Definition
A record maintained by the employer in which all workplace accidents, injuries, and near-misses are documented. Recording incidents helps identify patterns, supports insurance claims, and fulfils the employer's legal obligations for accident reporting.
UK Context
Under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, employers with ten or more employees must keep an accident book. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) require employers to report certain types of serious incidents to the HSE. Accident book entries must comply with GDPR by keeping individual records confidential.
Best Practices
- Use a GDPR-compliant accident book format where individual entries can be detached or accessed only by authorised personnel
- Record all incidents including near-misses, not just injuries that result in time off work
- Review accident records regularly to identify trends and take preventive action
Frequently Asked Questions
What must be recorded in the accident book?
Entries should include the date and time of the incident, the name and occupation of the injured person, details of the injury or illness, what happened (including the cause), and where the incident occurred. The entry should be made as soon as possible after the incident.
When must accidents be reported to the HSE?
Under RIDDOR, employers must report deaths, specified injuries (such as fractures, amputations, and loss of consciousness), accidents causing more than seven days' incapacitation, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences. Fatal and specified injuries must be reported immediately; over-seven-day injuries within fifteen days.