Accident/Incident Policy & Reporting and Investigation Procedure Policy name Accident/Incident Reporting Approved by and Investigation Category Occupational Safety & Health Approval date January 2014 Version 1 Review date January 2016 Objective To ensure all accidents and incidents are reported, and to ensure that corrective and preventative actions are taken where necessary to reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences. Scope This policy applies to all employees and people we support, as well as to individuals who visit Identitywa. Policy Statement Identitywa requires that an accident and incident report be completed in regard to all accidents and incidents that occur at Identitywa. Notification of accidents and incidents can assist Identitywa to identify areas where further training for employees, review and modification of work practices, or equipment is required. Identitywa also requires that accidents and incidents be investigated in a timely manner and that appropriate strategies be developed and implemented to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. Behaviour incidents Incidents as a result of extreme behaviour of a person we support are to be recorded on the individual s Behaviour Recording Chart. Behaviour related accidents (events that result in injury or damage) must be reported via an Accident/Incident Form. Serious incidents Serious incidents involving injury, illness, abuse, neglect or exploitation that are critical, dangerous, potentially life-threatening, or that seriously compromise safety and/or welfare of the people we support are to be reported in accordance with the Serious Incident Policy & Procedure. Identitywa offers the people we support, families, and employees appropriate emotional support during and after a serious incident. Procedure Immediate action In the event of an accident or incident employees, where it is safe to do so, takes appropriate immediate action to minimise the risk of further injury or damage. Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 4
If medical attention for workers is required, refer to the Injury Management Procedure. Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy & Procedure Page 2 of 4
Reporting At the earliest opportunity, the employee involved verbally notifies the supervisor, or On Call if after hours. The person directly involved in the accident or incident or, if unable, another person completes an accident and incident form and forwards it to the supervisor within 24 hours of the event. In the case of a serious incident, the CEO is notified by the Manager/supervisior or the person on after hour duties (on call). If the event is a medication incident, the worker must complete a Medication Incident Report Form. 2. Investigation The supervisor investigates the event and in consultation with employees and others involved, implements appropriate strategies to eliminate or control the risk of the event reoccurring. The supervisor forwards the completed accident and incident report to the Manager, after which it is forwarded to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officer. The Manager determines if the recommendations of the investigation are appropriate and monitors their progress. The OSH Officer notifies Worksafe within 7 days where a notifiable incident has occurred. Management keeps the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) informed of accidents and incidents, and if required, the CEO reports them to the Board. The supervisor reports back to the reporting worker about the outcome of the investigation. 3. Records Records of all accident and incident notifications are kept. The OSH Officer collates statistical data for all accidents and incidents. All data and information relating to accidents and incidents is private and are not to be seen or provided to individuals who are not authorised to receive them. Responsibilities Employees Report all accidents and incidents to the direct supervisor Ensure the completion of accident and incident reports Supervisors Investigate all reported accidents and incidents Ensure corrective action is taken to prevent recurrence Forward all appropriate documentation to the Manager Liaise and inform relatives if required OSH Officer Review all accident and incident reports Provide feedback, advice and support to supervisors Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy & Procedure Page 3 of 4
Keep a register of all accidents and incidents Collate statistical data of all accidents and incidents Monitor the investigation process and control strategies implemented Ensure the notification to WorkSafe WA of a notifiable incident Definitions Accident: An unplanned event that causes or contributes to personal injury or damage to property. Incident: Also referred to as a near miss, an unexpected event that has not resulted in personal injury or damage to property, e.g. someone falls down the stairs and does not receive an injury. Investigation: A systematic approach that seeks to identify the factors contributing to the incident or accident and to recommend corrective action to reduce the likelihood of a similar occurrence. Notifiable incident (WorkSafe): All deaths and the following injuries and diseases where suffered and contracted at work: A fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis. A fracture of any bone in the arm, other than in the wrists or hand, or in the leg, other than a bone in the ankle or foot An amputation of an arm, a hand, finger, finger joint, leg, foot, toe or toe joint The loss of sight of an eye Any injury other than those referred to above which, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, is likely to prevent the employee from being able to work within 10 days of the day on which the injury occurred Tuberculosis Viral hepatitis Legionnaire's disease HIV Employee: A person who carries out work in any capacity for a person conducting a business, including work as: An employee; A contractor or sub-contractor; An employee of a contractor or sub-contractor; A student gaining work experience; A trainee or apprentice; or A volunteer. Other related documents Behaviour Recording Chart Accident/Incident Form (TRIM ref. D2011/7758) Injury Management Procedure WorkSafe Notification of Injury Form (TRIM ref. D2012/6633) Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy & Procedure Page 4 of 4
Medication Incident Report Form Workers Compensation Claim Form (Workcover WA) Workers Compensation - Employer s Report of Injury (Catholic Church Insurances) Occupational Safety and Health Policy Injury Management Procedure Positive Behaviour Support Policy and Procedure Medication Incident Procedure Hazard Control Policy & Procedure The Legal and Regulatory Requirements we have to follow This policy has been developed in accordance with the following: National Standards for Disability Services Standard 6: Service Management. Identitywa has effective and accountable service management and leadership to maximise outcomes for individuals. The Community Care Common Standards Standard 1: Effective Management. This tells us we have to demonstrate effective management processes based on a continuous improvement approach to service management, planning and delivery. Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 and Regulations Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy & Procedure Page 5 of 4