All accidents that happen at work should be recorded - this includes minor injuries.
The accident book is mainly for the benefit of staff, as it provides a useful record of what happened in case they need time off work or need to claim compensation later on.
But recording accidents also helps the employer to learn lessons and take action to stop accidents in future.
Employers have a legal obligation to report certain accidents and incidents and to pay staff sick pay if they are entitled to it.
If you employ 10 or more persons at the same time, you are legally required (under the Social Security Claims and Payments Regulations 1979) to provide an accident book where employees or people acting on their behalf can enter details of accidents leading to injury.
If you employ fewer than 10 people at the same time, it is recommended that you provide an accident book in which details are kept of all accidents which result in injury to employees (whilst at work) and others.
What Details Should be Included in the Accident Book?
The appropriate details to include are:
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Name and address of injured person
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Date and time of accident
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Location of accident
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Cause and nature of injury
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Name and address of person recording the details
You must keep a record of any reportable injury, disease or dangerous occurrence (RIDDOR). This must include the date and method of reporting; the date, time and place of the event; personal details of those involved; and a brief description of the nature of the event or disease.
What Format Should the Records Be Kept In?
These records can be kept in any format, but data protection law means that personal information must be kept secure. Accident records are sensitive data and they must not be seen by other members of staff.
Employers could, for example, choose to keep records by:
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keeping copies of completed report forms in a file
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recording the details on a computer
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in the case of accidents using your Accident Book entry
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maintaining a written log
You can purchase an accident book (B1510), from HSE Books using the link from this page.
