The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which wiped out most of the city, is said to have started when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern.

A Philadelphia lawyer offered tips on how to minimize the risk of similar fiery explosions related to workplace investigations. His key tips:

1. Don’t defer your investigation just because the government is investigating too;
2. Make sure your investigator knows how to investigate and does so without a conflict of interest or bias;
3. Drill down to the details;
4. Assume an alleged perpetrator is innocent until you conclude he or she is guilty;
5. Document why you did not interview certain witnesses;
6. Document interviews;
7. Explain your credibility findings;
8. Don’t rely on “non-defenses” such as “it was only a joke” or “I didn’t intend to hurt anyone;”
9. Take appropriate corrective action; and
10. Take proactive measures to avoid retaliation.