SUMMARY: This report considers options for managing minor incidents, where agreed mortality thresholds have been exceeded but government involvement is not
considered necessary. Major incidents, which are not considered here, can be distinguished by a very high mortality rate and close public scrutiny. It is anticipated
that responses to major incidents will be undertaken on the basis of cooperation between government and industry.
4.2 Investigating minor incidents
4.2.1 Routine data collection
To maximise the value of an incident investigation, it is critical that data are routinely collected with care and purpose. Therefore, it is recommended that the following data are collected during each sea
voyage: • The total number of animals loaded, by species, class, deck and port of loading
• The total number of animal deaths, by species, class, deck, port of loading and date • Daily environmental data, including wet-bulb temperature either directly or from dry-bulb
temperature and relative humidity Further detail, including collection, management and analysis of these and other routinely-collected
data is provided in Appendix 2. Implementation of this recommendation should be a responsibility of LESCO, and is certain to involve the accredited stockmen.
RECOMMENDATION 15: To maximise the value of an incident investigation, it is recommended that the following data are collected during each sea voyage:
• The total number of animals loaded by species, class, deck and port of loading • The total number of animal deaths by species, class, deck, port of loading and
date • Daily environmental data, including wet-bulb temperature either directly or from
dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity
4.2.2 Terms of reference
Each of the following terms of reference needs to be addressed during the investigation of a minor incident:
1. Identification of the causes of the incident, including an understanding of all contributing factors;
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2. Assessment of the adequacy of risk management strategies
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relevant to this consignment; and 3. Development of recommendations on how the exporter, and as relevant the broader industry,
should handle future consignments, in the light of lessons learned from this investigation.
RECOMMENDATION 16: It is recommended that minor incident investigations address each of the following terms of reference:
• Identification of the cause of the incident, including an understanding of all contributing factors;
• Assessment of the adequacy of relevant risk management strategies; and • Development of recommendations on how future consignments should be
handled, on the basis of ‘lessons learned’.
4.2.3 The investigation team
