RIDDOR 2013
(Draft guidance for review)
Sections
1. Accident Reporting Requirements – Key Points & Exemptions
2. Who is the responsible person?
3. Types of Reportable incidents
4. When do I need to make a report?
5. Ways to submit a RIDDOR report
6. Specified Injuries to Workers
7. Occupational Diseases
8. Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and biological agents
9. Dangerous Occurrences
10. What must be reported - Examples
Note: Purpose of This Document
This document contains the draft text of the proposed web-based guidance for RIDDOR
2013. As ultimately, this guidance will be published in web-format, users will be channelled to
the appropriate sections via hyperlinks. The vast majority of users will only need to refer to
that section of guidance, which is relevant for their needs. Therefore, it should not be
considered as a linear document, which users will read from start to finish. Each section is
essentially self-contained, and whilst most are aimed at a generic business audience, some
present more specialist content, such as those relating to offshore reporting requirements.
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/key-elements.htm
Accident Reporting Requirements –
Key Points & Exemptions
Key Points
Regulations 4 - 6 cover work-related deaths and injuries, other than for certain Gas Incidents {link}
RIDDOR requires deaths and injuries to be reported only when:

There has been an accident which caused the injury;

The accident was work-related; and

The injury is of a type that is reportable.
What is “an accident”?
In relation to RIDDOR, an accident is a discrete, identifiable, unintended incident which causes physical
injury. This specifically includes acts of non-consensual violence to people at work.
Injuries themselves, e.g. “feeling a sharp twinge,” are not accidents. There must be an identifiable event,
external to the body which causes the injury, e.g. being struck by a falling object. Cumulative exposures
to hazards which eventually cause injury (e.g. repetitive lifting) are not classed as “accidents” under
RIDDOR.
What is meant by “work-related”?
RIDDOR only requires accidents to be reported if they arise “out of or in connection with work.” The fact
that an accident occurs at work premises does not, of itself, mean that the accident is work-related there must be some indication that the work activity contributed to the circumstances of the accident.
An accident should be considered as “work-related” if any of the following factors played a significant
role:

the way the work was carried out;

any machinery, other plant, substances or equipment used for the work; or

the condition of the site or premises where the accident happened.
What are “reportable” injuries?
The following injuries are reportable under RIDDOR:

The death of any person (Regulation 6)

Specified Injuries to workers (Regulation 4)

Injuries to workers which result in their incapacitation for more than 7 days (Regulation 4)

Injuries to non-workers, which result in them, being taken directly to hospital for treatment, or
specified injuries to non-workers, which occur on hospital premises. (Regulation 5)
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/key-elements.htm
Exemptions
Reports are not required under RIDDOR in relation to the following: (Regulation 14)

Accidents during medical or dental treatment or during any examination carried out or supervised by
a doctor or dentist.

Accidents involving the movement of a vehicle on a public road (other than those associated with:
loading or unloading operations; work alongside the road such as road maintenance; escapes of
substances from the vehicle; and accidents involving trains.)

Accidents to members of the armed forces on duty;
Reports are not required under RIDDOR where this would duplicate other similar reporting requirements
as listed. These include reports required under:

Nuclear Installations Act 1965

Merchant Shipping Act 1988

Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

Civil Aviation (Investigation of Military Air Accidents at Civil Aerodromes) Regulations
2005

Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 1996

The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
Can HSE grant an exemption to RIDDOR?
HSE has limited power to grant exemptions to the requirements of these Regulations. Exemptions can
only be granted where the provisions of European legislation allow and where the Executive is satisfied
that the health and safety of any people likely to be affected by them will not be adversely affected.
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/are-you.htm
Who is the responsible person?
The page explains who should and should not report incidents under the reporting regulations
(RIDDOR).
An employer or in control of premises
If you are an employer
If you are an employer, you must report any work-related deaths, and certain work-related injuries,
cases of disease, and near misses involving your employees wherever they are working.
If you are in control of premises,
If you are in control of premises, you must report any work-related deaths, certain injuries to members of
the public and self-employed people on your premises, and dangerous occurrences (some near miss
incidents) that occur on your premises.
Self-employed
If you are working in someone else’s work premises and suffer either a specified injury or an overseven-day injury, then the person in control of the premises will be responsible for reporting, so,
where possible, you should make sure they know about it.
If there is a reportable accident while you are working on your own premises or in domestic premises, or
if a doctor tells you that you have a work-related disease or condition, then you need to report it.
Members of the public, employees, injured persons
and their representatives
The RIDDOR reporting system is only; for notification of those incidents which require reports under the
RIDDOR regulations. Reports should only be submitted "Responsible Persons" with duties under these
regulations, such as employers, the self-employed, and those in control of work premises where
incidents occur. It is not appropriate for injured persons, members of the public or others who do
not have duties under RIDDOR to use this reporting system.
If you are an employee and have suffered a work-related injury, or have been diagnosed as suffering
from a work related reportable disease, you should inform your employer. If you are concerned that your
employer or other Responsible Person has not made a required report you should:

ask them if they have reported the incident, and/or;
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/are-you.htm

approach your employee or TU representative
If you still feel that your accident or work related disease has not been properly reported, you may raise
your concern with HSE.
If you wish to tell HSE about an incident, or have concerns about ongoing risks to health and safety,
please refer to our advice.
An Employment Agency
The employment status of agency workers is not always clear to the worker, or to the organisations that
are supplied with labour. In many cases, the employment agency is the legal employer, and is under
the same legal obligations as any other employer to report accidents and ill health to their employees. In
other cases, for instance where workers are self-employed, the duty is on the host business to report
accidents as the person in control of the premises where an accident occurs. Self-employed persons are
responsible for reporting accidents, which occur on their own premises, and ill-health conditions.
In practice, agencies should ensure that responsibility for reporting under RIDDOR is clearly assigned to
the appropriate person based on the particular facts of the employment relationship. Agencies should
ensure that reporting responsibilities are clearly understood by host businesses and the workers.
A gas supplier
If you are a distributor, filler, importer or supplier of flammable gas and you learn, either directly or
indirectly that someone has died, lost consciousness or has been taken to hospital because of an injury
suffered in connection with the gas you distributed, filled, imported or supplied, then this must be
reported. In practice the reporting duties are usually undertaken by the gas Emergency
Service Providers (ESPs) representing gas conveyors.
Online form
A gas engineer
If you are a gas engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register, you or your employer must provide
details of any gas appliances or fittings that you consider to be dangerous, to such an extent that people
could die or suffer a major injury, because the design, construction, installation, modification or servicing
could result in:

an accidental leakage of gas;

inadequate combustion of gas or ;

inadequate removal of products of the combustion of gas.
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/are-you.htm
Online form
Working offshore

For most incidents at an offshore installation, the responsible person will be the duty-holder under
the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995.

For diving projects, the responsible person in relation to accidents and dangerous occurrences is
the diving contractor.
HSE Offshore Safety Division can provide specialist advice on the reporting procedure for offshore
workers.
Special Cases (Mines, Quarries, Pipelines & Wells)
In the following special cases, the responsible person is:

In relation to a mine, the manager of that mine;

In relation to a closed tip, the owner of the mine associated with that tip;

In relation to a quarry, the operator of that quarry

In relation to a dangerous occurrence:
o
At a pipeline, the operator of that pipeline;
o
At a well, the person appointed to supervise operations, or where no person is
appointed, the licensee under Section 3 of the Petroleum Act 1998.
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/what-must-i-report.htm
Types of Reportable incidents

