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1st March 2025

What 5 Things Must Be Reported to RIDDOR?

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) plays a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety across the United Kingdom. These regulations require employers, self-employed individuals, and those responsible for premises to report certain types of workplace incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authorities.

A reportable accident under RIDDOR is an incident that must be reported because it is work-related and results in a physical injury or illness directly linked to a specific, identifiable event at work.

Understanding what 5 things must be reported to RIDDOR is essential for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and fostering a safer working environment. This article explores these five categories of reportable incidents, explains their significance, and highlights the reporting process, including the possibility of anonymous reporting.

What 5 Things Must Be Reported to RIDDOR?

To grasp the importance of RIDDOR reporting, it is helpful first to understand the purpose of the regulations. The dangerous occurrences regulations under RIDDOR were introduced by the HSE to ensure that serious work related accidents, including any workplace accident, diseases, and dangerous occurrences are properly recorded, investigated, and addressed. This systematic reporting enables the HSE and other relevant authorities, specifically the relevant enforcing authority, to monitor workplace safety trends, enforce compliance, and recommend preventive measures to reduce risks and avoid future accidents.

According to HSE data, there were approximately 69,000 non-fatal workplace injuries reported in the UK during 2020/21. These figures underscore the critical need for employers and self-employed people to know exactly which workplace accidents and incidents must be reported under RIDDOR. Below, we detail the five main categories of reportable incidents.

Introduction to RIDDOR

RIDDOR, or the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, is a cornerstone of workplace safety in the UK. These health and safety regulations require employers, self employed individuals, and those in control of work premises to report specific work related accidents, injuries, and diseases to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The aim of RIDDOR is to ensure that all workplace incidents—ranging from injuries diseases and dangerous occurrences to occupational health conditions—are properly documented and investigated. This process not only helps the safety executive monitor trends and enforce safety law, but also supports the development of preventive strategies to reduce future accidents. By understanding and following the dangerous occurrences regulations, businesses can ensure compliance with health and safety law, protect their workforce, and contribute to a safer working environment for everyone.

1. Specified Injuries Leading to Absence or Medical Attention

One of the most common types of incidents that must be reported under RIDDOR are workplace accidents that result in an injured person being unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days. To be reportable, the incident must result in a physical injury. This category includes a wide range of physical injuries, from fractures and amputations to serious burns, head injuries, or crush injuries.

For example, injuries such as broken bones (excluding fingers, thumbs, or toes), loss of a body part, serious electrical shocks, and spinal injuries resulting in paralysis are classified as specified injuries under RIDDOR and are considered reportable injuries. Employers are legally required to report injuries that result in more than seven days off work to the HSE within 10 days. If an injury requires hospital treatment beyond immediate first aid or results in more than seven days off work, employers must report it according to legal requirements.

The construction and manufacturing sectors report the highest numbers of such injuries, often caused by slips, trips, and falls. Reporting these injuries helps the HSE identify workplace hazards and implement effective safety improvements.

2. Fatalities in the Workplace

Fatalities are the most serious incidents under RIDDOR and must be reported immediately. All work related fatalities should be reported promptly to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to help prevent future incidents. Any work related death, whether caused by an accident at the workplace or a road traffic accident during work activities, is reportable. Additionally, any death that occurs within one year from a reportable injury must also be reported. The HSE or local authority should be notified as soon as possible, with a formal report submitted within 10 days.

In 2020/21, there were 142 fatal injuries in UK workplaces, with the construction, agriculture, and transportation sectors being the most affected. Common causes include falls from height, electrocutions, machinery accidents, and vehicle collisions during work. A work related fatality must be reported under RIDDOR, allowing the HSE to investigate the incident thoroughly, determine root causes, and recommend safety measures to prevent recurrence.

3. Workplace Diseases and Occupational Health Conditions

RIDDOR also covers certain occupational diseases that arise due to occupational exposure to biological agents or hazardous substances at work. These diseases typically develop over time and are directly linked to an employee’s job activities or environment. Employers must report diagnosed cases of specified occupational diseases to the HSE.

Examples of reportable occupational diseases include:

• Occupational asthma, caused by inhaling harmful dust, fumes, or gases.

• Asbestosis and occupational cancer, resulting from prolonged exposure to asbestos.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and hand arm vibration syndrome, linked to repetitive hand movements or tool use.

• Occupational dermatitis, caused by skin exposure to irritants.

• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud environments.

The HSE estimates that thousands of deaths annually are attributed to work related diseases, highlighting the importance of reporting these conditions. Timely reporting enables health surveillance and the implementation of protective measures, such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and improving workplace safety standards.

4. Dangerous Occurrences in the Workplace

A dangerous occurrence is an event arising from work activities that could potentially result in serious injury or death. Dangerous occurrences are incidents that could potentially harm people but do not result in injury or illness. These events are significant warning signs and must be reported under the dangerous occurrences regulations RIDDOR if they meet specific criteria.

