After an investigation moves beyond the initial planning stage, it enters the Discovery stage. This is a critical phase where the assigned investigators begin compiling and analyzing available evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of the event.
Key Activities
During Discovery, investigators can collect and manage various types of supporting information directly within the investigation record. The interface is organized into the following areas:
1. Witness Statements
Investigators can document statements from individuals who observed or were involved in the incident. Each statement can be attributed to a person, with timestamped entries and responses to standard questions like:
What happened?
Why did it happen?
How could it have been prevented?
This information helps validate facts and surface insights from multiple perspectives.
2. Documentation
Users can upload supporting files to the Documentation section. Common file types include:
Safety data sheets,
Standards, policies, & procedures
Training records.
3. Photos and Videos
Visual evidence can be added through the Photos and Videos sections. Each item can include a description to clarify its relevance—for example, identifying the scene of the incident or showing kphysical damage or injury.
All attachments are centralized and visible to users with access to the investigation, streamlining collaboration and reducing the need for offline data collection.
Transitioning to Root Cause Analysis
Once the evidence has been compiled and reviewed, and the team is confident they have a full understanding of the situation, the investigation can move to the Root Cause Analysis stage by selecting the “Assess Root Cause” button in the upper right corner of the record.