Everything You Need To Know About RIDDOR Incident Reporting

If you’re responsible for health and safety in the workplace, it can feel like a daunting responsibility. Thankfully there’s plenty of safeguards and rules already in place to keep you and your staff in the safest hands. RIDDOR is one of the most important. It’s the legal obligation you have to your staff, designed to keep everyone safer every day.

The importance of understanding the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) is paramount. These regulations, crafted by the UK Parliament, outline mandatory reporting for specific workplace incidents. Under the oversight of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or equivalent bodies, businesses must understand and fulfill their obligations to avoid potential fines and incidences of injury for their staff. A healthier workforce means a healthier business for the future.

What is RIDDOR?

RIDDOR was introduced as a safeguard for workplaces. It categorises reportable incidents into four main types: death, major injuries, over-seven-day injuries, and dangerous occurrences. Its primary objective is to ensure the prompt reporting of such incidents to the relevant enforcing authority, typically the local HSE.

Reporting RIDDOR Incidents

Adhering to the reporting timeline is crucial. Incidents falling under RIDDOR must be reported within 14 days to the relevant authority. This could be the local HSE or equivalent bodies in devolved nations. The reporting process is designed to be accessible to everyone, allowing submissions through online forms on the HSE website, by phone, or through traditional mail.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with RIDDOR reporting?

Breach of RIDDOR reporting is a serious matter and can lead to criminal charges. Conviction on indictment in the Crown Court carries the risk of an unlimited fine, while summary conviction in a magistrate’s court may result in a maximum fine of £400. The HSE, in addressing most incidents, may issue an enforcement notice compelling the responsible person to implement preventive measures to mitigate future occurrences.

How can Lindström support your business with RIDDOR?

Lindström is dedicated to helping every business to prioritise workplace safety easily, and within a budget you can afford. We offer a specialised workwear service designed to assist businesses in preventing incidents falling under the four main RIDDOR categories. Our protective workwear, available for rental and repair through our full service, equips your employees with gear tailored to their specific working environments.

For example, in an environment where employees are likely to be exposed to fire, Lindström’s Fire-Resistant Workwear Collection protective clothing plays a vital role in industries like metallurgy and engineering, where workers face thermal and chemical hazards while dealing with hot metals, flames, and sparks. This type of protective attire is crafted from fire-resistant materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and halting the spread of flames and fires. We have the same standards of safety across a whole host of specialist industries, so you can have peace of mind that you’re meeting the highest safety level for every worker.

A thorough understanding of how you can comply with RIDDOR reporting requirements is vital to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Lindström’s commitment to workplace safety is evident in all our tailored workwear solutions, which not only align with regulatory standards but also contribute significantly to mitigating risks across diverse working environments. By integrating our specialised protective gear into your safety strategy, businesses can proactively address potential hazards and foster a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being of employees.