Accident and incident reporting at DMU
Unfortunately, accidents can happen in any work place at any time. The Accident and Incident Report Forms are there to record these incidents.
DMU has a clear duty to keep us all safe and ensure that we are kept informed about relevant health and safety issues. We also have a responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe wherever possible.
If an accident happens (or if there has just been a “near miss”), then we all should ensure that relevant details are noted down in the AIR form.
Different departments may have slightly different forms and processes for handling incidents. A typical form will ask:
- Your name and contact details
- Date and time of accident or incident
- Where the accident or incident took place
- A detailed account of the accident or incident
- All individuals involved and affected
- Tasks or activity being undertaken at the time
- The nature and extent of any injuries or possible accident and injuries
- Witnesses details together with statements wherever possible
- Ideally photographs should also be taken to illustrate the scene of the incident / accident.
It may also ask for extra information such as your managers name and contact details.
Departmental reporting forms
Upon receipt of the form, a DMUsport member of staff shall input details in to the university’s reporting platform. If the incident is marked as a suspected concussion, relevant people shall be contacted to be informed of the support available and return to play protocols, and if any other areas are flagged within the form we shall work with yourselves to minimise risks moving forwards.
To report any accident, incident or near miss to or within ITMS, please fill in the following SharePoint document. You may need your staff login to gain access to this.
Why report?
Why is it important to report accidents or incidents (including near misses)?
- The reporting of accidents is a fundamental part of keeping the work place safe.
- It is in fact necessary by law for DMU and any employer to report the more serious injuries to RIDDOR so that matters can be fully investigated and lessons can be learned to avoid reoccurrences.
- The AIR (accident and incident report) is one of, if not the most important document setting out the circumstances of the accident and reasons for any injury or near misses.
- If the AIR (accident and incident report) is not completed, there will be no official record reporting the facts.
- By recording all accidents, incidents and near misses DMU can assess what has or potentially could go wrong and introduce measures to prevent similar accidents and incidents from happening in the future.
- If any work-related injuries mean that you may need time off work, again, it is important you have completed the AIR (accident and incident report) so that DMU is made aware straight away of the fact you are unable to work.