RIDDOR

Decide whether the incident meets the reporting test

RIDDOR does not turn every accident at work into a report. In Great Britain, the responsible person first checks whether an accident was work-related and caused a reportable outcome. Separate duties cover specified occupational diseases, dangerous occurrences and certain gas incidents. The HSE explanation identifies who should report and what makes an accident work-related.

Use the current HSE incident categories for the actual event. Do not work from an old checklist or treat a hospital visit, absence or diagnosis as automatically reportable. Northern Ireland retains different reporting rules and thresholds, with reports made through HSENI.

Make the report, then keep the evidence

Name the responsible person before an incident occurs. When something happens, preserve the immediate facts, protect people from further harm and check the live reporting route promptly. The HSE timing page separates events that require notification without delay from those with another reporting deadline.

Keep the submitted form or receipt with the incident record, the facts used to decide reportability and any later correction. A RIDDOR report informs the enforcing authority; it does not replace an investigation, risk-control action or support for the person affected.