Major incident response and investigation

Stage 4: Investigation management

Agree with the Executive:

• the terms of reference for the investigation
• the terms of reference for the policy and procedure review, if held

Agree with the investigation team leader:

• the objectives of the investigation
• the objectives of the policy and procedure review

Establish and utilise effective liaison arrangements:

• with emergency service Golds to co-ordinate activities

If practicable:

• intervene with emergency service Golds as an alternative to site enforcement action on the emergency services

Consider, on request of the Investigation Team leader:

• the drafting of prohibition notices  or written reports under HSW section 25(3) that deal with significant risks to the Emergency services

Determine if a HSE major incident room should be established/activated for investigation management, by considering whether:

• the police regional command centre or other emergency services facilities will be available for the likely duration of HSE investigation and can be used
• an on-site/local incident room using site occupier office accommodation (if offered and suitable) is available
• the hiring a local office is possible
• HSE information dissemination needs and press office support require separate office support
• requesting the HSE mobile major incident room will be necessary

Consider:

• the staff welfare arrangements of the investigation team, ensuring their health, safety and welfare in accordance with HSE’s health and safety policies
• relevant staff travel and subsistence issues

Ensure effective tactical liaison with emergency services by:

• briefing the Police Silver on the role of HSE and HSE staff with respect to joint working at the scene of a significant incident as necessary
• determining with the Fire and Rescue Silver, and where appropriate the police, a recovery strategy that, whilst ensuring the health and safety of all at risk, does not disturb critical evidence
• seeking to agree site access for HSE staff and those assisting HSE in the investigation
• considering with the police, the duty holder in charge of the site, other relevant agencies and the fire service, what criteria have to be fulfilled before the emergency response can be declared completed by the fire service and the emergency services stood down
• maintaining close liaison with other enforcing authorities, the police and emergency services
• arranging, if required, a joint investigation strategy, including which witnesses can be interviewed
• advising the emergency services, when requested, on matters of health and safety 

Note: the investigation team leader should not assume responsibility for the health and safety of any but HSE staff, nor take control of the incident 

In consultation with the investigation manager, as appropriate:

• plan the investigation
• consider which analytical investigation method(s) will be used and arrange any technical support  required, including through direct contact with HSL 
• assemble an investigation team
• arrange, if required (e.g. not shared with police, etc), evidence logging and storage arrangements

If the issue arises:

• consider any requests for issuing a prohibition notice on the emergency services from HSE officers 
• seek to resolve the issues with other emergency service Silvers 
• in the event of failure, seek advice and assistance from the Investigation Manager 

Continue to keep the Investigation Manager: 

• appraised of developments on site, particularly of any developing issues that may need their intervention with the emergency services or other investigating agencies

Liaise:

• with the emergency services and attending police forward control point as required

In the event of serious, unnecessary risk to human health and safety: 

• encourage the emergency services to seek advice from their own health and safety advisors, otherwise 
• bring to the attention of HSE Silver 

In cases of imminent risk, as a last resort: 

• consider issuing a prohibition notice (for non inspectors discuss that a PN be issued) against the emergency services (or if not an inspector, discuss the issuing of a PN)
• seek the advice of the Investigation Team Leader, wherever practicable