14. Accident and Incident Reporting, Recording and Investigation 14.1 Reporting of Non Serious Accidents and Near Misses The Health & Safety in Employment Act defines an ‘accident’ as an event that: a) Causes any person to be harmed; or b) In different circumstances, might have caused any person to be harmed. The second part of this definition means that what are sometimes referred to as ‘near misses’ are covered. The term’s most important use is in relation to the recording and reporting of accidents. Minor Accident – that requires simple first aid, self-applied or with some assistance from another person because of the location of the injury, not necessarily a first-aider. Major Accident – one which requires further medical treatment and time off work or on light duties but does not require being reported to the Department of Labour. Accident causing Serious Harm – within the definitions of the Act i.e. permanent loss of bodily function or temporary severe loss of bodily function – requiring reporting to the Department of Labour. Employers and employees are required to record all accidents, illnesses or near misses accurately and in a timely fashion. This includes any incidents involving contractors or visitors. Although all incidents should be recorded, the extent to which they are recorded, investigated and reported on will depend on the actual or potential impact of the incident. NOTE: All accidents caused by ‘significant’ hazards will be investigated immediately and monitored to minimise any further risk. It is the responsibility of the Operations Manager to ensure the following procedures are undertaken:

• All accidents and potential accidents, no matter how minor, must be recorded and reported to the Assistant Operations Manager.

• Where an accident is caused by a hazard which is not in the hazard register, a Hazard Id form must be filled in and given to the Assistant Operations Manager.

Near Misses To ensure that all potential accidents are identified and dealt with in the most efficient manner, and that Management is aware of the specific hazards in each area, all potential accidents are to be reported to the Assistant Operations Manager within 24 hours. 14.2 Reporting and Management of Serious Accidents Serious Harm

Serious harm is described as a condition that amounts to or results in permanent loss of bodily functions, or a temporary severe loss of bodily functions, caused by work practices. Any of the following conditions are classed as serious harm immediately:

• llness caused by exposure to chemicals either by absorption, inhalation or ingestion of any substance

• Vision impairment eg: chemical or hot metal burn, penetrating wound • Broken or fractured bones • Severe lacerations requiring hospitalization • Amputation of body part • Burns requiring medical treatment

The following are illnesses caused through gradual process and are also defined as Serious Harm, which after a Doctors assessment must be reported to the Department of Labour, if work related, within the time frames stated above:

• Respiratory disease • Noise induced hearing loss • Neurological disease eg: stress, mental breakdown • Cancer eg: skin • Dermatological disease eg: rashes • Communicable disease eg: hepatitis A, B, C and HIV • Musculoskeletal disease eg: OOS

NOTE: In the event of a Serious Harm Accident, the site must not be touched unless it is to prevent loss of life or if there is further danger. The site must be isolated and not re-entered until advised by the Department of Labour Inspector. Immediate Reporting of Serious Harm It is the responsibility of the Assistant Operations Manager to report all serious injuries/accidents to the Operations Manager as soon as possible after the accident occurs. The Operations Manager must then inform the General Manager, within 8 hours of the incident occurring. The Health and Safety Manager must be notified immediately so that she can report the accident to the Department of Labour and begin an investigation. Reporting and Management of Serious Harm Accidents The Assistant Operations Manager must ensure that the following information is collected as soon as possible after the event:

• The date, time and location of the accident. • The names of all the people involved (including occupations and experience). • The materials and equipment involved. • The type and severity of the injury, how serious the injury could have been and the

likelihood of it happening again.

• Physical evidence such as equipment and materials being used, safety equipment, guards, and environmental conditions.

• Statements obtained from any witnesses, preferably at the scene of the accident, ensuring greater understanding of the chain of events.

• All relevant background information, eg. maintenance reports, training reports. • Information about any underlying causes and whether the accident arose or was

caused by a hazard or not

• Information on the treatment the victim has received to date, eg. First Aid administration on route to Hospital

Formal Reporting of Serious Harm Accidents

• The Health and Safety Manager will contact the Department of Labour, no matter what time of the day, as soon as possible after the occurrence.

• The Health and Safety Manager will carry out an investigation into the accident with the assistance of key staff.

• Once the health and Safety Manager has completed the initial investigation of the accident they must fill in a ‘Department of Labour Notice or Record of Accident/Serious Harm’ form. The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for signing this form and forwarding it to the Department of Labour within 24 hours of the accident occurring.

• The Health and Safety Manager will ensure that a completed investigation report is forwarded to the Department of Labour within 7 days of the accident occurring.

Management of Serious Harm Accidents The Assistant Operations Manager or designate must ensure that the accident site is undisturbed until cleared by the Department of Labour. The preliminary investigation into the cause of the accident must begin immediately. The hazard must be isolated until the appropriate corrective action is undertaken. The Assistant Operations Manager is to ensure that the hazard is registered (Hazard Identification Form), that all applicable procedures are reviewed, management of the hazard is reviewed/assessed and any changes implemented immediately with the affected staff. All existing hazards and their management identified during the investigation must be reviewed and any corrective action taken as soon as practicably possible. All amendments will be entered into the hazard register. All new hazards will be identified, eliminated, isolated or an effective method of management determined in conjunction with affected staff. All new hazards will be entered into the hazard register.

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INCIDENT / ACCIDENT FLOW CHART