Just something i was thinking about today, Say an accident was not recorded in the accident how would that stand. For example say an employee wanted to claim compensation from the organisation and it wasnt reported or in the book, Could the organisation deny knowledge of it ?

Yes you did, I was asking a hypothetical question out of curiosity. Of course i am not asking if i could do this or promoting it, just asking out of genuine curiosity as to what would happen

Always difficult to answer a hypothetical question but here goes.... Lack of a report doesn't mean that an employee is barred for seeking compensation. All you have to do is think of all those scenarios where a member of public seeks compensation for tripping on a paving slab. How many of those were reported to the council at the time of the accident...? BUT For an employee the lack of an Accident Book entry just makes their chances of success more difficult. So, why would they not report an accident? There seems no reason for it, the reporting doesn't cost them anything - in terms of time, money aggro etc... I am cynical - what is far more likely is that an unscrupulous employee will try and turn a non-occupational event/injury into a work related event in order seek compensation. Thus the Sunday football ankle sprain is rested overnight and then an attempt is made to turn it into a slip/trip event at the very start of the working day on Monday. As an employer make the lack of a report and any concerns you have clear to your insurer and let them get on with their job of managing the claim. A sad tale: Employee claiming for bad back - said they couldn't work, Employer told insurer about their concerns. Surveillance agents obtained some interesting information but spotted a sticker for a 4x4 club in claimant's car and looked at website. On the site the claimant had put comments about competing in rugged off road events, "rolling" his Range Rover and doing up an overseas property he had purchased. This info was passed across to his solicitor and claim was settled for £350k less than expected. Phil

To look at you original question. Yes, I the organisation could deny knowledge of it and I am sure that the sort of scenario that you have suggested has formed the basis of many a defence in a civil claim for damages. I think an employer has every 'right' to deny knowledge if the appropriate systems are in place for employees to report accidents. I have the feeliong that the onus is upon the employee to report. However, I am interested as to what basis an employer could be prosecuted for denying knowledge of an accident that isn't in the book!!!!!!!! I could be worng but I am sure that squirelled away somewhere in RIDDOR there is a 'defence' based on much the same scenario (and before anyone says it, yes I know accidents, accident book and RIDDOR are different)