HSE : RIDDOR reporting analysis [UK]

HSE has published a statistical study which analysed the accuracy and extent of the information reported to HSE by employers via RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). The aims of the study were to understand the possible limitations of data provided by employers, the effects of the 2012 change from 3-day to 7-day reporting for incapacitation and to find the number of days off work as a result of injury.

Increase of average working days lost from injuries since April 2012

The report found that the average working days lost for 3-­day, over-­7-­day and major injuries were 18, 23 and 43 days respectively. The overall average working days lost from injuries was found to have increased from 17.8 to 22.9 days since April 2012.

Report found that employers often under-report the severity of the injuries

Concerning the accuracy of RIDDOR reporting, the report found that there was often disparity between the severity of employee injuries as reported by the employer compared to that attested by the employee. Employers often under-reported the severity of the injuries, with around a quarter of injuries which were reported as over-­3-­day or over-­7-­day injuries actually fulfilling the criteria for a major injury. The percentage agreement of classification as over-­3-­day injuries and over-­7-­day injuries was found to be 65% and 60% respectively.

RIDDOR highlight discrepancies between details reported by employeres compared to employees

There was often also a significant difference in the details reported by employers compared to employees. The percentage consistencty for body part injured, injury type and kind of accident was found to vary between 55% and 65% for over-­3‐day/over‐7‐day injuries and between 60% and 70% for major injuries.

For further findings please view link.

EHS Legal Specialist

Sources:

‘RR1054 Evaluation of trends in RIDDOR reportable injury data reported to HSE by dutyholders pre- and post- change to over-7-day reporting’, published on HSE.gov.uk on 1 July 2015.