RIDDOR Decision Helper
Not every workplace accident has to be reported to HSE, but some must be, and quickly. Answer a few questions about what happened to see whether it's likely to be reportable under RIDDOR, and by when.
Prepared by Morgan Compliance Group · Published 23 October 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026
Who it's for
Employers, managers and anyone responsible for reporting incidents at work.
Check whether your incident may be reportable
Answer one question at a time. Your answers stay in this browser session and are not sent to a server. This tool provides guidance, not a legal determination.
RIDDOR decision helper
Question 1
What RIDDOR is
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 require certain work-related accidents, illnesses and dangerous events to be reported to HSE.
Who reports
The duty normally falls on the employer or the person in control of the premises. Self-employed people also have reporting duties in some circumstances.
Keeping records
Keep a record of reportable incidents and injuries that leave workers unable to do their normal work for more than three consecutive days. Your accident book can serve as this record. Keep enough detail to explain what happened, who was involved and what action was taken.
Questions and categories covered by this helper
The questions are shown below for reference, including examples of specified injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences. These are not exhaustive substitutes for HSE guidance.
What happened?
Answers: Someone died; Someone was injured; Someone was diagnosed with a work-related illness; Something dangerous happened but nobody was hurt (a near miss); A gas incident.
Did the death result from a work-related accident?
Answers: Yes; No; Not sure.
Who was injured?
Answers: A worker; Someone who isn't a worker, such as a member of the public.
Was it one of these specified injuries?
- A fracture, other than to fingers, thumbs or toes
- An amputation
- An injury likely to lead to permanent loss of or reduction in sight
- A crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs
- Serious burns covering more than 10% of the body, or damaging the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs
- A scalping injury needing hospital treatment
- Loss of consciousness caused by a head injury or asphyxia
- An injury from working in an enclosed space that leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness, or needs resuscitation or hospital admission for more than 24 hours
Answers: Yes; No; Not sure.
Has the worker been away from work, or unable to do their normal work, for more than seven consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident, but including weekends and rest days)?
Answers: Yes, more than seven days; Not yet, but possibly; Four to seven days; Three days or fewer; Not sure.
Were they taken from the scene directly to hospital for treatment of the injury?
Answers: Yes, for treatment of the injury; Yes, but only for examination or a precautionary check; No; Not sure.
Did the accident arise out of or in connection with work?
Answers: Yes; No; Not sure.
Has a doctor diagnosed one of these conditions, and is it likely to have been caused or made worse by the work?
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Severe cramp of the hand or forearm
- Occupational dermatitis
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome
- Occupational asthma
- Tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm
- Any occupational cancer
- Any disease attributed to occupational exposure to a biological agent
Answers: Yes; No or not yet diagnosed; Not sure.
Was it one of the dangerous occurrences listed by HSE, such as these examples?
- Collapse or failure of lifting equipment
- Failure of a pressure system
- Contact with overhead power lines
- An electrical short circuit causing a fire or explosion
- Accidental release of a substance that could cause harm
Answers: Yes; No; Not sure.
Sources: HSE's official RIDDOR guidance and online reporting forms.
This resource is general guidance. Adapt it to your own business, activities and risks.
Had a serious incident?
We can help you investigate it properly, put the right fixes in place and make sure your records stand up if HSE or an assessor asks.
Get help with an incidentRELATED RESOURCES