The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) are one of the most significant pieces of health and safety legislation in the United Kingdom. At MBO Safety Services, we frequently support organisations that are uncertain about what incidents need to be reported, the timescales involved, and how to fulfil their reporting obligations correctly. Understanding RIDDOR is more than a compliance requirement. It is an essential component of protecting workers, strengthening safety culture, and helping to prevent future workplace incidents and injuries.
📌 What is RIDDOR?
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) place a legal duty on employers, those in control of work premises, and other responsible persons to report certain workplace incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the relevant local authority.
Reportable incidents under RIDDOR include:
- Work-related fatalities
- Specified injuries, such as fractures (excluding fingers, thumbs and toes), amputations, serious burns, and other significant injuries
- Over-seven-day injuries, where an employee is unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days
- Occupational diseases linked to work activities
- Dangerous occurrences, which are specific near-miss events that have the potential to cause serious harm or injury
The purpose of RIDDOR is to ensure that enforcing authorities are informed when serious incidents occur so they can monitor trends, investigate where necessary, and ensure compliance with health and safety law.
📌 Why RIDDOR Is Important
The importance of RIDDOR goes far beyond simply submitting a report. It plays a crucial role in:
- Legal compliance: Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect employees and others affected by their work. RIDDOR ensures that serious incidents are formally recorded and reviewed.
- Reliable incident data: By reporting incidents under RIDDOR, organisations help the HSE build a clearer picture of workplace safety issues, enabling the identification of patterns and potential risks across industries.
- Improving workplace safety: When an incident is reported, it prompts organisations to review their documentation including but not limited to risk assessments, safe working practices, communications, training and others.
- Protecting employees: Transparent reporting demonstrates that an employer takes safety seriously and is committed to preventing re-occurrence.
- Reducing enforcement risk: Failure to report a RIDDOR incident can lead to enforcement action, fines, reputational damage and increased scrutiny.
📌 Why Companies Must Understand the RIDDOR Process
Many organisations struggle with RIDDOR because they are unsure:
- What counts as a reportable incident
- How quickly they must report
- Who is responsible for submitting the report
- How RIDDOR links to accident investigations
- What evidence is required to support a report
Misunderstanding RIDDOR can lead to under-reporting, incorrect reporting or delays, all of which can expose a business to legal and financial consequences.
📌 How MBO Safety Services Can Assist
At MBO Safety Services, we support organisations across the UK with practical, professional guidance on RIDDOR compliance. Our consultants help businesses navigate the reporting process with clarity and confidence.
We assist with:
- Accident investigations to identify immediate and root causes
- Determining whether an incident is RIDDOR reportable
- Completing RIDDOR submissions accurately and on time
- Reviewing risk assessments and safety documentation
- Providing training on incident reporting and investigation
- Strengthening internal safety systems to prevent any potential future incidents
Our goal is to help organisations not only meet their legal obligations but also build safer, more resilient workplaces where risks are understood and effectively controlled.
RIDDOR is not simply about reporting incidents. It plays a vital role in promoting a proactive approach to health and safety. Accurate and timely reporting helps businesses protect employees, identify trends, improve workplace safety, and fulfil their legal obligations.
To find out how MBO Safety Services can assist you, simply get in touch with us on 08000 842 297 or info@mbo.ltd