Gosport Borough Council - Accident Investigation (including Dangerous Occurrences)

INTRODUCTION

Accidents and dangerous occurrences can have significant cost implications for a business. The investigation of accidents, dangerous occurrences or other similar incidents should be seen as a means to make continual improvements to safety performance. The protection of employees and others as part of an effective health and safety management system can produce identifiable financial benefits for enterprises of all sizes. Other reasons for investigating such incidents are to -

ensure compliance with health and safety legislation
enable preventative actions to be taken quickly
assist in monitoring safety policy implementation and development
provide information to other interested parties (e.g.insurance companies, safety representatives etc.)

INVESTIGATING INCIDENTS

An investigation should seek to establish the sequence of events and identify the causes that led to the incident. This should lead to prompt action being take to prevent incidents of a similar nature. Relevant information should be obtained quickly by the investigator(s) in a format (manual or computerised) that helps the business meet its legal responsibilities and safety objectives effectively. Certain incidents will need to be reported to the appropriate enforcing authority. However, for the purposes of incident investigation, further information might be required. Suggested headings are given on the following page.

Investigation may involve all or any of the following -

Interviews - injured person(s); witnesses; safety reps; employer or occupier of premises where the incident occurred; supplier; contractor.
Inspection - incident site; documentation; equipment; inspection reports.
Report writing - report prepared using the above information following a 'systems' approach (people, equipment, material and environment). Causes should be determined and actions specified to prevent any recurrence.
Risk management or loss reduction procedures may also mean that the cost of incidents might be required.

Talking leaflets

These files are provided in mp3 format,

Health & safety law: What you should know

Incident Investigation

Type of Incident	Reportable Injury	Dangerous Occurrence	Reportable Disease	Other (e.g.Near Miss)
Confirmation of report to enforcing authority	F2508	F2508	F2508A	NotApplicable

Location: ..............................................................................

Date: ................................................... Time: ......................

Injured Person's Details:

Name/Home Address/Phone Number/Age/Sex/Job
Title/Employment Location and Status/ Nature of Injury/Brief
Circumstances of What Happened

Other Persons Interviewed

Name/Home Address/Phone Number/Job Title/Employment
Location and Status/Details or Statement obtained.

Causes of Incident

Action to Prevent Recurrence

Action required	Person Responsible	Target Completion Date	Actual Completion Date

Investigator

Name: ................................ Job Title: ..................................

Contact Details:.................... Date Investigation Completed:....

CHECKLIST - ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION (incl. DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES)

1	Do you have a (written) system for investigating incidents (accidents, dangerous occurrences etc.)?	YES/NO
2	Are relevant personnel instructed or trained in the investigation of incidents?	YES/NO
3	Do investigators have access to an 'Investigation Kit' to aid investigations (e.g. camera, tape measure, forms etc.)?	YES/NO
4	Do you link incident investigation to remedial work action plans?	YES/NO
5	Do you know how much such incidents cost your business/sector of industry?	YES/NO
6	Do you monitor, and aim to reduce, losses arising from accidents and dangerous occurrences?	YES/NO
7	Do you encourage 'near miss' reporting?	YES/NO

N.B. Some of the above questions may be more relevant to larger business.

REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS

Publications
1. The cost of accidents at work (HS(G)96)

2. Successful health and safety management (HS(G)65)

3. Health Risk Management: a practical guide for managers in small and medium- sized enterprises (HS(G)137
4. Managing Health and Safety 5 steps to success indg 275
5. You can do it. The what, why and how of improving health and safety at work.- 'a self help guide' (HSE) ISBN 07176 0726 7
6. HSE Books:

7. HSE website accidents:

8. The real costs of accidents at work indg 355

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB.

Accident Investigation (including Dangerous Occurrences)

Talking leaflets

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB.

Alternatively e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.ukany time