In an industrial context, investigation refers to the process of collecting and analyzing information, data,, or evidence related to incidents, accidents, violations, or compliance issues that occur within an organization.. Investigation is critical for identifying the root causes of problems, improving processes, and preventing future occurrences.
Here are some examples of investigation in different contexts:
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Safety: Investigation is used to determine the causes of workplace accidents, injuries, or illnesses, and to develop strategies for preventing future incidents. Examples of safety investigations include accident investigations, incident investigations, and root cause analyses.
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Quality control: Investigation is used to identify the causes of quality issues, defects, or product failures, and to develop strategies for improving product quality. Examples of quality control investigations include defect investigations, failure mode and effects analyses, and statistical process control.
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Compliance: Investigation is used to identify potential violations of laws, regulations, or internal policies, and to develop strategies for ensuring compliance. Examples of compliance investigations include internal audits, regulatory inspections, and due diligence investigations.
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Security: Investigation is used to identify potential security breaches, threats, or vulnerabilities, and to develop strategies for preventing or responding to security incidents. Examples of security investigations include forensic investigations, incident response investigations, and vulnerability assessments.
Other terms related to investigation in industrial contexts include:
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Incident management: The process of identifying, reporting, and responding to incidents or accidents in an organization.
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Root cause analysis: A methodical process of investigating incidents or problems to identify the underlying causes, rather than just addressing the symptoms.
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Forensic analysis: The use of scientific methods and techniques to analyze and interpret physical, digital, or documentary evidence related to incidents, accidents, or crimes.
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Due diligence: The process of investigating and evaluating the potential risks and benefits of a business transaction or investment before making a decision.
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Risk assessment: The process of evaluating potential risks and hazards associated with specific activities, processes, or systems, and developing strategies to manage or mitigate those risks.