Legislation

28th February 2025

What is RIDDOR? Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations and is a critical piece of legislation in the UK that ensures the health and safety of employees and the public. RIDDOR also mandates that businesses protect whistleblowers who report workplace incidents. In this blog, we will explore what RIDDOR requires from businesses concerning whistleblowing and why these regulations are so significant.

Understanding RIDDOR

RIDDOR compliance is a legal obligation for businesses in the UK. It requires employers, the self-employed, and individuals in control of premises to report certain workplace accidents, diseases, and dangerous occurrences.

Here are the key components of RIDDOR compliance:

•    Reportable accidents: Incidents resulting in death, major injuries, or more than 7 days of absence from work must be reported to the relevant enforcing authority.
•    Reportable diseases: Occupational diseases such as asthma, dermatitis, and occupational cancer must be reported if diagnosed by a doctor and believed to have been caused by work-related activities.
•    Reportable dangerous occurrences: These include incidents like explosions, electrical short circuits, or the collapse of lifting equipment.

The Importance of RIDDOR to UK Businesses

RIDDOR plays a vital role in promoting a culture of workplace safety. By ensuring that businesses report accidents, diseases, and dangerous occurrences, RIDDOR compliance helps identify areas for improvement, ultimately reducing the number of workplace accidents and illnesses. This not only improves employee health and wellbeing but also reduces the costs associated with absenteeism, compensation claims, and potential fines.

In addition to promoting safety, RIDDOR compliance is a legal obligation for businesses. Failing to report incidents can lead to substantial fines or legal actions. Therefore, complying with RIDDOR demonstrates a business’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of both employees and the public.

Why RIDDOR is Crucial for Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing refers to the act of disclosing wrongdoing or malpractice within an organisation. RIDDOR provides a framework that allows employees to report workplace incidents without fear of retaliation from their employer. This whistleblower protection is a vital part of the regulations.

If an employee believes their employer is not complying with RIDDOR requirements, they can report the incident to the relevant enforcing authority, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a local authority. Whistleblowers who report concerns under RIDDOR are legally protected from retaliation, including threats, discrimination, or termination.
 

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Effective Whistleblowing Systems under RIDDOR

RIDDOR mandates that businesses establish an effective system for employees to report incidents or hazards that may cause harm. This system should include:

•    A confidential reporting mechanism: Ensuring employees can make disclosures anonymously if desired.

•    A clear and transparent process for investigating and addressing reported incidents.

•    Whistleblower protections: Businesses must protect employees who report incidents from retaliation, including being demoted or fired for making a disclosure.

RIDDOR regulations also require businesses to handle investigations confidentially, ensuring that the identity of the whistleblower is protected throughout the process.

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How to Ensure Whistleblower Protection under RIDDOR

To comply with RIDDOR regulations and create a safe reporting environment, businesses should:

•    Implement an independent whistleblowing hotline: This ensures that employees can report incidents confidentially. Stamp Out as an independent whistleblowing service provider, offers a secure avenue for employees to report workplace misconduct or safety concerns.

•    Use external case management: To ensure investigations are impartial, businesses should partner with external providers who specialise in case management and investigations. This helps ensure that the process remains unbiased and compliant with regulatory requirements.

•    Provide training for managers: Whistleblowing cases can be complex, so it is essential that managers are well-trained to handle them. Whistleblowing training helps avoid confusion or non-compliance when issues arise and ensures that managers can address concerns effectively.

•    Raise awareness and train employees: Employees must be made aware of the whistleblowing policy and know how to report concerns. By educating employees on whistleblowing policies and their rights, businesses can foster a culture of openness, transparency, and integrity.




The Importance of Whistleblowing Training

Training employees on whistleblowing is necessary for both preventing wrongdoing and ensuring regulatory compliance. It helps workers understand the importance of reporting misconduct and how they can make disclosures safely without fear of retaliation.

By investing in whistleblowing training and developing a strong whistleblower protection system, businesses not only comply with RIDDOR but also build a safer, more ethical workplace. Whistleblowing training reduces the likelihood of legal issues arising and fosters a culture of accountability and integrity within the organisation.

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Conclusion

For businesses in the UK, ensuring compliance with RIDDOR regulations is crucial for protecting employee health and safety. It also creates an environment that encourages employees to report concerns about workplace incidents, hazards, or wrongdoing.

Whistleblower protection is an essential part of these regulations, and businesses must take steps to ensure they provide a safe and confidential reporting process.

By embracing robust systems for whistleblowing and ensuring RIDDOR compliance, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to health and safety while fostering a transparent and ethical work environment. You can see more information about RIDDOR and the impact in your business by keeing up to date on the HSE website.