The ultimate guide to RIDDOR.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) make the reporting of certain accidents at work a legal requirement. In this post, we look at the types of accidents you should report, highlight your responsibilities, and explain the repercussions if you don’t report them.

As an employer, self-employed or a person in control of work premises, you have a legal obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of your employees and visitors. As part of this obligation, you should undertake risk assessments of the premises, to manage and mitigate any risks that may arise.

It’s impossible to remove all risks, but you do have to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to prevent the risks wherever possible. When accidents do occur, you must report it to the appropriate authority under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences regulations (2013) otherwise known as RIDDOR.

RIDDOR rules regarding workplace illnesses and injuries can sometimes cause confusion, but they don’t need to.  In this post, we will provide a simplified overview of the regulations, what they mean and what happens if they’re not followed.

 What is RIDDOR?

RIDDOR are a set of legislation that defines which workplace injuries, accidents and illnesses you should report and how they should be reported.

Were you aware that employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises are required, by law, to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and near misses within specific timeframes?

Why do I have to report accidents and injuries that happen at work?

Reporting incidents that are outlined in RIDDOR is a legal requirement. The report informs appropriate authorities about deaths, injuries, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences so they can learn how and why risks arise, and whether they need to be investigated further. This allows the authorities to appropriately target their work and provide relevant and accurate advice when necessary.

What is defined as an accident under RIDDOR?

RIDDOR defines an accident as ‘a separate, identifiable, unintended incident, which causes physical injury’. It specifically mentions acts of non-consensual violence to people at work.

Is every accident at work reportable?

No. Under RIDDOR, an accident needs to be reported in the following two circumstances when:

• a work-related accident causes death or injury; and
• the injury is one listed in RIDDOR as being reportable.

What does RIDDOR mean by ‘work-related’?

RIDDOR only requires you to report accidents if they happen “out of or in connection with work” and the rules clearly state that an accident at work premises does not mean the accident is work-related.

Here, it’s crucial to know that the work activity itself must contribute to the accident.

RIDDOR defines an accident as 'work-related' if any of the following played a significant role:

• the way the work was carried out
• any machinery, plant, substances, or equipment used for the work or
• the condition of the site or premises where the accident happened

What types of injuries are reportable under RIDDOR?

The following types of injury are reportable under RIDDOR when they result from a work-related accident.

• The death of any person 
• Specified Injuries to workers
• Injuries to workers which result in their incapacitation for more than 7 days(including weekends)
• Injuries to non-workers which result in them being taken directly to hospital for treatment, or specified injuries to non-workers which occur on hospital premises.

What are the most common types of work-related injuries?

For reference, we’ve listed the most common types of injuries that are RIDDOR reportable if suffered by an individual because of a work-related accident.

1. Slips, trips, and falls on the same level(33%)
2. Heavy lifting or carrying(18%)
3. Struck by a moving object(10%)
4. Acts of violence(8%)
5. Falls from a height(8%)

Who should report an accident in the workplace?

Only specified ‘responsible persons’ should submit reports under RIDDOR. These people include employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises.

How long do I have to report a workplace accident?

You should report an accident to the relevant authority (the HSE or your local authority) within 15 days of the accident occurring.

What is an Accident Book?

As well as reporting accidents via RIDDOR, you should also keep a record of the incident on file. Your accident book is an essential document for employers and employees and should include the following:

• The date, time and place of the accident or injury
• Any personal details of those involved
• A brief description of the nature of the event or disease
• Date and method of reporting

How do I report an accident under RIDDOR?

All incidents should be reported online. However, if an accident is fatal or on the specified injury list, a telephone service is available. There is also a number for an out-of-hours duty officer if the work-related death or serious accident occurs out of normal working hours.

Should I make a RIDDOR report or not?

In some cases, it can be difficult to understand whether you need to make a RIDDOR report.

If you have any doubts, you should seek legal advice. Admissions made in a RIDDOR report may be used as evidence in any subsequent criminal or civil proceedings.

What happens if I don’t report an accident under RIDDOR when I should have?

Not reporting an accident at work is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for organisations is an unlimited fine and/or two years imprisonment for individuals.

If you need assistance with understanding RIDDOR or managing health and safety in the workplace, contact CT Health and Safety today. Our expert consultants will be happy to assist you in the creation of appropriate policies and procedures, or in conducting risk assessments to assure the health and safety of your workforce.