RIDDOR: When Workplace Accidents Must Be Reported
RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It requires employers to report certain workplace incidents to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). As a worker, understanding RIDDOR helps you ensure that serious incidents are properly recorded and investigated.
What Must Be Reported
Deaths
All work-related deaths must be reported to the HSE immediately by phone, followed by a written report within 10 days.
Specified Injuries
These are serious injuries that must be reported:
- Fractures (other than fingers, thumbs, and toes)
- Amputations
- Crush injuries leading to internal organ damage
- Serious burns covering more than 10% of the body or affecting the eyes, respiratory system, or other vital organs
- Scalping (separation of skin from the head)
- Loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia
- Any injury requiring admission to hospital for more than 24 hours
Over-7-Day Incapacitation
If a worker is unable to perform their normal duties for more than seven consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident), the employer must report it within 15 days.
Dangerous Occurrences
Near-misses and dangerous events that could have caused serious injury must also be reported. In warehouse and industrial settings, these include:
- Collapse or overturning of lifting equipment (forklifts, cranes)
- Collapse of scaffolding or other work platform
- Failure of pressure systems
- Electrical incidents causing fire or explosion
- Collapse or partial collapse of a building or structure
- Release of dangerous substances
Who Is Responsible for Reporting?
The employer is responsible for RIDDOR reporting, not the injured worker. However, as a worker you should:
- Report all accidents and injuries to your supervisor immediately — even if they seem minor at the time
- Ensure your accident is recorded in the workplace accident book
- If working through an agency, report to both the site manager and your agency (TRS Recruit)
- Keep your own record of what happened — date, time, location, witnesses, and circumstances
Why RIDDOR Matters to You
- RIDDOR reports trigger HSE investigations, which can prevent the same incident happening again
- A formal record of your injury protects your rights if you need to make a claim later
- Employers who fail to report RIDDOR incidents can be prosecuted — if you believe an incident has not been reported, you can contact the HSE directly
- Patterns of incidents identified through RIDDOR data lead to improved industry-wide safety standards
After an Accident
If you are injured at work:
- Get first aid treatment immediately
- Report the incident to your supervisor and ensure it is recorded
- Contact your recruitment agency if you are a temporary worker
- See your GP if the injury persists or worsens
- Keep records of medical treatment and time off work
- Do not sign any documents you do not understand
TRS Recruit takes all workplace injuries seriously. If you are injured on an assignment, contact us immediately. We will ensure proper reporting, support your recovery, and find you suitable alternative work if needed.