Workplace accidents can be common, particularly in some injuries. It is vital that UK workers and employers need to be aware of the importance of reporting these accidents, even if they seem minor and insignificant. This post will explore why it is so important that accidents are recorded and provide practical guidance on the process. Read on to find out more.
Understanding RIDDOR & Legal Obligations
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) requires the reporting of certain workplace incidents to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) by law. A RIDDOR report is required when the accident is work-related and results in a reportable injury. A few types of reportable injuries include:
- The death of any person
- Fractures
- Amputation
- Crush injury to head or torso
- Serious burns
The Process of Reporting Workplace Accidents
It is important to follow the proper process of reporting workplace accidents to ensure safety and from a legal standpoint. You should notify your supervisor/employer of the accidents so that they can be recorded in the company’s “accident book”. Incidents that fall under RIDDOR need to be reported to HSE, which can be done online. An internal investigation should then take place to identify the cause of the accident. Employees may want to speak with a personal injury solicitor to seek compensation that can help to cover the damages.
Benefits of Accurate Accident Reporting
Accurate accident reporting is important from a legal standpoint, but it can also benefit the business and employees. Accurate accident reporting can lead to an increase in workplace safety as hazards can be identified and mitigated so that nobody else has the same accident. This can help to create a positive safety culture and potentially reduce costs associated with workplace injuries for employers.
Recent Trends & Statistics in UK Workplace Accidents
Recent statistics show that 604,000 working people sustained an injury at work in 2023/2024 with 61,663 injuries reported to RIDDOR. This is a slight decrease compared to the year before, but it is still a figure that is high and it is clear that more needs to be done to protect workers. Additionally, there were 1.7 million workers who suffered from a work-related illness, of which 776,000 suffered from work-related stress, depression, and anxiety. Meanwhile, 543,000 suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, which can cause a great deal of pain and suffering.
The importance of reporting workplace accidents cannot be overstated. Accidents are common in wide-ranging industries and have the potential to be costly in many ways for both employers and employees. Reporting these accidents is important from a legal standpoint, but also so that action can be taken to ensure that the accident does not happen again. This can help companies to improve their safety standards as well as create a culture of safety, which is important for protecting staff and helping them feel confident and safe in their roles.
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