Schools must ensure that students on placement and NQTs receive an early and thorough induction on health and safety.

In an ideal world of course, accidents at work should be anticipated and prevented by the use of safe systems of work, safe equipment and the proper training and supervision of staff. But as we all know, accidents happen. Here you will find advice, guidance and information about the prevention and management of accidents.

Some definitions

An accident is the result of a chain of events, which could be related to: an activity; equipment or premises; or the behaviour of an individual. Often, the cause of an accident is a combination of all three factors.

An accident is an opportunity to learn and will always teach us something about how effectively we are controlling risks. All accidents to employees, however minor, should be recorded. This is a requirement under government legislation; as a result of a workplace injury an employee may need to claim for benefits in the future and relevant checks will be made to confirm that the accident occurred at work.

Additionally, accidents should be recorded as part of the on-site procedures so that an employer can, by carrying out accident investigations, monitor the effectiveness of the safety procedures. The purpose of accident investigation is to establish how an accident happened and how to prevent it from happening again. All staff must co-operate fully in this process so that lessons can be learned from the accident.

It is accepted that all accidents should be recorded for non-employees as well as employees. Reporting and recording procedures vary and some establishments may have already implemented an on-site recording system for injuries or accidents to non-employees that were not in connection with work, however, employers need to be sure that they satisfy all legal reporting requirements for non-employees and take measures to monitor accidents.

As part of the reactive monitoring process, accident records are needed to assess whether existing controls are adequate or whether trends can be identified, requiring the implementation of new procedures. Records may also be required to show to the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE), parents and guardians, or in the course of civil proceedings if a claim is brought following an incident. Some accidents and incidents need to be reported to the enforcing authorities, either the HSE or the local authority . This is usually due to the seriousness of the injury, and is a requirement of the RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

Help and support

For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff (029 2046 5000), Belfast (028 9078 2020) or Edinburgh (0131 272 2748) officesor emailinfo@atl.org.uk

For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time).

If you are not a member,join now.

Further information

• General school activities

Useful websites

• http://www.hse.gov.uk

Help and support

For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff ( 029 2046 5000) or Belfast office (028 90 327 990) or email info@atl.org.uk

For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time). Don’t forget that ATL also offers a Crisis Line for members who have suffered assaults or trauma either at work or in their private lives (08705 234 838).

If you are not a member, join online now.