Accidents and Ill Health

Incidents still happen despite good controls.^[5] What follows should be calm, prompt and documented. First aid stabilises,^[2] investigation learns,^[5] and statutory reports are made where required.^[3]

First aid and immediate actions

A first-aid needs assessment guides kit and cover.^[1] Naming first aiders and displaying how to contact them supports quick response.^[1] For eye exposures, sterile saline or eye wash should be accessible and in date.^[2] For chemical incidents, COSHH sheet guidance applies.^[6]

Recording facts in the accident book is essential.^[4]

Time, place, people, what happened, immediate treatment, and any equipment involved should be noted. Photos can help when safe to take.^[5]

• When to report under RIDDOR: specified injuries (such as fractures excluding fingers/toes), over-seven-day incapacitation, certain dangerous occurrences (e.g., electrical fires), and work-related diseases when diagnosed by a doctor. Use the correct online forms and timescales.^[3]

Investigating to learn

Proportionate investigations focus on what controls failed or were missing, not who is to blame.^[5] Considering environment, equipment, people, and procedures keeps learning balanced.^[5] Capturing corrective actions with owners and dates, then checking completion, closes the loop.^[5]

Sharing learning in huddles or briefings helps.^[5] Checklists or layouts may need adjustment, and risk assessments and training should be updated where controls change.^[5]

Recording and privacy

Records should be stored securely and personal data kept to what is needed.^[7] HR health files are separate from safety reports.^[8] If patient care was affected, a neutral note in the clinical system about changes to appointments or advice given is appropriate, without unnecessary detail.^[8]

Trend-tracking is valuable. Rising slips, recurring equipment faults, or frequent minor chemical splashes often point to controls that need redesign, not reminders alone.^[5][6]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. First aid needs assessment — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
2. First aid - Frequently asked questions — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
3. RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Accident Book — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Investigating accidents and incidents (HSG245) — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
6. COSHH Essentials: Harm via skin/eye contact — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
7. Transparency in health and social care — Information Commissioner's Office Find (opens in a new tab)
8. Records management: code of practice for health and social care — Department of Health and Social Care / NHS Find (opens in a new tab)