Evidence Preservation at Scene

Evidence preservation means protecting the incident scene and all related information from disturbance or contamination.
The scene of a serious incident must not be disturbed until the investigation team has completed evidence collection.
Photographs, measurements, witness locations, and the position of equipment and materials must be documented before anything is moved.
Physical evidence includes damaged equipment, failed components, PPE, tools, and the ground conditions at the time of the incident.
CCTV footage, access records, permit documents, and risk assessments are documentary evidence that must be secured immediately.
Witness statements should be taken individually and as soon as possible while memories are fresh and uninfluenced by others.
The HSE may investigate serious incidents and will expect the scene to be preserved for their inspector's examination.
Cordon the scene using barrier tape and assign a responsible person to control access and prevent unauthorised disturbance.
Weather conditions can degrade evidence rapidly — protect the scene from rain, wind, and foot traffic as soon as possible.
The incident scene may need to be preserved for days in serious cases — the HSE or police will advise when it can be released.

Investigation integrity	Disturbing the scene before evidence is collected destroys the information needed to understand what happened and prevent recurrence.
HSE prosecution	The HSE expects preserved scenes for serious incidents — disturbing evidence can constitute obstruction and lead to additional charges.
Accurate root cause	Without preserved physical evidence, the investigation relies on memory alone — physical evidence provides the facts that memory cannot.

Do

Don't

Cordon the incident scene immediately and prevent anyone from entering.
Assign a responsible person to control access to the scene at all times.
Photograph the scene from multiple angles before anything is moved or cleaned.
Record the positions of equipment, tools, materials, and any failed components.
Secure CCTV footage, access records, and all relevant documentation immediately.
Take witness statements individually while memories are fresh and uninfluenced.
Protect the scene from weather, foot traffic, and accidental disturbance.
Preserve the PPE and clothing worn by the injured person as physical evidence.
Notify the HSE for RIDDOR-reportable incidents and follow their scene guidance.
Maintain the cordon until the investigation team authorises release of the scene.

DON'T enter or disturb the incident scene before the investigation team has attended.
DON'T leave the scene uncontrolled — assign someone to manage access immediately.
DON'T move equipment, tools, or materials before they are photographed and documented.
DON'T fail to record the exact positions of everything at the scene before any cleanup.
DON'T allow CCTV to be overwritten — secure the footage as soon as the incident occurs.
DON'T take group witness statements — each person must give their account individually.
DON'T let rain, wind, or foot traffic destroy evidence — protect the scene immediately.
DON'T discard or wash the injured person's PPE — it may contain critical evidence.
DON'T clean up a RIDDOR-reportable scene without HSE guidance on when it can be released.
DON'T rush to reopen the area — the investigation must be thorough before work resumes.

See also: Accident and Incident Reporting (RIDDOR) | Incident Investigation Process

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