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Most reportable work accidents not reported

New research for the Health and Safety Executive suggests most legally-reportable workplace accidents, including major injuries, are not being reported. Researchers from the University of Liverpool interviewed 581 patients at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital who had suffered reportable work-related injuries and found only 30 per cent of reportable accidents to employees were in fact reported. The situation was worse still for self-employed workers, where only 2 of the 15 reportable injuries (13 per cent) were reported. HSE had previously thought reporting rates were higher, at about the 50 per cent mark. Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), employers, the self-employed and anyone in control of work premises should report deaths, major injuries or any other injury leading to three days or more away from work. The researchers found however: 'The main reason accidents were reported was time lost from work; other reasons for reporting accidents (major injuries, 4 or more days on reduced duties) were largely ignored.' In the light of the findings, retail union Usdaw has advised its union reps to: Ensure that accidents are both properly reported and notified by members; investigate workplace accidents; and receive and retain information relating to workplace accidents.

• An investigation of reporting of workplace accidents under RIDDOR using the Merseyside Accident Information Model, HSE Research Report RR528, 2007 [pdf].
• Usdaw news release. Hazards compensation and work and health webpages.

Briefing document (300 words) issued 2 Mar 2007