Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to the course. I'm Steve Geigle and I'll be your online instructor for this course. If you are a safety manager, supervisor, committee member, or someone who is getting into the occupational safety and health field, this course will help you understand your important responsibilities.

Here's how it works (Read this... it's important!)

1. Study each course module. Just click on the course "Modules" tab above to get started. It take about 30 minutes to one hour to complete each module, including the quiz.

2. Complete each module quiz. Each quiz is 5-10 questions. When you submit the quiz, a new web page will load with instant feedback on your answers. After you complete the quiz, start on the next module. There is no need to wait! No hurry either. You are in control of the pace of learning.
   If you have questions as you study, just send me an email.

3. Order a certificate. Optional If you want certification of training, order a certificate. The fee is only $8 for a emailed PDF certificate or $18 plus shipping for a mailed original certificate. The fee covers my exam review, course certificate preparation, and maintenance of your student records.
   Go to the OSHAcademy Store to pay for the course certificate. Tip: You will save up to 50% in course fees if you enroll in a Professional Development Certificate Program.

4. Complete and submit the final course exam.
   • Final exams are 20 - 25 questions.
   • To meet OSHA requirements, you must pass the final exam with at least a 70% score.
   • If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the exam.
   • If you pass the exam, you may not retake the exam just to raise your score.
   • Most final exam questions are derived from module quizzes.

OK, Let's go!

Have fun and study hard. To start, just click on "Introduction" tab above.

Workplace accidents occur each and every day all across and the Country. Each Year the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a statistical summary of injuries and illnesses (See summary below) that emphasizes this fact. The failure of people, equipment, supplies, or surroundings to behave or react as expected causes most of the accidents. Accident investigations determine how and why these failures occur. By using the information gained through an investigation, a similar or perhaps more disastrous accident may be prevented. Conduct accident investigations with accident prevention in mind. Investigations are NOT to place blame.

National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2007

A total of 5,488 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2007, a decrease of 6 percent from the revised total of 5,840 fatal work injuries reported for 2006. While these results are considered preliminary, this figure represents the smallest annual preliminary total since the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program was first conducted in 1992. Final results for 2007 will be released in April 2009.

Based on these preliminary counts, the rate of fatal injury for U.S. workers in 2007 was 3.7 fatal work injuries per 100,000 workers, down from the final rate of 4.0 per 100,000 workers in 2006, and the lowest annual fatality rate ever reported by the fatality census.

The Challange

The challenge to any accident investigator is to report the findings in a well-thought-out manner to ensure management will ultimately adopt recommendations for improving its safety management system, thus solving problems long-term. It's a common struggle trying to overcome long-held perceptions about safety and how accidents occur.

What is the purpose of this course?

This course introduces you to basic accident investigation procedures that have proven effective. We will also take a look at various accident analysis techniques. Throughout the course, you'll be taking what you've learned to analyze a hypothetical accident! For more information about the content of the course, see the Comprehensive Course Synopsis Go to the first module!

To begin your online study, just click on the "Modules" tab. To study off-line, click on the "Study Guide" tab and download the PDF study guide. Download Adobe Reader to open the study guide. The study guide is for your personal use only.

To begin your training, just click on the module links below.

Module 1: The Basics Module 2: Initiating the Investigation Module 3: Documenting the Scene Module 4: Effective Interviews Module 5: Event Analysis Module 6: Cause Analysis Module 7: Developing Solutions Module 8: Writing the Report

COURSE 702 FINAL EXAM

This is an open book exam. That means you may search high and low throughout the course material for the answers to this final exam. To receive a certificate, you must achieve a 70% score or higher.

It's important to complete each quiz as the final exam questions are derived from the questions within each module quiz. Immediately after submitting the quiz, you will receive a web page containing your answers and the correct "book" answers.

Course Study Guide. Use it for studying off-line and creating a reference binder. Download Adobe Reader to open the study guide. The study guide is for your personal use only.

Additional information can be found in: Safety and Health Management Systems eTool, OSHA Fatality and Catastrophe Investigation Summaries, OSHA Accident Investigation Handbook Texas State Accident Investigation Handbook BLM Accident Investigation Handbook, BLM Small Business Handbook, OSHA Additional Resources

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