Health and safety compliance is a cornerstone of responsible construction management in the UK. Among the essential regulations, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) stands out as a critical legal requirement.
This guide is designed to help construction company owners, site managers, and safety officers understand their responsibilities under RIDDOR and ensure proper reporting procedures are in place.
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR stands for Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. It legally requires employers, self-employed people, and those in control of work premises to report and keep records of certain serious workplace incidents.
The aim is to help the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities monitor safety trends, investigate serious incidents, and improve health and safety standards across industries, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction.
Why RIDDOR Matters in Construction
Construction is one of the UK's most hazardous industries, accounting for a disproportionate number of workplace injuries and fatalities. Failing to comply with RIDDOR can result in:
- Hefty fines and legal action.
- HSE investigations and work stoppages.
- Damage to reputation and trust.
- Increased insurance premiums.
Properly reporting under RIDDOR isn't just a legal duty – it's a mark of a responsible contractor.
You can learn more about construction related injuries in our blog post The Top 10 Most Common Construction Injuries and How to Prevent Them.
Who Must Report Under RIDDOR?
In construction, RIDDOR obligations usually apply to:
- Employers (including construction companies).
- Self-employed workers (if injured at a workplace).
- Site managers and duty holders (who control work premises).
- Principal contractors under CDM Regulations 2015.
What Incidents Must Be Reported Under RIDDOR?
Below is a breakdown of reportable incidents relevant to construction:
1. Fatalities
Any death resulting from a work-related accident (excluding suicide).
Includes workers and non-workers (e.g. visitors or the public).
2. Specified Injuries to Workers
RIDDOR outlines specific serious injuries that must be reported, such as:
- Fractures (except fingers, thumbs, and toes).
- Amputation of any part of the body.
- Permanent loss of sight or reduction in vision.
- Crush injuries leading to internal organ damage.
- Serious burns (covering more than 10% of the body).
- Scalping requiring hospital treatment.
- Unconsciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia.
3. Over-Seven-Day Injuries
If an employee is unable to work for more than seven consecutive days (excluding the day of the accident), this must be reported.
Note: Employers must keep a record of injuries that result in over-three-day absences, even if they don’t meet the threshold for RIDDOR reporting.
4. Occupational Diseases
- Common examples in construction include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (due to repetitive work).
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
- Tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm.
- Dermatitis due to workplace exposure.
- Occupational asthma.
- Occupational cancers (e.g. from asbestos).
These must be diagnosed by a doctor and reported when linked to work activities.
5. Dangerous Occurrences
These are near-miss events that could have caused serious harm. Examples on a construction site:
- Collapse or partial collapse of scaffolding.
- Failure of lifting equipment (e.g. a crane or hoist).
- Explosion or fire resulting in work stoppage.
- Electrical short circuits causing fire or injury.
- Structural collapse during construction work.
How to Report a RIDDOR Incident
All reports must be made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) via their official channels:
- Online: www.hse.gov.uk/riddor
- Telephone (for fatal or major incidents): 0345 300 9923
Incidents that meet the threshold for RIDDOR reporting must be reported within 10 days of the incident (for most cases). You’ll need to complete a RIDDOR report form relevant to the type of incident.
What Information Must Be Included in a Report?
Typical RIDDOR reports require:
- Date and time of the incident.
- Personal details of the injured person(s).
- Nature and location of the injury/incident.
- Brief description of what happened.
- Name and details of the employer/site controller.
Keeping Records
You must retain records of RIDDOR-reportable incidents for at least 3 years. These can be kept in:
- Accident books.
- Site diaries/logs.
- Digital reporting tools or HR systems.
Keeping accurate records also helps with internal investigations, insurance claims, and demonstrating compliance during HSE inspections.
Common RIDDOR Mistakes in Construction
- Assuming minor injuries don’t count: Many ‘minor-looking’ incidents (e.g., fractures) are reportable.
- Not reporting occupational diseases: These are often overlooked but still legally required.
- Waiting too long: Deadlines matter. Most incidents must be reported within 10 days.
- Failing to record near misses: Dangerous occurrences are vital to report for prevention.
Tips for Construction Companies
- Train your site supervisors and foremen on how to recognise RIDDOR incidents.
- Use a clear incident reporting protocol across all projects.
- Conduct regular audits of incident logs and RIDDOR compliance.
- Include RIDDOR awareness in your health and safety inductions and toolbox talks.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and adhering to RIDDOR is not only a legal requirement for construction companies in the UK; it’s also a key pillar of good health and safety practice. By ensuring timely and accurate reporting, you protect your workers, your company, and the wider public.
Being proactive with RIDDOR reporting demonstrates leadership in safety, and can ultimately reduce accidents, lower costs, and build your reputation as a responsible contractor.
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