Accident Investigation and RIDDOR Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'learning from incidents' bulletin issued after an accident investigation?

Answer: To share the lessons from the incident across the organisation and potentially the industry so that others can implement the same corrective actions and prevent similar incidents elsewhere

Learning bulletins (or safety alerts) share the lessons of an incident beyond the project where it occurred, allowing other sites and organisations to implement the same improvements. This multiplies the preventive value of the investigation.

A site manager is notified that a subcontractor's worker has been taken to hospital following a hand injury. The manager's first action should be:

Answer: Ensure first aid is being provided, preserve the scene, contact the worker's employer (the subcontractor) and their supervisor, assess whether RIDDOR reporting is required, and begin gathering information for an investigation

Immediate priorities: confirm first aid/medical treatment is in hand, preserve the scene, notify the subcontractor's management, assess the RIDDOR threshold (is it a specified injury or will it result in 7+ days' incapacitation?), and begin the investigation process.

What is 'human factors' in the context of accident investigation?

Answer: The study of how psychological, social, and organisational factors influence human behaviour and performance — and how these contribute to accidents. Examples include fatigue, complacency, communication failures, and pressure to cut corners

Human factors encompass the individual (physical and psychological capability, fatigue, motivation), the job (task demands, environment, procedures), and the organisation (leadership, culture, communication). Addressing human factors in investigation prevents recurrence at a deeper level than just technical fixes.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, can a worker be prosecuted for their own unsafe acts?

Answer: Yes — Section 7 of HSWA 1974 imposes duties on employees, and employees can be prosecuted and fined or imprisoned for breaches

Section 7 of the HSWA 1974 imposes duties on employees to take reasonable care and cooperate with their employer. Employees (including managers and directors) can be prosecuted under Section 7 and, if convicted, can face fines or imprisonment.

A worker suffers a fractured wrist during a fall on site. Is this a RIDDOR specified injury?

Answer: Yes — a fracture of any bone (other than a finger, thumb, or toe) is a specified injury under RIDDOR 2013 and must be reported to the HSE

Under RIDDOR 2013 Regulation 4, a fracture of any bone other than fingers, thumbs, or toes is a specified injury requiring reporting. A fractured wrist is a fracture of the radius, ulna, or carpal bones — all of which are specified injuries.

Following a serious incident on site, the HSE launches a formal investigation. The site manager must:

Answer: Cooperate fully with the investigation, provide access to records and witnesses, and not obstruct or interfere with the investigation process — obstruction is a criminal offence

Under the HSWA 1974, HSE inspectors have powers to enter premises, require information, take samples, and interview persons. Obstruction of an inspector is a criminal offence. Full cooperation, including access to records and witnesses, is required by law.