RIDDOR: Simple answers to your top six questions

Which injuries do I need to report under RIDDOR?

You should always report work-related incidents that genuinely meet RIDDOR criteria. These include:

• The death of any person arising from a work-related accident.
• Specified injuries to workers, such as fractures (excluding fingers, thumbs, and toes).
• Injuries to workers that prevent them from performing their regular work duties for more than seven days.
• Injuries to non-workers where the injured person is taken directly to hospital from the scene for treatment.

Even when an incident appears straightforward, always check these important details:

• Specified injuries like fractures must be confirmed by a doctor. Self-diagnosed or suspected fractures are not reportable.
• Where the severity of the injury is unclear – for example, if you are waiting for a decision on a limb amputation – you do not have to submit a precautionary report of a particular injury.
• If the injury leads to a long absence, it may become reportable as an over-seven-day injury in any event.

What are the implications of reporting incidents outside of RIDDOR's scope?

Reporting injuries that don't fall within RIDDOR criteria can cause issues for your business. While overreporting doesn't have legal implications, it can lead to unwanted HSE scrutiny, higher insurance premiums and admin costs, and less attractive tender submissions. In the majority of circumstances, the best approach is to clarify the nature of the injury, confirm it is genuinely work related, and only report if the incident appears on the specified RIDDOR list.

What happens if a business doesn't report a specified injury?

Employers are legally obligated to report work-related incidents. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to HSE investigations, enforcement action, and substantial fines. Prosecution not only incurs financial penalties and reputational damage, but also invites stricter regulatory oversight – especially if the failure to report points to broader health and safety management issues.

What is a work-related accident?

The HSE's key definitions are essential to understanding what does and doesn't fall under RIDDOR. An 'accident' is defined as a distinct, identifiable, and unintended event that causes a physical injury. This includes injuries arising from non-consensual violence at work.

Pain alone doesn't qualify – there must be a specific external event that led to the injury, such as being struck by a falling object. In contrast, conditions that develop gradually through ongoing exposure or repetitive activities, like long-term strain or frequent lifting, are not considered 'accidents' under RIDDOR.

What does good RIDDOR recordkeeping look like?

Clear, factual, and consistent. After an accident, your records should capture exactly what happened, who was involved, and how the incident meets RIDDOR reporting criteria. Files should contain supporting evidence – such as photos, witness statements, or medical reports – that's regularly updated as the incident evolves. The simplest route to accurate records is a central digital platform, which allows items to be stored in a standard, secure format and quickly retrieved across a range of devices.

How can I boost my team's RIDDOR awareness?

Educate your employees through regular toolbox talks and targeted training, spotlighting the importance of accident prevention, incident awareness, and how your internal reporting processes for accidents and near misses complement broader RIDDOR requirements. Give employees a voice in your safety strategy by adding a compliance Q&A to your team meeting agenda and encouraging workers to openly discuss their concerns, ideas, and feedback.

Take a deeper dive with our free white paper

The key to compliant RIDDOR reporting is to gain the facts, report only when necessary, and – in most cases – prioritise accuracy over immediate action. Our latest white paper – RIDDOR: Making sense of reporting requirements – explains why submitting unnecessary RIDDOR reports can do more harm than good, distorting incident statistics, sapping resources, and attracting unwanted regulatory attention. Inside, you'll find:

• Expert guidance on when – and when not – to report an incident under RIDDOR.
• Key definitions to cut through complex legislative language.
• Clear explanations and real-world examples of work-related injuries.
• Support in navigating nuanced reporting requirements.