Who is responsible for performing the preliminary investigation if an accident is reported?

The supervisor is primarily responsible for performing the preliminary investigation when an accident is reported. This role is crucial as the supervisor is typically the individual most familiar with the work environment, the team's overall safety protocols, and the specific tasks being conducted at the time of the incident.

The supervisor’s involvement ensures that the investigation is initiated promptly and that the right measures are taken to determine the cause of the accident. They can gather initial evidence, witness statements, and other relevant information that may be vital for a thorough analysis. Additionally, the supervisor is in a good position to implement immediate corrective actions to prevent further incidents while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

This responsibility is generally not assigned to the crane operator, rigger-in-charge, or the safety officer in the immediate aftermath of an accident. While each of these roles has important safety responsibilities, the supervisor acts as the lead for the initial investigation, making their role central to understanding and addressing the circumstances of the accident.