The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) govern the reporting of 'major' accidents by employers. These are accidents which result in: - Death.
- Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs and toes.
- Amputation.
- Loss of sight of or penetrating injury to the eye.
- Chemical or hot metal burn to the eye.
- Injury from electric shock that requires immediate hospital treatment.
- Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to harmful substances.
- Acute illness or loss of consciousness resulting from absorption of any substance, pathogen or infected material by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin.
- Any other injury resulting in admission to hospital for more than 24 hours; or leading to hypothermia, heat induced illness.
- Any injury resulting in the person being away from or unable to do their normal work for more than three days.
- Any injury to a member of public arising out of work activities and resulting in them being taken immediately to hospital this would include volunteers in most circumstances.
These major accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive or the local authority's Environmental Health Department by the 'responsible person' at the scene of the accident. As noted in section 2, it is important to clarify who this is before the project starts. In the event of a major accident: - First ensure the safety and welfare of the injured person.
- Contact next-of-kin.
- Collect at least two eyewitness statements in writing and a report from the injured party once this becomes possible. These may be needed for a formal investigation by the HSE.
- Inform the HSE or LA by telephone within 24 hours and by a written report within ten days on a 'RIDDOR' form F2508, obtainable from HSE Books.
- Inform the organisation's Health and Safety Officer or the 'responsible person'.
RIDDOR also requires similar reporting of specific work-related diseases and major occurrences such as the collapse of a scaffold over 5m high. Few of these are likely to affect the countryside management work of volunteers; however some may, e.g. the diseases leptospirosis and hepatitis, or where a piece of equipment contacts overhead power lines carrying 200 volts or more. You are well advised to get a copy of the free booklet, HSE Everyone's guide to RIDDOR 95, from: HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS Tel. 01787 881165Fax 01787 313995
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