Accident Investigation Policy

Notification of Accidents/Incidents

Generally and historically this has referred to the reporting of accidents to employees and visitors in workplaces which are connected to work activities and the reporting of gas incidents [see para 3].

1     The Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 require the notification of the following events resulting from accidents or occurrences arising in connection with work activities.

• Fatalities
• Specified major injuries
• Injuries which resulted in absence from work for over 3 days
• Injuries to a person not at work who is taken to hospital for treatment directly form the premises
• Dangerous occurrences

2    In each of the above cases except for an 'over 3 day injury', notification must be made to the enforcing authority immediately by the fastest possible means and this must be followed by a formal report on Form F2508 within 10 days. Notification can also be received via FAX or from the Incident Contact Centre web site. (0845 300 9923)

3   In the case of an over 3 day injury to a person at work a written report must be sent to the enforcing authority on Form F2508 within 10 days or is obtained via the Incident Contact Centre.

4   There is a problem with under reporting of accidents by employers and accidents may also come to our attention in the following ways:

• From employees, members of the public, the police and the fire and rescue service
• Solicitors acting on behalf of an injured person
• By examining accident books and talking to employees when carrying out routine inspections of premises

5   Accident Notification via the Telephone

For notifications reported by telephone a copy of the F2508 is completed by the Receiving officer with full details of the accident.

6   Computer Records

For annual statistical returns to HELA the following information is entered onto computer files by an administrative assistant.

Accident Date

Type of accident

• Fatality
• Major injury
• Injury to person not at work
• Over 3 days injury
• Dangerous occurrence
• Disease

Type of premises

Type of person affected

Kind of accident

Whether investigated

7    Investigation of accidents

7.1   The policy adopted is that reportable accidents are investigated by Environmental Health Officers/Technical Officers/Enforcement Officer and the following types of accident are normally investigated:

• Deaths
• Major injuries
• Dangerous occurrences
• Over 3 day injuries where there have been a number of similar accidents at the premises
• Over 3 day injuries where the accident either:
  (i) had the potential for greater implications such as electrical incidents, confined space incidents, workplace transport incidents, structural collapses, falls from height over 2 meters etc.
  Or
  (ii) Where the incident links to a strategic theme in the authority strategic priority programme.
  Or
  (iii) Where the incident is likely to give rise to serious public concern, (that is the views of the public at large not just those of some individuals.)
  Or
  (iv) Where an incident is likely to have involved a serious breach of health and safety law ie., one which under the Enforcement Policy determine a notice or prosecution.
  
• Where members of the public are taken to hospital for treatment and the criteria referred to in (d) and (e) are applicable or the accident involved a child or other susceptible person.
  

Note: There are certain circumstances where an otherwise relevant incident will not be investigated.

• Where there are inadequate resources available at the time for whatever reason in which case the matter must be referred to the Principal Environmental Health Officer.
• Where investigation is very impractical eg. unavailability of witnesses or evidence or where disproportionate effort would be required to follow through the investigation.
• Where it is clear that there is no reasonably practical precautions available for risk reduction.

7.2   Many accident investigations are straight forward but investigations of major accidents will normally require the attendance of more than one officer. One officer, however, should have overall responsibility for the investigation to facilitate legal proceedings if these are required. In order to determine at an early stage whether it is appropriate to pursue an investigation it may be relevant to contact the injured party to confirm the facts of the report received. In some circumstances it may be appropriate to request a detailed report from the employer to aid a decision about whether to launch an enquiry.

7.3  The powers of inspectors specified in Section 20 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 may be required for such investigations. These include the taking of measurements, photographs, samples, taking possession and detention of articles and examination and copying of records.

7.4 The necessary equipment for these purposes eg., statement forms, prohibition notices, notices for taking possession and detaining, polythene sample bags, tape measures, hazard tape, camera, protective equipment should be collected and taken on the investigation.

2. Reporting of Occupational Disease/Condition

2.1 RIDDOR 1995 also provides for the reporting of certain specified occupational disease and other conditions when caused by specified work activities. The main provisions of RIDDOR apply to these cases of occupational disease and ill-health. Given the nature of the reports received the policy is that all reports are investigated.

3. Reporting Of Gas Incidents

3.1 RIDDOR 1995 also provide for the reporting of defective gas installation and fittings when occurring in local authority enforced workplaces subject to certain qualifying criteria (see HELA LAC No. 33/6). The provisions of RIDDOR also apply to these situations. Given the nature of the reports received the policy is that all such reports are investigated.