RIDDOR Reporting Obligations
When someone slips, trips, or falls, your actions in the moment are vital: you help the casualty, secure the area, and log the incident. But sometimes, your responsibility goes beyond the Accident Book. Certain incidents must also be reported under RIDDOR—the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.
For security officers, understanding when and how RIDDOR applies isn’t optional. It’s part of legal compliance, professionalism, and public safety.
Why RIDDOR Matters
HSE Requirement: RIDDOR is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. Failing to report can result in fines and investigations.
SIA Expectations: As a licensed officer, you are expected to know your role in reporting health and safety incidents.
BSI & NSI Standards: Accurate reporting demonstrates a professional, compliant safety culture.
Did you know? In 2022/23, slips, trips, and falls accounted for over 30% of all major workplace injuries reported to the HSE. Many of these required RIDDOR notification.
Tip: Think of RIDDOR as “going one step further” than the Accident Book—when an incident is serious, reporting ensures the HSE can step in to prevent repeat accidents.
When a Slip, Trip, or Fall Must Be Reported
Not every incident is RIDDOR-reportable. Here’s what counts:
Fatalities – Any death at work must be reported immediately.
Specified injuries (examples relevant to slips/trips):
Fractures (except fingers, thumbs, toes).
Head injuries or loss of consciousness.
Serious cuts requiring hospital treatment.
Over-7-day absences – If an injured worker cannot carry out normal duties for seven consecutive days or more.
Hospital treatment – If a member of the public is taken straight to hospital.
Dangerous occurrences – Near-misses that could have caused serious harm (e.g., collapsed stair rail or faulty escalator).
Not reportable: Minor bruises, short-term pain, or slips that don’t require hospital care. These still go in the Accident Book, but not to HSE.
Your Role as a Security Officer
You are not expected to file RIDDOR reports directly (this is usually your employer’s or site manager’s duty). But your role is critical:
Spot the trigger: Recognise when an incident could be RIDDOR-reportable.
Record clearly: Make sure the Accident Book entry has all facts (time, location, injuries, witnesses).
Escalate fast: Inform your supervisor or control room immediately if you believe RIDDOR applies.
Assist with evidence: CCTV, witness statements, and your log may all be needed in the report.
Tip: Use the “3 S Test”: Serious injury, Seven-day absence, Straight to hospital. If yes, it may be RIDDOR.
How to Recognise a RIDDOR Situation on Shift
Slips, trips and falls happen often, and most are minor. The challenge for a security officer is spotting when an incident crosses into RIDDOR territory.
Warning signs it may be reportable:
The casualty cannot stand, walk, or continue their task.
Visible injury (fracture, heavy bleeding, head trauma).
Emergency services or ambulance attendance.
Colleague or contractor sent home and later absent for several days.
A structural hazard (broken handrail, unsafe flooring) caused the accident.
Example: A cleaner slips on a wet stairwell and twists their ankle. At first, it looks minor. But two days later, you learn they’ve been signed off work for 10 days. That now triggers a RIDDOR report.
Tip: Never assume—it’s safer to escalate an incident you think might qualify than to stay silent.
Real-World Example
At a corporate office, a delivery driver slips on wet tiles near reception. They fall heavily, breaking their wrist.
You respond quickly: help the casualty, call first aid, and secure the hazard.
You complete the Accident Book with full details.
Because the injury is a fracture, you escalate to your supervisor. The employer files a RIDDOR report within the legal timeframe.
Months later, HSE reviews site safety. Thanks to your accurate report and quick escalation, the company can demonstrate full compliance and avoid penalties.
Consequences of Failing to Report
For the casualty: They may not receive the right follow-up support or investigation.
For you: If you fail to escalate, it could be seen as negligence, risking your SIA licence.
For your employer: Non-reporting can lead to fines, prosecution, or increased insurance costs.
For public safety: Hazards remain uncorrected, leading to repeat accidents.
Tip: The HSE can issue fines of thousands of pounds for failing to report under RIDDOR.
Supporting Investigations After a RIDDOR Report
Once a RIDDOR report is filed, the HSE or local authority may investigate. Your professionalism at this stage matters as much as at the scene.
Your role may include:
Preserving CCTV footage from before, during and after the incident.
Providing a clear witness statement based only on what you saw and did.
Securing the hazard area until repairs or inspections are complete.
Assisting supervisors by explaining the timeline of events.
Example: After a visitor falls due to a broken paving slab outside a retail park, you provide CCTV footage and your incident log to investigators. The evidence proves the company acted quickly once the hazard was identified, avoiding further liability.
Tip: Treat every note, log, and recording as if it will be reviewed by an inspector. Accuracy protects you, your employer, and future site safety.
Key Considerations for Officers
Always know who is responsible for filing RIDDOR on your site (usually Health & Safety Manager or site management).
Don’t downplay incidents—better to escalate and let management decide.
Stay professional—stick to facts, not opinions.
Use teamwork—share details with cleaning staff, supervisors, and first aiders to build a clear picture.
Stay visible and calm—your professionalism reassures staff, visitors, and clients.
Reflection Question: Imagine a contractor slips and is taken to hospital with a suspected back injury. What steps should you take to make sure the incident is handled properly and reported if needed?
