Accidents and Incidents – Lessons Learnt

🔹  Incident 012058 – 24 July 2025 – Campus Services

• Summary: A staff member sustained a lower back strain while relocating packing crates during a departmental move. One crate had been safely lifted, but a second was found to be overfilled. The staff member attempted to lift it manually without first assessing the weight, resulting in an injury and an absence of more than seven days. 

• Findings: The crate had been overloaded by the department and was not checked before lifting. Manual handling aids such as sack barrows and dollies were available but not used. Environmental conditions were suitable, with good lighting and a clear floor surface. 

• Actions Taken: The department is considering introducing crate weight limits and packing guidance, which would require departments to repack unsafe crates before moves proceed. Staff and supervisors would also carry out pre-move checks. The risk assessment for office moves is under review, and a refresher training session will be delivered to relevant staff. 

• Lessons Learnt: The first step in safe manual handling is always to assess the load – particularly the weight – and only lift if it is comfortable and safe to do so. Equipment must be used where available, and overloaded items should be repacked before being moved. Clear procedures and checks are essential to prevent injury during building moves.

🔹  Incident 011548 – 04 June 2025 – Campus Services

• Summary:  A staff member sustained a back injury while rearranging tables and 16 lightweight chairs during a room changeover in the University Council Room. A minor twinge was felt during the task, which intensified the following day and led to 8 days of absence.

• Findings: The previous meeting overran, and the next group arrived early, creating pressure to complete the setup quickly. Although appropriate equipment was used and no faults were found, a twisting motion while manoeuvring the trolley contributed to the injury.It was also identified that some room setup requests were not submitted through the official PLANON system, reducing preparation time. 

• Actions Taken:  A manual handling refresher has been delivered. Support is being provided to review the staff member’s duties and ensure their ongoing wellbeing in relation to manual handling tasks. Staff have been reminded to only accept setup requests submitted through PLANON. Setup procedures and timing expectations are also under review.

• Lessons Learnt: Safety must take priority over time pressure. Manual handling must follow safe techniques, and help should be requested when needed. Using the correct booking system is essential to ensure adequate preparation time and avoid rushed tasks.

🔹Incident 011625 – 04 May 2025 – Performance Venues

• Summary: A self-employed external actor sustained fractures to the left knee and shoulder after falling from an unmarked stage edge while walking through the backstage area during a venue familiarisation ahead of a performance.

• Findings: The stage-level change was not visible due to low blue lighting and missing hazard markings, which had been covered during a previous event. The actor, unfamiliar with the venue, assumed the floor remained level and stepped forward unaware of the drop.

• Actions Taken: White hazard tape will be reinstated at level changes. Venue inspections and checklists are being updated, structured inductions are being introduced for external users, and lighting checks will be carried out before each performance. Risk assessments will be required for all rehearsals and programmed activities.

• Lessons Learnt: Never assume a space is safe based on appearance alone. Maintain clear hazard markings, appropriate lighting, and provide proper inductions to protect unfamiliar users.

🔹 Incident 011380 – 18 Mar 2025 – Engineering and Maintenance

• Summary: While manually opening double metal gates, a landscaping staff member trapped their fingers between the panels, resulting in a crush injury. The injury required surgical nail removal, nail bed repair, stitches, and ongoing medical treatment, leading to an absence from work exceeding seven days.

• Findings: The incident resulted from unsafe hand placement, creating a pinch point during gate operation. The gates were in good working condition. No external environmental factors contributed.

• Actions Taken: The landscape operations risk assessment has been reviewed and updated. Only one gate panel is now to be opened at a time, and hands must be kept clear of moving parts. A toolbox talk on pinch point hazards will be delivered, and lessons will be shared through the Health and Safety newsletter

• Lessons Learnt: This incident is not only about operating gates. Pinch points can exist around any moving parts in the workplace. Always stay alert, maintain full awareness of hand placement, and follow safe handling procedures to prevent serious injuries.

🔹 Incident 011165 – 07 Feb 2025 – Campus Services

• Summary: A cleaning staff member manually opened a non-bio laundry sachet instead of dissolving it whole in water, causing a chemical splash into their eyes. Safety goggles were not worn, resulting in minor chemical burns requiring hospital treatment.

• Findings: Laundry sachets must be dissolved whole, not opened. The chemical used was not meant for cleaning microfibre cloths, and failure to wear required PPE (goggles) worsened the incident.

• Actions taken: COSHH documentation and risk assessments are planned to be reviewed and updated. A safety awareness "Do's and Don'ts" poster on chemical handling is being produced, and all staff will receive reminders during team meetings. Additionally, an interactive training session will be developed, supplementing the existing chemical awareness training

• Lesson Learnt: Always use appropriate chemicals for the task. If unsure of correct procedures, stop work immediately and contact a supervisor. PPE identified in the risk assessment must always be worn.