The organisation that I work for are looking likely to require to make a RIDDOR report due to staff with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or chronic cramp in the arm, with staff experiencing difficulties with repetitive movement on production lines. These staff are in the process of having medical diagnosis and the picture will become clearer soon. These staff are currently self diagnosing, although they are displaying many of the symptoms, so I may be worrying about nothing. The work activities would make Carpal Tunnel Syndrome unlikely, although the chronic cramp is more likely. My problem is that I can see my organisation telling me not to make the report! How is this best handled? I see this as an absolute duty for me to make the report, however, if I do I will obviously be putting my job in jeopardy. There are other areas where I have advised on issues and they ignore the advice, I have ensured that this is in writing and witnesses are present. I am not aware of what happens when an organisation doesn't make a report when it should have? Can anyone enlighten me?

I've been in your situation so can empathise with you. I used to email everything to the boss, explaining my concerns. I then 'blind' copied my home email address when sending. I would also be on the look out for other work!

Thanks for the replies, the information is very useful. Yes I am boxing clever with this position and I am looking for work. On a brighter note they seem to be listening on this as a potential threat, but the proof will be very much in the pudding!

Ray - the company are prepared to break THE LAW, I don't think forcing one of their employees to contravene his Code of Conduct is going to cause them to lose much sleep! Inviticus - The diagnosis must be made in writing by a Registered Medical Practitioner, so any doctor. Douglas - the advice about putting everything in writing and keeping copies is sound. You could try whistle-blowing, but news reports about this shows it's usually the whistle-blower who suffers. Of course, there is nothing to stop the affected employees complaining direct to the HSE http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/concerns.htm I know it's unlikely, given what you have said already, but you could direct them to the H&S Law poster. Or leave the EMAS phone number lying around the tea room... Ian

Ian, there is a part of me that hopes someone does contact HSE about it. The other part thinks I will not come out of it well despite covering my ass. Thanks for the advice though, its sometimes the obvious that is impossible to see!

Ian, fair point. However I was really coming from the angle of covering it up.