This month, Checklist of the Month takes a look at your OHSAS 18001 system and how you investigate accidents and incidents. The checklist looks at base compliance to OHSAS 18001 and also RIDDOR so should give you plenty to audit.
The checklist is also available here for anyone who wants to download and audit.
Sept Checklist Accident Investigation
Checklist…
1. Is there a documented procedure for the process? Is it controlled? (4.4.4 & 4.4.5)
2. Is the procedure defined for:
– Accident/Incident Reporting
– Investigation of any issues
– Corrective Actions
– Closure of actions and verification of effectiveness
(4.5.3)
3. Are records of accidents/incident recorded and are records maintained?
For how long are records retained for?
Note: check 3 years retention for any RIDDOR? (4.5.4)
4. Are key people aware of accident reporting procedure & have they been trained? (4.4.2)
– Managers?..First Aiders?
RIDDOR Regulations 1995
5. Does the procedure define the requirements for reporting under RIDDOR? Review records to ensure compliance?
6. Does the procedure ensure that dangerous occurrences are reported under RIDDOR?
7. Check that all accidents and incidents have been reported.
How is 3 day lost time is calculated for any RIDDDOR (exclude day of accident but include rest days?).
Other Issues
8. Are accident and incident issues discussed at the H&S reps team meeting? (4.4.3.2)
9. Are accident and incidents communicated to the organisation as required? (4.4.3.1)
10. Is accident/lost time data reviewed at management reviewed? Have any trends been identified as a basis for improvement? (4.6)
Bonus Questions…
As mentioned, this checklist is all about base complaince to OHSAS 18001 and also RIDDOR (so you can use this for part of your compliance evaluation) but it does not cover things like near miss reporting which is best practice so it may be worth considering this in your audit. It is also worth a look to see if accident/incident actions feedback into the risk assessment process (and results in an updated risk assessment) as this really does help to complete the ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’ Cycle and also keeps your risk assessment ‘living’.