RIDDOR

Ambulance

The reporting of Injuries,disease and dangerous occurrence Regulations 2013

Church buildings and activities normally associated with a place of worship are generally classed as low-risk in terms of health and safety. However, we cannot dismiss that even with the implemented controls and measures taken within our church buildings the potential risk of an accident and injury cannot be fully eliminated.

As well as awareness and understanding of any risks with the potential to cause injury or harm to anyone working or undertaking activities in church buildings or property. We must also ensure that our legal obligations under RIDDOR are suitably discharged to ensure that accidents and injuries are appropriately reported and investigated to prevent re-occurrence and assist in the ongoing organisational risk management strategies.

The Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) set out a list of incidents that must be reported.

Charity Trustees should ensure that any RIDDOR-reportable incident, near miss or unsafe condition is reported through the

HSE online Incident Reporting form. Within 3 days of the reportable incident.

For any other specific injuries, please visit the HSE website or contact the General Trustees Health & Safety team for advice and guidance.

RIDDOR reportable:

  • Fatality
  • Fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes
  • Amputations
  • Any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight
  • Any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs
  • Serious burns (including scalding) which:
    • Covers more than 10% of the body
    • Causes significant damage to the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs
  • Any scalping requiring hospital treatment
  • Any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia
  • Any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which:
    • Leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness
    • Requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours

Charity Trustees should ensure that any accident that is reportable to the HSE through RIDDOR is communicated to the General Trustees, and presbytery as soon as possible. This will ensure that the RIDDOR reporting and investigation process can be suitably managed on behalf of the congregation particularly where a little more than guidance and advice is required following an accident or injury.

The investigation process and findings can also help the congregation identify accident trends and possible areas for improvement in the control of health and safety risks. It can be used for reference in future first aid needs assessments. These records may also be helpful for insurance and investigative purposes whererequired.