Accident Reporting Procedures

Dr Adewale Abimbola, FHEA, GMICE

www.edulibrary.co.uk

Aim & Objectives

Aim:

• Accident reporting procedures

Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

• Define accident-related terminologies in construction operations.
• Discuss accident reporting procedures.

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Introduction - Terminology��

• Accident:
• An occurrence resulting in injury or ill health.
• Events leading to physical harm or adverse health effects.
• Near Miss:
• An incident lacking harm but possessing potential for injury or ill health.
• Indicates a close call that could have resulted in harm.
• Minor Injuries:
• Non-life-threatening injuries.
• Examples: bruises, abrasions, sprains, muscle strains, splinters.
• Major Injuries:
• Injuries with life-threatening potential, causing long-term disability or death.
• Poses significant health risks.
• Ill Health:
•  Health conditions impacting well-being.
• Examples: stress, depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal disorders, etc.

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Introduction - Terminology��

• Fatal/Major Injuries in Construction:
• Sources:
• Falls from height.
• Struck by moving/flying/falling objects/machinery/moving vehicles.
• Being trapped by an object, etc.
• Minor/Non-Fatal Injuries in Construction:
• Sources:
• Injury while lifting/carrying objects.
• Slips, trips, or falls on the same level.
• Struck by moving/flying/falling objects/machinery/moving vehicles, etc.

• Reporting Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013:
• Legislation:
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
• Requirements:
• Mandates employers to report and maintain accurate records of work-related accidents.
• Covers reportable injuries, occupational diseases, and certain dangerous occurrences.

Introduction - Terminology��

• Work-Related Accidents (RIDDOR):
• Reporting Criteria:
• According to RIDDOR, report accidents only if they occur 'out of or in connection with work.'
• Onsite accidents do not automatically qualify as work-related; three criteria must be met:
1. Accidents due to the way the construction/work was done.
2. Accidents involving plants, equipment, and substances used at work.
3. Accidents resulting from the condition of the construction site.

Introduction - Terminology��

• Reportable injuries: According to RIDDOR, you only report injuries that are work-related such as;
• Injuries resulting to death.
• Specified injuries to workers.
• Injuries that incapacitated the worker for more than 7 days.
• Injuries to non-workers that lead them to being directly taken to hospital for treatment.
• Specified injuries to non-workers which happen on hospital grounds.

Introduction - Terminology��

• Occupational Disease Reporting (RIDDOR):
• Mandate:
• Employers are required to report specific diseases associated with work-related exposures to specified hazards.
• Criteria:
• Diseases should have a known connection to work-related contacts.
• Dangerous Occurrences Reporting (RIDDOR):
• Mandate:
• Employers are obligated to report dangerous occurrences listed in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.

Self-assessment Task

1. What does the RIDDOR acronym represent?
2. TRUE OR FALSE: All accidents need to be reported?
3. List any three kinds of work-related accidents that need to be reported?
4. What are the main types of reportable injury?
5. List at least four examples of specified injuries?
6. What are some circumstances in construction related activities where deaths and injuries do not need to be reported?

Accident Procedures

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Accident Reporting and Internal Protocols:

• Supervisor Notification:
• Accidents reported to the supervisor/line manager.
• Supervisor legally obligated to document all accident details in an accident book under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979.
• Internal Reporting Protocols:
• Adherence to internal accident reporting protocols is mandatory.
• This may involve notifying the company's health and safety officer about the incident.
• Internal Accident Report:
• An internal report assesses the accident and its causes.
• Recommendations are made to implement future systems/procedures preventing reoccurrence and minimizing future risks.
• Near Misses Review:
• Good practice involves reviewing near misses.
• Reviewing work methods and introducing control measures to prevent reoccurrence.

Accident Procedures��

• Post-Accident Procedures:
• Emergency Response:
• Call for emergency services and request assistance.
• Trained/certified first aider provides initial first aid to the injured person.
• Rescue Operations:
• If approaching the casualty is unsafe, rescue crews should be available for assistance.
• Preservation of Accident Scene:
• Preserve the accident scene if feasible.
• Notification:
• Immediately inform the direct supervisor of the injured person.
• If the accident is fatal or RIDDOR reportable, notify the HSE by phone.
• Investigation:
• Conduct a thorough accident investigation.

HSE Accident Investigation Process

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• Initiation:
• HSE initiates an investigation upon RIDDOR report.
• Aims to prevent recurrence and fulfil legal obligations.
• Steps:
• Assess the need for an investigation.
• Inform the employer.
• Conduct on-site visits.
• Interview employees, including the injured worker.
• Gather accident information.
• Generate a comprehensive report.
• Outcome:
• Decide on enforcement measures.

Group-assessment Task

A painter is applying a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of a two-story residential building using a mobile tower scaffold. The paint bucket is hoisted up to the worker on the scaffold, and the tools are handed from the inside. While reaching for the last section of the wall, the painter steps back, accidentally falls through the open door of the access platform, and sustains a foot injury.

1. How should you approach this investigation?
2. Is reporting it under RIDDOR 2013 necessary?
3. To which enforcing authorities should the incident be reported, and what is the rationale behind reporting?
4. What preventive measures would you reassess to avoid a recurrence of this incident in the future?

References/Bibliography

• Health and Safety Executive (2022) Key definitions. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/key-definitions.htm (Accessed: 06 March 2022)
• Legislation.gov.uk (2022) The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1471/contents/made (Accessed: 06 March 2022)
• Topliss, S., Hurst, M., Cummings, S. and Donyavi S.(2017) BTEC National Construction Student Book. Pearson.