Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Reactive monitoring – reporting, recording and investigation
Table 12.2 Accident rates calculated by the HSE in 2001/02 for skilled tradesmen and machine operators
Workgroup Reported fatal Reported major Reported minor Estimated near misses
accidents (per accidents (per (3 day) accidents (per 100 000)
100 000) 100 000) (per 100 000)
Skilled tradesmen 2 212 2084 2 000 000
Machine operators 3 403 771 800 000
categories the HSE publish information relating to the
rates and results of injuries for each category of injury
causation. This allows HSE, in partnership with industry,
to focus legislation and guidance towards the generic
causes of injury resulting from adverse events. The categories
of injuries are those that are caused by:
➤ Slips, trips and falls
➤ Falls from height
➤ Falling objects
➤ Collision with objects
➤ Trapping/crushing
➤ Manual handling
➤ Contact with machinery and equipment
➤ Electrocution
➤ Transport
➤ Contact with chemicals
➤ Asphyxiation/drowning
➤ Fire and explosion
➤ Animals
➤ Violence.
Figure 12.3 Unguarded electrical machinery which has
the potential to cause injury in many ways including starting
a fi re
Table 12.3 Example of a matrix to establish the level of
investigation required
Likelihood of Potential worst consequence of
recurrence adverse event
Certain
Likely
Possible
Unlikely
Rare
Minor Serious Major Fatal
Risk Minimal Low Medium High
Investigation Minimal Low Medium High
level
(Source: HSG 245)
12.1.5 Basic investigation procedures
This section outlines the basic investigation procedures
for investigation of all types of adverse events and
discusses:
➤ The level of investigation
➤ Involving others
➤ Conducting the investigation
➤ Gathering information
➤ Analysing information
➤ Identifying risk control measures
➤ Agreeing and implementing an action plan.
The level of investigation
As mentioned above the level of resources allocated to
the investigation will depend upon the seriousness of
the actual or potential outcome of the event.
The decision regarding the level of investigation,
particularly for near miss events and undesired circumstances,
is quite often complex. To aid this process and
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