Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) Practice Exam

Who typically leads investigations for serious or fatal mishaps?

1. The safety officer

2. A senior management official

3. The supervisor

4. An external safety consultant

The correct answer is: A senior management official

The lead investigator for serious or fatal mishaps is typically a senior management official. This is due to several reasons. First, a senior management official possesses the authority to ensure that the investigation is taken seriously, allocating necessary resources and access to information that may be vital for a thorough examination. Their role often includes overseeing the entire incident investigation process and ensuring that any findings are adequately addressed within the organization to prevent future occurrences. This level of leadership communication can facilitate better cooperation among various departments and can help to enforce the implementation of safety recommendations resulting from the investigation. Furthermore, having a senior manager lead the investigation can help in addressing accountability, ensuring that organizational policies and protocols are reviewed at the highest levels. It can instill a culture of safety within the organization by emphasizing the importance placed on the investigation and any necessary changes that may arise from it. In contrast, while safety officers and supervisors play crucial roles in the safety management system and are often involved in the investigative process, their focus is typically more on the day-to-day operations and immediate safety concerns rather than the high-level implications and organizational responsibilities that follow serious incidents. External safety consultants can provide valuable insights and expertise, but they are usually brought in to support the investigation rather than leading it.