Guidance · RIDDOR 2013

Reporting accidents, without the guesswork

Some accidents, diseases and near misses must be reported to HSE, and quickly. Not reporting is an offence in itself. Here's how to tell what counts.

days for deaths and specified injuries
10
days for deaths and specified injuries
days for over-7-day injuries
15
days for over-7-day injuries
years to keep records
3
years to keep records
01

What RIDDOR is

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 say what must be reported to HSE, by whom, and how fast. Usually the employer, or whoever controls the premises, reports. A 'specified injury' means the serious ones on HSE's list, such as most broken bones, amputations, loss of sight and serious burns.

In short
Deaths, specified injuries, injuries that keep someone off work for more than 7 days, certain diagnosed diseases and dangerous occurrences must be reported to HSE. Deaths and specified injuries need reporting straight away.
02

Is it reportable?

Pick what happened.

Pick what happened to see whether it needs reporting, and by when.
03

After an accident

  • Look after the injured person first
  • Make the area safe, and leave it undisturbed if it's serious
  • Take photos and get witness details
  • Decide whether it's reportable, and report on time
  • Record it in your accident book
  • Investigate, find the root cause and fix it
Near misses count too
Some dangerous occurrences must be reported even if nobody was hurt. Either way, near misses are the cheapest lessons you'll ever get.
04

Keeping records

  • Keep records of every reportable incident for at least 3 years
  • Record injuries that keep someone off for more than 3 days
  • Businesses with 10 or more employees must keep an accident book
  • Records help you spot patterns before they become serious
05

Quick check

Quick check · 1 of 3

Someone breaks an arm at work. When must you report it?

06

How we help

As your competent person, this is part of your package or available as an add-on.

Reporting support

We help you decide what's reportable and get it in on time. RIDDOR guidance comes with Core; hands-on help is quoted before we start.

Accident investigation

Root cause investigation and actions to stop it happening again.

Accident records

A simple system for recording accidents and near misses.

HSE enquiries

If HSE gets in touch afterwards, we'll help you respond.

More guidance
Risk assessmentThe five steps, rating risk, and controls that work.Fire safetyFire risk assessment and the responsible person's duties.CDM 2015Who does what on construction work, and when to notify HSE.Working at heightAvoid, prevent, minimise, and getting ladders right.AsbestosWhere it hides, and the duty to manage it.Young workersApprentices and under-18s: assessments and working hours.

Guidance reviewed October 2026. A plain-English summary of the law in England, Scotland and Wales, not legal advice. Always check the full text on legislation.gov.uk and the latest HSE guidance.

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