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1st March 2025

What 5 Things Must Be Reported to RIDDOR?

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) is a fundamental aspect of health and safety law in the United Kingdom. These regulations require employers, self-employed individuals, and those in control of premises to report certain incidents that occur in the workplace.

These incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the local authority. It’s crucial for employers to understand what constitutes reportable incidents to ensure compliance with the law and to foster a safe working environment. In this detailed guide, we will cover the five things that must be reported to RIDDOR, along with relevant statistics, and discuss the concept of anonymous reporting under RIDDOR.

 

What is RIDDOR? 

Before diving into the specifics of what must be reported to RIDDOR, it’s important to understand the significance of this legislation. RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) was introduced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure that serious work-related incidents are properly recorded, investigated, and acted upon. These regulations help the HSE and local authorities monitor trends in workplace safety and make informed decisions on where to focus their resources for reducing risks.
According to HSE data, there were 69,000 non-fatal injuries to employees in the workplace in the UK during 2020/21. These numbers highlight the importance of incident reporting under RIDDOR. Reporting incidents allows for the identification of workplace hazards and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid future accidents.

The Five Things That Must Be Reported to RIDDOR

Now, let’s explore the five types of incidents that must be reported to RIDDOR. For each category, we will look at examples, legal obligations, and key statistics to give you a clear understanding of what qualifies as a reportable incident.

1. Workplace Injuries Leading to Absence or Medical Attention
One of the most common incidents that must be reported under RIDDOR involves injuries sustained in the workplace. RIDDOR requires employers to report injuries that result in a worker being unable to perform their normal duties for more than seven consecutive days. This includes both physical injuries such as fractures, amputations, and head trauma, as well as serious injuries like burns, electrical shocks, or falls from height.

Key Statistics:

•    According to the HSE, there were 39,000 reported cases of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK in 2020/21. Of these, a significant portion involved serious injuries that resulted in extended absences from work.

•    The construction sector and manufacturing industry report the highest number of injuries, with slips, trips, and falls being among the most common causes.

Employers must report injuries to the HSE if the injury leads to more than seven days of absence or medical attention. Examples of injuries that must be reported include:

•    Fractured bones (other than fingers, thumbs, or toes)
•    Amputations or loss of a body part
•    Serious burns or electrocution
•    Head injuries that result in loss of consciousness or require medical treatment
•    Spinal injuries or injuries resulting in paralysis

The employer must report the injury within 10 days of the incident. In some cases, the self-employed individuals or members of the public can also report injuries that occur on premises under the control of an employer.

2. Fatalities in the Workplace
The loss of life in the workplace is one of the most serious incidents that must be reported under RIDDOR. Any fatality caused by a work-related accident must be reported immediately. The HSE or local authority must be notified as soon as possible, ideally within 10 days.

Key Statistics:

•    The most recent data from the HSE shows that in 2020/21, there were 142 fatal injuries in the workplace across the UK. The majority of fatalities occur in the construction, agriculture, and transportation industries.

•    In construction, the leading cause of fatalities is falls from height, accounting for 40% of all fatal injuries in this sector.

•    Road traffic accidents while driving for work purposes are also a significant cause of workplace fatalities.

Examples of fatalities that must be reported include:

•    Fatal injuries caused by falling objects, such as scaffolding collapse or building materials dropping from height
•    Fatal electrocutions in industries such as construction or utilities
•    Machinery-related fatalities, such as those caused by heavy equipment or manufacturing machinery
•    Vehicle collisions resulting in death during work activities

As with serious injuries, reporting fatalities helps to identify workplace hazards and take preventative action. In the case of fatalities, the HSE will often carry out an investigation to determine the root cause and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

3. Workplace Diseases and Occupational Health Conditions
RIDDOR also requires the reporting of certain workplace diseases and occupational health conditions that employees develop as a direct result of their work. These conditions typically develop over time due to prolonged exposure to harmful substances, repetitive motions, or dangerous environments.

Examples of reportable diseases under RIDDOR include:

•    Occupational asthma: Caused by exposure to harmful dust, fumes, or gases, often reported in industries such as construction or manufacturing.
•    Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.
•    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A repetitive strain injury caused by prolonged use of hands in jobs that require frequent typing or use of tools.
•    Noise-induced hearing loss: Caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise levels in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and music venues.

