Kelly Griffiths, senior environmental health officer at Exova, who specialises in health and safety and food safety, provides practical advice and training to some of the leading businesses in UK industry.
She has outlined the top 10 tips for SMEs on what to do in the event of an accident to prevent re-occurrence and to ensure they are best prepared if they need to defend themselves against legal action.
1. If an accident occurs first of all you must think about first aid provision and making the area safe. Remove any risks and ensure staff or members of the public are not exposed to danger2. Complete an incident report or accident investigation form including the details of the injured person and any first aid treatment. Include as much detail as possible. It is very difficult to defend a company where there is limited information and can lead to a settlement between the company and the claimant 3. Carry out an accident investigation, even for minor injuries or near misses 4. Establish the facts and gather as much evidence as possible 5. Interview staff to find out exactly what happened 6. Look at CCTV and save a copy on disc 7. Ask any witnesses to record what they saw or did (witness statements must always be signed and dated)8. Take photographs or make a sketch of the area where possible 9. Identify the cause of the accident10. Take action to prevent re-occurrence and record your actions 
Also, Kelly reminds businesses of the RIDDOR requirements - Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 - and to report any reportable accidents as soon as possible. After any accident it may be necessary to review training requirements and operating procedures, this may help prevent similar accidents in the future. 
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 152 workers were killed at work in the UK in the past year and 121,430 other injuries to employees were reported under RIDDOR, a rate of 473 per 100,000 employees. Further to this, 78,744 claims were made against employers' liability.
Kelly said: "It is essential to carry out these measures as a minimum to avoid further accidents, financial loss and maintain business credibility. Even if the company is not at fault, witness statements and CCTV can help prove the company is not liable.
"It is important to get as much information as possible as members of the public and employees can claim up to three years later so it is crucial that a thorough accident investigation is carried out at the time of the incident and is recorded to show exactly what happened."   
The Exova health and safety advisory team is made up of ex-enforcement officers with significant private sector experience. It works with businesses to advise on health and safety policy, providing legal advice and conducting accident investigations for businesses across the world.   

 

 

Kelly Griffiths, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Exova