Who must perform the accident investigation where any accident occurs?

The responsibility for conducting an accident investigation usually falls to the supervisor. This is because supervisors are directly involved in overseeing the work environment and are familiar with the specific tasks being performed as well as the employees involved. They have the authority and knowledge to assess the situation effectively, identify the cause of the accident, and recommend corrective actions to prevent future incidents.

Supervisors also have the ability to gather statements from witnesses and close relationships with their teams, which aids in understanding the context of the accident. Additionally, they are trained in safety procedures and are often required to report incidents to management and regulatory bodies, which makes them ideally suited for this role.

While other options, like employee witnesses or emergency response coordinators, may provide input or assistance, they do not have the complete overview and authority needed to conduct the full investigation effectively. An OSHA representative may be involved if the situation escalates or requires regulatory attention, but they do not typically conduct the initial investigation on-site unless specifically called for inspection.