Understanding the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

The RIDDOR regulations play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in workplace health and safety. Employers, the self-employed, and those in control of work premises must legally report certain serious incidents, injuries, and diseases. This guide breaks down what RIDDOR covers, when and how to report, and the responsibilities you need to be aware of to remain fully compliant.

What Is RIDDOR?

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (2013). It’s a UK law requiring specific work-related incidents to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the relevant local authority.

Under RIDDOR, organisations must report:

  • Deaths and specified serious injuries
  • Work-related diseases
  • Dangerous occurrences (near misses with potential for harm)
  • Gas incidents (for those supplying or operating gas systems)

Who Must Report Under RIDDOR?

Responsibility for reporting typically lies with:

  • Employers (for employees or others affected by their work)
  • Self-employed individuals (if something happens to them or someone else as a result of their work)
  • People in control of premises, such as site managers or landlords, where reportable incidents occur

Each has specific duties depending on their role and the circumstances of the incident.

When and How to Report

All RIDDOR reports must be submitted online via the HSE website, except for fatal or major incidents, which require immediate notification. Reports should be made as soon as possible and within 10 days of the incident.

The main reporting categories include:

  • Fatalities or specified injuries
  • Dangerous occurrences (such as explosions or structural collapses)
  • Occupational diseases
  • Over-seven-day injuries
  • Injuries to non-workers (e.g., members of the public)

Why RIDDOR Compliance Matters

Complying with RIDDOR isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It helps organisations:

  • Identify risks and prevent future accidents
  • Demonstrate legal responsibility
  • Maintain accurate safety records
  • Support better workplace culture and safety awareness

Failure to report can lead to legal enforcement actions, fines, or prosecution.

Related Health & Safety Short Courses

Envico offers a range of short courses to help individuals and businesses meet compliance requirements, including:

These courses strengthen understanding of safety management, incident response, and legal duties under RIDDOR.

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