Under RIDDOR, certain incidents must be reported to the relevant enforcing authority (usually the HSE or local authority) and records must be kept for a set period.

Below is a clear, exam-style breakdown tailored to your question: “under RIDDOR, which of the following actions must be carried out?”

Core actions required under RIDDOR

Under RIDDOR, the “responsible person” (typically the employer, person in control of premises, or self‑employed) must:

  1. Report certain incidents to the enforcing authority
    • Work‑related fatalities (except suicides).
 * **Specified injuries** to workers (e.g. most fractures other than fingers/toes, amputations, serious burns, loss of sight).

 * **Over‑7‑day injuries** : when an employee is unable to do their normal work for more than 7 consecutive days (excluding the day of the accident).

 * **Non‑fatal injuries to non‑workers** (e.g. members of the public) that result in them being taken straight from the scene to hospital for treatment.

 * Certain **dangerous occurrences** (specified “near‑miss” events, e.g. some lifting equipment failures, explosions, structural collapses).

 * Certain **occupational diseases** and conditions when diagnosed and linked to work (e.g. occupational asthma, dermatitis, hand‑arm vibration syndrome, carpal tunnel).
  1. Submit the report using the correct method and timescales
    • Use the official online reporting forms on the HSE (or equivalent) website.
 * **Most incidents** : report **within 10 days** of the incident.

 * **Over‑7‑day injuries** : report **within 15 days** of the accident.

 * **Occupational diseases** : report **as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed** in writing by a doctor.
  1. Keep suitable records
    • Keep records of reportable injuries, over‑7‑day incapacitation, dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases, usually for at least 3 years.
 * Records can be kept in an accident book, separate file, or electronic system, but must be accurate and secure.
  1. Co‑operate with any investigation
    • Preserve the scene as far as reasonably practicable (especially after serious or fatal events) while still providing first aid and emergency access.
 * Provide information and documentation requested by inspectors.
  1. Ensure legal compliance and follow‑up
    • Recognise that failure to report when required is a criminal offence and can lead to significant fines or prosecution.
 * Use learning from reported incidents to improve risk assessments and preventive measures.

Typical exam / multiple‑choice angle

When you see a question like:

“Under RIDDOR, which of the following actions must be carried out?”

The correct option will usually be the one that says something like:

  • “Report certain work‑related injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the relevant enforcing authority within the specified time and keep records.”

Options that only mention things like “carry out a risk assessment”, “review training”, or “inform the insurance company” are good practice , but they are not the specific legal duty created by RIDDOR itself; RIDDOR is fundamentally about reporting and record‑keeping for defined incident types.

Simple worked example

Imagine a worker slips at work, breaks their leg, and cannot work for 3 weeks:

  • The accident is work‑related and caused a specified injury (fracture other than fingers/toes).
  • Action required under RIDDOR :
    • Submit a RIDDOR report online to HSE within 10 days of the incident, and retain a record.

If you have the exact list of answer options, paste them in and I can point out which one is correct and why.