Which question is essential for an investigator to answer initially during an incident investigation?

Identifying who was involved in an incident is fundamental to the investigation process. Knowing the individuals impacted or participating in the incident allows the investigator to gather firsthand accounts and witness statements. This information is crucial for understanding the sequence of events, the context in which the incident occurred, and potential contributing factors.

By establishing who was involved, the investigator can effectively outline the interactions between personnel, the environmental conditions, and the operational procedures in place at the time of the incident. These details play a crucial role in analyzing the situation comprehensively and in determining the root causes, making it easier to formulate recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Other aspects, such as equipment used or hazard controls in place, while important, often depend on knowing who the individuals are to gather complete and contextual information. Moreover, understanding injuries comes afterward in the investigation, as it relies on details that will be uncovered as the investigation proceeds. Thus, starting with the people involved sets a solid foundation for the entire investigative process.