Deaths and reportable injuries

Occupational diseases

Dangerous occurrences

Gas incidents
Deaths and reportable injuries
If someone has died or has been injured because of a work-related accident this may have to be
reported.
Work-related accidents
The accident that caused the death or injury must be connected to the work activity. {LINK}
Types of reportable injury
The death of any person
All deaths to workers and non-workers, with the exception of suicides, must be reported if they arise
from a work-related accident, including an act of physical violence to a worker.
Specified injuries to workers
The list of ‘specified injuries’ in RIDDOR 2013 replaces the previous list of ‘major injuries’ in
RIDDOR 1995. Specified injuries are (regulation 4):

fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes;

amputations;

any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight;

any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs;

serious burns (including scalding) which:
o
covers more than 10% of the body; or
o
causes significant damage to the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs

any scalping requiring hospital treatment;

any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia;

any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which:
o
leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness or
o
requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours;
For further guidance on specified injuries, please see {Link}
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/what-must-i-report.htm
Over-seven-day incapacitation of a worker
Accidents must be reported where they result in an employee or self-employed person being away from
work, or unable to perform their normal work duties, for more than seven consecutive days as the result
of their injury. Thus, seven-day period does not include the day of the accident, but does include
weekends and rest days. The report must be made within 15 days of the accident.
Over-three-day incapacitations
Accidents must be recorded, but not reported where they result in a worker being incapacitated for
more than three consecutive days. If you are an employer, who must keep an accident book under
the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, that record will be enough.
Non-fatal accidents to non-workers (e.g. members of the public)
Accidents to members of the public or others who are not at work must be reported if they
result in an injury and the person is taken directly from the scene of the accident to hospital
for treatment to that injury. Examinations and diagnostic tests do not constitute ‘treatment’ in
such circumstances.
There is no need to report incidents where people are taken to hospital purely as a
precaution when no injury is apparent.
If the accident occurred at a hospital, the report only needs to be made if the injury is a
‘specified injury’ (see above).
Occupational diseases
Employers and self-employed people must report diagnoses of certain occupational diseases,
where these are likely to have been caused or made worse by their work: These diseases
include (regulations 8 and 9):

carpal tunnel syndrome;

severe cramp of the hand or forearm;

occupational dermatitis;

hand-arm vibration syndrome;

occupational asthma

tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm

any occupational cancer

any disease attributed to an occupational exposure to a biological agent.
For further guidance on occupational diseases, please see {Link}
Specific guidance is also available for:

occupational cancers {Link}

diseases associated with biological agents {link}
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/what-must-i-report.htm
Dangerous occurrences
Dangerous occurrences are certain, specified near-miss events. Not all such events require
reporting. There are 27 categories of dangerous occurrences that are relevant to most
workplaces, for example:

the collapse, overturning or failure of load-bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment;

plant or equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines;

the accidental release of any substance that could cause injury to any person.
For further guidance on these dangerous occurrences, please see {Link}
Additional categories of dangerous occurrences apply to mines, quarries, relevant transport systems
and offshore workplaces.
Gas incidents
Distributors, fillers, importers & suppliers of flammable gas must report incidents where
someone has died, lost consciousness, or been taken to hospital for treatment to an injury
arising in connection with that gas. Such incidents should be reported using the online form.
Registered gas engineers (under the Gas Safe Register,) must provide details of any gas
appliances or fittings that they consider to be dangerous, to such an extent that people could
die, lose consciousness or require hospital treatment. The danger could be due to the design,
construction, installation, modification or servicing of that appliance or fitting, which could
cause:

an accidental leakage of gas;

inadequate combustion of gas or;

inadequate removal of products of the combustion of gas.
Unsafe gas appliances and fittings should be reported using the online form
Current information at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/when-do-i-report.htm
When do I need to make a report?
For most types of incident, including

accidents resulting in the death of any person;

accidents resulting in specified injuries to workers;

non-fatal accidents requiring hospital treatment to non workers; and

dangerous occurrences
the responsible person must notify the enforcing authority without delay, in accordance with the
reporting procedure (Schedule 1.) This is most easily done by reporting online. Alternatively, for fatal
accidents or accidents resulting in specified injuries to workers only, you can telephone 0845 300 9923.
A report must be received within 10 days of the incident.
For accidents resulting in the over-seven day incapacitation of a worker, you must notify the enforcing
authority within fifteen days of the incident, using the appropriate online form.
Cases of occupational disease, including those associated with exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or
biological agents should be reported as soon as the responsible person receives a diagnosis, using the
appropriate online form ‘Report of a case of disease’.
Current information accessed via http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm
Ways to submit a RIDDOR report
Who reports?
Only "Responsible Persons" including employers, the self-employed and people in control of work
premises should submit reports under RIDDOR. If you are an employee (or representative) or a member
of the public wishing to report an incident about which you have concerns, please refer to our advice.
Online
Responsible persons should complete the appropriate online report form listed below. The form will then
be submitted directly to the RIDDOR database. You will receive a copy for your records

Report of an injury

Report of a dangerous occurrence

Report of an injury offshore

Report of a dangerous occurrence offshore

Report of a case of disease

Report of flammable gas incident

Report of a dangerous gas fitting
If you have problems accessing a form, this may be due to the (Internet) security settings on the PC that
you are using. A series of frequently asked questions is available to help you complete your online form.
Telephone
All incidents can be reported online but a telephone service is also provided for reporting fatal and
specified injuries only - call the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 9923 (opening hours Monday to
Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm).
Reporting out of hours
The HSE and local authority enforcement officers are not an emergency service.
More information on when, and how, to report very serious or dangerous incidents, can be found by
visiting the HSE out of hours webpage. If you want to report less serious incidents out of normal working
hours, you can always complete an online form.
Current information accessed via http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm
Paper Forms
There is no longer a paper form for RIDDOR reporting, since the online system is the preferred reporting
mechanism. Should it be essential for you to submit a report by post, it should be sent to:
RIDDOR Reports
Health and Safety Executive
Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
Merseyside
L20 7HS
Current information : Not Online – L73 Only
Specified Injuries to Workers
Further Guidance on Definitions (Regulation 4)
a.
fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes
Bone fractures include a break, crack or chip. They are reportable when diagnosed or confirmed by a
doctor, including when specified on a GP “fit note.” In some cases, there may be no definitive evidence
of a fracture (e.g. if an X-ray is not taken), but the injury will still be reportable if a doctor considers that a
fracture is likely to have occurred. Self-diagnosed “suspected fractures” are not reportable.
b.
amputation of an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe
Amputation includes both a traumatic amputation injury at the time of an accident, and surgical
amputation following an accident as a consequence of the injuries sustained.
c.
any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or
reduction in sight in one or both eyes
Any blinding and injuries causing reduction in sight are reportable when a doctor diagnoses that the
effects are likely to be permanent.
d.
any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to
the brain or internal organs
Injuries to the brain or internal organs within the chest or abdomen are reportable when caused by
crushing as result of an accident.
e.
any burn injury (including scalding) which:
I.
II.
Covers more than 10% of the whole body’s total surface
area; or
Causes significant damage to the eyes, respiratory system
or other vital organs
Burns, which meet the above criteria, are reportable irrespective of the nature of the agent involved, and
so include burns caused by direct heat, chemical burns and radiological burns.
Medical staff may indicate the approximate proportion of skin suffering burn damage, and charts are
often available in hospital burns units. In adults of working age, the Rule of Nines can help estimate the
body surface area (BSA) affected:





