Health and Safety - Accident Reporting
Employers have a duty to report certain health and safety incidents and accidents to their Local Authority.
Each year, we receive numerous reports from employers relating to accidents, dangerous occurrences or occupational diseases, resulting from work activities.
The types of incidents and accidents which need to be reported are defined in law. For further information see the Health & Safety Executive - RIDDOR website (opens new window)
Once we have been notified about an accident, we will make an assessment to find out if further investigation is appropriate. This will depend upon for example, the seriousness of the incident and how easily it could have been avoided. We may make contact with the injured person or visit the workplace. Where appropriate we may wish to take witness statements, view documents or take photographs.
The purpose of an accident investigation is to:
- establish the cause
- identify the steps an employer could be taking to minimise the possibility of reoccurrence
When we consider we have sufficient information from all relevant parties we will make an assessment as to the most appropriate course of action having regard to our Environmental Health Services Enforcement Policy. Which can be read about on our About Environmental Heath Page.
We will respond within 3 working days for most incidents/accidents. We will respond to major accidents/fatalities within 1 working day.
You can now report an accident or request an inspection, see Online Form: Notify us of a Health and Safety at work - Investigation / Accident.