Many employers understand that workplace injuries must be recorded. Fewer are clear about when an incident must also be formally reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR.
This guide explains what RIDDOR is, which incidents are reportable, how it connects to first aid provision, and what employers in the UK need to understand.
The information below is general guidance and does not replace official HSE advice or legal consultation.
RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.
It requires certain serious workplace incidents to be formally reported to the HSE. Not every injury is reportable, and first aid treatment alone does not automatically trigger a report.
No.
Most minor injuries that are treated with basic first aid do not need to be reported to HSE.
RIDDOR applies only to specific types of serious injuries, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences.
The following are examples of injuries that may require reporting:
In addition, injuries that result in a worker being unable to perform their normal duties for more than seven consecutive days may also be reportable.
| Feature | Accident Record Book | RIDDOR Report |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Internal workplace record | Formal notification to HSE |
| Required for minor injuries | Yes | No |
| Applies to serious injuries | Yes | Yes |
| Legal notification obligation | No | Yes |
Guidance on general recording is explained in Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK).
If an employee cannot perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days following an injury, the incident may be reportable under RIDDOR.
This includes weekends and non-working days.
RIDDOR also covers certain “near miss” events known as dangerous occurrences.
Examples may include:
These may be reportable even if no one was injured.
First aid provision helps manage injuries immediately. However, if an incident meets RIDDOR thresholds, employers must take additional reporting steps.
Inadequate first aid arrangements do not automatically trigger RIDDOR, but serious consequences arising from poor management may lead to regulatory scrutiny.
For wider legal context, see UK First Aid Law Explained.
Employers, self-employed people and those in control of work premises are generally responsible for submitting reports where required.
This responsibility cannot be delegated entirely to an individual employee.
Some incidents must be reported without delay, while others must be reported within a specified timeframe.
Employers should refer directly to HSE guidance to ensure compliance.
RIDDOR applies only to defined categories of incidents.
Clear understanding of reporting thresholds helps organisations:
Inspection preparation guidance is available in Preparing for a First Aid Inspection (UK).
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