Examples include:

• Collapse or failure of scaffolding or other structural supports.

• Explosions or accidental releases of flammable gases or hazardous substances.

• Flammable gas incident, such as an uncontrolled release or ignition of flammable gas from gas appliances or fittings.

• Failure of pressure systems such as boilers or compressed air equipment.

• Major equipment failures that could lead to serious accidents.

In 2020/21, around 1,200 dangerous occurrences were reported to the HSE, many linked to equipment failures on construction sites. Reporting these incidents is critical to identifying potential hazards before they cause harm, allowing employers to take corrective action and improve workplace safety.

5. Injuries to Vulnerable Workers

RIDDOR recognizes the need to protect vulnerable workers, including young workers under 18, pregnant employees, and those with pre-existing health conditions or disabilities. Injuries or fatalities involving these groups must be reported diligently, as they may be at greater risk due to lack of experience or specific vulnerabilities. Injuries to a self employed person must also be reported if they occur in a work-related setting.

Employers have an enhanced duty to ensure that vulnerable workers are adequately trained and safeguarded. Reporting incidents involving these workers helps highlight areas where additional precautions or adjustments are necessary to maintain a safe workplace.

How to Report an Incident under RIDDOR

When a reportable incident occurs, it is the responsibility of the designated responsible person—such as an employer, manager, or person in control of the premises—to follow the correct reporting procedure. To report an incident, the responsible person should use the HSE’s online reporting system for most cases, while fatalities and major injuries can also be reported by telephone for immediate attention. The report must include key details such as the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of the event, and the nature of any injury or disease. It is also essential to keep a thorough record of the incident, including the RIDDOR report and any actions taken in response. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with safety regulations and for supporting any future investigations or reviews of workplace safety practices.

Timeframe for Reporting RIDDOR Incidents

Timely reporting is a critical aspect of RIDDOR compliance. Certain incidents, such as fatalities and major injuries, must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities to ensure a prompt response and investigation. Other reportable incidents, including dangerous occurrences and specified injuries, should be reported within ten days of the event. If an accident results in an employee being unable to perform their normal duties for more than seven consecutive days, this must be reported as soon as practicable and no later than 15 days after the accident happened. Adhering to these timeframes ensures that all reportable incidents are addressed swiftly and in accordance with health and safety law.

Consequences of Not Reporting RIDDOR Incidents

Failing to report incidents as required by the RIDDOR regulations can have serious consequences for businesses and individuals. The Health and Safety Executive may impose substantial fines or pursue legal action against those who neglect their reporting duties. Non-compliance not only exposes organizations to enforcement action and prosecution, but also damages their reputation and undermines trust in their commitment to workplace safety. Complying with RIDDOR helps businesses avoid legal penalties and maintain good standing. To avoid these risks, it is essential to report incidents promptly and accurately, ensuring that all legal obligations are met and that a safe working environment is maintained for everyone.

Anonymous Reporting under RIDDOR

While the RIDDOR regulations themselves do not explicitly provide for anonymous reporting, there are alternative ways employees can raise safety concerns or report incidents anonymously. This option is vital for workers who fear retaliation or are hesitant to report incidents directly.

Some avenues for anonymous reporting include:

• Whistleblowing under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which protects workers who report unsafe practices or breaches of health and safety law.

• Reporting through union or health and safety representatives, who can escalate issues without revealing the identity of the reporter.

• Indirect use of the HSE’s online reporting system, where employers can submit reports on behalf of employees.

• Using the incident contact centre, a dedicated telephone service for reporting major incidents and fatalities that require immediate attention.

These routes help ensure that reportable incidents and safety concerns are brought to light, even if the individual prefers to remain anonymous.

Conclusion

Understanding what 5 things must be reported to RIDDOR is essential for all employers, self-employed individuals, and responsible persons in the workplace. The RIDDOR regulations require the reporting of serious injuries, fatalities, occupational diseases, dangerous occurrences, and incidents involving vulnerable workers. With over 69,000 non-fatal injuries and 142 fatalities reported in 2020/21 alone, timely and accurate reporting is vital for improving workplace safety standards.

By complying with RIDDOR reporting procedures, employers not only meet their legal obligations but also contribute to a safer working environment for all employees. Additionally, providing options for anonymous reporting helps ensure that safety concerns are raised without fear, supporting a culture of openness and continuous improvement in health and safety. Employees are more engaged and productive when they see that their safety is prioritized. It is also important to note that maintaining an accident book is a requirement under social security law for businesses with more than 10 employees or those operating in certain industries.

For more detailed guidance on RIDDOR and workplace safety compliance, visit the Health and Safety Executive’s official website and explore their online reporting system.

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