Posted By Rob Yuill I'm having a problem with "new" guidance offered by our local (Bristol) Inspector. I have always considered very carefully before reporting and explore thoroughly the term "out of or in connection with work" in deciding if an incident requires to be reported. Last month following an accident when a person fell down stairs and suffered an injury we did not report, I was happy with decision as it was made after careful examination of the circumstances including lighting, stair construction, handrail etc, etc. We are now being told by the HSE they would prefer if it had been reported, but as this is a "grey area" we would not face action if we didn't! I'm confused, particularly as the Inspector said that unless there is an identifiable cause e.g. loose shoe lace, medical condition that caused the incident, any unexplained fall should be reported. I have always been of the opinion that unless "work" (in its broadest sense) contributed to the incident, then it would not need to be reported. Now I have to consider a person falling when walking along a corridor; with no defect identifiable and no contributory factor involved as being a potential RIDDOR. Sensible H&S? Can anyone assist in providing advice or knowing of a tame Inspector - (preferably in Policy) @ Rose Court) to enlighten me? Rob

Posted By Rob Yuill Yes, she was. If it makes any difference, and I don't think it does, she was on her way home. When interviewed she put the fall down to "operator error"! Rob

Posted By Rob Yuill Hi Bill, She actually suffered a minor cracked bone (technically a major), this was diagnosed a week after the fall and she was off for two days. Where I came from: only if the incident was "out of or in connection with work" would the severity of the injury become of importance. If an injury was outside of that definition in L73, then the fact that it was a major is irrelevent (although not to the IP)! Thanks for you input. Rob