Which statement about collecting data for a post-incident analysis is true?

The statement that referring to plans, records, and reports for data is true emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive and reliable information for post-incident analysis. Collecting data from established documentation allows safety officers to have a systematic approach to understanding the incident's context, impact, and the effectiveness of the response. These records often contain critical details about protocols that were activated, resources that were utilized, and the overall incident timeline. This foundational data is essential for accurately assessing what occurred and how future incidents might be handled differently, contributing to improved safety measures and more effective response strategies.

The other statements do not align with best practices for data collection. For instance, the idea that ICS forms are not useful in data collection contradicts the established use of these forms, which are specifically designed to facilitate information sharing and reporting during incidents. Moreover, the notion that a longer delay can lead to more accurate data fails to consider that recalling specifics about the incident typically becomes more challenging over time, which could diminish the reliability of the information collected. Lastly, while photographs can be beneficial for documentation, suggesting that they are mandatory for all participants is an overstatement and doesn't reflect standard procedures for post-incident analysis.