Posted By Decimomal Stand by for lots of replies. On the information given I would be inclined to say no as it does not appear to be a work related injury and did not arise out of, or in connection with work. It was their duty to inform the employer of the initial problem so that appropriate measures could be taken.

Posted By ScotsAM In addition to previous post, Sciatica isn't listed as a reportable disease under schedule 3 arising from the demands of work.

Posted By Pete48 Are the claims from the employee about the work activity precipitating attacks substantiated by medical opinion or advice. If so, then yes. If not, then no, unless or until those facts have been established. Usual comments about bottoming out the detail and notifying insurers and taking OH advice apply irrespective of whether you report it under RIDDOR or not.

Posted By Decimomal Mr Cranberry - What a good idea, no more PAT questions either!!

Posted By Decimomal You make a valid point Paul, but Chris also makes a good point regarding the confusion, especially when queries produce a myriad of conflicting opinions from others. One would think that the reporting centre would be a logical recourse at the end of the day. Of course the HSE also has a pretty good page on the subject, and a search vis a well known search engine provides additional links.

Posted By Jack I have found the incident reporting centre to be over cautious (aka wrong) tending towards the 'if in doubt, report' approach, when asked anything without an obvious b&w answer. So you might as well just report anyway and cut out the middle man. On the other hand ask the question here and in amongst the 'if in doubt' responses you will get some reasoned arguments and an accurate interpretation. Of course you might not know which is which.

Posted By Decimomal Robert, As with the majority of queries on the public forums, you are going to get a wide range of opinions on the differing subjects from a wide range of people (guessing - health and safety practitioners, consultants, safety representatives, trainers, tutors and so on). Personally I tend to look at a range of sources of information, from my well thumbed 'library' of publications, guidance notes, ACOP's etc, past and current study notes, the HSE website and here. Bear in mind that in this forum you are only ever going to get opinions on our interpretation of circumstances and events, and you will be aware of the diverse interpretations that you get! I guess the bottom line is, to answer your question, yes, go the the HSE , after all they are the enforcer. However...... as Jack points out the incident reporting centre staff can be over cautious. I have in the past contacted my local HSE office and spoken to an Inspector when not sure of something. You do have to give them some details but I have never found them to be anything to be worried about. I could go on but it is nearly be time to go home!!

Posted By jayjay Robert, As you previously mentioned at the start, your employee AGGRAVATED it at work which indicates it was a previous illness. Now whether it is an occupational injury only you can find that out by speaking to the person in question.Have they had previous history of back trouble and did they originally do it at work. Look at what work they do and also ask what sort of of hobbies they do in their spare time i.e is the person a prop forward for the local rugby team ( Unless its a lady :-). Do you have access to an occupational health nurse. It's one of those difficult ones where you have to look deeper into it. however if in doubt report it as a RIDDOR and just follow your company procedure and investigate it. Regards, JJ PS A premature Happy New Year to one and all !!