Skin covering the head and neck: 9%
Skin covering each upper limb: 9%
Skin covering the front of the torso: 18%
Skin covering the rear of the torso: 18%
Skin covering each lower limb: 18%
If the BSA of a burn exceeds 15% in an adult, they are likely to require hospitalisation for intravenous
fluid resuscitation.
Current information : Not Online – L73 Only
Where the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs are significantly harmed as a consequence of a
burn, this is a reportable injury irrespective of the surface area covered by that burn. Damage caused by
smoke inhalation is not included within this definition.
f.
any degree of scalping requiring hospital treatment
Scalping is the traumatic separation or peeling of the skin from the head due to an accident, e.g. hair
becoming entangled in machinery. Lacerations where the skin is not separated from the head are not
included, nor are surgical procedures where skin removal is deliberate.
g.
any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or
asphyxia
Loss of consciousness means that the injured person enters a state where there is a lack of response,
either vocal or physical, to people trying to communicate with them. The length of time for which a
person remains unconscious is not significant in terms of whether an accident is reportable.
Asphyxia (lack of oxygen) may occur in situations where a person enters an oxygen-deficient
atmosphere, such as a confined space, or are exposed to poisonous gases e.g. carbon monoxide.
h.
any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space
which:
I.
leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness or
II.
requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more
than 24 hours
An enclosed space includes any space, which is wholly or partly enclosed to the extent that there is a
significantly increased risk to the health and safety of a person within that space by virtue of its enclosed
nature. This would include any confined space as defined by the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997,
and would additionally include similar spaces where there is a foreseeable risk of hypothermia (e.g. a
cold store.)
Nb. Hypothermia is not a specified risk within the meaning of the Confined Spaces Regulations.
Hypothermia and heat-induced illness includes situations where a person suffers an adverse reaction
(the physical injury) to intense heat or cold acting on the body, such that they require assistance from
another person.
Situations where the extent of an injury is unclear
In some instances, employers and self-employed workers may not be in a position to know the full
extent of an injury, e.g. when a prognosis has not yet been established in relation to an eye injury, or
Current information : Not Online – L73 Only
when efforts are being made to treat an injured limb, which may ultimately require surgical amputation.
In such situations, there is no requirement for reports of specified injuries to be made on a precautionary
basis. It is likely that the accident will in any case require reporting due to the injured person being
incapacitated for more than 7 days. The enforcing authority should be notified or updated as soon as a
specified injury has been confirmed. {Link}
Current information accessed via hyperlink to SI:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3163/contents/made
Occupational Diseases
Reportable Diseases
Regulation 8 requires employers and self-employed people to report cases of certain
diagnosed reportable diseases, which are linked with occupational exposure to specified
hazards. The reportable diseases and associated hazards are set out below.
1.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: where the person’s work involves regular use of percussive or
vibrating tools.
2.
Cramp of the hand or forearm: where the person’s work involves prolonged periods of
repetitive movement of the fingers, hand or arm.
3.
Occupational dermatitis: where the person’s work involves significant or regular exposure to
a known skin sensitizer or irritant.
4.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: where the person’s work involves regular use of percussive
or vibrating tools, or the holding of materials, which are subject to percussive processes, or
processes causing vibration.
5.
Occupational asthma: where the person’s work involves significant or regular exposure to a
known respiratory sensitizer
6.
Tendonitis or tenosynovitis: in the hand or forearm, where the person’s work is physically
demanding and involves frequent, repetitive movements.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, which controls sensation and
movement in the hand. It is not always caused by work related factors. Typically, workplace risks are
associated with the use of hand-held vibrating power tools, such sanders, grinders, chainsaws etc.
Cramp of the hand or forearm
Where cramp is so severe as to give rise to a clinical diagnosis, it can be severely debilitating, and
impair a person’s ability to carry out their normal work. This condition is reportable when it is chronic,
and is associated with repetitive work movements. The condition is usually characterised by the inability
to carry out a sequence of what were previously well co-ordinated movements.
An acute incident of cramp, which may occur in the course of work, is not reportable.
Occupational Dermatitis
Dermatitis is reportable when associated with work-related exposure to any chemical or biological irritant
or sensitising agent. In particular, this will include any chemical bearing the warning “may cause
sensitisation by skin contact,” or “irritating to the skin.” Epoxy resins, latex, rubber chemicals, soaps and
cleaners, metalworking fluids, cement, wet work, enzymes and wood can all cause dermatitis. Corrosive
and irritating chemicals also lead to dermatitis. Construction work, health service work, rubber making,
Current information accessed via hyperlink to SI:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3163/contents/made
printing, paint spraying, agriculture, horticulture, electroplating, cleaning, catering, hairdressing and
florists are all associated with dermatitis.
Dermatitis can be caused by exposure to a range of common agents found outside the workplace. If
there is good evidence that, the condition has been caused solely by such exposure rather than by
exposure to an agent at work, it is not reportable.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Workers whose hands are regularly exposed to high vibration, for example in industries where vibratory
tools and machines are used, may suffer from impaired blood circulation and damage to the nerves in
the hand and arm; the disease is known as ‘hand-arm vibration syndrome'. Other names used in
industry include vibration white finger, dead finger, dead hand and white finger. Typically, workplace
risks are associated with the use of hand-held vibrating power tools, such as percussive drills and
hammers, rotary grinders and sanders, chainsaws etc. Risks are also associated with the holding of
materials, which vibrate while being processed by powered machinery such as pedestal grinders,
riveting machines, rotary polishers etc.
Occupational Asthma
Asthma is reportable when associated with work-related exposure to any respiratory sensitizer. In
particular, this will include any chemical bearing the warning “may cause sensitisation by inhalation.”
Known respiratory sensitizers include epoxy resin fumes, solder fume, grain dusts and wood dusts and
other substances. Asthma is a common condition in the general population.
If there is good evidence that the condition was pre-existing, and was neither exacerbated nor triggered
by exposure at work; the condition is not reportable.
Tendonitis & Tenosynovitis
Tendonitis and tenosynovitis are types of tendon injury. Tendonitis means inflammation of a tendon, and
tenosynovitis means inflammation of the sheath (synovium) that surrounds a tendon. Workers who are
required to undertake physically demanding, repetitive work are at increased risk of developing these
conditions. Physically demanding work includes (but is not restricted to) tasks involving repeated lifting
and manipulation of objects (e.g. block laying and assembly line work), and activities requiring
constrained postures or extremes of movement in the hand or wrist.
Diagnosis by a Doctor
A reportable disease must be diagnosed by a doctor. Diagnosis includes the identification of any new
symptoms, or the identification of any significant worsening of existing symptoms. For employees, the
diagnosis should be provided in writing to the employer. Doctors are encouraged to use standard
wording when describing reportable diseases on written statements, which they make out for their
patients.
The Self-employed
Self-employed people do not normally obtain written statements from their doctors when off work
through illness. To take account of this, for a self-employed person, the doctor’s verbal diagnosis of a
reportable disease is sufficient for it to require reporting to the enforcing authority. As with employees,
this only applies if their current job involves exposure to the associated hazard.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens
and biological agents
Regulation 9 requires employers and self-employed workers to report cases of occupational
cancer, and any disease or acute illness caused by an occupational exposure to a biological
agent.
Occupational Cancers
Cases of cancer must be reported where there is an established causal link between the type
of cancer diagnosed, and the hazards to which the person has been exposed through work.
These hazards include all known human carcinogens and mutagens, including ionising
radiation.
For example, the following diagnosed occupational cancers must be reported:

Mesothelioma or lung cancer in a person who is occupationally exposed to asbestos
fibres

Cancer of the nasal cavity or sinuses in a person who is occupationally exposed to
wood dust
Reports are only required when the person’s work gives rise to a significantly increased risk of
developing the cancer. In some cases, the medical practitioner may indicate the significance
of any work-related factors when communicating their diagnosis.
Cases of cancer are not reportable when they are not linked with work-related exposures to
carcinogens or mutagens. As with other diseases, cancers are only reportable if the person’s
current job involves exposure to the relevant hazard.
Further guidance on occupational cancers is provided at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/cancer/index.htm
Biological Agents
All diseases and any acute illness, which requires medical treatment, must be reported when
it is attributable to a work-related exposure to a biological agent. The term biological agent is
defined within the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 [COSHH]
and means a micro-organism, cell culture, or human endoparasite, which may cause
infection, allergy, toxicity or other hazard to human health. Work with hazardous biological
agents is subject to specific provisions within COSHH.
Work related exposures to biological agents may occur as a result of:

An identifiable event, such as the accidental breakage of a laboratory flask,
accidental injury with a contaminated syringe needle or an animal bite; or

