Frequently Asked Questions

What is FACE?

FACE is one of many public health programs being conducted by the Alaska Department of Health (AK-DOH) in cooperation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). FACE Stands for "Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation." The purpose of FACE is to identify conditions that increase the possibility of work-related fatal injury. Identification of these conditions will enable more effective fatality countermeasures to be developed and implemented by employers and employees.

What FACE is not!

FACE does not evaluate compliance with occupational safety and health standards or determine fault. Many factors contribute to an event in which a worker dies. FACE investigations consider all factors and do not focus on "who was to blame." The AK-DOHdoes not enforce Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

How does the employer benefit from a FACE investigation?

The employer benefits from a free assessment of the workplace to help identify the reasons for occupational injuries and fatalities.

What is an employer's role in the FACE investigation?

Employers are asked to answer questions on the organization of their safety program and the event resulting in a worker's death. AK-DOH Occupational Injury Prevention Program staff visit the incident site, photograph the area, and discuss the incident with witnesses.

Do the answers given remain confidential?

Yes. The data collection procedure does not require personal identifiers. All answers remain anonymous and completely confidential, and no one other than FACE investigators know how individuals responded to any questions.

What is the reason for a site visit?

A site visit is essential for observing and photographing the site where the fatality occurred. It enables investigators to recreate a complex sequence of events. There are often many factors that must be considered to understand how the fatality occurred.

Why is photographic documentation of the incident site requested?

Photographic documentation helps the investigator evaluate the equipment, tools, and working environment at the time of injury.

How long does participation in the FACE investigation take?

The time required at the incident site varies, however a typical investigation is usually 4-8 hours including photographing the incident site. Interviews may be conducted by phone or in person.

How is information collected in FACE used?

The information that is collected is analyzed to identify potential causes of occupational fatalities. A report summarizing the onsite investigation is distributed to employers, concerned individuals and safety organizations. The report does not name the employer or any employees.

How do you report a fatality?

You must report a workplace fatality to AKOSH within 8 hours (AS 18.60.058). If a fatality occurs in your workplace, you may report it 24 hours a day at: (800) 770-4940 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F) or (800) 321-6742 (After 4:30 p.m. or on weekends and holiday). If the investigator is not there, leave a detailed message.

Who can you contact for additional information?

Program Coordinator, Occupational Injury Prevention Program
State of Alaska, Section of Epidemiology
3601 C Street, Suite 540
Anchorage, Alaska, 99503
Tel: (907) 269-8078
Fax: (907) 269-2041