The
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance on how to
investigate accidents and incidents, including near misses.
The
guide, which was prepared in consultation with industry, unions and health and
safety professional bodies, is intended as a first step in introducing
organisations to the benefits of carrying out investigations and the methods by
which accidents should be recorded and investigated.
It
is aimed primarily at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) where it is
often difficult to build up an expertise in investigating health and safety
issues. However, larger organisations may also find it helpful.
The
four steps featured in the guidance are:
•
Gathering information
•
Analysing of information
•
Identifying risk control measures
•
The action plan and its implementation.
Jonathan
Russell of the HSE’s enforcement policy branch, said: "To have one
accident is bad enough, but to have a further accident because lessons were not
learned is inexcusable.
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"The
HSE believes that the best people to make workplaces safer are the staff and
managers who work in them."
