Earlier this week Craig Smith, COMET’s Head of Operations and Learning and Development, hosted the final webinar of 2024: "Discovery: The Benefits of Quality Investigations." This session explored the importance of effective data gathering during investigations, common challenges, and best practices to achieve reliable outcomes.
Here’s a recap of the key takeaways from the session:
The Importance of Quality Investigations
- “Good in, good out”: The quality of an investigation's output directly depends on the quality of its inputs. Reliable data forms the foundation for identifying root causes and implementing effective preventive actions.
- Building connections: A successful investigation links what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it in the future. This alignment ensures that organisations can confidently address risks and make informed decisions.
Key Topics Covered
- Investigation Phases
The process begins with fact-finding (Discovery phase) and moves into root cause analysis (Analyse phase). COMET’s structured approach ensures investigators ask the right questions and gather data to drive meaningful outcomes. - Investigator Biases
Common pitfalls like confirmation bias, outcome bias, or favouring preconceived ideas can hinder investigations. Craig stressed the importance of open-mindedness, neutrality, and letting the evidence lead the investigation. - Data Gathering Best Practices
- Use multiple sources: Combine witness accounts, documentation, and physical evidence for a full picture.
- Act quickly: Capturing data soon after an incident reduces the risk of memory fade and missing evidence.
- Be objective: Avoid assumptions and ensure fact-based decision-making.
- Team Dynamics in Investigations
Craig highlighted the importance of building well-rounded teams with subject-matter experts, independent perspectives, and leadership to ensure thorough investigations. - Preserving Evidence and Witness Accounts
Capturing initial evidence at the scene, safeguarding physical items, and gathering concise witness accounts early are critical to maintaining the integrity of an investigation.
Investigator Attributes
Craig outlined the qualities of a good investigator:
- Open-minded: Avoid jumping to conclusions and let the evidence guide outcomes.
- Curious: Ask thoughtful, probing questions to uncover hidden factors.
- Ethical and diplomatic: Treat witnesses professionally and build trust to encourage openness.
COMET’s Tools for Investigations
Craig also introduced attendees to COMET’s Expert Extensions, a tool designed to provide a consistent framework for investigations. This feature ensures that every step—data collection, analysis,and action planning—is methodical and thorough.
Why Quality Investigations Matter
The session was concluded by reminding participants of the risks of poor investigations:
- Missed opportunities for improvement.
- Inaccurate root cause analysis.
- Repeat incidents due to unaddressed risks.
By embedding best practices, organisations can prevent these pitfalls and foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Looking Ahead
This webinar marked the end of COMET’s 2024 series, but there’s more to come in 2025. Future sessions will delve deeper into topics like Human Factors Analysis and advanced investigation techniques. Stay tuned to COMET’s social channels for updates and registration links.
To learn more about improving your organisation’s investigations, click here.
