RIDDOR reporting of COVID 19
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Reporting COVID-19 Under RIDDOR: HSE Guidelines
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidance regarding the reporting of COVID-19 under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). This video directly quotes their statement to ensure clarity on the reporting requirements.
When to Report Under RIDDOR
You are required to report under RIDDOR in the following circumstances:
- Dangerous Occurrence: If an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus, it must be reported as a dangerous occurrence.
- Case of Disease: If a worker is diagnosed with COVID-19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work, this must be reported as a case of a disease.
- Workplace Fatality: If a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus, it must be reported as a death due to exposure to a biological agent.
Examples of Dangerous Occurrences
For dangerous occurrences, if an incident at work results in (or could result in) the release or escape of coronavirus, it must be reported as a dangerous occurrence. An example includes:
- A laboratory worker accidentally smashing a glass vial containing coronavirus, leading to potential exposure.
Reporting Cases of Disease
If there is reasonable evidence that a person diagnosed with COVID-19 was likely exposed due to their work, it should be reported as an exposure to a biological agent using the case of disease report form. An example is:
- A healthcare professional diagnosed with COVID-19 after treating patients with the virus.
Reporting Workplace Fatalities
In cases where a worker dies due to work-related exposure to coronavirus and this is confirmed as the likely cause of death by a registered medical practitioner, the incident must be reported as a death due to exposure to a biological agent. You must:
- Report the workplace fatality to the HSE by the quickest practicable means without delay.
- Submit a report of the fatality within 10 days of the incident.
For further details on RIDDOR regulations, please visit legislation.gov.uk.