Posted By KEN STANBURY Is anyone able to expand upon the future of the existing accident book (BI 510). Apparently there is some revision required in light of amendments to the Data Protection Act.

Posted By Jonathan Carrick Ken, Since the advent of the Data Protection Act 1998, the traditional style yellow accident book (B1510) no longer fully complies with the law. Therefore, it has been revised by the Department for Work and Pensions following advice from the Data Protection Agency. Responsibility for production of the new-style book has been passed to the Health and Safety Executive. From 31st December 2003 all organisations must comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act in respect to accident recording. The new book will be available from HSE Books (telephone 01787 881165) from 19th May, allowing a seven month lead time to buy a copy. The new book, ISBN 0 7176 2603 2 will be priced at £4.75 +VAT (£5.58) Packs of 25, ISBN 0 7176 2178 2 will be discounted at 5%. This came from the RoSPA FAQ section. Jon.

Posted By Jay Joshi The current accident book has "personal data" such as the home address. As the accident book must be accessible to all employees, the personal data will be freely available to all. My feeling is that "personal data" that is anyway is held by personnel/payroll/human-resources departments will not be required in the new accident book!

Posted By Robert K Lewis I've also been trying to find out the changes but the DWP and HSE webs show no signs that I can immediately track. The concern for construction however is the transient nature of many staff, subcontract and self-employed. It may not simply be the address but there is the date of birth and next of kin information. Perhaps the gov. does not want us to know what's happening until the time. It would be useful to be able to change my forms early though. Bob

Posted By Andrew Smith Interesting dilema. If current BI510 accident books are in breach of Data Protection Act,therefore enforcement action could be taken by the Information Commissioner. If BI510 (or other document which record similar information) not kept or completed then breach of Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 and I presume enforcement action could follow by the appropriate enforcing authority. Data Protection Act requirements do appear to have wide implications for records which contain personal information which will include H&S records. Information Commissioners web site at http://www.dataprotection.gov.uk/