Incidents and Reporting | Workplace Accident, Near Miss & RIDDOR Guidance
Managing incidents properly is one of the most important duties in any safe workplace. Clear reporting processes help organisations prevent repeat accidents, spot early warning signs, and meet legal duties. Whether it’s a minor injury, a serious accident, a near miss or a dangerous occurrence, the goal is always the same: learn fast and put things right.
Why Incident Reporting Matters
Every incident leaves clues about risk. When reports are captured quickly and accurately, it becomes possible to prevent similar events and strengthen safety controls. Strong reporting systems create a healthier, more transparent culture where people feel confident raising concerns.
Types of Incidents to Report
Accidents
These include injuries, work-related ill health or damage caused by work activities. Even seemingly “small” injuries—cuts, sprains, burns—should be logged so patterns can be identified.
Near Misses
Near misses are events that could have caused harm but didn’t. They are some of the most valuable learning opportunities because they expose hazards before harm occurs.
Dangerous Occurrences
Certain high-risk events—such as equipment failures, structural collapses, or explosions—must be formally recorded and, in some cases, reported under RIDDOR.
RIDDOR-Reportable Events
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) requires employers to report specific serious incidents to the relevant enforcing authority. These include major injuries, occupational diseases, dangerous occurrences, and incidents involving members of the public.
What an Effective Reporting System Should Include
A reliable incident reporting system should allow workers to report quickly and confidently. It should include:
- Clear instructions on what must be reported and when
- Easy access to incident forms or digital reporting tools
- Prompt initial response and immediate actions to make situations safe
- A consistent investigation process
- Correct classification of RIDDOR-reportable events
- Follow-up actions, root cause analysis and communication of outcomes
Incident Investigation
Investigations are not about blame—they’re about understanding the chain of events. Good investigations identify underlying causes such as unsafe systems, poor communication, inadequate training or equipment faults, helping organisations improve controls and reduce risk.
Building a Strong Reporting Culture
People report more openly when the system is simple, supportive and free from blame. Encouraging early reporting helps prevent small issues from developing into serious incidents.
Recommended Training
Training strengthens confidence, consistency and legal compliance. The following courses complement an effective incident management system:
- NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation
- Accident Investigation Training – Build the skills to analyse incidents and identify root causes.
- RIDDOR Awareness Course – Understand when and how to submit legally required reports.
- Workplace Health and Safety – Improve everyday reporting behaviours across the workforce.
- IOSH Working Safely – Foundational health and safety qualification
- Accident Reporting & Near Miss training