Health and safety at work - Accidents and investigations

Employers have a duty to report certain dangerous occurrences and accidents at work to the Local Authority who will investigate any incidents. The outcome of these enquiries usually involves the giving of advice to the employer. If a blatant breach of requirements is identified as the main reason for an accident happening, then formal action will be taken.

Officers of the Enviromental Health Unit will investigate certain accidents or near misses reported to them depending on the circumstances of each case.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations 1995 requires employers to notify accidents and other occurences to the enforcing authority. Depending on what has happened reporting might have to be by the quickest means possible e.g. by telepphone or by submission of a report to the RIDDOR website. Failure to notify is an offence. Employers are also required to keep a record of incidents in an “accident book” retained on site and available for examination by Inspectors.

For further Information relating to health and safety contact:

Environmental Health and Enforcement Unit

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council

Council Offices

Wallace Green

Berwick-upon-Tweed

TD15 1ED

Tel (01289) 301734

The website of the Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk contains comprehensive information including guidance notes and links to the site where accidents can be reported electronically.