[Workplace accident investigations carried out by local occupational health and safety units]

Abstract

Background: Workplace accident investigations place a heavy, time-consuming load on Italian Occupational Health and Safety Units of the National Health Service. Such investigations entail preventative measures, legal proceedings and likely penalties for enterprises. Staff shortages induce Units to reduce investigations in order to implement other preventive goals.

Methods and results: This paper reports the actions that the Veneto Region performed to achieve a uni form treatment by all Units (inter-unit comparison and a new set of guidelines). We also describe a "short questionnaire-based investigation" aimed at encouraging enterprises to make preventive efforts, thereby enabling our staff to manage more events.

Conclusions: We suggest and discuss effectiveness indicators for both practices.