No one ever wants to experience a workplace accident. However, sometimes they’re unavoidable.
In the event one does happen, it’s essential to document what happened during that accident so that measures can be taken to avoid that from happening in the future. This is why filling out accident reports are so important for improving overall workplace safety.
Recording workplace accidents should appear in a standardized way. Using accident report templates is a good way to accomplish this task so that information is gathered in a systematic and organized manner. Here’s how you can use such a template effectively, as well as other crucial information to consider when it comes to improving workplace safety.
Standardizing your Accident Report Templates
A standard approach to accident reporting involves adopting the use of a templated form that an investigator or manager can fill out easily. Our template below, which you can use to base your own, has the following six sections:
Section One: Date, Time, and Location
First things first, you need to record where and when the accident happened. Include specific locations within a building or worksite and the time of day as closely as possible.
Section Two: Those Involved in the Accident
Accidents happen to people, and the identities of those people are obviously important. Whether it’s someone who caused an accident or someone who was injured in that same accident, their names and contact details need to be recorded. This isn’t limited to just employees – customers, visitors, vendors, or guests can all end up directly involved in an accident, so take down personal details appropriately.
Section Three: The Accident Description
Perhaps most crucially is an accurate and detailed description of the accident. Use as much specificity as possible, and complement your written description with photographs if possible or appropriate. You can attach these images to the accident report once you submit it easily enough, thanks to modern digital documentation tools.
Section Four: Those Who Witnessed the Accident
Anyone who saw the accident happen but wasn’t directly involved is important, as they are a witness to the accident. These individuals can help shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident, as they were outside observers. Take down their contact information as well so that they can be interviewed later if necessary.
Section Five: Information on Injuries or Damage
Workplace accidents, when they’re at their worst, often involve injuries. It’s essential to record the nature of these injuries and their severity, as well as if there was any medical care necessary. Even if an accident didn’t result in anyone being injured, be sure to make note of any damage done to company tools, equipment, or anyone else’s property.
Section Six: Report Verification
Finally, accident report templates should have a field where the report can be verified before filing it. Whoever is tasked with filling out the report should be able to sign their name and record the date so that they can be contacted during any follow-up investigations or discussions.
