Frequently asked questions
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Reporting an accident or incident is a legal requirement. Authorities can identify risks and how they arise and the possibility of an investigation. Information regarding an accident can be used for future risk assessments as well as identifying risks that may cause others harm. Reports also show authorities about serious incidents and infectious diseases and records also help to prevent injuries and control costs spent on accident compensation.
- Reporting an accident or incident is a legal requirement. Authorities can identify risks and how they arise and the possibility of an investigation. Information regarding an accident can be used for future risk assessments as well as identifying risks that may cause others harm. Reports also show authorities about serious incidents and infectious diseases and records also help to prevent injuries and control costs spent on accident compensation.
- A RIDDOR report is only necessary when the accident is work related and it results in an injury of a type which is reportable (below)
- The Oxford dictionary defines an accident as ‘An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.’
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- Name
- Address
- Occupation
- Department
- Date
- Description of Incident – what caused it, what injury, care to the person after the incident, vital signs after the incident
- People present
- Symptoms prior to the accident
- Hazards that caused the accident and what is being done to correct the hazard
- Any additional information
- If the incident fits the criteria of the ‘what are reportable injuries’ section then it must be reported. If it doesn’t then it does not need reporting.
- You can go online to HSE to complete a report. Telephone 0845 300 9923 – must ONLY be used for fatal and specified injuries.
- RIDDOR assigns employers, self-employed people and ‘the Responsible Person’ to report serious workplace accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations or RIDDOR (2013) state that employers require “responsible persons” to report accidents, major injuries, dangerous occurrences and even death in the workplace. See a more detailed list here – types of reportable incidents in the workplace. Breaching regulations is a crime and can result in a hefty fine.
- Obviously, the first thing you must do if there’s an accident is to respond appropriately – such as calling for assistance or for an ambulance. Then get down as much relevant information as you can and create a report in the format required by your organisation. If the incident is reportable under RIDDOR, the report must be received within 10 days of the incident; injuries which result in a person being off work for over 7 consecutive days need to be reported within 15 days.
Documents & other resources
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How to report an accident
Hazards are present in any workplace and accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Learn about your legal responsibilities when it comes to accident reporting.
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