ICAM LEAD INVESTIGATOR Training Course

BSBWHS515 Lead Initial Response to and Investigate WHS Incidents*
RIIWHS301E Conduct Safety and Health Investigations*

*For all other delivery modes, including online via Zoom or in-person at Australian locations, participants will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for the accredited ICAM units, along with an official ICAM Statement of Attendance.

The ICAM Incident Investigation Method is now one of the most widely recognised approaches for analysing workplace incidents and is increasingly a required skill for WHS professionals, supervisors, and managers. Developed by Professor James Reason through his research on Human Error, ICAM provides a structured and effective way to uncover root causes and prevent recurrence.

The OHSA ICAM Lead Investigator Course is based on this globally adopted methodology, incorporating industry-standard models such as the Swiss Cheese Model, Active and Latent Failures, and the 5 Whys technique. Participants will also learn to apply tools like the PEEPO Data Collection Matrix (People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, Organisation) and the four key occurrence causal factor elements: Absent/Failed Defences, Individual/Team Actions, Task/Environment Factors, and Organisational Factors.

With over 20 years of experience delivering ICAM training, OHSA’s facilitators bring unparalleled expertise. Our instructors have conducted more than 100 investigations across industries, including aviation, energy, rail, road, mining, construction, and emergency services, working with regulators, coroners, and courts. This real-world experience ensures participants gain practical, job-ready investigation skills.

Graduates of this course will be able to lead or contribute to workplace investigations confidently, meet industry and client expectations, and advance their careers in safety leadership.

This course is ideal for supervisors, managers, safety officers, WHS practitioners, and incident investigators who are responsible for workplace safety and incident management. It is also suitable for team leaders, project managers, and consultants who need to understand the ICAM methodology to identify root causes, prevent incidents, and improve organisational safety.

Participants from high-risk industries, including mining, construction, aviation, rail, energy, transport, and emergency services, will gain practical skills to lead investigations, apply the Swiss Cheese Model, the PEEPO Data Collection Matrix, and other proven ICAM tools in real workplace scenarios.

By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to:

• Conduct thorough incident investigations using the ICAM methodology

• Identify active and latent failures and contributing factors

• Develop actionable recommendations to prevent future incidents

• Earn nationally recognised units and the ICAM Statement of Attendance

Students enrolled in the ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course will be trained in the globally recognised ICAM methodology. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the ICAM Lead Certificate and two (2) nationally accredited units:

• BSBWHS515 – Lead Initial Response to and Investigate WHS Incidents

• RIIWHS301E – Conduct Safety and Health Investigations

These units equip participants with the skills and knowledge to plan, conduct, and report investigations of workplace incidents that have resulted in—or have the potential to result in—injury or damage. This includes:

• Conducting an initial assessment of the situation

• Establishing the scope and legal parameters of the investigation

• Performing a systematic analysis to identify underlying causes

• Recommending preventive actions and reporting findings appropriate to the incident severity

• Accessing specialist expertise where required

Delivery Format:

• From 1 January 2022, the ICAM Lead Investigator Course is delivered as a one-day face-to-face course with online pre-course work to be completed prior to attendance.

• Pre-course tasks include watching online lectures, completing activities, and undertaking theory assessments (approximately 6–8 hours of work).

• The face-to-face component focuses on practical demonstration tasks, traditionally delivered on the second day of the two-day course.

Online / Zoom Option:

• If face-to-face delivery is not viable, the course may be conducted via Zoom on the advertised dates.

• Students attending via Zoom must have:

  • Reliable, high-speed internet

  • A quiet room free of distractions

  • Webcam and microphone (headset preferred)

  • Access to a computer/laptop, printer, and sufficient IT skills

Prerequisites / Recommendations:

• No formal prerequisites are required.

• Recommended for students with:

  • ICAM Facilitator Basic Course

  • Health and Safety Representative (HSR) formal qualifications

  • Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

  • Equivalent vocational experience in conducting incident investigations

• Minimum requirement: Grade 10 literacy and English language proficiency

Assessment Requirements:

• To receive Nationally Recognised Units, learners must complete both theory and practical assessments, including:

  • Written theory tasks

  • Practical classroom exercises and role plays

  • Two incident investigations: one group simulated exercise and one post-course workplace investigation and report

• Candidates must have access to a current workplace for the post-course investigation.

• The course must be completed within six (6) weeks of the face-to-face component.

Additional Requirements for Zoom Participants:

• A PC or laptop with reliable internet

• Webcam and microphone

• Quiet, private space for video conferencing and interactive sessions

Q1: What is the ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course?
A: The ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course teaches participants how to use the Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM) to conduct thorough workplace incident investigations. It covers root cause analysis, the Swiss Cheese Model, PEEPO data collection, and producing actionable investigation reports.

Q2: Who should attend the ICAM Lead Investigator Course?
A: This course is designed for WHS professionals, supervisors, safety officers, project managers, and incident investigators in industries such as mining, construction, aviation, rail, energy, and transport who need practical skills in leading workplace investigations.

Q3: What qualifications will I receive after completing the course?
A: Graduates receive the ICAM Lead Certificate and two nationally recognised units:

• BSBWHS515 – Lead Initial Response to and Investigate WHS Incidents

• RIIWHS301E – Conduct Safety and Health Investigations
  Students also receive an ICAM Statement of Attendance.

Q4: Are there prerequisites for the ICAM Lead Course?
A: No formal prerequisites are required. However, Grade 10 literacy and proficiency in English are recommended. Candidates with prior ICAM Facilitator training, HSR qualifications, or Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety will benefit, but are not required.

Q5: How is the course delivered?
A: The course is delivered as a one-day face-to-face program with online pre-course work (approx. 6–8 hours). If face-to-face delivery is not possible, it can be completed via Zoom, with live interactive sessions and practical exercises.

Q6: What equipment do I need for the Zoom course?
A: Students need a PC or laptop, reliable high-speed internet, a webcam, a microphone/headset, and a quiet space suitable for video conferencing.

Q7: How are students assessed in the ICAM Lead Course?
A: Assessment includes theory tasks, practical exercises, role plays, and two incident investigations (one simulated in class and one post-course workplace investigation). Successful completion is required to receive nationally recognised units.

Q8: How long do I have to complete the course?
A: All components, including post-course workplace investigations, must be completed within six weeks of attending the face-to-face session.

Q9: What industries use ICAM methodology?
A: ICAM is used globally in aviation, mining, construction, rail, energy, transport, and emergency services for workplace incident investigations and root cause analysis.

Q10: Why choose OHSA for ICAM training?
A: OHSA has over 20 years of experience, with facilitators who have conducted 100+ incident investigations across multiple high-risk industries. The course provides practical, job-ready skills, accredited units, and flexible delivery options (face-to-face or Zoom).