---
title: "Investigating an Incident"
slug: "investigating-an-incident"
tags: ["v8.2"]
updated: 2026-10-06T22:04:21Z
published: 2026-10-06T22:04:21Z
canonical: "docs.serenityops.com/investigating-an-incident"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.serenityops.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Investigating an Incident

Not all incidents require a formal investigation, but when they do, Serenity provides tools to support a structured, thorough review process that ensures findings are well-documented and corrective actions are clearly assigned.

## When is a Formal Investigation Necessary?

Serenity allows EHS users assigned to each incident to decide when a formal investigation is necessary. Typically, this is based on **incident severity and type**:

#### **For High-Severity Incidents or Cases Involving:**

- **Injury or illness**
- **Chemical release**
- **Property or vehicle damage**
- Or other critical impacts

A **formal investigation** is recommended to:

- Perform **root cause analysis (RCA)**
- Gather structured **evidence and interviews**
- Identify **systemic failures** or gaps
- Issue a formal **investigation report**
- Document **detailed findings and long-term corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs)**

## Launching a Formal Investigation

To launch a formal investigation:

1. Open the incident record
2. Select the **Launch formal investigation** button at the top right of the incident
3. In the form that appears, enter a **Short description** and an **Establishment** (both are required). You can also add a description, a parent task, an assignment group or assigned user, and an expected start and due date
4. Select **Save** to create the new investigation

**Note:** The investigation will be **linked to the incident**, but will exist as a **separate task**. This helps track progress independently and avoid cluttering the base incident record.

You can also create an investigation from the **Investigations** lists in the left navigation by selecting **New investigation**. Lists include Assigned to you, Assigned to your group, Open at your establishment, All at your establishment, and All investigations.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7951ec8a-9aa7-4a24-82dd-bc5d6b13dc78/Images/Documentation/create-new-investigation-form.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-03T18%3A24%3A57Z&se=2026-11-03T19%3A24%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=viWPO9arWSyns5K9jyUtaljjrIcGnbYV4A6Y3mvJ4YQ%3D)

## Why Is the Investigation a Separate Task?

This is a **deliberate design choice** to:

- Allow **dedicated tracking** of investigation progress and ownership
- Enable investigations to be **assigned to specialists**, regardless of who owns the base incident
- Keep the original incident record **clean and auditable**

You’ll still be able to view and manage the investigation directly from the incident record, and findings or actions from the investigation will flow back into the incident record for reporting and auditability.

## Benefits of Using a Formal Investigation

- Drives **consistency and accountability**
- Supports **root cause methodology** (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone, etc.)
- Creates a **permanent record** of findings and responses
- Improves data for future **trend analysis and audits**
- Reinforces a culture of **continuous improvement**