Published: September 2024
Reading time: 6 minutes
Suitable for: Business Owners, Managers and Supervisors
Topics: Accident Reporting | RIDDOR | Accident Investigation | Incident Management
Question
Hi Harwood,
One of my employees had an accident at work last week. We renovate small commercial premises and, while using a power drill, he misjudged the available space and suffered a facial injury.
We arranged medical treatment immediately and he stayed in hospital overnight. Thankfully, the doctors don’t expect any permanent damage, although he will probably be left with a scar.
He’s currently recovering at home and we’ve completed our accident book.
My question is: Do I need to report this under RIDDOR, and is there anything else I should be doing?
— Business Owner
Our Answer
First of all, it sounds like you’ve already taken some of the most important immediate actions.
You ensured your employee received medical treatment, supported their recovery and recorded the incident. Those are exactly the right priorities.
The next question is whether the incident is reportable under RIDDOR.
Does this need reporting?
Whether an injury is reportable depends on the circumstances and the outcome.
One category under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) is an over-seven-day injury.
This applies where a worker is unable to perform their normal work for more than seven consecutive days because of a work-related injury. The day of the accident is not included, but weekends and rest days are.
If your employee returns to work before this point, the incident is unlikely to be reportable under this category.
If they remain unable to work beyond seven consecutive days, you must submit a RIDDOR report within 15 days of the accident.
What should you do while they’re recovering?
Rather than waiting to see whether the incident becomes reportable, use this time to understand exactly what happened.
1. Record the details
Make sure you’ve documented:
- Date and time
- Location
- What happened
- The injuries sustained
- Witness details
- Any photographs or evidence
- Immediate actions taken
The more accurate your records are, the easier it will be to identify lessons for the future.
2. Investigate the causes
Every workplace accident should prompt a review of why it happened.
Ask questions such as:
- Was the employee competent and authorised to carry out the task?
- Were they following the agreed safe system of work?
- Was the equipment suitable and properly maintained?
- Was the existing risk assessment still appropriate?
- Was suitable PPE available and being used?
- Were there any environmental factors that contributed?
The aim isn’t to assign blame—it’s to prevent the same thing happening again.
3. Review your controls
Once you’ve identified the cause, decide whether your existing control measures need improving.
This could include:
- Updating your risk assessment
- Revising your safe system of work
- Carrying out additional equipment inspections
- Introducing different equipment
- Providing refresher training
- Improving supervision
4. Share the learning
Accidents are opportunities for the whole organisation to learn.
Without identifying individuals unnecessarily, make sure employees understand:
- What happened
- Why it happened
- What has changed
- How similar incidents can be avoided
A short Toolbox Talk can be an excellent way to reinforce safe working practices following an incident.
Related resources
Documents
E-learning
Need more help?
Knowing what to do after an accident can feel overwhelming, particularly for smaller businesses without an in-house health and safety team.
The Health & Safety Portal provides practical guidance, document templates, toolbox talks and e-learning to help you respond confidently, meet your legal duties and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents happening again.