Independent and UK wide
Accident & Incident Investigation
When something goes wrong at work, a clear and impartial investigation tells you why it happened and how to stop it happening again. AL23 Safety provides independent accident and incident investigations across the UK, uncovering the root causes behind workplace accidents, near misses and cases of occupational ill health, then turning those findings into practical action.
Why investigation matters
The lesson is only learned if you look for it
Even the best run organisations experience accidents, near misses and safety concerns. Without a structured investigation the lesson is lost and the same risk can surface again.
A thorough investigation does more than record what happened. It identifies the conditions that allowed the incident to occur, corrects them and helps protect your people, your reputation and your business. Done well, it is one of the most valuable things you can do for your safety culture.
What we investigate
- Accidents that cause injury
- Near misses and close calls
- Dangerous occurrences
- Cases of occupational ill health
- Property and equipment damage
Our investigation process
Methodical, evidence led, HSE good practice
A methodical, evidence led approach that follows HSE good practice from the first call to the final report.
- 1
Inspect the scene and record the evidence
We attend the location of the accident or incident, secure and assess the scene and record the physical evidence before it is lost or disturbed.
- 2
Review your safety documentation
We examine the risk assessments, method statements, training records and procedures that relate to the incident to understand what should have happened.
- 3
Take witness statements
We identify witnesses, manage interactions between them and gather clear, accurate accounts of events while they are still fresh.
- 4
Interview the injured parties
Where appropriate we speak with those directly involved, sensitively and professionally, to build a full picture of what took place.
- 5
Report and recommend
We prepare a full report that sets out the root causes and the contributing factors, with clear, prioritised recommendations you can act on straight away.
The legal picture
No single law, several duties
No single law says you must investigate every accident. Several duties, however, make it necessary in practice.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 5
You are required to plan, organise, control, monitor and review your health and safety arrangements. Investigating accidents is an essential part of that monitoring and review.
Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987
You are required to take reasonable steps to investigate every accident reported to you by an employee.
RIDDOR 2013
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, certain injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. We can tell you what is reportable and handle the process efficiently on your behalf.
Disclosure and civil claims
Following the civil justice reforms set out in the Woolf Report, you are expected to disclose the circumstances of an accident to any injured party considering legal action. The fear of litigation can make an investigation feel risky. In reality you cannot put things right if you do not know what went wrong. A thorough investigation, followed by genuine remedial action, demonstrates to a court that your organisation takes safety seriously. It also gives your insurers the information they need in the event of a claim.
What you gain
An investigation that earns its place
Legal compliance
Robust documentation that meets RIDDOR and HSE expectations.
Lower risk
Practical recommendations that stop the same incident repeating.
An independent view
An objective, external perspective free from internal bias.
Stakeholder assurance
Evidence your insurers, clients and regulators can rely on.
Time saved
Expert support exactly when you need it, with minimal disruption to your operation.
A stronger culture
A fair, no blame approach that builds trust and encourages reporting.
Why AL23 Safety
A fresh, unbiased view of what happened and why
Our investigators are experienced across a wide range of sectors and bring a calm, methodical approach when it is needed most. Because we work independently of your team we bring a fresh perspective and an honest, unbiased view of what happened and why.
We look past the immediate, obvious cause to the underlying factors in the task, the equipment, the working environment, the people involved and the way work is managed. Then we translate what we find into a prioritised action plan so the investigation leads to real change rather than a report that sits in a drawer.
You can use our investigation service on its own after a specific incident or as part of a wider health and safety support package. Either way you get the expertise you need without paying for extras you will not use.
Talk to us about an investigation
Acted on quickly, an investigation preserves the truth
If an accident or incident has happened, leave the scene undisturbed where you safely can and contact us as soon as possible. The sooner we start the more we can preserve and the clearer the picture will be.
Related services