How major does the accident have to be?
Recording and reporting work related accidents are a legal requirement. Reports made under the Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrence Regulation provides the authorities with information about deaths, injuries, occupational ill-health and dangerous incidents so that they can identify where and how risks arise and whether they need to be investigated. The information also allows the authorities to target their activities and provide advice about avoiding common hazards.
Deaths and injuries to people at work only have to be reported if they are the result of an accident which arises out of or in connection with work. In deciding whether the accident arose out of or in connection with work the key issues to consider are whether the incident was because of
• The way the work was carried out;
• Machinery plant substances or equipment used for work; and
• The condition of the site or premises where the accident happened.
If any of these factors are connected to the cause of an accident it will need to be reported to the enforcing authority. Where none of these factors apply the incident is not likely to be reportable.
Fatalities
Fatalities must be reported when they are the result of;
• An occupational injury to worker
• A work related accident to any person
• An act of physical violence to a worker.
3 day injuries
Over 3 day injuries must be reported when an accident at work results in an employee being unable to carry out their normal work for more than 3 days (not including the day of the accident but including weekends and rest days).. If the injured person returns to work before 3 days have elapsed but perform alternative light work, because they can’t do the work they normally carry out, the accident is reportable.
Injuries to people not at work
Injuries to members of the public or any other person not at work are reportable if the injury is caused by or happens as a result of a work activity and they are taken to hospital for treatment.
The regulations also require that certain specified dangerous occurrences that do not result in a personal injury and specified cases of occupational disease or ill-health are reported to the authorities.
Further information on these requirements, including the procedures and arrangements for reporting them, are available to Peninsula’s health and safety clients as part of their health and safety systems. The Health and Safety Advisers on our 24 Hour Advice Line are also available to them and will advise on individual cases of concern or doubt, please call them on 01 855 50 50.
