Accident Reporting and Investigation

Purpose

This Accident Reporting and Investigation Plan prescribes methods and practices for reporting and investigating accidents. No matter how conscientious the safety effort at a company, accidents happen occasionally due to human or system error. Therefore, this written plan is intended to provide a means to deal with all workplace accidents in a standardized way and demonstrate Baylor University's ongoing efforts to reduce and eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses.

Administrative Duties

The Safety Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining this written Accident Reporting and Investigation Plan. This person is responsible for all facets of the plan and has authority to make necessary decisions to ensure the success of this plan.

This written Accident Reporting and Investigation Plan is maintained in the office of the Department of Risk Management (RM).

Accident Reporting Procedures

All workplace injuries, illnesses, incidents, accidents, sprains, or strains (no matter how slight) shall be reported in a prompt manner (within 24 hours) via the Incident Report Form. The same form should be used by visitors, students, and any non-employees.

The procedures to follow in the event of an accident are as follows:

• Seek immediate medical attention if necessary. As with any accident, employee well-being is first priority. If immediate medical assistance is needed, request as soon as possible by calling 911.
• Once appropriate medical attention has been provided (if necessary), the employee's supervisor and Safety Specialist will immediately be notified of the accident. The “1st Report of Accident/Injury” form should also be filled out and submitted at this time.
• A thorough investigation will be conducted (see section below).
• The Safety Specialist will evaluate the accident for reporting/recordkeeping requirements and follow up as required.
• The employee will be counseled on ways to prevent the accident from reoccurring.

Accident Investigation Procedures

Thorough accident investigations will help Baylor University determine why accidents occur, where they happen, and any trends that might be developing. Such identification is critical to preventing and controlling hazards and potential accidents. For all accident investigations, the Safety Specialist will evaluate all circumstances surrounding the accident to identify any procedures, equipment, etc. that might be manipulated in order to provide a safer working environment and prevent reoccurrences. Any suggestions and/or changes made as a result of this investigation will be kept on file with the rest of the information regarding the initial accident (see section below).

Recordkeeping

In order to track growing trends in where and why accidents are occurring on campus, the Safety Specialist will maintain all “1st Report of Accident/Injury” forms and all other information pertaining to each accident on file in the office of the Department of Risk Management. These records will be reviewed at least annually for common injuries/illnesses and possible remedies.

Employee Involvement and Training

Each employee hired at Baylor University undergoes new employee training during the first week of employment. During this training, a presentation will be made by the Safety Specialist or another representative of the Department of Risk Management. Part of this presentation explains the Accident Reporting and Investigation policy and how each employee may access the Incident Report Form online.

Employees are also provided limited access to our injury and illness records. Copies of relevant records are provided by the next business day to all employees, former employees, and representatives who request them. All initial copies are provided to requestors free of charge. Additional copies involve a reasonable charge.

Baylor University does not discriminate against employees for:

• Reporting a work-related fatality, injury, or illness;
• Filing a safety and health complaint;
• Asking for access to occupational injury and illness records; or
• Exercising any rights afforded by the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Program Evaluation

The Accident Reporting and Investigation Plan is evaluated and updated by the Safety Specialist annually to determine whether the plan is being followed and if further training may be necessary. For any questions or comments regarding this policy, contact the Department of Risk Management at 254-710-4586.