Injury and illness pattern analysis

Injury and illness records analysis Since there must be enough information for patterns to emerge, small sites may require a review of 3-5 years of records. Larger sites may find useful trends yearly, quarterly, or monthly. When analyzing injury and illness records, look for similar injuries and illnesses. These generally indicate a lack of hazard controls. Look for where the injury or illness occurred, what type of work was being done, time of day, or type of equipment. 

All accidents and near-miss incidents should be investigated to determine causes, and means for their prevention identified. Analysis of injury and illness trends over time should be undertaken so that patterns with common causes can be identified and prevented. 

In addition to the required OSHA log, are careful records kept of first aid injuries and illnesses that might not immediately appear to be work related Is there any periodic, written analysis of the patterns of near-misses, injuries, and illnesses that may show, over time, previously unrecognized connections between incidents that indicate unrecognized hazards need correction or control ... 

Analysis, if possible, of injury and illness trends over extended periods to identify patterns and prevent problems. 

Worksite hazard identification and analysis identifies existing hazards and conditions, operations and situations that create or contribute to hazards, and areas where hazards may develop. This includes close scrutiny and tracking of injury or illness and incident records to identify patterns that may indicate causes of aggressive behavior and assaults. The objectives of worksite hazard identification and analyses are to recognize, identify, and plan to correct security hazards. Analysis uses existing records and worksite evaluations should include record review and identification of security hazards. 

Analysis of other records Repeat hazards, just like repeat injuries or illnesses, mean that controls are not working. And, patterns in hazard identification records can show up over shorter periods of time than accidents or incidents. Upgrading a control may involve something as basic as improving commvmication or accountability. Hazards found during worksite analysis should be reviewed to determine what failure in the safety and health system permitted the hazard to occur. The system failure should then be corrected to ensure that similar hazards do not reoccur. 

Worksite analysis involves examining the workplace for existing and potential hazards. Comprehensive baseline and periodic safety and health surveys should be conducted. Job hazard analysis, accident, and near-miss investigations should also be held. Workers should be able to report unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Trends of illness and injury should be studied over time to identify patterns and prevent problems from recurring. 

---