- “Responsible companies should have no problem with mandatory accident reporting”
- Accident database would cut through “myths and misunderstandings”
- Affords you a wealth of information and ability to influence current legislation
The Current Reporting Situation
All employers have a legal responsibility to look after the health and safety of employees and an aspect of this involves the reporting of certain accidents, injuries and dangerous occurrences which happen in the workplace. Depending on the nature of the accident or injury, UK employers are legally required to report to the HSE or their local authority. Employers are not required to report accidents to any other bodies, but Nationwide Platform operations director Peter Douglas has called for the IPAF to make accident reports mandatory for all members.
What is the IPAF?
The IPAF provides for industries which use heavy machinery and “powered access equipment” including platform users, manufacturers, distributors, rental and training companies. Its basic role is to promote the “safe and effective” use of powered access equipment. The IPAF does this
“through providing technical advice and information, through influencing and interpreting legislation and standards, through its safety initiatives and training programmes”–  ipaf.org
It’s a non-for-profit organisation owned by its members. By joining members can hope to benefit from access to a wealth of information and advice as well as the opportunity to influence current legislation and policy.
Why use it?
At the IPAF summit in April, Peter Douglas of Nationwide Platform suggested that to better protect members and improve the reputation of IPAF members should be required to report accidents. Speaking to IPAF members and conference attendees Douglas said,
“In my view accident reporting should be mandatory condition of IPAF membership. Is your company responsible? Does your company want to make the industry safe? IF yes, then get on the website and report accidents. If the answer is no, then my view is that you shouldn’t be an IPAF member.” –ipaf.org
How is it going so far?
The organisation has already opened an on-line database where members can choose to report accidents, but this is currently optional. So far 35 companies have registered to supply the database with information anonymously. The hope is that, with increased accident reporting, better risk assessment and solutions can be devised to avoid recurring accidents or dangerous trends developing.
Douglas finished his presentation commenting,
“Every accident is one too many. It is time to cut through the myths and misunderstandings. Log on and start reporting accidents. We have a system here, but it needs your help to help us save lives.” –IPAF.org
Changing The Industry For The Better
The IPAF are yet to bring in compulsory accident reporting despite Douglas making a compelling case for the change. It’s well known that accident reporting significantly reduces the prevalence of accidents and in high risk and potentially dangerous industries which require powered access equipment, a comprehensive and conscientious approach to health and safety is arguably more crucial than in other, less hazardous work environments. If you’ve been in an accident there are a few things you might want to investigate. As well as being able to make a workplace accident claim you might want to report your accident to the IPAF.
