Hi all, Would this become RIDDOR reportable:- A full time employee has suffered a minor injury to his arm whilst NOT at work. The employee has claimed that the use of a hand held piece of equipment, which is a vital part of their role is making the injury worse. We arranged for the employee to undergo an assessment with Occ health and they have advised 8 weeks on “light duties” and have confirmed the hand held tool is causing further problems. I am aware that if an employee cannot perform their “full normal duties” for more than 3 consecutive days this then becomes reportable under RIDDOR. My main question is – because the hand help piece of equipment has made the injury worse whilst within working time is this then reportable. Point to note:- The employee has actually admitted within an interview with his line manager, that he did not have the initial accident whilst at work. Thanks for your help everyone.

I agree totally with Ron. Beware though and have a word with your HR wonk because this rings DDA alarm bells with me. Temporary disability.... I know enough to pass the hot potato on asap!

Not reportable as didn't occur at work or as the result of a work activity. In fact as it occured outside of work you have no duty to accommodate them at all. Of course you shouldn't be compelling them to do a job that aggravates that injury, becuase then you would be liable. But if they can't do their normal job you could just send them home until they recover. What I mean by that is...if I broke my leg whilst doing something in my spare time then my employer is not obliged to accommodate me in another role whilst I recover. If I broke my leg I couldn't drive and therefore couldn't do my job and if I don't get sick pay (other than statutory sick pay of course) that's my look out. I know cause something similar happend to me when I lost my voice for several months (yes, I've had all the jokes!!) but my employer refused to give me a non speaking role and I ended up sat at home without full pay until I recovered. Not sure how the new Fit Note fits into all that though? Of course a nice employer would accommodate that person whilst they recover - sadly I've not worked for any of those employers (except when I worked for the Gov't of course)!!!

Not reportable however keep all records of Occ Health involvement - you never know...............................