Who holds the responsibility to report RIDDOR accidents?

The responsibility to report RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) accidents falls to employers. This is rooted in the requirement that employers must ensure the safety and health of their employees and others affected by their operations. Part of this duty involves keeping track of work-related incidents that result in significant injuries, illnesses, or dangerous occurrences.

The rationale for placing this responsibility on employers is based on their overall obligation to maintain a safe working environment and to take proactive measures regarding workplace safety. By ensuring that incidents are properly reported, employers can help facilitate necessary investigations and promote an ongoing culture of safety within the organization.

While health and safety officers or site supervisors may play a role in identifying incidents and assisting in the reporting process, it is ultimately the employer who holds the legal responsibility to ensure that all prescribed reportable incidents are documented and reported to the relevant authorities.