Incident/Accident Investigations

Incident and accident investigations are an important part of the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Health and Safety program. Investigations are a process of fact finding to identify the root (underlying) cause of accidents/incidents and act as a means of preventing further occurrences. Including investigations in the larger VIU Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) program strengthens the internal responsibility system and is essential to building a positive health and safety culture in the workplace.

Call WCB Immediately at 1.888.621.7233 for:

  • Serious injury to or death of a worker
  • Major structural failure or collapse of a building, bridge, tower, crane, hoist, temporary construction support system, or excavation
  • Major release of a hazardous substance
  • Fire or explosion that had a potential for causing serious injury to a worker
  • Blasting incident causing personal injury
  • Dangerous incident involving explosives, whether or not there is personal injury

Incident/Accident Reporting and Investigation

Timeframe Task
1. Workplace Incident Occurs

Workers: Notify your manager immediately.

Contact Campus Security for first aid if required 1.250.740.6600 Security@viu.ca or 911 if the incident is urgent or life threatening.
2. Immediately

Managers: Immediately notify WorkSafeBC if the incident is one of the 6 types listed below:

  • Serious injury, or death of a worker
  • Major structural failure or collapse of a building, bridge, tower, crane, hoist, scaffold or excavation
  • Major release of hazardous substance
  • Fire or explosion that had potential for serious injury
  • Blasting incident
  • Incident involving explosives
3. As Soon As Possible Managers or workers: Take any faulty equipment out of service and cordon off any unsafe areas immediately.
4. Within 24 Hours

Worker: Report your injury or incident online using the VIU Safety Portal.

Correct any unsafe conditions, acts or procedures identified at the time of the incident.
5. Within 30 Days

Managers: An investigation is required for:

  • Serious injury or death
  • Injury requiring medical treatment or resulted in missing time from work)
  • Near miss
  • Structural collapse or failure
  • Release of hazardous substances
  • Driving incident Dangerous incident involving explosive materials
  • Blasting incident causing injury

The VIU Health and Safety Incident Reporting System will guide you through the investigation process.
6. Ongoing Managers: Follow up with your workers to ensure corrective action identified during the investigation is being implemented and is effective.

Incident and investigation reports will be shared with the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

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