Interviewees should be told that the investigation is simply a fact-finding exercise.

Interviewees should be told that the investigation is simply a fact-finding exercise.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. It depends

Answer: (A)

Framing an interview in an investigation as a fact-finding exercise is essential because it helps set clear expectations and supports honest, precise information gathering. When interviewees understand that the goal is to determine what happened and identify steps to prevent recurrence, they’re more likely to share observations, timelines, and details without fear of punishment. This approach promotes objective analysis, helps establish the sequence of events, and improves the reliability of the information collected. It’s also helpful to explain how the information will be used and who will have access to it, reinforcing that the purpose is safety improvement rather than blaming individuals. In practice, this honest framing is a cornerstone of conducting a trustworthy and effective safety investigation.

Framing an interview in an investigation as a fact-finding exercise is essential because it helps set clear expectations and supports honest, precise information gathering. When interviewees understand that the goal is to determine what happened and identify steps to prevent recurrence, they’re more likely to share observations, timelines, and details without fear of punishment. This approach promotes objective analysis, helps establish the sequence of events, and improves the reliability of the information collected. It’s also helpful to explain how the information will be used and who will have access to it, reinforcing that the purpose is safety improvement rather than blaming individuals. In practice, this honest framing is a cornerstone of conducting a trustworthy and effective safety investigation.