Hiya Guys
Would just like your thoughts. I have just been informed of an incident that should have been reportable in December/January. A colleague fractured his ankle on a flight of stairs (currently investigating if any defects to stairs etc) Management all assumed someone else had informed me and an accident form was only completed on the colleagues return to work a few weeks ago. This was a complete failure in our internal reporting procedures and has obviously given cause for me to review such procedures however my question is........ Are your views that I should still report it to RIDDOR even though its 3 months late?
Thanks in advance.

Yes report but mention there seemed to be a failure of communication and what steps have been taken to ensure it should never happen again. For example, are all the staff aware of your accident reporting procedure? If not then refresher training would be beneficial (at the very least a reminder sent out to staff and managers to report incidents). Mention in the report that an investigation has been conducted and the outcome (e.g. no defect to stair).

Better to report and get a phone call than not report and it come back to haunt you (person puts in a claim against the company for the injury sustained for example - first thing their solicitor would ask for is a copy of the accident form and any RIDDOR report).

Totally agree with Melrose, we had something similar and the final section of the riddor where you state corrective action shows you have put in the steps to rectify it happening again (touch wood).

These things happen all the time report it fully explaining why - 24 months my record for a late report.

The facts came to light via HR in a grievance matter – just tell the truth – the mere fact you are reporting late once you have found out maintains integrity

KMS - it's a "continuous offence" until you report, with potential for both fine and daily additional fine.

Whilst it is still an offence until the incident is reported, I don't think that the legislation allows for a daily fine. Failure to submit a RIDDOR report is an offence under section 33(1)(c)s HSWA which allows for a maximum penalty of £20k fine and/or 6mths imprisonment in Mags Court or unlimited fine and/or 2yrs imprisonment in Crown Court.

Ha - the regulator was fine and understood why this had occured.

Agree with the above, report and explain.

Late RIDDOR reports are not that uncommon (from previous discussions with peers etc.), it does happen with the best will in the world and in my experience, the HSE don't make a big deal about it.