Accident Reporting and RIDDOR Requirements in Warehouse Operations

RIDDOR, which stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, sets out the legal requirements for accident reporting at work.

It explains which work-related incidents must be reported and how RIDDOR reports should be submitted.

Reporting certain workplace incidents is a legal requirement and an important part of managing workplace safety. In warehouse operations, clear reporting processes help organisations identify trends, address risks, and prevent repeat incidents.

This guide explains how RIDDOR applies in warehouse environments.

What Incidents Must BE Reported

RIDDOR covers certain work-related deaths, specified injuries, occupational diseases, dangerous occurrences, and other reportable incidents.

This includes specified injuries, such as:

• Amputations
• Certain fractures
• Injuries causing over seven days’ absence or preventing someone from carrying out their normal duties

IMPORTANT: Certain dangerous occurrences must also be reported, even when they don't result in an injury.

common warehouse accidents that may require reporting

Warehouse environments present specific risks due to vehicle movements, storage systems, and manual handling activities.

Depending on the circumstances and outcome, potentially reportable incidents could involve:

• Slips or trips in high-traffic areas
• Collisions involving forklifts or pallet trucks
• Injuries caused by falling objects from racking
• Falls from height during picking or maintenance tasks

IMPORTANT: These incidents aren't automatically reportable under RIDDOR. The circumstances and resulting injury determine whether a report is required.

Understanding where incidents occur can help warehouse operators improve controls and ensure accidents are reported correctly when required.

Employer and Manager Responsibilities

RIDDOR reports must be submitted by the appropriate responsible person.

Managers can play an important role in identifying incidents, gathering information, and supporting investigations.

IMPORTANT: Clear internal reporting procedures help ensure reportable incidents aren't missed.

Reporting Timeframes and Record Keeping

RIDDOR reports must be submitted within defined timeframes depending on the type of incident.

Always check the relevant HSSE reporting requirements to make sure you're following the correct timeframe.

For example, an over-seven-day injury must be reported within 15 days of the accident.

You'll also need to keep records of certain reportable injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences. Good record-keeping helps support compliance and gives you a clear picture of incidents across your sites.

Investigating Incidents and Learning from Data

Accident reporting isn't just about compliance.

Investigating incidents can help you understand what went wrong and identify steps to prevent it from happening again.

Reviewing incident data over time can also highlight patterns and areas where existing controls may need attention.

Supporting a Positive Reporting Culture

Good reporting relies on people feeling confident enough to speak up.

Encourage employees to report accidents and near misses without fear of blame.

This gives you better information to work with and helps identify risks before they lead to further incidents.

HELP REDUCE WORKPLACE RISKS with SMI

Clear reporting processes are important, but preventing incidents in the first place should always be the priority.

A risk assessment can help you identify hazards and put suitable controls in place.

Depending on your workplace, these measures may include:

• PPE
  
• Safety signage
• Fire equipment
• First aid supplies
• Barriers and cones

Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team!

FAQs

What are the RIDDOR Regulations 2013?

The RIDDOR Regulations 2013 set out which workplace incidents must be reported, how reports are made, and who is responsible for reporting them.

How soon must RIDDOR reports be made?

Reporting deadlines vary depending on the incident.

Always check the latest HSSE guidance to make sure you're following the correct timeframe.

How long should accident records be kept?

Accident records should be retained for at least three years.

What are the reporting requirements for RIDDOR?

RIDDOR requires certain workplace incidents, injuries, and dangerous occurrences to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive within specified timeframes.

Who is responsible for submitting RIDDOR reports?

The employer or designated responsible person is responsible for submitting RIDDOR reports.