RIDDOR Accident Reporting Flashcards

Which body should be notified of a work-related death in addition to the HSE?

Answer: The police must also be informed of any workplace death

In the event of a work-related death, both the HSE and the police must be informed. The police will decide whether the circumstances warrant a criminal investigation (e.g., for gross negligence manslaughter), and the HSE will conduct its own health and safety investigation in parallel.

What is the accident day rule under RIDDOR for over-seven-day incapacitation?

Answer: The day of the accident is NOT counted when determining whether seven consecutive days of incapacitation have been exceeded

Under RIDDOR, the day of the accident itself is excluded when counting the seven days of incapacitation. The count starts from the first full day after the accident on which the worker is unable to perform their normal duties.

Can a RIDDOR report be submitted on behalf of the injured worker by their supervisor?

Answer: No — the RIDDOR reporting duty lies with the employer (or person in control of premises), not the individual worker or supervisor, but a supervisor may submit the report on the employer's behalf if authorised

The duty to report under RIDDOR lies with the employer (or person in control of premises). A supervisor may be authorised by the employer to submit the report on their behalf, but the legal duty rests with the employer.

What is a 'near miss' register and how should a site supervisor use it?

Answer: A register recording all near-miss events, used by the supervisor to identify hazard trends, prioritise corrective action and demonstrate proactive safety management

A near-miss register records all near-miss events on a site. Supervisors should review it regularly to identify patterns (e.g., repeated near misses at the same location or involving the same activity) and take targeted preventive action before a serious accident occurs.

Which of the following is NOT a dangerous occurrence that must be reported under RIDDOR 2013 on a construction site?

Answer: A worker dropping a tool that does not strike anyone

Dropping a tool that does not strike anyone and causes no injury or significant property damage is not a RIDDOR dangerous occurrence. RIDDOR dangerous occurrences include specified near-miss events with high injury potential — scaffold collapse, structural collapse and equipment explosions are examples of listed dangerous occurrences.

What is the purpose of the site accident book (BI 510 or equivalent) in relation to RIDDOR?

Answer: The accident book records all injuries at work and provides initial information that helps determine whether the incident is RIDDOR reportable, but is not a substitute for a RIDDOR report

The accident book records all workplace injuries regardless of severity. Reviewing the accident book entry helps determine whether the injury meets a RIDDOR reporting threshold. However, a RIDDOR report must still be submitted separately to the HSE for qualifying incidents.