UNC CHARLOTTE PERSONNEL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

PIM 26

SAFETY - Accident Reporting/Investigation Procedures

DATED:  July 14, 1997

Category:  Environmental/Occupational Safety and Health

Contact:  University Safety Director – ext. 4291

1. General

This memorandum documents the procedures established to ensure complete and effective investigations are conducted for work-related incidents causing or with the potential to cause injury, illness, or property damage and that appropriate follow-up actions are taken to minimize or eliminate recurrences.

2.  Accident Reporting

a.  All job related injuries or illnesses, no matter how minor, shall be reported, evaluated and treated. Each employee has the responsibility for reporting injuries/illnesses to his/her supervisor using the Employee's Accident Report form.

b.  The purposes for reporting accidents are threefold:

                                      1.   To ensure the health of employees by administering appropriate treatment as soon as possible after the injury.

                                      2.   To maintain a good, ongoing accident prevention program through investigation and elimination of accident causes.

                                      3.    For documentation and recordkeeping.

3.  Medical Treatment

a.  Brocker Health Center is the primary contact for employees with injuries/illnesses due to an occupational exposure. Employees requiring treatment should be given a Treatment Authorization form and directed to the Health Center. Follow-up treatment may be at the Health Center or at a specialist as directed by the Health Center staff.

b.  When the Health Center is closed, the employee should be sent to the University Hospital Emergency Room.

c.  Should emergency treatment be necessary, call Campus Police (x911) for assistance.

4. Accident Investigation

a. All occupational injuries/illnesses must be investigated as soon as possible after the occurrence so that the Accident Prevention Program can function. The employee's immediate supervisor is responsible for conducting the investigation and completing a Supervisor's Accident Report Form. The injured/ill employee shall participate in the investigation when possible.

b.  A critical part of the Supervisor's Accident Report is Corrective Action Taken or Recommended to prevent recurrence. The immediate supervisor shall be responsible for determining appropriate corrective action and follow-up activity to eliminate the accident cause.

c. The Safety Office will monitor all investigation reports to ensure that appropriate action is taken in a timely manner.

5.  Notification

Notification by an appropriate supervisor is to be made to the Safety Office within 24 hours of any report by an employee of an occupational injury or illness. This notification may be made by telephone (687-4291) or FAX (687-6968). All accidents involving serious bodily injury or death must be reported immediately.
(Note: Expeditious reporting is important. Do not hold initial notice for further information, or departmental review. Clarifications and corrections will be made during the investigation process).

6. The "Supervisor's Accident Report Form" is to be signed by the Department/Office Head and forwarded with the "Employee's Accident Report Form" to the Safety Office within three (3) working days of the initial employee report.