Incident investigation, recording and reporting & RIDDOR

When investigating an incident it should be done by someone who holds sufficient status and knowledge to make recommendations that will be listened to.

When carrying out an investigation there are four elements that you should follow

1. Collect facts about what has occurred
2. Assemble and analyse the information obtained
3. Compare the information with acceptable industry and company standards and legal requirements to draw conclusions
4. Implement the findings and monitor progress

There are two main areas to look at when carrying out your investigation

Immediate Cause

These are factors such as:

Personal Factors

• behaviour of people involved
• suitability of people doing the work
  
• training and competence

Task Factors

• workplace conditiosn and precautions or controls
• actual method of work adopted at the time
• ergonomic factors
• normal working practice

Underlying Causes

• previous similar incidents
• supervision
  
• the control and co-ordination of the work
• quality of the health and safety policy and procedures
  
• the adequacy and quality of communications and information
• deficiencies in monitoring and measurement of work activities
  
• quality and frequency of reviews and audits
  

Investigation Form

These should contain the following information

• Date and location of accident
  
• Circumstances of accident
  
• Immediate cause of accident
• Underlying cause of accident
  
• Immediate action taken
• Recommendation for improvement
• Report circulation list
  
• Date of investigation
• Signature

For follow up

• Were the recommendations implemented?
  
• Were the recommendations effective?

Accident Book

Organisations should keep an accident book detailing what, when, where and the name and address of both parties, (reporting & injured). In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, details should be taken out of the book and stored in a secure place.

RIDDOR

RIDDOR requires employers, self employed and those in control of premises to report accidents that fall into the categories below:

• an employee or self employed person working on the premise is killed or suffers a major injury
• a member of the public is killed or taken to hospital
  
• should an employee working on the premises and suffers an injury that causes them to have a 3 or more da
• absence from work
• Disease
• Dangerous Occurrence

Reports should be made within 10 days and can now be done online at www.riddor.gov.uk