Best Practice in Accident Investigations
Course View More
Advanced Accident Investigations
Merely investigating an accident in of itself is not enough: what do you do with your findings? What lessons are to be learned? Can anything be done to prevent a future re-occurrence?
795
Online
9:30am - 4:30pm
2 days
About this course
Most organisations can investigate accidents, but few can transform their findings into effective prevention strategies. This creates a costly gap between incident response and genuine risk reduction.
The critical challenge lies beyond the initial investigation. How do you analyse complex accident causation? What systematic approaches prevent recurrence? How do you build robust corrective action plans that actually work?
La Touche Training's advanced two-day programme bridges this gap. Participants master sophisticated root cause analysis techniques including Ishikawa diagrams, barrier analysis, and fault tree methodologies. They learn to identify underlying systemic failures that basic investigations miss.
Day one establishes the legal framework and investigation fundamentals. Participants gain practical skills in evidence preservation, witness interviewing, and statement drafting. They understand reporting obligations to the Health and Safety Authority and how proper investigation protects against civil and criminal liability.
Day two focuses on advanced analytical techniques. Participants apply multiple root cause analysis methods to real scenarios. They learn to present findings through compelling written reports that drive organisational change and demonstrate compliance.
This programme transforms accident response from reactive paperwork into proactive risk management. Participants leave with tools to conduct investigations that genuinely prevent future incidents whilst providing robust legal protection.
The comprehensive approach ensures organisations move beyond asking "what happened?" to answering "how do we stop this happening again?"
Why choose this course
This advanced programme delivers skills that most accident investigators lack: the ability to identify true root causes and build prevention strategies that work.
While basic training covers immediate response, this course tackles the harder questions. You'll master systematic analysis techniques that reveal hidden organisational failures. You'll learn to write investigation reports that drive real change rather than gather dust.
The two-day format allows deep skill development. Day one builds your legal foundation and practical investigation techniques. You'll understand exactly when to report incidents and how to protect your organisation from liability. You'll conduct witness interviews that uncover crucial details others miss.
Day two transforms you from investigator to problem-solver. You'll apply multiple root cause analysis methods including fault tree analysis and barrier assessment. These techniques expose systemic weaknesses that simple investigations overlook.
Most importantly, you'll learn to present findings that prompt action. Your reports will demonstrate clear causation, recommend specific corrective measures, and provide the evidence base senior management needs to invest in prevention.
Day one: Legal framework and investigation fundamentals
Day two: Advanced analysis and strategic reporting
Course syllabus
This course covers the essential steps and techniques to conduct thorough and insightful investigations.
Key learning points:
- How to respond immediately when an accident occurs,
- Reporting the incident to the authorities/HSA,
- Civil and criminal proceedings arising out of an accident,
- Understanding the Irish legal system and the possibility of civil and criminal litigation,
- Key aspects of negligence and personal injuries law,
- Evidence – rules, admissibility,
- Circumstances where incidents must be reported under law.
- Preserving the scene/emergency response plans,
- Commencing the investigation, opening an investigation file,
- Best practice in note taking and record management,
- Techniques for interviewing witnesses, such as cognitive interviewing/retrieval techniques,
- What a good statement looks like,
- Analysing the root cause of the incident,
- Root cause analysis techniques,
- Writing the investigation report,
- Giving evidence with confidence in court.
Who should attend this course:
- HSEQ Officers
- Company directors
- Small business owners
- Risk managers
- Line managers
- Claims assessors
Our expert trainers
La Touche Training Legal Experts
We work with a wide panel of specialist trainers, all chosen based on their experience and knowledge, experience both in practice and as trained trainers. The majority of our trainers are experienced...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Register to attend
# SELECTED
| Course Dates | Location | Price | Spaces Left | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28/09/26 - 29/09/26 i 28/09/2026 09:30 - 16:30 29/09/2026 09:30 - 16:30 | Zoom Online | €795.00 | 10 |
Advanced Accident Investigations 2 day course
FAQs
An advanced accident investigation goes beyond identifying what happened and focuses on determining why it happened. It uses structured techniques such as root cause analysis, fault tree analysis and barrier analysis to identify underlying organisational and systemic failures that may have contributed to an incident.
This course is suitable for HSEQ officers, company directors, risk managers, line managers, claims assessors and anyone responsible for investigating workplace incidents or improving organisational safety and compliance.
Participants learn a range of advanced investigative tools, including Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, fault tree analysis, barrier analysis and other root cause analysis methodologies designed to identify underlying causes rather than just immediate factors.
Certain workplace accidents and incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The course explains reporting obligations, evidence preservation requirements and the legal consequences that may arise from inadequate investigation or reporting.
A thorough and well-documented investigation can help organisations demonstrate compliance, identify corrective actions and provide evidence in the event of civil claims or criminal proceedings. Effective investigations can also help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Investigators should gather and preserve physical evidence, photographs, witness accounts, documentation, records and any other relevant information as early as possible. Proper evidence management is essential for establishing facts and supporting subsequent findings.
Yes. Participants learn practical techniques for interviewing witnesses, including cognitive interviewing and information retrieval methods. The programme also covers statement-taking and best practice for obtaining accurate and reliable witness evidence.
The course provides guidance on preparing clear, evidence-based investigation reports that identify root causes, document findings and recommend corrective actions. Participants learn how to produce reports that support organisational learning and demonstrate compliance.
Yes. The programme examines the Irish legal framework surrounding workplace accidents, including negligence, personal injuries claims, evidential issues and the potential for both civil litigation and criminal proceedings.
Basic accident investigation training typically focuses on immediate response, evidence collection and reporting requirements. An advanced course builds on these fundamentals by teaching sophisticated analytical techniques, root cause analysis and strategic reporting skills that help organisations address systemic weaknesses and prevent recurrence.
