Supervisor responsibilities accident reporting

Railway Inspectorate accident reports did not figure prominently as a source of information about accidents. In response to a general question about sources of information about accidents, three managers and three supervisors spontaneously referred to Railway Inspectorate reports. When more specific questions were asked about these reports the majority of staff said that they had seen copies but this was very much associated with their position in the hierarchy. Indeed there was some uncertainty amongst the workforce about whether these... 

Specific questions about the number of occupational safety accidents there had been the year before revealed widespread ignorance. Ability to reply was structured largely according to position in the hierarchy (Chart 9.1). These differences very much reflected the contingencies of work, most particularly receipt of company reports (Ch. 7). Consideration of accident reports and statistics was part of managers workloads and they were the most confident that they saw accident reports and statistics whereas the workforce, in the context of these questions, did not refer to any accident data. The majority of safety representatives believed that they had access to the relevant accident information but not all supervisors received the accident data. Access to the data did not necessarily mean that it was read or retained. Safety representatives remarked that it could be very difficult to get through the data they received in addition to their other responsibilities. Managers claimed to read the information but... 

Two types of forms can be used to report personal injuries, depending on their seriousness. One form would be used for accidents in which the injury does not require a doctor s attention but can be handled by first aid at the job site. This form provides the necessary information in case the injury becomes more serious at a later date. The second from is more detailed in nature and is used when a doctor s attention is required. The employee is responsible for reporting an injury, while the supervisor is responsible for correctly preparing the proper forms. Serious accidents should be investigated by the safety manager, who can determine the corrective actions. 

The laboratory supervisor should see that all serious injuries that require medical attention be reported by calling emergency response. All incidents that result in an injury or property damage are to be reported using an accident report form. 

Simple and well defined reporting responsibilities and routines. It must be made clear that all employees are responsible for reporting accidents to their immediate supervisor. 

In 1951 there were no specifically appointed safety officers but the 1948 regulations required all firms with more than 50 employees to appoint a safety supervisor. It could be assumed, therefore, that in 1951 there were 2000-3000 men in the industry with this extra responsibility. Of the accidents reportable in 1931, 259 were fatal and 14 073 were non-fatal. 

Report all accidents involving chemicals to the supervisor immediately. Do not attempt to clean up a chemical spill without first alerting the company s chemical response team. 

It is commonly said in the literature, as Ted Ferry (1981) did in Modem Accident Investigation and Analysis An Executive Guide, that the supervisor is closest to the action, that the mishap takes place in the supervisor s domain, and that initial responsibility for investigation is very often assigned to the supervisor (9). Ferry went on to say that being close to a situation may preclude a supervisor from taking an unbiased approach to causal factors that may reflect on his own performance or that of people to whom he reports (9). 

Implement processes or systems to report and track hazard correction actions Establish a timetable for implementing corrective hazard controls Prioritize hazards as identified by inspections, reporting, and accident investigations Require employees to report hazards using an established processes Provide quick feedback about the status of hazard correction activities Delegate responsibility for correcting hazards and documenting completion Permit supervisors and experienced employees to initiate hazard control actions... 

Supervisors/forepersons will conduct an investigation of any accident/incident that results in death, injury, illness, or equipment damage. The supervisor will use the company s standard investigation form (see example. Figure 7.6). The completed accident investigation report will be submitted to the individual assigned responsibility for occupational safety and health. 

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