Question

In 2009/10 there were 26 061 reported injuries to employees classified as major injuries. The corresponding rate was 101.5 per 100 000. The most common accidents involved slipping or tripping (41%), and falls from a height (16%). A further 95 369 reported injuries to employees caused an absence from work of over three days. The corresponding rate was 371.5. Of these injuries, the most common kinds of accident were caused by handling, lifting or carrying (36%), and slipping or tripping (24%).

Year Employees Self-Employed Workers
Number Rate (a) Number Rate (b) Number Rate (c)
Major Injury
2007/08 28 199 106.4 1 190 29.5 29 389 96.2
2008/09 27 894 105.6 1 106 27.3 29 000 95.2
2009/10 26 061 101.5 1 035 25.3 27 096 91.0
Over-3-Day Injury
2007/08 110 054 451.1 1 121 27.8 111 175 363.9
2008/09 105 261 398.4 931 23.0 106 192 348.5
2009/10 95 369 371.5 902 22.0 96 271 323.5
(a) per 100 000 employees (b) per 100 000 self-employed (c) per 100 000 workers

Although all personal injuries, near misses or cases of job-related diseases in the workplace are classed as incidents, the purpose of reporting an accident as opposed to an incident is quite different. The former is to inspect a bodily injury, while the latter serves as a means to probe its actual cause.

The Accident Report* form is filled out by the employee who experienced the accident, whereas the Incident Report form is completed by the duty manager inspecting the case. Both the forms call on the employee to record their personal details, injury specifics and any necessary medical assistance, as well as events leading up to the accident. However, the duty manager is solely obligated to record witness details and to anticipate any preventive means or future proceedings.

Depending on the likelihood of a recurrence, due to a prevalent job structure, systems of work or procedural liabilities, the duty manager should also instruct on further investigations to follow.

The Accident and Incident Report forms are used as vital reporting tools to scrutinise and prevent similar occurrences in the future. They are considered to be vital precautionary measures that support the development of adequate safety procedures. Management are bound by legislation to ensure the safety of workers.

*Reported major injuries: Specified serious injuries to workers, including most fractures, amputations and other injuries leading to resuscitation or 24-hour admittance to hospital.
*Reported over-3-day injuries: Other (non-major) injuries to workers that lead to absence from work, or inability to do their usual job, for over three days.
After reading the text and the table figures, why do you think the numbers of reported injuries decline annually?

Answer 1

Answer: It can be inferred that because Julie was off work for twelve days, in this scenario, the form she should fill is: "over 3 days injuries accident form" (Option C)

What is an inference?

When a person makes a conclusion from a passage or information, after rationalizing same, they are said to have made an inference.

Hence, although she was at home for 12 days, it can be inferred that the best form to pick is the over 12 days injuries accident form.

I hope this helps