Unidentified events, where workers are exposed to the agent without their knowledge.
(e.g. where a worker is exposed to legionella bacteria whilst conducting routine
maintenance on a hot water service system.)
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
A report should be made whenever there is reasonable evidence suggesting that the disease
was likely to have been caused by a work-related exposure. The doctor may indicate the
significance of any work-related factors when communicating their diagnosis.
Further guidance on occupational illnesses associated with biological agents is provided at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/infection.htm
Minor infections, which are common in the community such as colds, bronchitis or stomach
upsets cannot generally be attributed to work-related exposures to biological agents, and thus
are generally not reportable. However, where there is reasonable evidence of a work-related
cause, such as inadvertent contact with the infectious agent during laboratory work, a report
should be made.
Acute illnesses requiring medical attention must be reported when they result from a workrelated exposure to a biological agent, including its toxins or any infected material.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
Guidance on Dangerous Occurrences
The list of dangerous occurrences in Schedule 2 <Link> is designed to obtain information
primarily about incidents, which have a high potential to cause death or serious injury, but
which happen relatively infrequently. Collecting the information gives the enforcing authorities
the opportunity to learn about the circumstances in which they occur and about their causes.
This provides valuable information which both regulators and business can be use to help
prevent accidents.
For clarity, the guidance below includes relevant extracts from the Schedule 2 requirements:
Several types of dangerous occurrence require reporting in circumstances where the incident
has the potential to cause injury or death. This assessment does not require any complex
analysis, measurement or tests, but rather for a reasonable judgement to be made as to
whether the circumstances gave rise to a real, rather then notional risk. Such judgement
allows for prompt reporting, and ensures that valuable information is not lost.
Schedule 2 Part 1- General
Lifting equipment
1.
The collapse, overturning or failure of any load-bearing part of any lifting
equipment, other than an accessory for lifting.
The definition covers the collapse or overturning of any lifting equipment, or the failure of any
load-bearing part, whether used for lifting goods, materials or people. It does not cover the
failure of ancillary equipment, such as electric operating buttons or radius indicators, or
failures of lifting accessories, such as chains and slings.
Failure in this context refers to components, which suffer mechanical breakdown during the
normal operation of the lifting equipment, as opposed to accidental or deliberate damage.
Incidents involving cranes must be reported irrespective of the nature of the work being done,
and reports must not be restricted to those involving lifting and lowering. For example, a
collapse or overturning when a machine is being used for demolition activities must be
included.
Lifting equipment includes machinery such as bored piling rigs and percussion pilings rigs
Pressure systems
2.
The failure of any closed vessel or of any associated pipe work (other than a
pipeline) forming part of a pressure system as defined by regulation 2(1) of the
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, where that failure could cause the death of
any person.
The definition covers the failure of closed vessels or associated pipe work in a pressure
system (other than a pipeline) with the potential to cause the death of any person. It applies to
any such vessel whatever its contents.
Incidents requiring notification due to having 'the potential to cause the death of any person'
include scalding or burns arising from contact with steam, hot water or other hot liquids,
liquors, products or substances, and immersion or splashing with chemicals.
Other examples of incidents which might be notifiable as having 'potential to cause death'
would be those where a person was either struck by, or could have been struck by, a
projectile emitted from the failure of a closed vessel under pressure. In the event of an
explosion, this might be a fixture or component, the vessel itself, or a secondary projectile
arising from the destruction of structures close to the vessel, for example falling debris such
as masonry or window glass, or shrapnel from buildings or other structures.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
Overhead electric lines
3.
Any plant or equipment unintentionally coming into:
a. contact with an uninsulated overhead electric line in which the voltage exceeds
200 volts; or
b. close proximity with such an electric line, such that it causes an electrical
discharge
Examples of the kinds of incident which are covered and which must be notified and reported
are:
(a)
accidental contact of a mobile crane or a vehicle with an overhead line;
(b)
accidental contact with an overhead line by something being carried or lifted; and
(c)
the collapse of something (e.g. an engineering structure) across an overhead line.
Electrical incidents causing explosion or fire
4.
Any explosion or fire caused by an electrical short circuit or overload
(including those resulting from accidental damage to the electrical plant) which either:
a. results in the stoppage of the plant involved for more than 24 hours; or
b. causes a significant risk of death.
Where the failure of an item of electrical equipment (including as a result of accidental
damage) results in a fire or explosion, the failure is reportable as a dangerous occurrence if
the equipment concerned is rendered unusable for over 24 hours, or if the occurrence was
one with the potential to cause the death of any person. The incident is reportable even if the
system in which the damaged equipment was installed is put back into service using new
equipment within 24 hours. In such a case an assessment should be made on how long a
repair to the damaged equipment would have taken had it been attempted.
Explosives
5.
Any unintentional:
a. fire, explosion or ignition at a site where the manufacture or storage of
explosives requires a licence or registration, as the case may be, under
regulation 9, 10 or 11 of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives
Regulations 2005; or
b. explosion or ignition of explosives (unless caused by the unintentional
discharge of a weapon, where, apart from that unintentional discharge, the
weapon and explosives functioned as they were designed to)
except where a fail-safe device or safe system of work prevented any person being
endangered as a result of the fire, explosion or ignition.
6.
The misfire of explosives (other than at a mine or quarry, inside a well or
involving a weapon) except where a fail-safe device or safe system of work prevented
any person being endangered as a result of the misfire.
7.
Any explosion, discharge or intentional fire or ignition which causes any injury
to a person requiring first-aid or medical treatment, other than at a mine or quarry.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
8.
(1) The projection of material beyond the boundary of the site on which the
explosives are being used, or beyond the danger zone of the site, which caused or
might have caused injury, except at a quarry.
(2) In this paragraph, “danger zone” means the area from which persons have
been excluded or forbidden to enter to avoid being endangered by any explosion or
ignition of explosives.
9.
The failure of shots to cause the intended extent of collapse or direction of fall
of a structure in any demolition operation.
These dangerous occurrences refer to specific incidents arising in work situations from the
use of explosives, and unintentional events at premises where explosives are manufactured
or stored. Further specialist advice can be sought from HSE Explosives Inspectors.
Biological agents
10.
Any accident or incident, which results or could have resulted in the release or
escape of a biological agent likely to cause severe human infection or illness.
Severe human infection or illness can be regarded as that caused by biological agents in
Hazard Groups 3 and 4 as defined in COSHH 2002 Schedule 3, paragraph 2(2) and as set
out in the latest edition of the Management, design and operation of microbiological
containment laboratories11 or otherwise being agents classified provisionally by an employer
as being in one of those groups (COSHH Schedule 3, paragraph 2(2)). More specialised
guidance on the application of this and other aspects of RIDDOR in the healthcare sector is
available from HSE.
Radiation generators and radiography
11.
(1) The malfunction of:
a. a radiation generator or its ancillary equipment used in fixed or mobile
industrial radiography, the irradiation of food or the processing of products
by irradiation, which causes it to fail to de-energise at the end of the
intended exposure period; or
b. equipment used in fixed or mobile industrial radiography or gamma
irradiation, which causes a radioactive source to fail to return to its safe
position by the normal means at the end of the intended exposure period.
(2) In this paragraph, “radiation generator” means any electrical equipment
emitting ionising radiation and containing components operating at a potential
difference of more than 5kV.
There are two types of equipment whose malfunction is covered here: radiation generators
and equipment using radioactive sources (e.g. gamma ray sources). A radiation generator
means any electrical equipment emitting ionising radiation and containing components
operating at a potential difference of more than 5 kV.
The processes covered include all types of industrial radiography - such as radiography in
fixed enclosures, site radiography, and radiography in closed cabinets. Irradiation of food and
processing of products by irradiation are high-dose treatments and cover panoramic systems
as well as self-contained units. In each case, it is the failure of the means for de-energising
the radiation generator at the end of the intended exposure period that constitutes the
dangerous occurrence.
Incidents where equipment malfunction causes a radioactive source to fail to return to a safe
(shielded) position at the end of the intended exposure period are also reportable dangerous
occurrences. The sources will commonly be gamma ray sources, but in industrial radiography
could be beta ray or neutron sources. The processes covered once again include all types of
industrial radiography, and use of gamma irradiation equipment (panoramic or self-
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
contained). The type of equipment must be such that the source goes from a safe state to an
exposed state in use, and operation of manual or automatic control systems normally returns
the source to its shielded state. Any malfunction affecting the equipment and its control
system causing the failure of the source to return to this state at the end of the intended
exposure period constitutes a dangerous occurrence.
These incidents must be reported whether or not anyone is exposed to ionising radiation as a
result of the incident occurring, other than those incidents, which must be reported under the
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999. (IIR) Where a report is required under IRR, there is no
requirement to also report under RIDDOR, except in relation to offshore workplaces.
Breathing apparatus
12.
The malfunction of breathing apparatus:
a. where the malfunction causes a significant risk of personal injury to the
user; or
b. during testing immediately prior to use, where the malfunction would have
caused a significant risk to the health and safety of the user had it occurred
during use
other than at a mine.
This definition applies to breathing apparatus used under water as well as in contaminated
atmospheres or where there may be a lack of oxygen. It refers to a session of use of the
apparatus during or immediately before which a malfunction is detected. The malfunction may
be present and be detected immediately before the session (including any testing by the
wearer immediately before use), or it may occur at some point after the session has started.
The term 'malfunction' does not include leakage into a face mask due to a poor fit to the face
or a failure caused by an external source such as damage due to entanglement or falling
debris.
Diving operations
13.
The failure, damaging or endangering of:
a. any life support equipment, including control panels, hoses and breathing
apparatus; or
b. the dive platform, or any failure of the dive platform to remain on station
which causes a significant risk of personal injury to a diver.
14.
The failure or endangering of any lifting equipment associated with a diving
operation.
15.
The trapping of a diver.
16.
Any explosion in the vicinity of a diver.
17.
Any uncontrolled ascent or any omitted decompression, which causes a
significant risk of personal injury to a diver.
Specialist advice is available from HSE Diving Inspectors.
Collapse of scaffolding
18.
The complete or partial collapse (including falling, buckling or overturning) of:
a. a substantial part of any scaffold more than 5 metres in height;
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
b. any supporting part of any slung or suspended scaffold which causes a
working platform to fall (whether or not in use); or
c. any part of any scaffold in circumstances such that there would be a
significant risk of drowning to a person falling from the scaffold.
The incidents covered here are those involving any 'scaffold'. This includes any tower, trestle,
slung or suspended scaffold.
The figure of 5 metres used in relation to the height of scaffolding refers to the height of the
scaffolding itself from whatever base and not necessarily to the distance between the top of
the scaffold and the ground.
Incidents involving the failure of the suspension arrangements of slung or suspended
scaffolds are covered if the failure causes a working platform or cradle to fall. Reportable
failures of suspension arrangements would include failures of outriggers, roof rigs or
suspension ropes or winches.
Train collisions
19.
The collision of a train with any other train or vehicle, other than a collision
reportable under Part 5 of this Schedule, which could have caused the death, or
specified injury, of any person.
This dangerous occurrence applies to railways, which are not 'relevant transport systems.' It
therefore applies to collisions between rail-mounted locomotives or trains and other vehicles
within factory or dock premises. Incidents on relevant transport systems are covered by
Schedule 2, Part 5 and further guidance is available from the Office of Rail Regulation. <Link>
Wells
20.
In relation to a well (other than a well sunk for the purpose of the abstraction of
water):
a. a blow-out (which includes any uncontrolled flow of well-fluids from a well);
b. the coming into operation of a blow-out prevention or diversion system to
control flow of well-fluids where normal control procedures fail;
c. the detection of hydrogen sulphide at a well or in samples of well-fluids where
the responsible person did not anticipate its presence in the reservoir drawn on
by the well;
d. the taking of precautionary measures additional to any contained in the original
drilling programme where a planned minimum separation distance between
adjacent wells was not maintained; or
e. the mechanical failure of any part of a well whose purpose is to prevent or limit
the effect of the unintentional release of fluids from a well or a reservoir being
drawn on by a well, or whose failure would cause or contribute to such a
release.
The incidents listed are reportable in respect of all wells, both onshore and offshore, drilled for
the exploration or exploitation of oil or gas, including the production of coal bed methane for
commercial purposes. They also apply to wells drilled in connection with the exploitation of oil
or gas, for example those used to support reservoir pressure through water or gas injection.
Reports are required for all blowouts, including those of limited duration.
Reports are required for all incidents where a blowout preventer is closed or a diverter is
operated to control an unplanned flow into the well-bore from the adjoining formations, but not
where flow is planned as part of an operation. This includes 'underground blowouts', where
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
the well fluids flow to subsurface rock formations rather than to the surface. Reports are not
required where flow is due solely to variations in the density of fluid across pipe installed in
the well bore, an effect commonly known as 'u-tubing'; nor where it is known that mud
previously lost to the formation is subsequently returned, an effect commonly known as
'ballooning' or 'breathing'.
Failures of the primary pressure containment envelope of a well or of safety devices, namely
blowout preventers or surface, subsea and subsurface safety valves, should be reported
where there is a major loss of pressure integrity requiring immediate remedial action. It is not
necessary to report minor leaks or failures found and rectified during routine maintenance,
including replacement of worn components. Significant leakages around a well of
hydrocarbon gas from shallow formations should also be reported.
All unplanned well intersections, where a well is unintentionally drilled into an existing one,
are reportable. 'Near misses' should also be reported if normal drilling operations have to be
interrupted to take remedial action to reduce the risk of collision.
Pipelines or pipeline works
21.
In relation to a pipeline or pipeline works:
a. any damage to, accidental or uncontrolled release from or inrush of
anything into a pipeline;
b. the failure of any pipeline isolation device, associated equipment or
system; or
c. the failure of equipment involved with pipeline works
which could cause personal injury to any person, or which results in the pipeline being
shut down for more than 24 hours.
22.
The unintentional change in position of a pipeline, or in the subsoil or seabed
in the vicinity, which requires immediate attention to safeguard the pipeline’s integrity
or safety.
The incidents listed are reportable in respect of both onshore and offshore pipelines and
pipeline works. The following types of pipeline are not covered by these requirements:
<Link to Exemption>

