Posted By Robert Paterson Hi To All Looking for some information on Accident Reporting. I would like to know if there are time limits on when someone should be allowed to report an accident after the event has happened. Was asked recently if someone should be allowed to report an accident and have it registered in the Accident book eight months after the incident. My first thought was that accidents should be reported as soon as possible after the event, preferably the same day. But now wondering if there is legislation in relation to reporting accidents other than RIDDOR Anyone care to comment. Regards Robert Paterson (ps. Please respond to this thread or robert.paterson@jeyes.co.uk rather than email to address at header)

Posted By Frank Hallett Hi Robert [& Sarah also] Essentially, an allegedly injured party has no legislated obligation to enter an injury in the Accident Book at all, never mind within any given time, so far as I'm aware. Nonetheless, the employer must provide, make accessible and ensure that the entries are responded to in a suitable manner, including suitable levels of investigation for remedial purposes. The employer should also have in place the employee guidance to ensure that all potential accident victims are fully aware of the employers rules for reporting and recording physical injuries ['cos that's all the Accident Book is about]. As part of the employers instructions to employees, it should be clearly and unambiguously identified that the greater the gap between the alleged injury and the report of it, the greater the evidence that will be subsequently required to substantiate that alleged injury. This does not mean that an employer can refuse to allow an entry in the Accident Book however; what it means is that those who leave an inexplicably long period before reporting may be required to defend a possible internal investigation for fraud - I have no doubt that if you discuss this with your ELI Insurers, they will be supportive. Frank Hallett

Posted By Bill Parkinson There is the statute of limitations with regards to claims but this is 3 years from the date of the incident or when the condition (in the case of health issues) become diagnosed. You could argue that an incident reporting system is part of the employers discharging its obligatons under HASWA and therefore a requirement for employees to adhere to it (as requirement under section 8). Incidently we don't have accident books anymore as we convinced the DWP that our incident report contains the relevant information required for any enquiry regarding industrial injuries benefits.

Posted By Pamela Marshall In Part IV of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulation 1977 - which I thought was were the need for the accident book came from as the employer then has to report info to the State - it states "Every employed earned who suffers personal injury by accident in respect of which benefit may be payable shall give notice of such accident either in writing or orally as soon as practicable after the happening". I know this would only count if someone was going to claim benefits but it does state that the employee should report it as soon as practicable. The regs themself are quite dated though. Pamela