FACE Program
Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the goal of FACE?

The Wisconsin Fatality Assessment Control Evaluation (FACE) program goal is to reduce the number of work-related deaths in Wisconsin. FACE is one of many prevention programs conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.

2. What is the role of FACE?

The FACE Program allows employers, co-workers, family members or witnesses to provide information confidentially about an event in which a worker dies. The FACE Program focuses on identifying factors that increase the risk of fatal injury to workers while on the job.

3. What does FACE not do?

FACE does not evaluate compliance with occupational safety and health standards or determine fault. The information gathered by FACE is used to develop prevention programs and provide recommendations to help employers and workers develop safer working conditions and behaviors. FACE staff analyze information to develop practical, preventive workplace safety measures.

4. What is my role in FACE?

Information you provide about a work-related death is important in developing safety measures. FACE staff will ask questions about the events related to the injury, safety practices at the worksite, and hazards related to the job task.

5. What is a site visit?

A site visit is essential for observing the site where the fatality occurred so FACE will routinely request permission to visit the incident site and photograph the area. This enables the FACE staff to recreate what is often a complex series of events that lead to the fatality and allows staff to review the many factors which must be considered to understand how the fatality occurred.

Where available, pre-existing photographs will be used. Any photographs will be taken in such a manner that the company's identity is not revealed. Workers will not be photographed.

6. Is FACE information kept confidential?

FACE information always remains confidential. The data collection procedure does not include identification of victims, co-workers, employers, witnesses or other involved individuals. All providers of information remain anonymous and completely confidential with FACE staff. The information is analyzed to identify the risk factors associated with the fatality, and a summary of the incident is written that includes recommendations for prevention of similar occurrences. It does not identify any individuals, employers or trade names.

7. How is FACE information used?

The summary that describes the incident is distributed to the employer, other concerned individuals, and safety and labor organizations. A case "alert" may be written and distributed to inform other workers and employers of steps they might take to prevent similar injury in the workplace.

Data is entered into state and national databases for analysis. Safety experts use the information to develop interventions for broad application.

8. How can I report an occupational fatality or obtain additional information about FACE?

Please contact the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services:

     Phone     (608) 264-9879

     Fax          (608) 267-4853

Or write:

Last Revised: October 24, 2008