How to Report an Accident Under RIDDOR: A Guide for Employers

Employers and individuals responsible for workplace safety are legally required to report certain accidents, incidents, and work-related diseases to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR—the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. This guide outlines how you can meet these legal obligations and how to use incident reporting software or your health and safety management system to efficiently report incidents.

What is RIDDOR?

RIDDOR sets out the types of workplace incidents that must be reported to the HSE. While not every accident needs reporting, certain incidents—including fatalities, major injuries, 7-day injuries, public harm, or work-related diseases—fall under RIDDOR and must be reported promptly. Using accident reporting software can help you streamline this process.

For incidents involving employees, it’s the employer’s responsibility to submit a report. In cases where the injured party is a member of the public or self-employed, the person in control of the premises is responsible for reporting an accident to the HSE.

How to Submit a RIDDOR Report

Most RIDDOR reports can be submitted online via the HSE website. You’ll need to provide details such as:

Date and time of the incident, details of the injured person, location and description of the incident and, method and date of notification. 

For fatal or specified major injuries, you can also report by telephone during office hours. Your accident and incident reporting software should be able to link directly to the HSE reporting platform, simplifying the process.

Using incident reporting software ensures that you meet these deadlines efficiently. Failure to report within these timeframes can result in significant penalties, including fines ranging from £500 to over £100,000 for serious breaches.

When is a RIDDOR Report Required?

A RIDDOR report is necessary when:

• The incident is work-related

• It results in a reportable injury or event

By using an accident and incident reporting system, you can easily keep track of reportable incidents and ensure compliance.

Compliance and Enforcement

The HSE monitors workplace safety through RIDDOR reports. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and prosecution. Even minor breaches can incur fines under the Fee for Intervention (FFI) scheme, so it’s crucial to ensure all required reports are submitted on time.

Conclusion

Meeting your legal obligations under RIDDOR is essential for maintaining workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Using tools like incident reporting software and a health and safety management system can help you track and report incidents promptly, protect your employees, and avoid potential fines. Always ensure accidents are reported in real-time.