Rank: New forum user 
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Hi, one of my employees has suspected broken ribs which are RIDDOR reportable. However the doctor/hospital refuse to x ray the ribs as the treatment is the same regardless of the diagnosis. has anyone been in this situation before? I'm not sure whether to report this or not as we can't be sure it's broken. To add to the confusion, the first aider has detailed the incident as 'cracked rib' in the accident book.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Phil,
IMO if it's debatable then report it. In the details of the incident state all the facts. The business can always pay for the X-ray if thats a requirement. The incident was proably serious and so presumably a full investigation will be carried out in which case there should be no reason to fear reporting it. As for the first aiders remarks, I would definitely advise retraining on how to complete the accident paperwork in use as thats very unhelpful. I'm all about openness and honesty when it comes to accident reporting, others may not agree with my comments?
Regards
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Rank: Super forum user
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From the account you give I would report it.
I don't have an issue with the first aider report - first aiders don't have diagnostic abilities and X-ray eyes. If it was reported as suspected fracture or suspected cracked rib that does it for me.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Don’t try to second guess doctors, it they reckon it could be broken or cracked ribs then treat it as such and report it. As for forcing the employee to undergo a paid-for x-ray: I man not convinced that you can do that-what if they refuse? And of course x-ray exposure creates a new risk which is why doctors are not as x-ray happy as they were in the past.
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Rank: Forum user
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Yes, we've had similar & I'm told by our OHA that they do not X-ray as a routine for broken ribs.
Where did you get the diagnoses from? Was it a verbal report from IP from the hospital or was it writing? If it was a verbal report from the IP can he get his GP to confirm it?
I assume that if it's a broken rib they will be off in excess of 7 days anyway?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Just put on the RIDDOR form that you were advised by whoever it was that they had cracked or fractured ribs no x ray taken, no treatment. I am sure HSE will understand this.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If the hospital reckons they're probably broken, then they probably are! They hurt ...... just saying ....
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