Some workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) by law. The rules are set out in RIDDOR, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. Failing to report can itself be an offence. Here is what employers in England and Wales need to know.
Who must report?
The duty falls on the "responsible person", usually the employer (or, for some incidents, the person in control of the premises or work). If you employ people or control a workplace, the duty is likely yours.
What is reportable?
Not every minor cut needs reporting. RIDDOR requires you to report:
- Deaths arising from a work-related accident.
- Specified injuries to workers, for example, fractures (other than to fingers, thumbs or toes), amputations, serious burns, loss of sight, and injuries from being unconscious due to head injury or asphyxia.
- Over-seven-day injuries, where a worker is incapacitated for more than seven consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident) and cannot do their normal work.
- Occupational diseases, certain diagnosed conditions linked to work (such as some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational dermatitis, or hand-arm vibration syndrome).
- Dangerous occurrences, specified near-miss events (such as the collapse of scaffolding or explosions).
- Certain gas incidents.
(Injuries to members of the public are also reportable in defined circumstances, specifically where a person is injured in a work-related accident and is taken directly from the scene to hospital for treatment.)
How and when to report
- Reports are made to the HSE, normally online through its reporting system (a telephone service is available for fatal and major incidents).
- Deaths, specified injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay (by the quickest practicable means, e.g. phone for the most serious), and followed up with a written report within 10 days.
- Over-seven-day injuries must be reported within 15 days of the accident.
- Occupational diseases must be reported as soon as you receive a relevant diagnosis.
Keep records
You must keep a record of any reportable incident (and of certain over-three-day injuries), including the date, details and the action taken. This is separate from, but linked to, your accident book.
Penalties for not reporting
Failing to report under RIDDOR is a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution and fines, quite apart from the underlying health and safety failings. Reporting also helps the HSE identify risks and, where necessary, investigate.
Practical guidance
- Know who your responsible person is, and have a clear internal process for spotting reportable events.
- When in doubt about whether something is reportable, check the RIDDOR guidance or take advice.
- Report promptly within the deadlines, and keep records.
Key takeaways
- RIDDOR 2013 requires the responsible person (usually the employer) to report deaths, specified injuries, over-seven-day injuries, certain diseases, and dangerous occurrences.
- Report to the HSE (usually online); deaths/specified injuries without delay then within 10 days; over-seven-day injuries within 15 days.
- Keep records of reportable incidents.
- Failure to report is a criminal offence.
Sources
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
- HSE reporting guidance, categories and timescales
--- This article is general information about the law of England & Wales as at 2026, not legal advice. For advice on your circumstances, consult a qualified solicitor or health and safety professional.