SSSTS RIDDOR Accident Reporting 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which RIDDOR category applies when a worker is incapacitated for exactly 7 days after an accident?
- It does NOT meet the over-seven-day threshold — the worker must be incapacitated for MORE than seven consecutive days (Correct answer)
- Over-seven-day incapacitation — 7 days is exactly the threshold
- Specified injury
- Dangerous occurrence
Correct answer: It does NOT meet the over-seven-day threshold — the worker must be incapacitated for MORE than seven consecutive days
The over-seven-day incapacitation category applies only when a worker is unable to perform their normal work for MORE than seven consecutive days after the accident (not including the day of the accident). Exactly seven days does not trigger the reporting requirement.
Question 2: What is the RIDDOR reporting deadline for a fatal injury?
- As soon as practicable — immediately by telephone (Correct answer)
- Within 15 days
- Within 10 days
- Within 30 days
Correct answer: As soon as practicable — immediately by telephone
Fatal injuries and specified injuries must be reported to the HSE as soon as practicable — typically immediately by telephone (0345 300 9923). A written follow-up report must then be submitted within 10 days.
Question 3: Does RIDDOR apply to self-employed persons working on a construction site?
- Yes — self-employed persons must report their own specified injuries and dangerous occurrences to the HSE (Correct answer)
- No — RIDDOR only applies to directly employed workers
- Only if they are sub-contracted to the Principal Contractor
- Only if their turnover exceeds a specified threshold
Correct answer: Yes — self-employed persons must report their own specified injuries and dangerous occurrences to the HSE
RIDDOR applies to self-employed persons. They have a duty to report their own specified injuries, certain diseases and dangerous occurrences. The Principal Contractor also has a duty to report dangerous occurrences that occur on the construction site.
Question 4: Under RIDDOR, what must a supervisor do if they witness a dangerous occurrence such as a scaffold collapse?
- Report it to management immediately so a RIDDOR report can be made to the HSE, and preserve the scene for investigation (Correct answer)
- Continue work if no one was injured
- Only document it in the site diary
- Dismantle and replace the scaffold before informing management
Correct answer: Report it to management immediately so a RIDDOR report can be made to the HSE, and preserve the scene for investigation
A dangerous occurrence must be reported to the HSE even if no one was injured. The supervisor must notify management immediately, preserve the scene to facilitate investigation, and ensure the RIDDOR report is submitted.
Question 5: What is the purpose of keeping an accident book on a construction site?
- To record all injuries at work, including those below the RIDDOR threshold, so there is a comprehensive record for management review and legal protection (Correct answer)
- To satisfy RIDDOR by acting as a RIDDOR report
- Only to record RIDDOR-reportable injuries
- Only to provide information for insurance claims
Correct answer: To record all injuries at work, including those below the RIDDOR threshold, so there is a comprehensive record for management review and legal protection
An accident book records all injuries that occur at work, including minor injuries below the RIDDOR threshold. This creates a comprehensive record for identifying trends, managing occupational health, and providing evidence if an injury later proves more serious or legal action follows.
Question 6: What is the significance of preserving the scene after a serious accident on a construction site?
- Preserving the scene allows investigators (internal and HSE) to gather physical evidence about the cause of the accident before it is disturbed (Correct answer)
- It is a legal requirement under RIDDOR to preserve the scene for 30 days
- It is only required for fatal accidents
- Only the HSE can authorize scene preservation
Correct answer: Preserving the scene allows investigators (internal and HSE) to gather physical evidence about the cause of the accident before it is disturbed
Preserving the accident scene allows investigators to examine physical conditions (positions of equipment, state of ground conditions, location of defects) before they are altered. Disturbing the scene can destroy vital evidence. The HSE may attend serious incidents and will require the scene to be preserved.
SSSTS RIDDOR Accident Reporting 4
Which RIDDOR category applies when a worker is incapacitated for exactly 7 days after an accident?