In a recent report by the HSE, the most common workplace injuries reported throughout 2018/2019 have been revealed.

During this time, 581,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury according to self-reports from the Labour Force Survey and 69,208 were submitted as RIDDOR reports. In the same period, 147 workers suffered a fatal injury, with the most common cause noted as falling from a height.

The industry which saw the highest amount of fatal injuries was agriculture, forestry and fishing, closely followed by construction and manufacturing.

The figures presented continue to follow the downward trend of fatal and non-fatal accidents in the workplace which, overall, have decreased dramatically over the years.

The most common workplace injuries throughout 2018/2019 as reported by the HSE are:

• Slips, trips or falls on same level – 29%
• Handling, lifting or carrying – 20%
• Struck by moving object – 10%
• Acts of violence – 8%
• Falls from a height – 8%

When is RIDDOR report required?

Not all workplace injuries require a RIDDOR report, such as if the injury is minor or doesn’t fall within the specified injuries of RIDDOR 2013. Injuries which require a RIDDOR report include; amputations, crush injuries, serious burns, loss of consciousness caused by a head injury and loss or reduction of sight. You can view the full list of specified injuries here. All fatal injuries in the workplace require a RIDDOR report, with the exception of taking one’s own life.

Even if a full RIDDOR report is not required, most workplace accidents should be recorded in an accident book under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979. It is considered best practice to record all accidents, however small, to spot trends and stop incidents reoccurring in the future.

What happens if you don’t report a specified incident?

As an employer, you are legally required to record certain workplace incidents, either in an accident book or through a RIDDOR report. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution and a hefty fine.

If an employee suffers an injury in the workplace and takes your business to court, this will be covered under your Employers’ Liability Insurance. The minimum level required legally is at least £5m but some businesses will require more based on their industry and nature of work carried out.

At Lockyers we specialise in working with businesses across a range of sectors to uncover the risks that you are subject to and cover these with tailored insurance. Based on a number of criteria, we will determine the levels of cover you need, along with any optional features. To arrange a no-obligation consultation, get in touch on 01924 278222.