What is the first action an investigator should take once arriving on the scene?

The initial action an investigator should take upon arriving at a scene is to ensure their own safety. This involves assessing the environment for potential hazards and ensuring that the investigator is protected from any immediate dangers. Safety is paramount in any investigative process, especially in construction-related incidents, where there may be ongoing risks such as unstable structures, electrical hazards, or hazardous materials present.

Once the investigator has prioritized their safety, they can then proceed to take the necessary steps to maintain the integrity of the scene, gather evidence, and analyze the situation further. Securing their own safety creates a foundation for a thorough and accurate investigation. Other actions such as controlling access to the scene or logging events become secondary to ensuring that the investigator is safe from potential harm.