In a major incident it is likely that there will be considerable media interest.
The investigation manager should normally give any press briefings, however, the investigating inspectors on site may be requested to comment and should be prepared to give one of the following 'holding' statements:
If the emergency services are still in control of the site
"I'm an inspector with the Health and Safety Executive. We've been informed of a major incident here. Once the emergency services have dealt with the emergency situation, we will commence an investigation into the causes of the incident. We shall be looking to see whether there are any lessons to be learned for other companies in this industry. And we will also consider whether there have been any breaches of health and safety law, and whether we should be taking action in that respect. That's all I can say at the moment."
If the emergency services have cleared the site for access
"I'm an inspector with the Health and Safety Executive. We are investigating the cause of the incident. We shall be looking to see whether there are any lessons to be learned for other companies in this industry. And we will also consider whether there have been any breaches of health and safety law, and whether we should be taking action in that respect. That's all I can say at the moment."
