enables them to identify the true causes of accidents and develop targeted, proportionate actions that reduce risk, prevent recurrence and support wider improvements in safety performance.