Hi All, My very first post on the IOSH forum or any forum for that matter! I am only 2 years into my H&S career and have enjoyed the steep learning curve and also the changes to legislation, but I have a question with the regards to the up coming RIDDOR changes. According to the new guidance on the HSE website "Reportable injuries (including deaths) do not have to be automatically reported, but must be reported if they occur as the result of a work-related accident". However on another one of their web pages they state that: There are no significant changes to the reporting requirements for: Fatal accidents. Accidents to non-workers (members of the public). Accidents which result in the incapacitation of a worker for more than seven days. This has left me slightly confused with the requirements as to how soon you would report work related fatalities and specified injuries to workers. So I suppose my question really is how soon would these accidents be reported to the centre via phone or online? Thanks for your help in advance.

Thank you Phil The confusion arose with the wording of "do not have to be automatically reported". It did make me think how would they be investigated if not reported asap. Thanks again, Dave.

Daveyh73, Only deaths, major injuries, etc. that a) arise as a result of an "accident" and b) "arise out of or in connection with work" need to be reported. By definition, certain deaths will not be accidental e.g. a death in a hospital, nursing home, etc. that results from pseudomonas is not an accident (albeing it may be held to have arisen out of or in connection with work). Other deaths, which result from an accident, e.g. RTI while commuting to/from work are accidents, but they do not arise out of or in connection with work. It can be tricky sometimes to determine whether or not something is RIDDOR reportable but it is important to get it right, particularly if your employer wants to avoid a costly and time consuming police/HSE investigation. I hope this helps. Regards. DJ

Hi Davey, I have always worked on the principle of informing the HSE as soon as you are aware. Like ClaireL says fatalities are reported immediately. However, RIDDOR reportable over 7 day injuries can be different. If you know it is going to be over 7 days shortly after the accident then report it then, otherwise you may need to wait until the 7 days is up.