In general, only experienced personnel should conduct interviews of workers who
witnessed an accident. If possible, a team should be assigned to this task, and
an individual with a legal background should be included. In conducting
interviews, the team should:
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Appoint a speaker for the group.
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Get preliminary statements as soon as possible from all witnesses.
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Locate the position of each witness on a master chart (including the direction
of view).
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Arrange for a convenient time and place to talk to each witness.
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Explain the purpose of the investigation (accident prevention) and put each
witness at ease.
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Listen, let each witness speak freely, and be courteous and considerate.
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Take notes without distracting the witness; use a tape recorder only with
consent of the witness.
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Use sketches and diagrams to help the witness.
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Emphasize areas of direct observation; label hearsay accordingly.
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Be sincere and do not argue with the witness.
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Record the exact words used by the witness to describe each observation.
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Word each question carefully and be sure the witness understands.
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Identify the qualifications of each witness (i.e., name, address, occupation,
years of experience).
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Supply each witness with a copy of his statement; signed statements are
desirable.
After interviewing all witnesses, the team should analyze each witness'
statement. They may wish to re-interview one or more witnesses to confirm or
clarify key points. While there may be inconsistencies in witnesses'
statements, investigators should assemble the available testimony into a
logical order. This information should be analyzed, along with data from the
accident site.
Not all people react in the same manner to a particular stimulus. For example,
a witness within close proximity to the accident may have an entirely different
viewpoint than one who saw it at a distance. Some witnesses may also change
their stories after they have discussed it with others. The reason for the
change may be additional clues.
A witness who has had a traumatic experience may not be able to recall the
details of the accident. A witness who has a vested interest in the results of
the investigation may offer biased testimony. Also, eyesight, hearing, reaction
time and the general condition of each witness may affect his power of
observation. A witness may omit entire sequences because of a failure to
observe them or because their importance was not realized.
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