Rank: Forum user 
|
Fellow colleagues
I have a query regarding the standard workplace 'accident book' please.
It is my understanding that the accident record book is not an H&S requirement but that of the DSS, which originally enable those suffering from workplace injuries to acquire sickness benefit/incapacity benefit etc, which dates back to the 70’s.
If there is a system in place which already captures the basic data held within an accident book entry, then do I need an accident book?
Normally accident books are used as an easily accessible method to ensure the employee has a copy and to ensure the incident has been recorded etc.
If I scrap the accident book to avoid duplication of records and utilise an electronic system alone, which saves paper also, is there any other requirements I should consider prior to implementing this action.
I am aware it is a standard document in employee liability cases for disclosure etc, is this form an “absolute requirement” or is it the case if it can be demonstrated that the data is captured in another manor that this is sufficient?
It is taken for granted that the employee will have access to the record as normal.
I welcome your thought and comments please
Thank you
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
They is no requirement to use the Standard Accident book only to record all accidents. So use an electronic system by all means, that what we do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Just a thought but would an electric version be open to abuse - ie, altering or amending the records/dates etc. With the paper versions I think it gives a clearer defined action to the injured party.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
You can capture the data in any way you like, it does not have to be on Form BI510 (the standard accident book),
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
We use an electronic system only but print of copies to be kept in personnel files, this makes it harder to adjust electronic copies in the future as the two can be compared.
If memory serves me correctly, the requirement to use the standard accident book was modified in 1989 to allow for the use of electronic means of data storage instead or in addition to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thank you for the updates, that is what I had thought.
The entries made on the 'intranet based form' are automatically logged onto the system, which require a traceable line manger investigation and feedback. Datix is the system applied.
I am not aware if the data can be altered, but Iwill check - a good point, it is only administration access that could perhaps change the data. I will check!
Thank you
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Have a chat with the dept for pensions [they used to manage the system - but if they do not now manage they will know who does] and usually you will get permission to use your own system provided all the info asked for on the BI510 is present
Data protection will also need to be accounted for along with security and some way of ensuring that a form is not tampered [it does happen!] with. Thereafter get on with it
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
We use an electronic system; Datix made by the company of the same name. I would hesitate before stating that anything is tamper proof (even paper records!) but Datix would require considerable expertise and a high level of persistence before anybody could tamper with it. Every record is seen an signed off by a manager, and any changes to the record are carefully logged, along with the details of when the record was changed and by whom. It meets the requirements of the NHS Litigation Authority for data security, and anybody who has seen the documents which have to be completed by organisations to get NHSLA approval will understand what that means. I have absolute faith in our electronic system, and so do our insurers,
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Just a thought
As there is no legal requirement that I know of to have an accident report entered into the accident book [BI510] within any particular time frame you may need to build this situation into your system
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
The rail industry was recommended some years ago to have a process for reporting accidents and developed what is know as SMIS (safety Management Information System) which is used to record not just personnal accident but any type of incident on the rail system. This includes a record of reporting to the HSE/Railway Inspectorate of any accident that must be reported. However, I still used the accident book as the first place to record an accident as this was much easier to use. But you are not obliged to use an accident book as long as you record the accident you are legally compliant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I have a vague recollection that an accident book is for an EMPLOYEE to record an accident. Thus any electronic system must have the facility for employees to enter the accident data and not have a gatekeeper such as a safety manager or other manager. Furthermore, my memory tells me that it is an offence to alter the entry so an electronic version would need to be "indestructible".
However, my memory is a fickle beast and has been known to play tricks! I am very open to being contradicted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Afternoon Stuff,
Datix does indeed allow the employee to make the initial entry, managers then go in to record their investigation findings, whether a RIDDOR report was made and so on. It doesn't actually ever allow anything to be erased; the original form is always there. What happens is that for reporting purposes corrections can be made, but the original text is retained as part of the file and can be seen by anybody with the right authorisation. I assume other electronic systems have a similar way of doing things,
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.