Mock accident promotes best practice

9 June 2011

Around 50 health and safety professionals from the retail and distribution sector gathered in Warwickshire to take part in a mock workplace accident.

IOSH’s retail and distribution group organised the event, which demonstrated how those in the industry can use best practice to respond to a fatality at work. Dealing with the police, environmental health officers and media were all part of an interactive day at the University of Warwick, which brought together IOSH members from across the sector.

Group committee member Rob Belton said: “The feedback we got from people was great. Lots of people came up to me at the end and said it was a brilliant event, so we’ll definitely do it again.”

The mock accident took place in a fictional superstore called Peppas.
IOSH media officer Amy Chappell played the part of a member of staff in a role play highlighting the post-accident challenges presented by investigating journalists.

Amy said: “Hopefully we gave delegates pause for thought and an insight into how they might deal with the media after a fatality in the workplace. Businesses need to be aware of the impact the media can have, not least on their reputation, in the immediate aftermath.”