Accident books and RIDDOR: what to record and report
Record everything. Report the specific categories the regulations define, within the time limits.
Recording and reporting are different duties, and conflating them is a common mistake. This is orientation only — check the current HSE guidance for the binding detail.
The accident book
Record all workplace injuries, however minor. Entries typically include who was injured, date and time, what happened, the injury, treatment given and who provided it. Keep entries confidential — personal data protection applies, which is why books with tear-out pages exist.
RIDDOR reporting
Certain events must be reported to the HSE, including deaths, specified injuries such as fractures other than to fingers and toes, injuries causing more than seven days incapacity, some occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences.
Time limits matter
Specified injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay; over-seven-day injuries within fifteen days. Check the current thresholds rather than relying on memory.
Why bother beyond compliance
A well-kept accident book is the raw material for your risk assessment. Patterns in minor injuries tell you where the next serious one will come from.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
Shop the range
FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.