Policies & Procedures

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ACCIDENT REPORTING POLICY

PURPOSE

This policy outlines the procedure for the reporting of accidents/incidents/near misses. The aim is to minimize injuries to all members of the campus community by ensuring that lessons learnt from any such occurrence are acted upon so that similar recurrence is avoided.

OBJECTIVES

This procedure is designed to acquire critical information on accidents, incidents and near misses on campus so that the following can be achieved: -

• Immediate corrective action is taken.
• Implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Obtain statistical data on frequency, type, etc. to establish trends so as to assist in preventing a recurrence.
• Ensure that The University complies with current legislation and has in place, provisions for complying with the proposed Occupational Health & Safety Bill.
• Timely response to claims.
  

DEFINITIONS

An accident is defined as an unplanned event that causes injury to person(s), damage to property or a combination of both.

An incident is an unplanned event that results in damage to property, but no injury to person(s).

A near miss is an unplanned event that does not result in injury or damage to property but has the potential to do so.

PROCEDURE

• The welfare of an injured person must always be given priority with medical attention being sought without delay. Some injuries may be treatable by a certified first aider. First aider contact lists are available throughout the campus. Provisions are also in place for ambulance response through the Health Service Unit primarily for students and through the Security Department for staff.
  
• All accidents/incidents/near misses involving both university staff and students must be reported immediately. This includes vehicular accidents as well as any other that may occur whilst on official university business. A report shall be made to the immediate Supervisor, Head of Department, Dean, Safety Officer and Security Department.
  
• The preliminary accident/incident/near miss form should be completed by the immediate supervisor and submitted to the Safety Officer within twenty four (24) hours of the occurrence. Copies are to be sent to the Dean, Head of Department, Personnel Department and the Health Service Unit.
  
• The scene of the accident/incident/near miss must be cordoned off and access restricted until all investigations are completed or until otherwise instructed.
  
• In the event of an accident/incident/near miss, the Safety Officer will liaise with the relevant statutory and other external agencies and coordinate their involvement in any investigation and reporting required.
  
• Environmental incidents, particularly hazardous material spills, are also covered by this procedure.
  
• These procedures should also be observed by non-employee/student when the university’s facilities, personnel and/or equipment are involved.