15. Investigation and reporting of accidents, occupational diseases and other incidents
15.1 Investigation of accidents and other incidents
15.1.1. In order to assess the risks and take any corrective steps necessary, the employer, in cooperation with workers and their representatives, should investigate immediately:
(a) accidents and other incidents, whether or not they cause bodily injury;
(b) suspected and confirmed cases of occupational disease;
(c) situations where workers have removed themselves from danger;
(d) any other situation where there may be an unacceptable risk involving hazardous chemicals.
15.1.2. The investigation should include a review of the existing control measures.
15.2 Reporting of accidents, occupational diseases and other incidents
15.2.1. Accidents, occupational diseases and other incidents involving hazardous chemicals should be reported to the competent authority in accordance with national laws and practice.
15.2.2. In the case of incidents leading to injury or illness, examples of reporting requirements may include:
(a) periods of absence from work which may be prescribed by the competent authority;
(b) work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting in either case from the absorption of any chemicals by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption;
(c) any other work-related injury or illness resulting in the injured or sick person being admitted immediately into hospital and kept there for more than a period which may be prescribed as reportable by the competent authority.
15.2.3. The competent authority may specify and periodically review which diseases are prescribed as being of occupational origin and which require reporting, in accordance with national laws or regulations.
15.2.4. In the case of other incidents, reportable incidents might include:
(a) an explosion or fire causing the suspension of normal work or stoppage of plant, which may be prescribed by the competent authority, where such fire or explosion was due to the ignition of a hazardous chemical, including by-products. intermediates and any waste products;
(b) the sudden, uncontrolled release of a certain quantity of hazardous chemicals, which may be prescribed by the competent authority, from plant or during transport including site and cross-country pipelines;
(c) a fire involving a hazardous chemical during transport.
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