STOP!

Congratulations, you’re almost done with the course!  However, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on the course content before you take the final exam. You will only get 2 chances to pass the final with a score of 80% or higher.

If you aren’t confident in your knowledge of one of the following subjects, go back to the relevant lesson in the course to give it a review.

• ​​Incidents refer to unexpected events, situations, or occurrences that deviate from normal operations and have the potential to cause harm, damage, or disruption within an organization.
• Failure to report an incident can have serious legal consequences for organizations. These consequences may include Civil penalties, Criminal penalties, and Liability for damage.
• Incidents can be categorized into different types based on their severity, outcome, and cause. Some common categories of incidents include Near misses, Accidents, Environmental incidents, and Security incidents.
• The importance of timely reporting cannot be overstated. Swift reporting allows organizations to address issues promptly, mitigating potential risks and preventing the recurrence of similar incidents.
• The roles and responsibilities of team members within an investigative team are crucial for a thorough and unbiased inquiry. Typically, a team comprises individuals with diverse expertise to cover various aspects of the incident. This may include individuals with legal knowledge, technical proficiency, or subject matter experts related to the nature of the incident.
• A rapid response is essential to minimize the potential damage caused by the incident. Quick action can prevent further escalation of the situation and limit the impact on people, property, and the environment.
• Effective physical evidence collection is crucial for any investigation. Here are key techniques:
  
  • Photography and Videography: Proper documentation through visual media is essential. Photographs and videos provide a detailed record of the incident scene, enabling investigators to revisit and analyze the evidence.
  • Sketching and Diagrams: Creating sketches or diagrams helps in mapping out the incident scene. This visual representation aids investigators in understanding the spatial relationships between different elements, including evidence and points of interest.
  • Evidence Marking and Tagging: Every piece of physical evidence should be marked and tagged with a unique identifier. This ensures a clear chain of custody, allowing investigators to trace and account for the whereabouts of each item throughout the investigations.
• Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of incidents or problems. It aims to address the fundamental reasons for an issue rather than just its symptoms.
• Developing recommendations is a crucial step in the incident reporting and investigation process, as it involves crafting effective corrective actions, prioritizing them based on risk, and engaging stakeholders in the decision-making process.
• Reporting findings involves creating a comprehensive incident report, presenting information effectively to management and stakeholders, and addressing confidentiality and data protection concerns. A well-structured and transparent reporting process contributes not only to the resolution of individual incidents but also to the overall improvement of safety and risk management within an organization.
• Incorporating technology into incident reporting and management processes can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall effectiveness.