An accident is an unplanned, uncontrolled event which has led to, or could have led to, injury or ill-health to individuals, or damage to property or equipment. This includes 'no injury' incidents, or what are sometimes referred to as 'near misses'.

In some circumstances, where people are seriously injured or are absent from work for a period of time, there is a legal requirement under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDORLink opens in a new window) to report such accidents to the Health and Safety Executive. This will be completed by a member of Health and Safety Services, but Heads of Department and line managers must ensure that such accidents are reported without delay due to there being defined timelines for reporting 'notifiable' incidents to the HSE.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses 

If an accident (including any incident or near miss) occurs, firstly make sure that the scene is safe, so that no-one else can be injured, before assisting anyone who might have been injured, which might include arranging First Aid (see below). For some, more serious accidents details of the scene might need to be captured, preserve the scene or items involved in the incident if possible and take photographs. Obtains statements from any witnesses.

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur on the University campus, or when acting on behalf of the University must be reported to Health and Safety Services as soon as practicable, using the on-line Incident Reporting system (Assure). This report can be completed either by the person affected, their line manager/supervisor, a witness to an incident or a First Aider. In fact any person can report an incident or near miss. Photographs can also be uploaded if this could prove useful for investigation purposes. When the incident is reported, a copy of the information submitted will not be returned to you, but notification will be sent to the allocated 'Department where the incident occurred'. Those notified will include the Head of Department or Business Manager, the Senior Administrator (or equivalent) and relevant members of Health and Safety Services as soon as the incident has been submitted. In some circumstances, the Chair of local health and safety committees will also be informed. Please notify your line manager if it is yourself that has been injured, as they will not automatically be notified.

Relevant Line Managers or other responsible persons will be engaged to determine whether there are lessons to learn from the reported incident or near miss. The Management Investigation guidanceLink opens in a new window will help with this process and the on-line investigation form should be used to submit any findings. A member of Health and Safety Services may contact relevant staff directly to initiate the investigation process and to show you how to interact with the Assure system. Where appropriate, Line Managers will be given login details to the Assure system and will be notified to conduct an investigation using this system.

Where an individual has suffered a serious injury or ill-health the Line Manager/Superviser should keep in touch with the individual and provide appropriate support, contacting Health and Safety Services, Human Resources or Occupational Health as and when necessary.

In the event of a person being exposed to a substance which presents a significant hazard to health the Emergency Protocol for Labs, Workshops and Associated Stores must be followed.

First Aid

Any person on the University site may suffer injuries or fall ill. The arrangements in place for First Aid mean that someone can provide them with immediate attention or call an ambulance if needed. This can save lives and prevent minor injuries becoming major ones.

If your incident involves a needlestick or sharps injury or potential exposure to a blood borne virus take immediate action by following the sharps management processLink opens in a new window

If you need a first aider you can contact one close to you, either in the same building or one close by. Please see this list to find your nearest first aider.Link opens in a new window In addition all of the Community Safety team are trained First Aiders.

In cases of Emergency requiring Police, Fire Service or Ambulance please call Community Safety on (02476 5 22222)

Online Incident Report FormLink opens in a new window - for all incidents and near misses (Assure)

How to fill in an 'Incident' Form Guide

How to fill in a 'Near Miss' Form Guide

NOTE: Contractors and Visitors are able to complete the online incident report form

Moodle Training - Accident InvestigationLink opens in a new window

Any major failure of services (gas, electric, water, drainage, burst pipes, roof leak etc) must be reported immediately to Community Safety

For Maintenance issues (including paving and heating) please contact the Estates Helpdesk OnlineLink opens in a new window or use the Maintenance Hotline on x22567

Management Investigation

Witness Statement Form