This Practice Note explains the purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) in Scotland which is the Scottish equivalent to a Coroner’s Inquest in England and Wales. The Practice Note explains the role of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and Police Scotland in investigating work related deaths, the Scottish Fatalities Investigations Unit, what is meant by a ‘reportable death’, mandatory and discretionary fatal accident inquiries, the main features of an FAI, the scope and limitations of an FAI and practical considerations for practitioners representing clients at FAIs.