Accident Reporting and Investigation

(including near misses and verbal/physical assaults)

Although GCC strives to have safe workplaces, accidents do occur from time to time. It is important that information is gathered on these accidents and that they are thoroughly investigated so that remedial measures can be put in place to prevent a recurrence.

Report an incident or accident

Schools: Log on to SHE Enterprise [Opens in New Window]  (for assistance contact the Children and Young People Programme Management Unit on 01452 425442)

Staff: Download and complete the accident report form (below), and forward to your directorate input point listed below:

• Business Management: Tina Hobbs - BSC
• Chief Executive's Support Unit: Tina Hobbs - BSC
• Children & Young People: Deborah Peake - Data Support Team
• Community and Adult Care: centraladmin@gloucestershire.gov.uk (Central Admin Services, C&AC, Room 150, 1^st Floor The Bridge, Shire Hall)
• County Records Office: Hollie Bradley - Libraries HQ
• Community Safety: SHE Enterprise input points to be determined. In mean time seek line managers advice.
• Environment: Carol Hamlin - Office Services
• Fire and Rescue: Brian Stockton - GFRS
• Libraries: Send to Local Area Office

Shire Hall Users - Log on to  SHE Enterprise - only available from a GCC network PC [Opens in New Window]

Serious incidents

It is essential that directors be provided with timely information on more serious events:

• Death, major injury or dangerous occurrence that could have led to death or major injury
• Incidents likely to attract public/press interest
• Incidents likely to attract an investigation by the HSE

In the event please advise the SHE Unit by telephone (01452 425350), the unit will make a judgment whether to advise directors. Normal reporting to SHE Enterprise/HSE must then follow.

Deaths and major Injuries Must be reported to the HSE [Opens in New Window]  by the 'fastest possible means'. You may do this by informing the SHE Unit (where available) who will act on your behalf or by calling the Incident Contact Centre (ICC) directly yourself. Guidance on what constitutes a major injury and how to contact the ICC can be found at HSE RIDDOR guidance [Opens in New Window]  . Normal reporting via your Directorate input point must then follow.  Additional guidance on Major and Fatal Incidents can be found here Major and Fatal Incidents

Not all accidents need to be reported.For example, in schools, minor playground bumps are recorded locally. In the case of other more significant accidents (and instances of occupational ill health) details must be reported. Responsibility for this rests with the managers of the site where the accident occurred, for off-site accidents (e.g. while walking from Shire Hall to Gloucester library in the course of your employment), your line manager should take responsibility for reporting.

Some accidents need to be investigated (see   SHE Procedure 04 - Accident Reporting and Investigation [537kb] [Opens in New Window] ) The benefit of this is that something may be able to be done to prevent a repeat accident and there may be lessons that can be transferred elsewhere. Typically, remedial action may include provided a more suitable tool, training an individual or changing a method of working (e.g. mopping the main stairs after hours).

For further guidance, please contact the Safety, Health and Environment Unit on 01452 425350