Key Statistics:

•    The HSE reports that 13,000 people die each year due to work-related diseases, with asbestos-related cancers accounting for a significant portion.
•    Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are also one of the most common types of work-related conditions, affecting over 500,000 people in the UK annually.

Employers must report any case where an employee is diagnosed with a work-related disease. For example, if a worker is diagnosed with occupational lung disease due to exposure to harmful substances at the workplace, the employer must file a report with the HSE.

Reporting these diseases allows the HSE to monitor trends and highlight sectors where exposure to hazardous substances or working conditions needs to be addressed. It is also essential for employers to take preventative measures such as providing health surveillance and offering appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

4. Dangerous Occurrences in the Workplace
A dangerous occurrence refers to an event or near-miss that could have led to a serious injury or fatality but did not. These types of incidents still pose significant risks and must be reported to RIDDOR if they meet the criteria set out by the HSE. Dangerous occurrences often involve hazardous machinery, substances, or situations that could result in a catastrophic event if not addressed promptly.

Examples of dangerous occurrences include:
•    The collapse of scaffolding or a significant failure of building materials.
•    Explosions or near-misses involving hazardous chemicals, gases, or flammable materials.
•    Uncontrolled releases of dangerous substances into the workplace or the environment.
•    Pressure system failures, such as the bursting of a boiler or compressed air system.

Key Statistics:
•    According to the HSE, there were approximately 1,200 dangerous occurrences reported in 2020/21. Many of these were related to equipment failures or dangerous practices on construction sites.

Reporting dangerous occurrences is vital for preventing future accidents. When reported, these incidents are investigated to identify underlying hazards and potential risks. Employers can then implement corrective actions and safety measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring.

5. Injuries to Vulnerable Workers
RIDDOR places particular importance on incidents involving vulnerable workers. This includes young workers, workers under the age of 18, or those with pre-existing health conditions or disabilities that make them more vulnerable to accidents or illnesses. Vulnerable workers must be given extra protection, and any injury or fatality they suffer must be reported.

Examples include:
•    Injuries to young workers who may not have the experience to recognise and avoid workplace hazards.
•    Accidents involving pregnant workers or workers with specific health conditions.

Employers have a heightened responsibility to ensure that vulnerable employees are working in a safe environment and have received appropriate training. If an incident involving a vulnerable worker occurs, it must be reported to RIDDOR promptly.
 
Anonymous Reporting under RIDDOR

One important aspect that many employers and workers may not be fully aware of is the possibility of anonymous reporting. While the RIDDOR regulations themselves do not directly allow for anonymous reporting to the HSE, it is possible to raise safety concerns and report incidents anonymously through alternative means.
Anonymous reporting provides a channel for employees or workers who fear retaliation or believe there may be an ongoing safety issue but are reluctant to raise it officially. While RIDDOR itself doesn’t offer anonymity, there are other options available:

1.    Whistleblowing: Workers can report unsafe practices or incidents under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation when reporting issues such as unsafe working conditions, harassment, or non-compliance with health and safety regulations.

2.    Reporting through safety representatives: Some employees may feel more comfortable reporting incidents or unsafe practices to union or health and safety representatives, who can then raise the issue with management or relevant authorities.

3.    HSE’s online reporting system: While reports made through the HSE’s online system generally require contact details, employees can ask their employer to report incidents on their behalf or use the system indirectly.
 

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Conclusion

Reporting incidents to RIDDOR is a vital aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Employers have a legal obligation to report a range of incidents, including serious injuries, fatalities, dangerous occurrences, occupational diseases, and incidents involving vulnerable workers.

In 2020/21, there were 69,000 non-fatal injuries and 142 fatalities in the UK workplace, making it clear why timely and accurate reporting is essential. By reporting these incidents, employers not only comply with the law but also contribute to improving safety standards across various industries.

Understanding the regulations and fulfilling reporting obligations under RIDDOR can help employers ensure a safer workplace for everyone. Equally important is providing workers with the option of anonymous reporting, ensuring that safety concerns are raised without fear of retaliation.

Ultimately, compliance with RIDDOR regulations is not just about avoiding legal repercussions — it’s about creating a safer, more productive work environment where every employee can feel secure in their health and wellbeing.

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