Accident Reporting and Investigation

General Information
An accident can be described as any unplanned event that results in injury, ill health or damage to or loss of equipment or materials.

There are three pieces of legislation covering the reporting and investigation of accidents:
• Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979
Under these regulations an Accident Book must be kept by employers who normally employ more than 10 people or who run premises covered by the Factories Act 1961. This book is for employees to record the details of any accident that caused them personal injury.

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 95)
Incidents (which include accidents and near misses) that must be reported to the appropriate enforcing authority (local authority or HSE) are those that result in:
• Fatalities (to anybody)
• A major injury (to employees)
• A person not at work (e.g. e member of the public) being taken immediately from the scene of the accident to hospital for treatment.
• Employees having more than three days off work as a result of the accident.
• Employees contracting certain diseases.
• A specified dangerous occurrence.

• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
This requires the provision of appropriate first aid equipment and facilities for employees who may suffer an injury or become ill at work. The extent of the provision is dependant on such factors as the hazards and risks, the number of employees and the location of the workplace.

What to do in the event of an accident in your workplace:-

Minor injury
 Administer First Aid if required
 Inform Supervisor/Manager
 Enter the details in the Accident Book
 Investigate the accident
 If injury results in 'over 3 days off work' notify Contact Centre (details below)

Specified Major injury (see list below)
 Administer First Aid and/or contact the Emergency Services. (Consider preserving the scene of the accident)
 Inform Supervisor/Manager
 Enter the details in the Accident Book
 Notify the enforcing authority or Contact Centre immediately
 Investigate the accident

Fatality
 Contact Emergency Services as necessary
 Preserve the scene of the accident
 Inform Manager
 Enter the details into the Accident Book
 Notify the enforcing authority or Contact Centre immediately
 Investigate the accident

Specified major injuries
 Fracture of any bone, other than those in the fingers, thumbs or toes
 Any amputation
 Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine
 Loss of sight (even if only temporary)
 A penetrating injury or chemical burn to an eye
 Injury resulting from an electric shock leading to unconsciousness
 Any other injury that results in unconsciousness requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
 There are others but not so likely in this type of business.

Why investigate an accident
 Introduction of new safeguards
 Evidence of liability (you may need this in the event of prosecution)
 Identify training needs
 Fulfil legal obligations
 Prevent reoccurrence

Contact Centre: 0845 300 9923

Note: If you require more information or assistance in investigating serious accidents contact sandra Giddy, Health and Safety Adviser on 01738 637785.