What is RIDDOR?
If you’ve had an accident at work, you may have been told it should be “reported under RIDDOR.” But what is RIDDOR exactly?
What is RIDDOR in simple terms? It’s a UK law that requires certain workplace injuries, illnesses, and dangerous incidents to be formally reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Many injured workers don’t realise that a RIDDOR report can also be vital evidence in a personal injury claim.
This guide explains what RIDDOR is, when it applies, who must report an incident, and why it matters if you’re seeking compensation.
We’ll also cover what to do if your employer hasn’t followed the rules — especially if you’re thinking about making a No Win, No Fee claim.
Quick Links:
- What Does RIDDOR Mean?
- When Does RIDDOR Apply?
- Who is Responsible for Reporting?
- Why RIDDOR Matters for Your Claim
- How We Can Help
Not sure if your accident was reported correctly? Speak directly to a solicitor. Call us on 01606 872200 or book your free 30-minute consultation.
What Does RIDDOR Mean?
RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It is UK law.
If you’re asking “What is RIDDOR?” in simple terms: it’s the rule that certain work-related injuries, illnesses and dangerous incidents must be formally reported to the national health and safety regulator.
For injured workers, understanding what RIDDOR is can help your claim. A proper RIDDOR report creates an official record of what happened and when.
Why RIDDOR Exists
RIDDOR helps improve workplace safety. Reports allow the regulator to spot risks and reduce future accidents.
It also helps injured employees. A RIDDOR entry can support a personal injury claim by documenting key facts.
Need advice after an accident at work? Learn about your options and our No Win, No Fee approach on our Accident at Work Claim page.
When Does RIDDOR Apply?
To understand what is RIDDOR in practice, it helps to know when the law applies. Not every incident is reportable.
RIDDOR covers only specific, serious events that meet legal reporting thresholds.
Types of Reportable Incidents
- Deaths arising from work activities
- Specified serious injuries (e.g. fractures other than fingers or toes, amputations, loss of sight, serious burns)
- Over-seven-day incapacitation (unable to work normal duties for more than seven consecutive days)
- Occupational diseases linked to work (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, dermatitis, occupational asthma)
- Dangerous occurrences (serious “near misses”, such as equipment failure or structural collapse)
If your situation falls into one of these categories, it should be reported under RIDDOR.
What Isn’t Usually Reportable
- Minor injuries requiring only basic first aid
- Short-term absence under seven consecutive days
- Incidents unconnected to work activities
Knowing what is RIDDOR and when it applies helps you check whether your accident should have been officially recorded.
Who is Responsible for Reporting?
Part of understanding what is RIDDOR is knowing who has the legal duty to make a report to the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
In most cases, the responsibility lies with the employer. They must ensure that qualifying incidents are reported within the required timeframes.
Other Responsible Parties
In some situations, the person in control of the workplace — such as a site manager, building owner, or event organiser — is responsible for reporting under RIDDOR.
If you are self-employed and working on someone else’s premises, the site controller must report the incident. If you are working at your own premises, you are responsible for filing the report yourself.
If the Report Is Not Made
Failing to report a RIDDOR incident is a criminal offence. The responsible person can face fines or prosecution for not complying with the law.
Even if your employer does not file a report, you should still keep your own records. This can help protect your rights if you decide to make a personal injury claim later.
Why RIDDOR Matters for Your Claim
A RIDDOR report is more than a legal requirement — it can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
The report records key facts, such as the date, time, and location of the incident. It also includes details about the injury or dangerous occurrence.
Evidence for Your Case
When there is an official RIDDOR record, it supports your account of events. It shows that the injury was serious enough to meet the reporting threshold.
In some cases, the investigation that follows a RIDDOR report may uncover proof of unsafe working practices. This can strengthen your case and help establish employer negligence.
How We Can Help
If you’ve been injured at work and think your accident should have been reported under RIDDOR, we can help you understand your rights and your options.
Our solicitors can review your case, gather the evidence you need, and guide you through the claims process. We handle many workplace injury claims on a No Win, No Fee basis, so there is no financial risk to you.
You don’t have to deal with the legal process alone. We offer friendly, straightforward advice from the start.
Speak directly to a solicitor today on 01606 872200 or book your free 30-minute consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It’s a UK law that requires certain workplace accidents, illnesses, and near misses to be formally reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Reportable incidents include deaths at work, serious injuries like fractures or amputations, certain work-related illnesses, dangerous occurrences such as equipment failures, and any injury that keeps a worker off for more than seven consecutive days.
Usually, it’s the employer’s duty to report. In some cases, the person in control of the workplace (like a site manager) is responsible. Self-employed workers may need to report themselves if they work on their own premises.
Failing to report a RIDDOR incident is a criminal offence. Employers can face fines or prosecution. It can also make it harder for an injured worker to prove their case, but legal advice can help gather alternative evidence.
Yes. A RIDDOR report creates an official record of your accident, including details such as when, where, and how it happened. This can make it harder for an employer to dispute your version of events and may strengthen your compensation claim.
