Posted By STEVE I recently investigated an Incident the other day(Tues), where an individual was lifting a empty container and pulled his back, due to it being quite large and an awkward shape it blocks the view of the person lifting it. The individual was taking it up some stairs and somehow jarred his back, he thinks that he may have missed a step or not put his foot on it correctly. He caught his breath, then carried on up the stairs, where he then carried on working, after about 30mins he states that the pain was getting stronger so he went to medical dept There he was administered a ice pack, and pain killers and told to rest, he was asked if he wanted to go to hospital which he refused saying he thougt he would be alright. End of the day came and he went home. Next day he didnt come to work as he had stiffened up Following day didnt come to work for similar reason but phoned up to state that hopefully he would be ok for the next day. He came to work, but could not perform simular tasks to what he was doing so was put on a different role, which he achieved. The Individual has no set tasks due to being an Industrial Cleaner, so his Job Description covers a whole variety of tasks. Rested his back overweek-end and came to work Monday, still couldnt achieve manual activities but could perform lighter duties. Spoke with him today where he stated he was still aching,hurting dependant on how he moved. Suggested he does not come to work tomorrow, but unfortunatley our Company has no sick payment scheme so he would not get paid for days off other than Stat Sick Pay. Told him I would speak to director to see if Company could assist. Individual has not been to Doctor or Hospital since injury, advised him too. Individual wants to come to work, can find him a role which would assist him until he is feeling better (will then get paid) but not sure if this is the right thing to do. Should I report this under RIDDOR in case of later developments Feel that I should Steve

Posted By Paul Oliver I'm in agreement with the previous response. Paul

Posted By Neil Pearson I completely agree with the other respondents above, but in some cases like this you also have to consider whether the injury is work-related. If you were unsure in a case like this, it would be wise to consult an occ health physician to determine the extent to which this is work-related. This case sounds cut and dried so no big deal, but worth bearing in mind in other cases. If the injury isn't work-related then of course it's not reportable. Consult occ health anyway though to help you protect the individual and rehabilitate them.