A drain or sewer

Any pipe used to provide heating or cooling, or for domestic purposes

A pipes used in the control or monitoring of plant

A pipe used for the conveyance of air, water-vapour or steam

A water pipe, other than when used for the purposes of injecting water into an underwater
well or reservoir containing mineral resources

A pipeline contained wholly within the premises of a single undertaking

A pipeline contained wholly within a caravan site

A pipeline contained wholly within land classes as a railway asset

Any part of a gas-supply pipeline which is downstream of an emergency control
The phrase “accidental or uncontrolled release” is not intended to include minor leaks from
pipelines, e.g. small leaks from valve stems, flanges etc. However, sudden or uncontrolled
escapes requiring immediate attention or action should be reported.
Examples of reportable damage with the potential for harm would include such things as
gouging, denting, buckling etc caused by external interference requiring immediate action.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
Such damage mayor may not have resulted in any escape of the pipeline contents. Shutdown
following discovery of substantial internal or external corrosion, such that it would not be safe
to continue operating the pipeline, should also be reported. External coating damage without
damage to the underlying substrate would not be reportable.
Examples of reportable occurrences would include movement of offshore pipelines following
development of critical 'spans' and subsequent instability or displacement due to wave action
or boat impact. Occurrences not reportable would include spans detected and rectified as a
result of routine inspection activities.
Such occurrences would include landslips, subsidence etc onshore, in the vicinity of pipelines,
and similar movement in the seabed.
Schedule 2 Part 2
The dangerous occurrences defined in Schedule 2 part 2 do not apply to offshore
workplaces.
Structural Collapse
23.
The unintentional collapse or partial collapse of:
a. any structure, which involves a fall of more than 5 tonnes of material; or
b. any floor or wall of any place of work
arising from, or in connection with, ongoing construction work (including demolition,
refurbishment and maintenance), whether above or below ground.
24.
The unintentional collapse or partial collapse of any falsework.
only structural collapses associated with ongoing construction, maintenance and demolition
work are required to be reported under paragraph 23. However, the paragraph 24
requirement to report unintentional collapses of falsework applies whether construction work
is taking place or not.
'False-work' means any temporary structure used to support a permanent structure during its
erection and until that structure becomes self-supporting.
Explosion or fire
25.
Any unintentional explosion or fire in any plant or premises which results in the
stoppage of that plant, or the suspension of normal work in those premises, for more
than 24 hours.
This definition covers serious fires and explosions at work premises. Examples of the type of
incident, which would be reportable, are:

any fire at a factory or office building, causing the suspension of work activities for
more than 24 hours; or

an explosion involving dust in a pneumatic conveying system, causing stoppage of
the conveying plant for more than 24 hours.
Release of flammable liquids and gases
26.
The sudden, unintentional and uncontrolled release:
a. inside a building
i. of 100 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid;
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
ii. of 10 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid at a temperature above its
normal boiling point;
iii. of 10 kilograms or more of a flammable gas; or
b. in the open air, of 500 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid or gas.
This definition is designed to cover releases of flammable liquids or gases (e.g. due to the
sudden failure of a storage vessel) where the release, if ignited, would cause a major
explosion or fire. “Flammable” includes those substances classified as highly flammable or
extremely flammable.
Hazardous escapes of substances
27.
The unintentional release or escape of any substance, which could cause
personal injury to any person other than through the combustion of flammable liquids
or gases.
The substances covered by this definition may be in any form: liquid, solid (e.g. powder),
gaseous or vapour and may include, for example:

