Regulations on reporting workplace accidents
Local businesses are being reminded of their legal
responsibilities relating to the reporting of workplace
accidents.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council's environmental health
(commercial) team say reporting accidents and ill health at work
enables local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
to identify where and how risks arise, and to investigate serious
accidents. They can then help firms and provide advice.
Statutory regulations place a legal duty on employers,
self-employed people and people in control of premises to report
work-related deaths, major injuries or 'over-three-day injuries,'
injuries to the public or people not at work where they are taken
from the scene of an accident to hospital, work related diseases,
and dangerous occurrences (near miss accidents).
The easiest way is by calling the Incident Contact Centre (ICC)
on 0845 300 99 23 (local rate). A copy of the information recorded
will be sent, and employers will be able to correct any errors or
omissions.
The time limits for reporting accidents vary, depending on their
severity, but as a guide:
• where the accident has resulted in someone's death or a major
injury, the local authority/HSE need to be notified
immediately;
• 'over three-day' injuries within 10 days;
• a work-related disease as soon as possible after a doctor's
diagnosis, and
• dangerous occurrences immediately
Anyone requiring further information can contact the commercial
team on 01446 709105 or email RegServ@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
13/05/2008