ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this chapter and corresponding reference material, the reader will be able to
• List five areas of concern in the workplace where lack of information regarding forensic issues can have serious consequences
• Identify six components of a basic accident/investigation plan for the workplace
• Describe the need for proper occupational and safety forensic techniques in the workplace
• Discuss proper use and function of components of the forensic evidence kit for the workplace
• Describe the purpose and differences among close-up, midrange, and distance photography used in scene investigation in the workplace
Introduction
Occupational health and safety personnel are frequently involved in accident investigations. These personnel include occupational health nurses or physicians, industrial hygienists, company-trained safety investigators, internal security personnel, fire protection personnel, and hazardous management personnel. Any of these people may be the first called to an accident scene or may be called in at a later time for additional investigations. There may also be a designated company emergency response team that responds to emergencies. This team may be comprised of employees with various skills who
“volunteer” their expertise during a crisis. To respond to accident scenes is not necessarily part of their job duties or descriptions.