substances which may be hazardous to health (e.g. asbestos, phosgene, toluene
diisocyanate);

substances which may be either corrosive or potentially hazardous by virtue of their
temperature or pressure (e.g. nitric acid, molten metal, liquid nitrogen);
This definition includes incidents, which present a fire or explosion hazard (e.g. combustible
powders, but not in relation to releases of a flammable liquids or gases, where the relevant
thresholds in paragraph 26 above are not exceeded.
Examples of the kinds of incident covered by the definition are escapes arising from the
failure or breakage of plant, pipes, equipment or apparatus; failures of process control; the
operation of a relief valve or bursting disc where the escaping substance is not safely
controlled or directed; and spillages from containers and equipment.
Releases from plant etc during the normal course of operation or maintenance (e.g. during
sampling, packaging or draining of lines) that are sufficiently well controlled to ensure that no
person is put at risk would not be reportable.
In some cases, the decision as to whether or not an incident is reportable will be
straightforward, for example if the incident results in a person being exposed to a hazardous
substance at a level that exceeds established safe limits. (e.g. a Workplace Exposure Limit.)
However, most incidents will require judgement. Various factors are relevant including the
nature of the substance and its chemical, physical and toxicological properties, the amount
that escaped and its dispersal, and whether people were or could foreseeably have been
exposed to a significant risk as a consequence of the escape.
Schedule 2 Part 3 - Mines
DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES WHICH ARE REPORTABLE IN RELATION TO MINES
Specialist advice is available from HSE Mines Inspectors.
Schedule 2 Part 4 - Quarries
DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES WHICH ARE REPORTABLE IN RELATION TO QUARRIES
Specialist advice is available from HSE Quarry Inspectors.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
Schedule 2 Part 5 – Relevant Transport Systems
DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES WHICH ARE REPORTABLE IN RESPECT OF RELEVANT
TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
These incidents should be reported to the Office of Rail Regulation, who publishes their own
guidance on RIDDOR.
<link>
Schedule 2 Part 6 – Offshore Workplaces
The dangerous occurrences in this part are reportable only if they occur at an offshore
workplace. Most of the incidents are further restricted to those involving offshore installations
only. Note that in this section 'offshore installation' includes subsea units, but excludes tied
back wells, pipelines and associated apparatus or works within 500 m of the installation's
main structure, and fixed towers not associated with oil and gas activities.
Release of petroleum hydrocarbon
75.
The unintentional release of petroleum hydrocarbon on or from an offshore
installation which:
a. results in:
i. a fire or explosion; or
ii. the taking of action to prevent or limit the consequences of a potential fire
or explosion; or
b. could cause a specified injury to, or the death of, any person.
This refers to confirmed unintentional releases of petroleum hydrocarbons. Suspected
releases which turn out to be false (e.g. spurious alarms) are not reportable. To be reportable,
releases must also lead to one of the following outcomes:

a fire or explosion. This includes all types of fires, i.e. flash, jet or pool, regardless of
the length of time of burning;

action to prevent or limit the consequences of a potential fire or explosion. A release
with the potential for fire or explosion would involve a risk of fire or explosion sufficient
to require preventive or evasive action. Small gas leaks detected during routine
monitoring and maintenance, e.g. Draeger tube checking on valves, seals etc where
there is limited risk to personnel, need not be reported. To be reportable, the action
taken must be intended to prevent or limit the consequences of a potential fire or
explosion. Simply taking action to confirm a release following an alarm, for example
by instrument reading, but which requires no further action, would not be reportable.
However, it may precede more direct action which is reportable. Examples of actions
which would mean that the release is reportable are:
-
emergency stoppage of individual plant, either automatically or by operator
intervention, to control leakage of process or non-process hydrocarbons;
-
permit-to-work following confirmation of a hydrocarbon release with a
potential for fire or explosion; operation of deluge, fixed fire-fighting system,
blowdown etc or other preventive or limiting measures as a result of a
confirmed hydrocarbon release;
-
general shutdown, muster, evacuation of the area, or any combination of
these actions following a confirmed release.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.

the potential to cause death or major injury to any person. Hydrocarbon releases not
covered above, but which may also give cause for concern (e.g. where associated
with high hydrogen sulphide (H2S) toxicity, or where the release is dispersed or
exhausts a limited inventory before action can be taken) are also reportable.
Fire or explosion
76.
Any fire or explosion at an offshore installation, other than one caused by the
release of petroleum hydrocarbon, which results in the stoppage of plant or the
suspension of normal work
This covers fires or explosions other than those caused by the release of petroleum
hydrocarbon, such as:

hydrocarbon releases from flares, vents or diverters which exceed operational limits;

inadvertent internal combustion, for example of unspent fuels within turbines or of
flame/explosion propagation within flare systems; and

fires or explosions involving wood, paints, explosives etc.
Release or escape of dangerous substances
77.
The unintentional or uncontrolled release or escape of any substance (other
than petroleum hydrocarbon) on or from an offshore installation which could cause a
significant risk of personal injury to any person.
This covers releases of substances such as stored chemicals, superheated steam, or H2S
where not associated with hydrocarbons.
Collapses
78.
Any unintentional collapse or partial collapse of any offshore installation or of
any plant on an offshore installation, which jeopardises the overall structural integrity
of the installation.
Equipment
79.
The failure of equipment required to maintain a floating offshore installation on
station which could cause a specified injury to, or the death of, any person.
Dropping objects
80.
The dropping of any object on an offshore installation or on an attendant
vessel or into the water adjacent to an installation or vessel which could cause a
specified injury to, or the death of, any person.
Weather damage
81.
Any damage to or on an offshore installation caused by adverse weather
conditions and which could cause a specified injury to, or the death of, any person.
Collisions
82.
Any collision between a vessel or aircraft and an offshore installation which
causes damage to the installation, the vessel or the aircraft.
83.
Any occurrence with the potential for a collision between a vessel and an
offshore installation where, had a collision occurred, it might have jeopardised the
overall structural integrity of the installation.
Current information N/A – L73 etc.
It will not always be possible to estimate with any accuracy whether a collision could have
occurred or what the consequences might have been. HSE is primarily interested to know of
incidents in which the dutyholder considers there was a significant risk to the installation.
Subsidence or collapse of seabed
84.
Any subsidence or collapse of the seabed likely to affect the foundations or the
overall structural integrity of an offshore installation.
Loss of stability or buoyancy
85.
Any incident, which causes the loss of stability or buoyancy of a floating
offshore installation.
Evacuation
86.
The partial or complete evacuation of an offshore installation in the interests of
safety.
Full or partial evacuation may be a response to an incident separately reportable under these
Regulations (e.g. a fire or explosion), in which case it is not reportable under this paragraph.
This definition seeks to include incidents not otherwise reportable, in which the risks are
sufficient to warrant evacuation. It does not cover exercises or precautionary measures.
Falls into Water
87.
Any fall of a person into water from more than 2 metres
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
What must be reported - examples
Here are some example scenarios, explaining which incidents should and should not be reported under
RIDDOR:
Road-traffic accidents/accidents caused by vehicles
on a road?
A driver was seriously injured in a collision with another vehicle on a motorway.
No. The accident should be reported to the police who have primary responsibility for enforcing road
traffic legislation. Most injuries resulting from the movement of vehicles on public roads are not
reportable under RIDDOR, as they are covered by the exemption in regulation 14(3).
Two of our staff received major injuries when one who was driving our delivery truck collided
with a forklift truck that the other was driving. The accident happened on the private road around
our site.
Yes. The exemption for reporting road traffic accidents only applies to vehicles on a ‘road’ as defined in
s.192 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If the site road is genuinely “private,” and the public do not normally
have access, then it is not within this definition and the accident must be reported.
Two shoppers were injured and taken to hospital for treatment when their cars collided on a
supermarket car park.
No, unless the circumstances were directly linked to supermarket’s work. Just because an accident
occurs on work premises, this does not make it a work-related accident. This could be the case if
supermarket staff had contributed to the circumstances of the collision by directing traffic movements, or
by erecting an advertising board that had obscured drivers’ visibility.
Our delivery driver was hit by a car when unloading his van on the road and sustained a broken
leg.
Yes. If an accident involves the loading or unloading of a vehicle, deaths and injuries must be reported
as normal. The exemption in regulation 14(3) does not apply in such circumstances.
A road worker was injured when a car crashed through the coned-off area where they were
working and has been unable to work for more than 7 days.
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
Yes. If an accident involves maintenance or construction work on the road, its verges or an adjacent
building or structure, deaths and injuries must be reported as normal. The exemption in regulation 14(3)
does not apply in such circumstances.
A security guard suffered a broken arm when a thief hit them when making a getaway in a car.
If the car was being driven on a road, then it is not reportable. If this was in a private area then it would
be reportable as an act of non-consensual violence to a person who was at work.
Violence at work?
Our receptionist was injured when they were hit at work. The assailant was their partner and the
argument was about their personal life, not work.
No. Although acts of non-consensual physical violence to a person at work are included in the definition
of an accident, the accident must be work-related. This was not, it was a personal matter.
A customer in a shop was hit by another customer and taken to hospital for treatment.
No. Acts of non-consensual violence are only considered as work-related accidents if injured person
was at work.
One of our staff was verbally abused. Although they were not physically hurt, they were shaken
up. They took two weeks off sick because of this incident.
No. RIDDOR only requires deaths and physical injuries to be reported in relation to accidents, including
those involving acts of non-consensual violence.
Injuries in schools?
I report injuries to school pupils and college students. What category should I use on the F2508
form under "Injured Person's Employment Status"?
Students and pupils are not at work and therefore are regarded as members of the public (MOPs) for
this part of the form. The exception is they are participating in a recognised training scheme or work
experience. Under health and safety law, students and pupils (including children) are regarded as
employees in such circumstances. The employer should report the injury as if they were one of their
employees.
Are accidents to pupils sustained in PE lessons reportable under RIDDOR?
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
No, most are not. Such accidents only require reporting if:

