RIDDOR dangerous occurrence means specified reportable work-related injuries or deaths to workers and members of the public. The reportable injuries are amputation, fractures on specific body parts, serious burns, and crush injuries to the head or torso. The injuries must be reported to the HSE within a certain time.

In 2023/24, around 609,000 new work-related injuries were reported in the UK under the RIDDOR regulations 2013.

This blog post will help you understand RIDDOR regulations, what to report and what will happen if the RIDDOR report is not submitted. Let’s get started.

What is RIDDOR?

riddor reporting

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It’s a legal requirement in the UK.

Under the RIDDOR regulations, certain accidents or incidents, work-related diseases, and dangerous occurrences must be reported. The responsible person must report these incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the relevant local authority. 

In the UK, RIDDOR applies to places like construction sites, health and social care, offices, schools, care homes, sports, infection controls and much more. 

Why is RIDDOR important?

Cases of work-related injuries are very common in the UK.  That’s why RIDDOR reporting is important for every workplace to prevent work-related accidents.

RIDDOR helps to understand what causes accidents in a workplace. Based on that data, authorities can take precautions so that no one gets injured again.

What is RIDDOR dangerous occurrence?

The dangerous RIDDOR occurrences are the type of reportable incident under the law. Reportable injuries refer to specific, serious events. These events don’t always result in injury but have the potential to cause significant harm.

RIDDOR dangerous occurrence

There are 27 dangerous RIDDOR occurrence categories listed in the RIDDOR regulations 2013. These categories cover incidents in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare

Here are some examples:

  • Collapse of lifting equipment
  • Explosion, fire, or electric short-circuit causing work stoppage
  • Uncontrolled release of biological agents or ionising radiation
  • Plant or machinery failures
  • Structural collapses
  • Escape of flammable or harmful substances
  • Unintended collision of a train with any vehicle
  • Explosion or fire causing stoppage of work for over 24 hours
  • Aircraft incidents involving work equipment or injury
  • Incidents with offshore installations (collapse, loss of stability, etc.)
  • Road tanker overturns or spills during transportation
  • Incidents involving diving projects (loss of communication, oxygen supply, etc.)
  • Failure of a freight container in use

What must be reported under RIDDOR?

Not every incident can be reported. If certain conditions are met, you can then report under RIDDOR. 

Here are the conditions: 

  • Death to workers or members of the public
  • Reduced or permanent loss of eyesight
  • Fractures in your body other than fingers, thumbs or toes
  • Finger, thumb, leg, foot, toe, arm, or hand amputation
  • Burns that cover 10% of the body or damage vital organs, eyes and respiratory system
  • Scalpings that need hospital treatment
  • Getting senseless because of head injury
  • 7-day absence from work because of work-related injury

What is not reportable under RIDDOR?

As discussed earlier, you can not report every incident or injury under RIDDOR. You must be aware of what you can report and what you can not.

Let’s take a look at the lists of what you can not report under RIDDOR:

  • Minor cuts or bruises that don’t result in time off work
  • Near misses that aren’t listed in the dangerous occurrences regulations RIDDOR
  • Stress-related absences or illnesses 
  • Illnesses unrelated to work activities, like colds or flu
  • Incidents of self harm

What happens if you don’t report a RIDDOR?

riddor fines

Not reporting a RIDDOR incident is considered a criminal offence in the UK. If the HSE investigates and finds non-compliance, your company could face hefty fines or legal action.

If you don’t report a RIDDOR incident, the Magistrates’ Court has the right to fine you. The fine could be up to £20,000 or unlimited.

Moreover, if someone fails to report an RIDDOR incident, it leaves a gap in the safety of the workers. That’s why reporting a RIDDOR incident is essential. 

Who has to be informed of RIDDOR incidents?

A RIDDOR incident is submitted online through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. The responsible person must submit the report. 

If the injured person is an employed person or member of the public, the employer must report it. 

The persons responsible for reporting RIDDOR incidents are:

  • Employers
  • The person in charge of the workplace
  • Self-employed person
  • Someone managing a site on behalf of another organisation

How many days to report a RIDDOR?

Dangerous occurrences need to be reported within hours, not days. RIDDOR incidents must be reported without delay. Here is a complete breakdown:

  • Fatalities and specified injuries must be reported within 24 hours
  • Injuries resulting in over-seven-day absences must be reported within 15 days
  • Diseases and dangerous occurrences should be reported as soon as you become aware of them
  • For deaths, report on the day of the accident or as soon as possible

Need Help Understanding RIDDOR? Enrol in Our Training Course

Understanding RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) is vital for anyone responsible for health and safety in the workplace. The RIDDOR Training Course from Essential Safety Training is designed to give you precise, practical knowledge of what must be reported, how to report it, and your legal responsibilities under UK law.

Whether you’re an employer, manager, or safety officer, this course helps you stay compliant and prepared to handle incidents effectively. Fully online and CPD-accredited, it’s ideal for individuals and teams seeking to enhance their reporting processes and safeguard their workforce. Enrol today and gain confidence in meeting your RIDDOR duties.

FAQ

What is a dangerous goods incident?

A dangerous goods incident is any event involving hazardous materials that can harm people, property, or the environment. This includes everything from small spills to serious accidents like fires or explosions.

Which countries does RIDDOR 2013 apply to?

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) applies to Great Britain, which includes England, Scotland, and Wales. RIDDOR also applies to Northern Ireland.

Is RIDDOR statutory?

Yes, RIDDOR is statutory in the UK. It states that employers must report work-related accidents, injuries, diseases, and dangerous events to the appropriate authority.

Conclusion

RIDDOR dangerous occurrence is work related injuries to workers and members of the public. RIDDOR incidents must be reported by the responsible person to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 

Reporting of RIDDOR occurrences ensures that workplaces will maintain proper measures for the safety of employees. RIDDOR helps to prevent workplace accidents that may cause serious injuries or death. 

Whether you are an employer or own a company, make sure that your organisation follows the RIDDOR regulations.