Case Study

While preparing lunch, one of the members of staff burned her arm on the oven shelf. As a qualified first aider you dealt with the burn. During the conversation with your colleague you find out that she was using a tea towel to take something out of the oven rather than the oven mitts.

As you go to write up the accident, you are told by a Supervisor that it should not be recorded in the accident book because it was the cook’s own fault that she was injured.

1. Explain whether you agree with the Supervisor’s interpretation of what should and should not be recorded as an accident.
2. Should this injury be reported under the RIDDOR regulations?
3. Do you think additional staff training would be appropriate? If so, briefly describe the training and who would benefit from it.

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.