The pupil is killed or taken to hospital for treatment to an injury (i.e. not as a precautionary
measure); and

the accident was work-related in that it arose out of or in connection with the work of the school
or college, rather than as a consequence of the normal risks associated with participation in physical
activities. For example, if the accident was caused by faulty equipment or inadequate supervision.
Are sporting injuries reportable?
No, most are not, since they arise out of the normal participation in a sporting activity (for example, a
heavy tackle in football.) Injuries should only be reported if they arise out of or in connection with a work
activity, such as those due to defective equipment or failings in the organisation and management of an
event.
What if the pupil is taken to hospital as a precaution but the examination shows no injury?
No. RIDDOR only requires injuries to be reported, if the medical advice is that the pupil was not injured
in any way then there is no need to report this.
Do I need to know what treatment was given by the hospital before I report an injury to a pupil?
There is no requirement to check that treatment is actually administered by the hospital. The
requirement to report is based on the pupil being taken to hospital for treatment to an injury. If an injury
is identified at the scene as requiring hospital treatment, then this should be reported. If no injury is
evident, and the school receives no information that any injury has been treated, then no report is
required.
The key thing to consider when determining whether to report an incident to a pupil or other person who
is not at work is whether the accident arose out of or was connected with the work activity.
Some of our pupils have been hurt in a road traffic accident on the way to school in the school
bus. Should I report their injuries?
No. Deaths and injuries that result from the movement of a vehicle on a road do not usually have to be
reported (see above section on road traffic accidents.)
A pupil has been injured while on a school trip abroad. Should I report this to HSE?
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
No. HSE does not have jurisdiction when the pupil is outside the country so RIDDOR does not apply. A
report may have to be made to another appropriate authority though. (For example, the school may
need to report the incident to other bodies such as the local safeguarding committee).
Gas Incidents
What incidents should be reported under Regulation 11(1)?
Conveyors, fillers, importers and suppliers of gas through fixed pipe systems have a legal
duty to report incidents which have resulted in a death, person(s) found unconscious or been
taken to hospital, where flammable gas is considered likely to be a potential cause. In
practice the reporting duties are usually undertaken by the gas Emergency Service Providers
(ESPs) representing gas conveyors.
What does not need to be reported?
Incidents where people have taken themselves to hospital or been taken to another medical
facility (e.g. ‘walk-in-centre’) are not reportable.
What should I do if an investigation shows that gas was not the cause of the incident
after all?
The Incident Contact Centre should be notified and the details on the form amended
http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/amending-reports.htm. It is important to do this so HSE has an
accurate record of gas incidents.
What dangerous gas fittings are reportable under RIDDOR 11(2)?
‘Fittings’ includes appliances and flues or ventilation which have, or could have been likely to
cause death or a person being rendered unconscious or required taking to hospital. In
practice, this means fittings, which are classed as being ’immediately dangerous’ under the
Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP), should be reported.
What dangerous gas fittings are not reportable under RIDDOR 11(2)?
Installations, which are dangerous solely due to a lack of maintenance, are not reportable
under RIDDOR. Additionally dangerous non-gas safety defects are generally not reportable
(examples include damaged or inappropriate electrical connections and hot water cylinders
without pressure relief).
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
I found a dangerous gas fitting but it was repaired at the time. Does this still need to be
reported?
Yes. Even though the defects have been repaired, the dangerous gas fitting should still be
reported
I have found a dangerous gas fitting in a rented house, which was a result of a lack of
maintenance. How should these be reported?
These fittings would not be reportable under RIDDOR. However, landlords have duties to
maintain gas appliances, flues and pipe work in a safe condition. Should dangerous gas
appliances/fittings be found in rented accommodation due to lack of maintenance, details
should be sent to HSE as a concern .http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/ HSE will then decide
whether or not to investigate these matters further.
People not at work?
A member of the public tripped over a trailing cable and hurt himself or herself badly. We did not
call an ambulance as their friend drove them to a hospital.
Yes. You must report cases where a person not at work is injured due to a work-related accident and is
taken from your premises to a hospital, by whatever means, for treatment.
A person fainted and as a precaution, they were taken to hospital.
No. Reports are only required for injuries resulting from a work-related accident. This is not usually the
case where people have been taken ill. Also, precautionary hospital attendance is distinct from
attending hospital for treatment to an injury.
A shopper had a serious injury but said they were okay and would not go to hospital.
No. The duty is for a report to be made when a person not at work is injured because of a work related
accident and is taken, by whatever means, to a hospital for treatment.
A member of the public fell over in our premises, as a precaution they went to hospital but when
examined the hospital said they had no injuries.
No. RIDDOR only requires you to report when people have been injured because of a work related
accident, if the hospital cannot find any injury there is no need to make a report. Generally, however,
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
unless they are informed voluntarily, businesses have no means finding out what treatment a member of
the public has received. The judgement as to whether a work-related accident has caused an injury
requiring treatment should be made based on the information available.
A person slipped over in the shop but said they were unhurt. Much later, they told us they had
gone the next day to their GP who then referred them to hospital.
No. The injured person must be taken from where the accident happened, by whatever means, to a
hospital for treatment. A GP practice or a drop-in clinic is not a hospital, and so there is no duty to
report.
Suicide and self-harm?
No. Suicides and cases of self-harm are not reportable as there is no accident from which the death or
injury results.
Mental Health Issues?
Are cases of occupational stress reportable as lost-time injuries?
No. For the purposes of RIDDOR reporting, an accident is considered to be something, which causes
physical injury. This is because stress-related conditions usually result from a prolonged period of
pressure, often from many factors, rather than just one distinct event. This does not mean that stress
cannot be raised with the enforcing authorities, nor does it mean that a complaint cannot be made which
could result in an investigation
What about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a one-off incident?
No. For the purposes of RIDDOR reporting, an accident is considered to be something, which causes
physical injury. PTSD is a recognised medical condition and is regarded as a disease. Since it is not one
of the listed occupational diseases, cases do not need to be reported.
Occupational Diseases?
For a disease to be reportable:
It must be one of the eight types of condition listed below, and it must be likely that it was caused or
made worse by the person’s current work. (For further information, refer to <LINK>)
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
1.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: where the person’s work involves regular use of percussive or vibrating
tools.
2.
Cramp of the hand or forearm: where the person’s work involves prolonged periods of repetitive
movement of the fingers, hand or arm.
3.
Occupational dermatitis: where the person’s work involves significant or regular exposure to a
known skin sensitizer or irritant.
4.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: where the person’s work involves regular use of percussive or
vibrating tools, or the holding of materials, which are subject to percussive processes, or processes
causing vibration.
5.
Occupational asthma: where the person’s work involves significant or regular exposure to a
known skin sensitizer or irritant
6.
Tendonitis or tenosynovitis: in the hand or forearm, where the person’s work is physically
demanding and involves frequent, repetitive movements.
7.
Occupational Cancer: any cancer attributed to an occupational exposure to a known human
carcinogen or mutagen (including ionising radiation. <Link>
8.
Exposure to Biological Agent: any disease (including any acute reaction requiring medical
treatment) attributed to an occupational exposure to a biological agent. <Link?
A retired employee has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. The work used to
involve working with asbestos but hasn’t for many years.
No, this case is not reportable as the condition was not caused or made worse by the person’s current
work.
Dangerous occurrences?
Schedule 2 of RIDDOR <Link to SI> lists the specific near-miss incidents that must be reported. For
further information see <Link to DO Guidance>
Failures of Lifting Equipment?
A sling fails during a lift do I need to report this?
No. The requirement is to report when a load bearing part of any lifting equipment fails. You don’t have
to report failures of lifting accessories.
Electrical incidents causing explosion or fire?
When should I report an electrical short-circuit or overload?
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
You must report an electrical short circuit or overload (including those resulting from accidental damage)
that causes a fire or explosion and either stops the plant involved being used for more than 24 hours or
could cause death. A short circuit occurs when there is unintended or accidental contact between
conductors in a system caused, for example, by a failure of the insulation in the equipment, or a metal
tool such as a pickaxe being driven into a live cable, or a metal object being dropped onto live parts in
electrical equipment. Most reportable incidents of this type occur on power systems energised at or
above the mains voltage of 230 volts, although some occur at lower voltages.
An overload occurs when more electrical current flows in a system than the system was designed to
carry, leading to overheating and the possibility of fire.
Cable strikes - An underground electricity cable was struck, causing a bang and a flash-over. We
were told by the distributor that it is below 230 Volts. Is it reportable?
It depends upon the circumstances, and a degree of judgement is required. The cable is ‘plant’ as
defined, and a short circuit occurred when the cable was struck, causing the bang and flash-over
(explosion). However, the incident would not be reportable if the cable was repaired within 24 hours, and
there was no potential for the death of any person.
The incident would be reportable if:

