Why should opinions or speculation be avoided in an incident investigation report?

• A. To maintain objectivity and accuracy
• B. To speed up the process
• C. To fulfill a requirement for legal defense
• D. To enhance the credibility of speculation

Answer: (A)

Opinions or speculation should be avoided because the aim is to present an objective, evidence-based account of what happened. By sticking to verifiable facts—observations, measurements, corroborated witness statements, and physical or documented evidence—the report stays accurate and can be reviewed or defended by others. Speculation introduces bias and uncertainty, can mislead readers, and erodes the report’s credibility since conclusions must be traceable to actual evidence. It also misdirects root-cause analysis and corrective actions. The idea of speeding up the process or using the report for legal defense hinges on relying on solid evidence, not guesswork, and speculation would not enhance credibility; it would undermine it.