A Complete Guide to Reporting Safety Incidents in the UK


Last updated: 8 October 2025
Author: Jade Anderson, Senior Reporter — UK-Safety.News






TL;DR: Log everything, report what’s legally required (e.g., RIDDOR), and close out actions—fast.

Introduction


This guide covers the full reporting pathway—from immediate response and evidence capture to legal reporting (RIDDOR), internal investigations, and lessons learned. Use it as your standard operating playbook for any incident or near miss.

Immediate Actions (Golden Hour)


Preserve life, secure the area, and capture facts. Assign a scribe to timestamp events and collect details while memories are fresh.

Golden Hour Checklist

✅ Call emergency services if required
✅ Make the area safe / isolate energy sources
✅ First aid and casualty support
✅ Record names, times, conditions, weather
✅ Preserve evidence (photos, samples, CCTV)
✅ Notify supervisors and H&S lead

Legal Reporting (RIDDOR)


Report fatalities, specified injuries, over-7-day absences, certain diseases, dangerous occurrences, and qualifying gas incidents within statutory timelines.


Internal Investigation


Five Whys & Evidence Pack

• Use 5 Whys to find root causes (not blame).
• Evidence pack: photos, permits, RA/MS, training records, maintenance logs, witness statements.
• Classify causes: human, equipment, environment, process, management.

Close-Out & Learning


Convert findings into actions with owners and deadlines. Share lessons in toolbox talks and refresh risk assessments where needed.

Templates & Forms


Downloadable Forms (Editable)

• Incident/near-miss report form (PDF/Doc)
• Witness statement template (Doc)
• 5 Whys worksheet (Doc)
• Corrective action log (Sheet)

Further Resources


About the Author: Jade Anderson specialises in turning reporting rules into practical steps for supervisors and safety leads.





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Incident pack (forms + logs)

Everything you need to log, report, and learn.



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