2-3. Initial Response Manual and Reporting Flow for Workplace Accidents

The initial response when a work-related accident occurs is extremely important from the perspective of preventing the damage from spreading, providing prompt relief, and preventing recurrence. Companies are required to prepare an initial response manual and reporting flow in advance so that they can respond appropriately without panicking when an accident occurs.

The first step in an initial response is to save lives and ensure safety. Immediately after a disaster occurs, the top priority is to provide first aid to the injured, and to arrange for ambulances if necessary. At the same time, it is important to cut off power to the site, stop machinery, and seal off the work area to prevent secondary disasters. Since it is easy to lose composure at this stage, it is essential to have a manual of specific action steps.

The second step is to activate a system for rapid communication both inside and outside the company. The on-site manager immediately reports to their superior, safety manager, and health manager, and also coordinates with industrial physicians and health staff as necessary. In the case of a serious accident, there is an obligation to report to the relevant authorities, such as the local Labor Standards Inspection Office, fire department, and police. Reporting to the Labor Standards Inspection Office is required by law, and a "Worker Casualty Report" must be submitted for any accident resulting in death or four or more days of absence from work, and this must be done without delay.

The third step is to record and preserve the facts. The date and time of the accident, the location, the work involved, the condition of the machinery and equipment used, and testimony from those involved should be recorded as quickly and accurately as possible. Taking photographs of the scene and preserving physical evidence is also important, as these will directly contribute to identifying the cause and formulating measures to prevent recurrence.

A formal report is then prepared in accordance with the reporting flow and submitted to management and the safety and health committee. The report should include an overview of the accident, the status of the injured, emergency response, hypothesized cause, and provisional measures to prevent recurrence. The basic reporting flow is from the site → direct supervisor → safety and health management department → management → relevant organizations, but it is advisable to customize it depending on the size of the company and the type of industry.

Finally, initial response manuals should not be created once and then forgotten; their effectiveness must be enhanced through regular review and training. It is essential to instill the manual in employees through mock training so they can take swift and appropriate action in the event of a real emergency. Having an established initial response and reporting flow in the event of a workplace accident minimizes damage and strengthens the safety culture throughout the organization.