Reporting Accidents & Near Misses

Why you need it

A near miss is often an injury waiting to happen. Reporting it gives you the chance to fix a wet floor, a faulty guard or a cluttered route before someone is hurt.

Some workplace incidents must be reported under RIDDOR, to HSE in Great Britain or HSENI in Northern Ireland, so clear records of what happened matter.

What it’s for

Four steps after an accident or near miss: making the situation safe, telling the supervisor, recording the facts, and following up the cause. It also lists the kinds of incident that may need a RIDDOR report. It belongs on the staff notice board or near the first aid kit.

How to use it

1. Put it on the staff notice board or next to the first aid kit.
2. Make the area safe first, and get first aid or emergency help for anyone injured.
3. Tell the supervisor promptly about injuries, near misses, hazards and equipment failures.
4. Record what happened, where and when, who was involved and the action taken.
5. The responsible person should check whether a RIDDOR report is needed and agree improvements.