TABLE OF CONTENTS This chapter is concerned with the recording of incidents and accidents at work; their investigation; the legal reporting requirements; and simple analysis of incidents to help managers benefit from the investigation and recording process.
Incidents and accidents rarely result from a single cause and many turn out to be complex. Most incidents involve multiple, interrelated causal factors. They can occur whenever significant deficiencies, oversights, errors, omissions or unexpected changes occur. Any one of these can be the precursor of an accident or incident. There is a value on collecting data on all incidents and potential losses as it helps to prevent more serious events. (See Chapter 5 for accident ratios and definitions.)
Incidents and accidents, whether they cause damage to property or more seriously injury and/or ill-health to people, should be properly and thoroughly investigated to allow an organization to take the appropriate action to prevent a recurrence. Good investigation is a key element to making improvements in health and safety performance.
Incident investigation is considered to be part of a reactive monitoring system because it is triggered after an event.
The range of events includes:
injuries and ill-health, including sickness absence
damage to property, personal effects, work in progress, etc.
incidents which have the potential to cause injury, ill-health or damage.
Each type of event gives the opportunity to:
check performance
identify underlying deficiencies in management systems and procedures
learn from mistakes and add to the corporate memory
reinforce...
