RIDDOR Incident Assessment and Reporting Procedure

This procedure applies where a qualifying incident arises from school work activities or an activity organised by the school. It is intended for use by [responsible person role] in a maintained or academy school.

1. Receive and assess the incident

When an incident is reported, establish who was involved, where and when it occurred, whether it arose out of or in connection with a work activity, and whether the activity was organised by the school.

Consider whether the incident may have been caused by the way a work activity was organised, including inadequate supervision; the way equipment or substances were used; or the condition of the premises, including poorly maintained or slippery floors.

2. Assess incidents involving employees

For an incident involving an employee, determine whether recording or reporting is required under RIDDOR. Employers have statutory responsibilities for recording and reporting incidents involving their employees under RIDDOR.

If the incident involves a fatal injury, a major injury or a dangerous occurrence, notify HSE without delay in accordance with the applicable RIDDOR requirements.

3. Assess incidents involving pupils, visitors and others

An incident involving a pupil, visitor or another person is reportable under RIDDOR only where the applicable condition is met.

For a death, confirm that it arose out of or in connection with a work activity.

For an injury, confirm that it arose out of or in connection with a work activity and that the person was taken directly from the scene of the accident to hospital for treatment. Examinations and diagnostic tests do not constitute treatment for this purpose.

4. Record the decision

Record the incident, the people involved, the relevant work activity or organised activity, the facts considered, the RIDDOR decision, the name of the responsible person and the date of the decision.

Where the decision is that the incident is reportable, record the reporting action and the date and time of the HSE notification. Where the decision is that it is not reportable, record the reason for that decision.

5. Notify HSE

Make any required HSE notification using [school riddor reporting route]. Fatal and major injuries and dangerous occurrences must be notified to HSE without delay.

Retain the notification confirmation or other record of the report with the incident assessment record.

6. If there is doubt

If there is doubt about whether an incident should be reported, consult the HSE general RIDDOR guidance before finalising the decision.