Summer usually a quiet time for me, especially on the investigation side, however, that was not so this summer. In between investigations I've revamped my web based training session.

The pilot of my web based training went well and I appreciated the feedback from those participating. As a result I've made a couple of significant changes to the delivery of this program. First, it will only be available to small groups as compared to offering it to individuals; and secondly, instead of participants having to work around my schedule, the training is available at the time they want it.

Follow this link to view the revamped Web Based Training

Witness Statements

Every investigator has experienced the frustration of receiving a written witness statement that provides minimal information and is of questionable value to uncovering the accident's root cause. The question then becomes, how do I follow up on this and get the information I really need? I experienced this again this summer when I received a lengthy but vague written statement from a witness. A face to face interview was scheduled but the witness was very uncomfortable with the interview process and failed to provide any information of value.

They say that people learn in different ways and that trainers should incorporate a variety of learning styles in their training sessions. I realized (it took some time J) that perhaps using a different technique in gathering witness information may also work. My witness was obviously much more comfortable writing than he was in talking face to face. I provided him with a series of written questions including some with yes/no options as well as open ended questions with the result being I got the detailed information I required. It's interesting to note that research has shown that people are frequently more truthful in written or computer based responses than they are in face to face interviews.

Often initial statements are vague and brief. In fairness, from the witnesses' point of view they have little idea about what's of interest to the investigator. Next time you get one of these statements from a distant witness where a face to face meeting may not be practical, contact him and tell him you have a few more questions. Fax or email your questions to him. Leave an appropriate amount of space between each question in relation to the amount of detail you expect that the answer requires, and tell the witness you've done this. No guarantees, but what you have now isn't worth much, so you have little to loose in trying.

I've always encouraged investigators to use their cell phone audio recording capability to quickly capture accident scene evidence. I saw this used in an extremely positive manner this summer. I was reviewing a witness statement before a face to face interview and I was amazed at the detail. It wasn't the usual; "sometime after lunch we did..." it was "at 12:17 p.m. I arrived at the compressor station and at 12:43 p.m. my partner arrived". The witness appreciating that he was a key figure (as both a witness and potential investigator) in an unfolding incident began using his voice mail to capture actions of all the players. As well he had saved the messages in case I wanted an audio copy of them. He's the kind of witness you'd like to clone! Remind folks of the availability of their cell phones to record audio messages either directly or into their voice mail.

Investigation Kit

Kit Details (pdf article)

Pricing and Ordering Information

E-Learning Programs

My E-Learning programs are available without cost to newsletter subscribers. Each takes about an hour to complete.

Incident Investigation
The Incident Investigation program provides an overview or introduction to the process.

Collision Scene Management
The Collision Scene Management session would benefit drivers who may have to gather collision scene evidence.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act

Convictions - Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act

Charges - Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act