Investigation into construction accidents and work-related death

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HSE investigation protocol after a construction accident fatality

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in the event of a construction accident or a fall from height that causes a work-related death, the site should be treated as a crime scene.

Initial Action
A police officer attending the construction site or premises should:

  • identify, secure, preserve and take control of the scene, and any other relevant place;

  • supervise and record all activity;

  • inform a senior supervisory officer;

  • enquire whether the employer or other responsible person in control of the premises or activity has informed HSE (or other investigating or enforcing authority); and

  • contact and discuss the incident with HSE (or other enforcing authority) and agree arrangements for controlling the scene, for considering access to others, and for other local handling procedures to ensure safety of the public.

A supervisory ranking police officer should attend the scene to assess the situation, assume responsibility for the investigation and review actions taken to that time.

If any other investigating or enforcing authority staff arrives at the site before the police are in attendance they should ensure that the site is preserved in accordance with initial actions (above) and see that police have been called.

Ongoing investigation
When investigation into a construction accident that has led to a death or deaths is being undertaken, the police, HSE, local authority and/or any other enforcing authority should have a strict review programme of the investigation in place. Milestones should be agreed and monitored and policy and key decisions should be recorded.

In larger-scale investigations a strategic liaison group may be of benefit to ensure effective inter-organisational communication and to share relevant information and knowledge.

The full protocol for liaison after a work-related death can be found on the HSE website.

Construction site accidents and compensation with YouClaim
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