ICAM Lead Incident Investigation | ONLINE

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

Master the ICAM Lead Incident Investigation methodology with OHSA’s online course, designed for WHS professionals, supervisors, and safety officers who cannot attend the face-to-face ICAM Lead Course. Upon enrolment, you’ll receive instant login access to start your learning at your convenience. For students who prefer live interaction, OHSA also offers a Zoom ICAM Lead course with expert-led, interactive sessions.

This course is based on the Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM), developed by Professor James T. Reason through his research on human error and workplace incidents. ICAM is now globally recognised as a leading methodology for incident investigations. Key concepts such as the Swiss Cheese Model, Active and Latent Failures, and root cause analysis are taught and applied in practical exercises.

OHSA has been delivering ICAM training for over 20 years, with facilitators who have conducted 100+ high-profile investigations across aviation, energy, rail, road, mining, construction, and emergency services. Participants will learn to apply tools such as the 5 Whys, Timeline Analysis, and the PEEPO (People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, Organisation), alongside the four occurrence causal factors: Absent/Failed Defences, Individual/Team Actions, Task/Environment Factors, and Organisational Factors.

Our lead facilitator has extensive experience investigating fatalities, mine explosions, near-miss rail disasters, serious transport incidents, and hundreds of personal injury cases. He holds a Master’s Degree, has developed university curricula, lectured internationally, advised ministers and commissioners, and consulted across industries.

Enrol in this online ICAM Lead Incident Investigation course to gain practical, job-ready skills, earn your ICAM Lead Certificate, and complete nationally recognised units, all from the convenience of your home or workplace.

The Online ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course is designed for professionals who need to develop advanced incident investigation skills and apply the ICAM methodology in real-world workplace environments.

This course is ideal for:

• Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officers seeking nationally recognised training

• Supervisors, Managers, and Team Leaders responsible for workplace safety and incident reporting

• Safety Consultants and Coordinators aiming to enhance investigative skills

• HR and Compliance Professionals involved in workplace incident management

• Industry Professionals in construction, mining, aviation, rail, energy, and emergency services

Participants will gain practical, job-ready skills, including root cause analysis, Swiss Cheese Model application, and PEEPO data collection, enabling them to conduct thorough and legally compliant incident investigations.

Whether you are upskilling from previous ICAM training or completing your first ICAM Lead course online, this program provides the expertise required to investigate workplace incidents confidently and contribute to a safer work environment.

Students enrolled in the Online ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course will be fully trained in the ICAM methodology. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the ICAM Lead Certificate and two (2) Nationally Recognised Units:

• BSBWHS515 – Lead Initial Response to and Investigate WHS Incidents

• RIIWHS301E – Conduct Safety and Health Investigations

These nationally accredited units equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct, and report on work health and safety (WHS) incident investigations. Students will learn to:

• Conduct an initial assessment of incidents and hazards

• Establish the scope and legal framework for investigations

• Perform systematic analyses to identify underlying causes

• Develop preventative actions and implement corrective measures

• Report findings appropriate to the severity and potential impact of the incident, including consulting specialist expertise when necessary

Key Topics Covered in the Course:

• Introduction to ICAM and Incident Investigation Principles

• Common Law & WHS Legislation

• Policy and Procedures for Workplace Safety

• Accident Causation Theory, including Just Culture and Safety Triangle

• Swiss Cheese Model and the Role of Human Error

• Types of Error: Slips, Lapses, Mistakes, Violations

• Immediate Action and Planning Investigations

• Incident Data Collection: People, Environment, Equipment, Procedures, Organisation (PEEPO)

• Event and Condition Charts

• Root Cause Analysis Tools: 5 Whys, Incident Trees

• Occurrence Causal Factors: Absent/Failed Defences, Individual/Team Actions, Task/Environmental Conditions, Organisational Factors

• ICAM Coding & Analysis

• Formulating Recommendations and Reporting Findings

• Concluding the Investigation

This structured curriculum ensures participants develop practical, job-ready skills to investigate incidents effectively, apply globally recognised ICAM methodologies, and enhance workplace safety compliance across industries including construction, mining, rail, aviation, and emergency services.

The Online ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of WHS professionals, with no formal prerequisites. However, the following recommendations ensure candidates are well-prepared for successful course completion:

• Recommended Qualifications: Candidates who have completed the ICAM Facilitator Basic Course, hold a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) qualification, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, or have equivalent vocational experience in incident investigations will benefit most from the course.

• Language & Literacy: A minimum of Grade 10 literacy and a sound understanding of English are recommended to complete assessments effectively.

Assessment Requirements:

To achieve the Nationally Recognised Units of Competency, learners must satisfactorily complete both theory and practical assessments, which include:

• Written theory exercises

• Virtual simulated exercises and role-play scenarios

• Two incident investigations:

  • One conducted as a group class simulation

  • One post-course investigation report

Candidates must use Australian legislation as the reference framework to meet competency standards.

Technical & Practical Requirements:

• Workplace Access: Learners should ideally have access to a current workplace to complete the post-course incident report. Alternatively, a case study provided by OHSA may be used.

• Technology Requirements: A PC or laptop with reliable internet, a webcam, a microphone/headset, and printer access are required. Students should be able to participate in video conferencing, webinars, or virtual assessor interviews as needed.

• Time Commitment: Allocate sufficient time and resources to complete pre-course tasks, online learning modules, and assessments. All online assessments, video conferencing participation, and submission of the post-course ICAM investigation report must be completed within six (6) weeks of receiving course login details.

This ensures participants can successfully complete the online ICAM Lead course, earn the ICAM Lead Certificate, and achieve nationally recognised units, fully prepared to apply ICAM methodologies in real-world workplace investigations.

Q1: What is the ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course?
A: The ICAM Lead Incident Investigation Course trains WHS professionals to apply the Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM). Students learn to conduct thorough, legally compliant workplace investigations, identify root causes, and prevent future incidents.

Q2: Who should attend this course?
A: This course is ideal for WHS Officers, Supervisors, Safety Coordinators, Managers, HR, and Compliance Professionals in industries such as construction, mining, rail, aviation, energy, and emergency services.

Q3: Are there any prerequisites for the online course?
A: There are no formal prerequisites, although completing the ICAM Facilitator Basic Course, holding a Certificate IV in WHS, or having relevant experience is recommended. Grade 10 literacy and a sound understanding of English are advised.

Q4: How is the course delivered online?
A: Students access pre-recorded online modules and complete virtual simulated exercises, role plays, and assessments. A live Zoom session is also available for interactive learning and discussion.

Q5: How long does the online ICAM Lead course take?
A: The online course requires approximately 6–8 hours of pre-course online learning, plus participation in the Zoom session and submission of two incident investigations. All assessments must be completed within six (6) weeks of receiving your login.

Q6: What assessments are included?
A: Assessments include written theory, virtual simulations, role-play exercises, and two incident investigation reports (one simulated in class and one post-course report).

Q7: What certification will I receive?
A: Upon successful completion, students 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

Q8: Can I complete the post-course incident investigation from home?
A: Yes. Students may use their current workplace or a provided case study to complete the post-course ICAM investigation report.

Q9: What technology do I need for the online course?
A: Students require a PC or laptop with reliable internet, a webcam and microphone/headset, and access to a printer. Participation in Zoom sessions or virtual assessor interviews may also be required.

Q10: Is the course recognised nationally?
A: Yes. Completion of this course awards nationally recognised units under the Australian VET system, enabling professional application in workplaces across Australia.