I ran a first aid course last week for a group, two people in the group were taking the course to benefit their hobbies one being an aerobics instructor and one a martial arts instructor. The issue of filling in the accident book came up, and the question was asked does a part time instructor who does it in their spare time as a leisure activity need under RIDDOR to inform the HSE of any accident / incident that leads to 3 day period off work, even though the injury didn't occur at work. Just wondered if any IOSH members have any thoughts on this matter. Steve

I believe they charge a training fee to cover the costs of hiring a venue for their activities but not sure if they belong to a governing body. Is there a governing organisation for aerobics??? It would seem there are hundreds of small clubs like this all over the place. Are you suggesting that RIDDOR reporting only applies to paid instructors. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Steve

What type of injuries would there be? Injuries as a result of sporting activities would not normally be reportable, so >3day would not be relevant. Or have I missed something? A

Steve, for clarity are we talking of the instructor hurting themselves doing the martial arts/aerobics training and being unable to do that for 3 days or being unable to perform their full time employment for 3 days? If it's the latter then my view is that it would not be reportable as ahoskins states, however the if its the former then I'd agree with Smurf.

Input from Steve required here... "does a part time instructor who does it in their spare time as a leisure activity need under RIDDOR to inform the HSE of any accident / incident that leads to 3 day period off work, even though the injury didn't occur at work" I read the question as referring to participants, as it appears to me that the instructors are either not employed or self employed from the phrasing. A

This really is quite simple. If an employee, it's reportable by the employer; if self-employed, it's reportable by the the controller of any premises within which the injury occurred. This bit isn't quite so simple... If they are an unpaid volunteer, i believe the legislation exempts them from reporting a RIDDOR as they are considered as being a member of the general public, but one could argue that the organiser of the activity, perhaps a club etc, might be responsible under RIDDOR as their organisation of the event led to the person being injured - if taken to hospital, this would be reportable. Then you enter the problem after April 6th of when to report it, HSENI will not be changing to over 7days until April 2013 whereas HSE will be from this April 6th - don't you just love joined up regulation ?!?