Accidents & investigations
December 1st 2005

Health & Safety training remains a key area where companies need to invest in the correct procedures and in training their staff in order to minimise the risks of employer liability and negligence. Here, Terry Martin takes us 'back to basics' answering some simple questions and raising some interesting issues.

What constitutes an accident in Health & Safety terms?

An accident is an occurrence which has resulted in injury, harm or damage to a person, building, machine or environment.

What constitutes an investigation?

An investigation is an examination of the facts leading up to, during and after an incident or accident.

Why is it important that accidents are recorded?

It is important that measures are taken to minimise the likelihood of an accident recurring, therefore they must be recorded in order to enable investigation to take place and corrective action implemented where appropriate.

What is the correct procedure for reporting accidents?

There is a need for all accidents to be reported, no matter how small. Correct procedures depend on the organisation - accidents which result in three days or more absence from normal duties need to be reported under RIDDOR regulations to the Health & Safety Executive within 10 days.

The way to record this is on form F2508, which can be downloaded from the HSE website (http://www.hse.gov.uk).

A copy of the completed form must be sent to the Health & Safety Executive, one should be given to the person involved in the accident and one should be retained by the company.

What steps can businesses take generally to prevent accidents?

The management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999 requires all companies to carry out risk assessments on any activity with the potential to cause harm. Depending on the level of harm determined, this should result in workplace precautions being implemented to minimise risks to the lowest level.

Companies need to implement training programmes to ensure that their workforce is kept up to date with any changes or variation in procedures or legislation.

They also need to carefully monitor the workplace and work activities to produce safe systems of work, which is why so many businesses now have an external or internal health & safety specialist.

Businesses must also follow the correct guidelines laid down by manufacturers, particularly regarding chemicals, storage, handling and transportation.

What can employees do to protect themselves?

Employees are charged with looking after themselves and others in close proximity. They must follow instructions from employers, comply with safe systems of work, use machinery for the purpose it has been designed and conduct themselves in a responsible and appropriate manner.

Who causes accidents?

Anyone is capable of causing an accident. People who influence this greatly are those who act inappropriately, those who are foolhardy and especially those who use machinery in a manner in which it is not meant to be used. This often involves people who modify machinery to suit themselves - for example by removing a safety guard or security device. Another common cause of accidents is staff who work longer hours than they should, who then become tired and therefore less careful.

Working at height, is a major factor that contributes to accidents, but the most common cause of accidents is poor housekeeping. Thirty three per cent of all accidents are classed as slips, trips or falls, where employees move around the workplace in an inappropriate manner. This startling statistic brings home how carelessness needs to be addressed in the workplace to minimise the risks and instill in employees a sense of responsibility for keeping shared areas tidy.

What are the current issues in Health & Safety?

Environmental issues are very topical, for example, it has been estimated that there is only 10 years left of dumping rubbish in landfill if we carry on at the current rate. Also the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) is being addressed by many businesses with a view to minimising risks and meeting legislative requirements.

Many health & safety specialists are being re-trained in environmental issues to cater for demand from businesses who are being forced to meet recent Government guidelines.

All the signs suggest that environmental issues will continue to grow in importance over the coming months.