it took longer than 24 hours to repair the cable; or

the explosion had the potential to cause fatal injuries; or

the cable was energised at a voltage high enough to cause electrocution, and was struck by a
person holding a conducting object such as a metal tool.
Please note:

Contact with the energised exposed conductors of an electrical cable or circuit operating above
50 V alternating current (AC) or 125 V direct current (DC) could cause death by electrocution.

A mechanical tool penetrating an energised electric power cable will create a short circuit either
between two or more of the phase conductors within the cable or between the outer earthed
armouring of the cable and one or more of the phase conductors within the cable
A telecoms cable was struck, causing a flash. Is it reportable?
No, Telecoms cables and Cable TV cables are normally below 50 V (aAC ) or 125 V (DC) and the
amount of energy in the flash is unlikely to cause death.
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
A temporary supply cable on a building site has been struck; I have been told it’s supplied from
a 110 Vac centre-tapped-to-earth transformer. Is it reportable?
No, electrical cables connected to this type of equipment are designed so that the risk of death is
negligible.
Dangerous substances?
We have been told that our cooling tower has the legionnella bacteria and this will have been
released into the surrounding area. No. The escape or release of a biological agent must only be
reported if it causes or is likely to cause severe human infection or illness. In practice, this means a
biological agent in hazard groups 3 or 4 in Part V, Schedule 3 of the Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Legionnella is in group 2, so it is not reportable.
Construction Incidents?
A scaffold has collapsed do I need to report this?
Only if the scaffold which collapsed was more than 5 metres in height. (Measured from its base, which
may not necessarily be on the ground.)
A self-employed subcontractor sustains an over 7-day injury on a construction site, who should
report it?
The responsible person is deemed to be the person in control of the construction site where the accident
occurred, in many cases this will be the principal contractor. Where the self-employed person is in
control of the site (e.g. on a small site where no other contractors are working,) they should report the
accident themselves.
During the construction of a concrete wall, the timber structure built to contain the wet concrete
and reinforcement during the concrete pour collapses. There are no injuries. Is this reportable?
Yes, all failures of false work are reportable under RIDDOR Schedule 2, Part 2 (24).
RIDDOR talks about "Construction work", what does this mean?
"Construction work" is defined in the Construction Design and Management Regulation.
Incidents involving children’s play equipment.
A child, under the supervision of their parent, falls from play equipment in a Local Authority
maintained children’s play area, breaking their arm.
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
No. If the equipment was in good working order and free of defects.
What if the child was under the supervision of someone at work, such as a childminder?
An accident would generally be reportable if it was attributable to a failure of staff to supervise play
activities properly (when it was being carried out under their charge), or a failure of health and safety
management systems.
Incidents on countryside visits?
A visitor to a national park trips and falls on naturally occurring rocks whilst hill climbing,
breaking their arm.
No, the hill is part of the wild natural environment, and the accident arose as a consequence of the
normal risks associated with hill climbing. Visitors embarking on hill climbs should be prepared with
suitable clothing and equipment and undertake walks suited to their level of fitness.
A visitor to a formal garden of a stately home trips and falls on gardening debris left on a path,
spraining their ankle.
Yes, The garden is a managed attraction , and the accident is attributable to a failure to maintain the
paths in good order and clear of obstructions.
Sporting injuries?
Are sporting injuries reportable?
No, if the injury arose out of the normal participation of the activity. Injuries should be reported if they
were due to defective equipment or failings in the organisation and management of an event.
Fairground injuries?
A member of the public banged their head on the ride when it stopped unexpectedly. They
looked OK but went off to hospital for a check up anyway.
Yes, if there was an apparent head injury. You must report cases where a person not at work is injured
due to a work-related accident, and is taken from your premises to a hospital for treatment to that injury.
However, if are you later informed that the hospital could find no injury, not even a minor cut or
abrasion, then you do not have to make a report. Where there is no apparent injury, and a person is
taken to hospital as a purely precautionary measure, this should not be reported.
Current information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/do-i-need-to-report.htm
Catering & hospitality accidents?
A customer is accidentally scalded while being served hot soup by staff and is taken to hospital
for treatment.
Yes. The accident arose from a work activity - serving soup.
A customer knocks their soup bowl off the table while reaching for a wine glass - they sustain
minor burns.
No. Just because an accident occurs on work premises, this does not make it a work-related accident.
The accident did not arise out of or in connection with work; it was caused by the customer’s own
actions. .
An employee steps out of his private car in the office car park. In doing so, he somehow twists
his ankle. As a result he has more than 7 days off work. The employee had not yet started work
for the day. There were no defects to the car park surface, debris or spillages etc. present that
may have contributed to the incident and the light was good.
No. Provided that there was nothing about the condition and design of the car park surface, condition,
slope, weather conditions, lighting etc which contributed to the accident. Just because an accident
occurs on work premises, this does not make it a work-related accident.
NB - If the injured employee was not “at work” then their employer, being in control of the premises,
would still have to report any work-related accident, which required the injured person to be taken to a
hospital for treatment. Therefore, if the injured person put their foot in a pothole and twisted their ankle,
then it might be reportable as being work-related, if they had just stepped awkwardly out of the car, then
not.
A barman is attacked by a member of the public when the barman requested the customer to
leave as the bar was closing.
Yes. Injuries to people at work which ‘arise out of or in connection with work’ caused by a nonconsensual act of physical violence are reportable.