Accident Investigation & Reporting

What does RIDDOR stand for?

• ARegulatory Information on Dangerous Diseases and Occupational Reporting
• BReporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013✓
• CRisk Identification and Direction of Dangerous Operations Regulation
• DRegulatory Inspection and Documentation of Dangerous Occurrences Record

Answer: RIDDOR 2013 is the legislation that requires reporting of certain injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the HSE within specified timeframes.

When must a notifiable accident be reported to the HSE?

• AWithin 30 days
• BWithin 10 calendar days✓
• CAt the next HSE inspection
• DIt's optional to report

Answer: RIDDOR requires notification to the HSE within 10 calendar days of a notifiable accident or occupational disease. Death or serious injury can be reported by phone immediately.

What is the purpose of conducting an accident investigation?

• ATo apportion blame to individuals
• BTo satisfy insurance requirements only
• CTo identify root causes and prevent recurrence✓
• DTo minimize costs

Answer: Accident investigation focuses on identifying root causes and system failures, not blaming individuals. The goal is to prevent similar incidents in the future.

What is a 'root cause' in accident investigation?

• AThe immediate cause that directly caused the injury
• BThe underlying cause that, if removed, would prevent the incident✓
• CA cause that occurs only once
• DAny contributing factor mentioned by the worker

Answer: Root cause is the underlying factor that, if eliminated, would prevent the accident. For example, the root cause of a fall from a ladder might be inadequate training, not just a slippery rung.

Who should be involved in an accident investigation?

• AOnly the injured person
• BOnly management
• CThe supervisor, relevant workers, competent person, and management✓
• DOnly the HSE

Answer: Effective investigations involve multiple perspectives: the supervisor (context), injured worker (what happened), colleagues (contributing factors), and competent persons (technical aspects).

What is a near miss?

• AAn incident that almost resulted in injury but didn't✓
• BA minor injury
• CA hazard that hasn't been controlled yet
• DAn injury to a visitor

Answer: A near miss is an incident that had the potential to cause injury but did not. Near misses indicate control failures and should be investigated to prevent actual injuries.

Why should near misses be investigated and reported?

• ABecause they often precede serious incidents
• BTo understand system failures before someone is injured
• CBoth A and B✓
• DNear misses don't need investigation

Answer: Near misses reveal hazards and control failures. Investigating them provides opportunities to strengthen safety measures before an actual injury occurs.

What information should be collected immediately after an accident?

• AOnly the worker's story
• BOnly photographs of the scene
• CWitness statements, scene details, environmental factors, equipment, and photographs✓
• DOnly the cost of damage

Answer: Immediate evidence collection is critical: witness accounts (while fresh), scene conditions, equipment involved, weather/lighting factors, and photographs before the scene is disturbed.

How should corrective actions from an accident investigation be prioritized?

• ABy cost alone
• BBy potential to prevent recurrence and severity of risk✓
• CRandomly
• DThey shouldn't be prioritized

Answer: Corrective actions should be prioritized by risk - actions preventing serious harm take precedence. The hierarchy of controls should guide which measures are most effective.

What is a notifiable occupational disease?

• AOnly colds and flu
• BDiseases such as asbestosis, dermatitis, and hand-arm vibration syndrome linked to work✓
• CAny illness a worker develops
• DDiseases contracted outside of work

Answer: RIDDOR requires reporting of occupational diseases when confirmed, including asbestos-related conditions, silicosis, dermatitis, and work-related upper limb disorders.

When should accident investigation records be retained?

• AOnly for the current year
• BFor 3 years minimum (or longer if ongoing)✓
• CFor 6 months
• DRecords are not required

Answer: Accident investigation records should be kept for at least 3 years. Longer retention may be needed for serious injuries or ongoing claims.

What is an 'over 7-day injury' in RIDDOR terms?

• AAn injury that takes more than 7 weeks to heal
• BAn injury preventing the worker from doing their job for more than 7 calendar days✓
• CAn injury occurring after 7 days of work
• DAn injury requiring surgery within 7 days

Answer: An over 7-day injury is notifiable under RIDDOR if it causes the injured person to be incapable of working for more than 7 consecutive calendar days (including weekends).