One thing I love about my job is that you never know where it's going to take you -- both geographically and in opportunities presented. Since my last newsletter I've had a number of new experiences. They included presenting a two day investigation session for the University of Alberta Extension program, conducting an investigation in New Mexico, delivering training in North Dakota and this week I'm in the Yukon for an investigation and a training session.

Jeff

Worker Solely at Fault?
 

In November 2005 the Alberta Court of Appeal ordered a new trial for a horrific accident that caused third degree burns to over 85% of a worker's body. The original trial judge had ruled the worker was solely at fault.

As I read this story I wondered about the quality of the initial investigations, in particular, the one done on behalf of the employer. The investigators findings are now being examined under a microscope. In hindsight anyone of us in a similar situation might have wished we had done something differently, or perhaps pursued a particular avenue a little further.

Something to think about when you conduct your next investigation.

	Eyewitnesses
It's not uncommon after an accident to discover that there are few or no eyewitnesses. That doesn't mean there is no one to interview. Ron Richard in the attached article challenges us to think about potential witnesses as groupings of people and to this end uses a model of concentric circles. The inner circle includes individuals who were direct participants in the event. The second group, the middle circle are those that had an opportunity to see or hear the event, and the outer circle are those who can provide background information on the event or activities leading up to it. To see the complete article. . . . »

	Studying Tire Failures
Last week after punishing my vehicle on 200 km. of logging road north of Hinton I began thinking a little more about tire failures and work related collisions. After any collision it's not uncommon to find one or more tires flat. A blow out is often used as a handy excuse by a driver as a reason for the collision. The reality is that true blow outs and a subsequent loss of control are a very rare occurrence. This article is about tire maintenance and may offer a few investigation avenues to follow up on next time you investigate a collision. »

	The Aftermath of a Workplace Accident
This seminar sold out in both Calgary and Edmonton and is being offered in Red Deer on February 28, 2006. It provides a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of an OHS trial. See how mistakes in the field can be costly in the courtroom. To see the brochure and for registration information. . . The morning session will provide you with information concerning chronic due diligence failures to guard against, post-accident duties and oversights, costly investigative errors, dealing with the media, how a certificate of recognition can help or harm your organization, and what to keep in mind if you ever have to testify in court. The afternoon session is all about application. A hypothetical courtroom case will demonstrate some of the important lessons from the morning session. It's a live unscripted demonstration - much like it would happen in the real world. »

	March Training
I'll be offering a series of Hazard Control and Investigation related training sessions from March 14 to 16, 2006 in Edmonton.