Many people first ask for the “definition of RIDDOR” after a serious workplace accident. This usually occurs when they get instructions to report the incident or see the term on forms. If you’ve suffered an injury at work, it’s normal to feel shaken.
The physical impact is one concern, but the uncertainty can be greater. You may worry about blame, your employer’s reaction, or the effect on your job. Workplace incidents are more common than many people realise.
The regulations establish a system for recording and investigating accidents, ill health, and dangerous events, including diseases and dangerous occurrences. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 59,219 injuries to employees under RIDDOR in 2024/25. Additionally, 1.9 million working people experienced work-related illness, and 680,000 workers sustained non-fatal injuries.
This guide breaks down what RIDDOR actually means, when incidents must be reported, how the reporting process works, and what can happen if employers fail to comply. And if you’re dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury and need clear, practical advice, reaching out to Claim Time Solicitors can help you understand your rights and next steps with confidence.
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR means the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. This means the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. These RIDDOR regulations 2013 replaced earlier laws, including the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations RIDDOR 1995.
Employers must report serious workplace incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the relevant local authority. This also applies to self-employed individuals and those responsible for work premises under employers responsibilities for RIDDOR.
In simple terms, a RIDDOR report is an official notification that a serious incident has occurred at work. It helps regulators identify patterns, investigate high-risk incidents, and prevent similar events from happening again.
In practical terms, RIDDOR means the difference between recording an accident internally and reporting it under the law.
What injuries and incidents are reportable under RIDDOR?
When assessing RIDDOR requirements, individuals seek to understand whether an injury is reportable and which incidents fall within reporting obligations.
The HSE states that reportable incidents include injuries, work-related diseases, and dangerous occurrences, which are serious near-misses.
Common RIDDOR-reportable situations include:
- Specified injuries, for example, certain fractures, amputations, serious burns, loss of sight
- Over-7-day injuries, when an employee cannot do their normal work for more than seven consecutive days
- work-related diseases linked to work
- Dangerous occurrences, serious near-misses
If you’re unsure, it’s still worth getting advice. A reportable injury is not the same as a claim, but it can indicate that the incident was serious.
RIDDOR vs accident book, what’s the difference?
- This is where confusion often happens.
- An accident book entry is an internal workplace record.
- A RIDDOR report is a legal report made to a regulator under RIDDOR law.
What does RIDDOR aim to achieve? It makes an official record that your employer must keep accurate by law.
If the accident only appears in the accident book, it can still help your claim. However, if RIDDOR records it, it carries more weight. This means the incident reached a recognized level of seriousness.
What to do first after a RIDDOR-level injury at work
If your injury is serious enough that you suspect it could be reportable, speed matters. The earlier you act, the easier it is to protect evidence.
- Your quick checklist
- Get medical help
- Report the accident immediately
- Ensure the incident is recorded in the accident book or internal system. Take photos of the hazard and wider scene
- Collect witness details before shifts change
- Ask about CCTV quickly
- Keep a simple recovery log
- Record the incident in the accident book or internal reporting system.
What if your employer didn’t report it? Can you still claim?
Yes. A RIDDOR report may support your claim, but you do not need one to proceed.
In some cases, this may raise concerns about poor investigation or ignored safety standards.
Understanding RIDDOR helps you determine whether a workplace is following the required rules.
Could you lose your job after an accident at work?
Employers must not dismiss employees for injuries, reporting incidents, or exercising their rights.
If your employer acts against you for raising a health and safety concern, you may have legal protection and the right to challenge it. That said, employers may try to justify dismissal in limited situations, such as:
- Genuine redundancy unrelated to your injury
- Serious misconduct
- Capability concerns after long-term absence, following a fair process
- If your employer responds poorly to your report or request for help, take this as a warning.
Steps to take if you feel your job is at risk
If you feel your employer is turning against you, focus on practical protection steps.
- Keep communication in writing where possible, emails, messages, and meeting notes.
- Ask politely for reasons if shifts, duties, or treatment changes suddenly.
- Follow medical advice and use fit notes if needed.
- Request reasonable adjustments if you can return safely, lighter duties, phased return.
- Use formal methods, like HR, or file a grievance if you experience unfair treatment.
- Get confidential legal advice early while the evidence is fresh.
Signs your employer is treating you unfairly
Unfair treatment after a workplace injury doesn’t always look dramatic.
Look out for:
- Pressure not to report the accident
- Blame is assigned before an investigation
- Sudden shift cuts or reduced hours
- Threats about your job if you take time off
- Isolation or exclusion
- Hostile behaviour from management
- Penalty action that seems linked to your injury
- Being moved to worse duties as punishment
- One event might be explainable. A pattern usually indicates a deeper issue.
Don’t let worry cost you your rights
A workplace injury can shake your confidence. You might worry about money, sick pay, or how others will treat you.
Workplace safety is essential, and you can protect yourself. Seeking advice does not require you to proceed with a claim. It helps clarify your options, evidence, and rights.
If you’re still wondering what RIDDOR is and how it helps, you should talk to someone who can assess your situation.
Speak to Claim Time Solicitors for confidential advice
If you have suffered an injury at work and require guidance, Claim Time Solicitors can advise you on your options. You may be eligible to claim on a No Win, No Fee basis, and your enquiry will remain confidential.
Contact Claim Time Solicitors on 0800 970 2727 to discuss your situation and available options.
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR is short for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. UK law, RIDDOR, says you must report serious workplace injury Submit the report to the appropriate authority.
Which injuries fall within RIDDOR reporting requirements?
Common RIDDOR reportable incidents include:
Specified injuries, like certain fractures, amputations, serious burns, and loss of sight.
Over-7-day injuries, where a person is unable to work normally for more than seven consecutive days.
Certain related to work diseases.
Specific dangerous occurrences, which are serious near-misses.
Is a RIDDOR report required to make a workplace injury claim?
No. You can still claim compensation even if your employer does not file a RIDDOR report. A report can help as supporting evidence, but it does not decide fault or guarantee compensation. This explains what is RIDDOR and why is it important in supporting claims.
What should I do if my employer refuses to report the incident?
Report the accident in writing. Record the incident in the accident book. Gather evidence like photos, witness details, and CCTV requests. Keep accurate medical records.
Get legal advice quickly, especially if you think the incident needs RIDDOR reporting.