Element element element element element what should be investigated?

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1.4
ELEMENT 1.1
ELEMENT 1.4
ELEMENT 1.2
ELEMENT 1.3
ELEMENT 1.5
ACTIVITY
Can you think of any other benefits and limitations of conducting interviews on site in addition to those 
mentioned earlier?
E
Engage and explain
At this stage, it is important to establish a number of points 
with the interviewee, to ensure the best outcome is achieved.
y
Set out the aims and objectives of the interview (please also 
see Element 1.3) – it is important to explain these to the 
interviewee. 
y
Assess any individual needs of the interviewee – comfort, 
refreshments, etc.
y
Establish a rapport with the interviewee – engaging the 
interviewee in conversation will help put them at their ease.
Assessing the needs of the interviewee 
eg refreshments

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NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation
47
1.4
ELEMENT 1.4
ELEMENT 1.2
ELEMENT 1.5
ELEMENT 1.1
ELEMENT 1.3
In order to get the most successful outcome from each interview, the following guidelines should be followed:
y
use open questions to begin with, to gather the initial information;
y
never use leading questions, or prompt an answer from an interviewee – not only can this lead to incorrect information 
being gathered, it can also make the interviewee lose trust and respect for the person doing the interview;
y
closed, targeted questions can be used after the initial information gathering, to establish specific facts;
y
avoid the use of jargon – speak in a language that the interviewee will understand and relate to; and
y
ensure the initial rapport established is continued throughout the interview, ensuring the interviewee is at ease and 
comfortable.