The sole guiding purpose of this investigation should be to prevent or control recurrence.

The sole guiding purpose of this investigation should be to prevent or control recurrence.

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

Answer: (B)

Preventing future incidents is a central goal of investigations, but it isn’t the only guiding purpose. An investigation should determine what happened and why (root causes), identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence, and also address other needs such as documenting facts, ensuring fairness and due process, meeting regulatory or legal reporting requirements, preserving evidence, and capturing lessons to improve safety systems. In some cases there may be considerations around accountability or compliance that must be addressed as part of the process. Because the purpose is broader than just stopping recurrence, stating it as the sole aim is not accurate.

Preventing future incidents is a central goal of investigations, but it isn’t the only guiding purpose. An investigation should determine what happened and why (root causes), identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence, and also address other needs such as documenting facts, ensuring fairness and due process, meeting regulatory or legal reporting requirements, preserving evidence, and capturing lessons to improve safety systems. In some cases there may be considerations around accountability or compliance that must be addressed as part of the process. Because the purpose is broader than just stopping recurrence, stating it as the sole aim is not accurate.