Posted By alex mccreadie Interesting MD comment today. One of our men hurt his back whilst bending down to pick up a dustpan whilst sweeping out a Portacabin. Reported to Office where accident recorded in accident book. Then went home and returned 6 working days later.(HR Issue as self certificated) Obviously over 3 days so I reported it. MD asks me today what would have happened if he had bent to pick up his wallet? Obviously still at work so reportable.Humph said the MD It brings it home that if you are judged on AIR by certain contractors without the ability to answer the nature of the accident there is something wrong with the system. In my Opinion if the accident cannot be investigated and better systems put in place who benefits from reporting minor but over 3 day reportables.

Posted By Mark123 Remember though, Riddor reports are used for statistical purposes in government as well.

Posted By William O'Donnell In response to your MD's question surely in the case of someone hurting their back bending down to pick up their wallet is not work related and therefore not reportable?

Posted By Liz Maw I've been on both sides of the fence - looking at tender submissions for a local authority and now providing safety data for them. And although you might think it looks bad to have some RIDDORs it is also very suspicious to get nil returns. I used to view that as a poor refelction on accident reporting culture rather than a sign of good safety management. You've just got to hope you have a pragmatic person judging your submission.

Posted By garyh This is not always as simple as it may seem. If this person had a pre-existing "bad back" then picking up anything under any circumstances could cause a back spasm. Hence, would it be work related if they picked up a paper clip, but not a wallet? Always consider, WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RIDDOR REPORTS? I know of well known, "safe" organisations who would not report under such circumstances.