Book excerpt: The Industrial Accident Investigation Techniques Manual This publication is intended for personnel involved in safety, management, safety committee members, university students, and others involved in industry. It is systematic in approach to conducting an investigation including generic techniques and procedures that will be beneficial regardless of the type of accident (e.g. automobile, industrial machinery, power tools, aircraft, and falls). The importance of finding all causes is stressed (e.g. direct cause, indirect cause, root cause, primary cause, and secondary cause). Causes must be coupled to specific recommendations that will prevent the accident from recurring in the future. This book also shows that a system of investigation follow-up must be instituted.