The 4 types of evidence that we are discussing are those considered in a root cause tree-type research system, a very useful methodology for solving problems and labor incidents and other types of incidents.
Evidence of people
The first step in any investigation is to talk to witnesses. In fact, from the interview with the people who witnessed the events, the possibility of obtaining documented or physical evidence can be deduced. Evidence from persons is generally collected as an interview. During this, we can obtain information about what was observed to have happened, the type of injuries produced and their characteristics or the condition of the worker at the time of the incident.
Evidence from people, in a root cause investigation, we obtain from those who were involved in the incident or accident. This includes:
- Work planners.
- Operators and executors.
- occasional passers-by.
The investigator must establish the background of the interviewees and the incident. Determine if they have been involved in similar events on a recurring basis or if they have presented previous problems. It is also necessary to inquire about impediments, limitations or shortcomings of those involved and establish the dynamics of the work.
Finally, the investigator, based on the interviews, establishes the context of the incident, the environmental conditions, possible distractions or system failures, and the different perspectives of the event.
Paper evidence
Documentation and routine paperwork of the activity constitute paper evidence. Of course, the report of those involved cannot be missing. But the work manuals and the policies and procedures of the organization associated with what happened are also part of this type of evidence.
However, there is a risk of accumulating irrelevant documents and hindering the work. How to use them optimally? This is where the presence of ISO management software makes the difference. Automation through a technological solution allows easy access and use of digital copies of documentation and highlights important sections in a final report for senior management.
Physical evidence
The tools, materials or machines involved in the event, the state of the soil, other samples found in the work area, such as fragments of paint, fibers, hair, blood stains, clothing, residues and debris, among others, are examples of physical evidence that the investigator collects, and that must be classified, stored, recorded and documented.
Captured evidence
Of course, in some cases, the size or other conditions of the sample prevent its movement and storage, so the appropriate thing is to capture an image. This happens, for example, with the state of the soil or machinery.
The collection of evidence of this type requires the use of tools such as photography or video. Video and photography provide an accurate view of the incident work area. The most important thing in a root cause investigation is to capture the images as soon as possible before the scene becomes contaminated.
But the investigator can also rely on the images provided by the security camera if it exists in the place. And you can also obtain in this same sense audio recordings, computer data, sketches of the scene...
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