Accident Investigation and RIDDOR Flashcards

A worker develops an upper limb disorder (ULD) as a result of repetitive work. Under RIDDOR, this is reportable when:

Answer: A doctor diagnoses the condition as work-related and the work involves the relevant causative activity listed in RIDDOR Schedule 3

A work-related ULD becomes RIDDOR reportable when: (a) a doctor diagnoses it as an occupational disease, and (b) the worker's current job involves the activity listed in RIDDOR Schedule 3 as causative. The employer must then report it to the HSE.

The 'Swiss cheese model' of accident causation illustrates that:

Answer: Multiple layers of defence each have gaps (holes); an accident occurs only when multiple holes align simultaneously, allowing a hazard to pass through all layers of defence

The Swiss cheese model (James Reason) shows that each defensive layer (training, supervision, engineering controls, PPE) has gaps. An accident requires the holes in multiple layers to align simultaneously, allowing the hazard to reach the person. Good safety management adds more layers and reduces the size of the holes.

How should a site manager communicate the findings of an accident investigation to the workforce?

Answer: Findings and lessons learned should be communicated to the workforce (and potentially to the wider industry) in a clear, blame-free way — toolbox talks are an effective method — so that everyone can learn from the incident

Learning from accidents requires sharing findings with the workforce in a blame-free, constructive way. Toolbox talks, briefings, or safety bulletins reach workers at all levels and allow questions and discussion. Sharing with the wider industry (via trade bodies) amplifies the learning.

A near-miss investigation on a construction site reveals that the same hazard has caused three near-misses in the past month. What does this indicate?

Answer: The existing controls for this hazard are insufficient and there is a high probability of a serious injury if immediate corrective action is not taken

Multiple near-misses involving the same hazard are a strong signal that existing controls are failing. Statistically, the more near-misses that occur, the higher the probability of a serious injury. Immediate review and enhancement of controls is required — not just awareness training.

Under RIDDOR 2013, 'over-7-day' injuries are reported online using which system?

Answer: Online via the RIDDOR reporting portal on the HSE website, or by phone via the Incident Contact Centre for fatal and specified injuries

RIDDOR reports are submitted online via the HSE RIDDOR portal at riddor.hse.gov.uk. Fatal accidents and specified injuries can also be reported by phone to the Incident Contact Centre. Over-7-day injuries must be reported online within 15 days.

A site safety manager reviews RIDDOR data for the past year and notes an increase in struck-by incidents involving plant. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Investigate the root causes of the struck-by incidents, review and improve the segregation of pedestrians and plant on site, and implement enhanced controls before another incident occurs

Trend analysis of RIDDOR data is a proactive management tool. An increasing rate of struck-by incidents indicates that existing controls for pedestrian and plant segregation are inadequate. Root cause investigation and enhanced controls — not just awareness reminders — are required.