Health & Safety (H&S) consultants play a critical role in ensuring their clients maintain safe workplaces, meet regulatory requirements, and foster a positive safety culture. One tool that can simplify this effort is the Accident/Incident Reporting Module, part of VISION’s cloud-based health and safety management system.
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.
Who is Responsible for Reporting?
Under RIDDOR, the “responsible person” is required to report incidents. This includes:
- Employers
- Self-employed individuals
- Persons in control of work premises
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.
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
Reportable incidents include:
- Deaths (immediate reporting required)
- Major injuries (immediate reporting required)
- Injuries lasting more than 7 days
- Injuries to the public resulting in hospitalisation
- Dangerous occurrences
- Work-related diseases
By using an accident and incident reporting system, you can easily keep track of reportable incidents and ensure compliance.
Reporting to the HSE
Once you identify that an incident is RIDDOR reportable, it must be reported to the HSE promptly. The timeframe for reporting varies depending on the type of incident:
- Deaths, major injuries, injuries to the public, and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately.
- Injuries resulting in more than 7 days of work absence must be reported within 15 days.
- Diseases should be reported as soon as possible once diagnosed.
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.
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
- 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.
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.
