In case of equipment failure, who is typically responsible for the investigation?

• A. The Safety Team
• B. The Shift Supervisor
• C. The Production Manager
• D. The Emergency Response Team

Answer: (B)

The Shift Supervisor is typically responsible for the investigation in the event of equipment failure because they are directly overseeing the operations on that shift. This individual has firsthand knowledge of the equipment and processes, making them well-equipped to analyze what occurred and why. Their role includes ensuring the safety and productivity of the team and they must take immediate action when failures occur. Moreover, the Shift Supervisor generally leads the shift personnel, which allows them to gather relevant information and testimony from those who were on-site during the incident.

While other teams, such as the Safety Team or Emergency Response Team, may become involved after an investigation is initiated, their primary focus tends to be on compliance and safety protocols rather than the specific operational details of the equipment failure itself. The Production Manager typically oversees broader operations and strategies, making their focus less direct than that of the Shift Supervisor in the moment an incident occurs. Therefore, it’s the Shift Supervisor's expertise and responsibility that position them as the key figure in investigating equipment failures.