RIDDOR compliancy is critical and carries severe penalties if it isn’t followed. The law can be confusing.
You might be wondering what warrants a reportable accident, or what constitutes an accident being work related.
We’ve put together this guide to provide clarity.
What does RIDDOR stand for?
RIDDOR stands for Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. It’s a UK Health & Safety law that makes it a legal requirement for employers, the self-employed, and those responsible of premises to report specific workplace incidents.
What is RIDDOR?
As discussed, it’s a UK Health & Safety law that mandates the reporting of specific incidents. But what constitutes a reportable accident?
A reportable accident
According to RIDDOR regulations, an accident is a type of incident which is separate, identifiable, unintended, and causes physical injury. This includes acts of non-consensual violence.
Injuries themselves, like a worker ‘feeling a sharp pain’, is not considered an accident—there must be an external incident found that links to the injury. Gradual exposures that eventually result in injury do not qualify as accidents.
What work related means
Accidents ‘arising our of or in connection with work’ are work-related accidents. Determining RIDDOR reportable incidents doesn’t depend on finding blame. In fact, an accident may be reportable even without a breach of Health & Safety law.
Consider the following for RIDDOR reporting:
- What work was happening at the time?
- What was the injured person doing?
- What were others doing?
- Where did the accident happen?
- Were factors such as structures, equipment or substances involved?
What must be reported under RIDDOR?
By law, RIDDOR reporting mandates employers to report the following types of incidents:
- Fatalities: Employers must report all work-related deaths for workers and non-workers—excluding suicides.
- Over-7-day incapacitation: Incidents that stop a worker from completing their normal work for 7 consecutive days are deemed RIDDOR reportable injuries. This excludes the day of the accident.
- Non-fatal accidents to non-workers: It must be reported when a member of the public or self-employed person is taken from the scene and admitted to the hospital.
- Occupational diseases: Diagnosed cases of conditions, for example, occupational cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand-arm vibration (HAVS) and others must be reported as per RIDDOR regulations.
- Dangerous occurrences: Events that carry potential harm must be reported. This could be explosions, uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances, or pressure system failures.
- Gas incidents: Accidental gas escapes or explosions are RIDDOR reportable incidents.
- Specified injuries: The following are RIDDOR reportable injuries:
- Fractures—except to the fingers or toes
- Amputation
- Loss of sight, be it permanent or temporary
- Internal organ damage resulting from crush injuries
- Burns that cause eye or respiratory damage, or cover over 10% of the body
- Scalping that needs hospital treatment
- Loss of consciousness because of a head injury or asphyxia
- Permanent loss of use of any body part or organ
Who should submit a RIDDOR report?
When it comes to RIDDOR reporting, only those considered ‘responsible persons’, such as employers, the self-employed, and those in control of work premises should submit reports.
Injured employees should not report. Instead, they must notify their employer. Members of the public are not required to report accidents; they should raise concerns as complaints.
- Employee responsibilities: If an employee witnesses or suffers from a RIDDOR reportable incident, they can report it to their supervisor—they’re not legally obliged to make the report.
- Employer responsibilities: There’s a legal requirement for employers to report all work-related incidents. There is an online form that employers must fill out to file said report. Also, it’s advisable businesses keep an accident book with logged incidents.
To streamline logging accidents, download our free accident book sample here.
RIDDOR reporting timescales
Death, major injury and RIDDOR dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately, along with a full RIDDOR report submitted within 10 days.
Injuries that result in over 7 days off work must be reported within 15 days of the incident. In circumstances where incapacitation or workplace injury doesn’t appear after the incident, a RIDDOR report should be drafted upon the injury becoming known.
When did RIDDOR come into force?
Originally introduced in 1995, the current RIDDOR replaced the preceding version on the 1st of October 2013. The aim was to simplify reporting in the following areas:
- The classification of ‘major injuries’ to workers replacing a concise list of ‘specified injuries’
- Replacing the schedule detailing 47 variations of industrial diseases with eight categories of work-related illness
- Fewer types of RIDDOR dangerous occurrence need reporting
Conversely, there were no major changes to the reporting requirements for:
- Fatal accidents
- Accidents to members of the public
- Accidents causing incapacitation of a worker for more than seven days
Why is RIDDOR important?
Primarily, RIDDOR regulations improve workplace safety. By making it a legal obligation to report work-related deaths, serious injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences, control measures can be implemented to protect workers and the public. It also ensures legal compliance.
FAQs: RIDDOR: Covering the essentials
Who is responsible for making the report?
The employer or person in control of the work premises is the ‘responsible person’. They must submit the RIDDOR report. Injured employees or members of the public should inform their employer.
How do I make a RIDDOR report?
RIDDOR reports should be made via the HSE online reporting system. There are specific forms for different types of incidents—injuries, diseases, dangerous occurrences, gas incidents.
Do I need to report all accidents?
Only incidents that meet RIDDOR criteria should be reported. However, it’s recommended to log records of accidents in an accident book, including those that lead to incapacity for over three consecutive days.
What happens if I don’t submit a required report?
Not reporting a RIDDOR incident is a criminal offence, leading to consequences for the responsible person or company, including potentially unlimited fines in the Crown Court.
What information needs to be recorded?
RIDDOR reportable incidents must be documented. These records will include the date and method of reporting, as well as the incident’s date, time, location, the personal details of involved parties, and a description of the event.
Final say: RIDDOR: Covering the essentials
RIDDOR regulations exist to protect workers and the public in the workplace. Not adhering to this legislation could lead to financial damage (unlimited fines) and reputation repercussions.
There is a strong emphasis on the importance of reporting, so if you fail in your duty to do so, the consequences are likely to be severe.
Let Peninsula support you with RIDDOR regulations
Whilst the law was amended in 2013 to streamline processes for employers, the legislation surrounding RIDDOR can sometimes still be confusing.
Peninsula’s expertise can alleviate any concerns you have with RIDDOR. Not only that, you’ll have access to 24/7 Health & Safety guidance, as well as unlimited support for your documentation.
To supplement your needs further, you’ll receive the latest in Health & Safety software, so you can refine your processes.
If you’d like to discuss things further, request a call back today.
