Investigating and Addressing Incidents Involving Stillages: A Guide by Lowe Stillages & Cages

At Lowe Stillages & Cages, we prioritise the safety of our employees and the compliance with PUWER regulations when it comes to incidents involving stillages. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to effectively investigate and address incidents to prevent future occurrences. By following these steps, you can improve safety measures, create a safer work environment, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Step 1: Secure the Scene

Immediately secure the scene of the incident involving stillages to prevent further harm or damage. Take necessary measures to ensure employee safety and preserve the area for investigation.

Step 2: Provide Medical Attention

If there are any injuries, prioritise prompt medical attention for the affected individuals. Ensure they receive the necessary care and support their well-being.

Step 3: Document Incident Details

Thoroughly document the details of the incident, including date, time, location, individuals involved, and a description of what occurred. Collect relevant evidence such as photographs, videos, or witness statements.

Step 4: Initiate an Investigation

Assign a competent person or a team responsible for conducting the investigation into the incident. Identify the root causes, contributing factors, and any deficiencies in safety measures or procedures.

Step 5: Gather Information

Gather all available information related to the incident, including records, maintenance logs, training records, and documentation. Interview witnesses, involved employees, and supervisors to gather their perspectives and insights.

Step 6: Analyse Findings

Analyse the gathered information to determine the underlying causes of the incident. Identify failures in equipment, procedures, training, or communication that contributed to the incident.

Step 7: Implement Corrective Actions

Based on the investigation findings, develop and implement corrective actions to address the identified root causes and prevent similar incidents. Update procedures, improve training, modify equipment, or enhance communication channels as necessary.

Step 8: Review and Update Risk Assessments

Review and update the risk assessments specific to stillage operations based on the incident investigation findings. Consider newly identified hazards and revise control measures to mitigate risks effectively.

Step 9: Communicate Findings and Actions

Communicate the findings and implemented corrective actions to all relevant stakeholders. Clearly communicate the identified causes and the steps taken to prevent future incidents. Provide training or additional information as needed for understanding and compliance.

Step 10: Monitor Effectiveness

Monitor the effectiveness of the implemented corrective actions to ensure they address the identified issues. Conduct follow-up inspections, audits, or reviews to verify compliance and evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken.

Step 11: Learn from Incidents

Incorporate lessons learned from the incident investigation into ongoing safety practices. Share the findings and recommendations with the wider organisation to raise awareness and promote a safety culture.

Step 12: Document and Maintain Records

Maintain comprehensive records of the incident investigation, including findings, actions taken, and any subsequent monitoring or follow-up activities. This documentation serves as evidence of compliance with PUWER regulations and aids in tracking progress and improvements.

By following these steps, employers can effectively investigate and address incidents involving stillages in compliance with PUWER regulations. At Lowe Stillages & Cages, we are committed to providing you with the guidance and support needed to create a safer work environment and prevent future occurrences. Choose Lowe Stillages & Cages for reliable stillage solutions and comprehensive safety expertise.