Hi all, RIDDOR regulations state that (b) amputation of an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe; should be reported. Our employee had an accident - he hit tip of his finger with a hammer and as a result 1/3 of the finger had to be amputated. Do you think it still counts as amputation of a finger and should be reported as such? Thanks for feedback.

Yes, any traumatic or resultant surgical amputation of anything limb or extremity listed under (b), above, falls under RIDDOR I recall having a discussion some years back over whether only "below the knuckle" counted: I work in a sector where 15 years ago missing fingers were almost a qualification: fortunately those days are long gone. At the end of the day, loss of any body part is a debilitating injury and ought to be subject to reporting.

I was once told by the RIDDOR/HSE helpline (gosh remember those days when you could ask for advice??) that an amputation was classed as when some/part of bone has been removed - flesh no - bones yes. Case in question was a finger and the removal of a finger tip with a small amount of bone.

Sadly it happened to one of our operators last October. As the investigating HSE Officer who looked into the incident (It was reported by the PC) said no need unless it had been amputated on or after the 1st joint. Sorry nothing about bone. Lad was back at work within 6 weeks. Ta Alex