Does Your Accident Book Conform to the Data Protection Act?

A recent press release from the HSE just goes to show that businesses need to continue to think not just seriously about data protection, but also laterally!

The HSE has launched its new Accident Book. Nothing odd about that. But this one has been approved by the Information Commissioner...

Currently, when you make an entry into most existing accident books, you are able to view previous entries made in the book - allowing access to personal details and information. The Information Commissioner has ruled that this is an infringement of the Data Protection Act. The new design, produced by the HSE, allows for accidents to be recorded, with personal details stored separately in a secure location.

The Information Commissioner has allowed a seven-month lead-in time for businesses to change their accident book to comply. This means that the new book, or another compliant version, must be in use by 31 December 2003. More information on the new Accident book can be found at www.hsebooks.co.uk.
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