As a childminder, understanding and complying with health and safety legislation is crucial for the well-being of the children in your care and your professional responsibilities. One key regulation you need to be aware of is RIDDOR — the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. This guide explains what RIDDOR is, when it applies to you as a childminder, and how to report incidents correctly.
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR is a UK regulation that requires certain work-related injuries, illnesses, and dangerous occurrences to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its purpose is to ensure that serious workplace incidents are properly investigated and lessons are learned to improve safety.
Do RIDDOR Requirements Apply to Childminders?
Yes, as a registered childminder, you are responsible for reporting incidents that fall under RIDDOR if they happen in connection with your childcare activities.
What Needs to Be Reported Under RIDDOR?
The following categories are the most relevant for childminders:
1. Deaths
Any death arising from a work-related incident.
2. Specified Injuries
These include serious injuries such as:
Fractures (other than fingers, thumbs, and toes).
Amputations.
Loss of sight or a significant reduction in vision.
Serious burns.
Any injury that results in a child being taken to the hospital for treatment.
3. Over-Seven-Day Injuries
If an employee (e.g., an assistant) cannot work for more than seven consecutive days due to a work-related injury.
4. Dangerous Occurrences
These are incidents that could cause harm but do not necessarily result in an injury.
Examples include:
Structural collapse.
Fires or explosions in your childcare setting.
Electrical faults causing a significant hazard.
5. Reportable Diseases
Work-related illnesses such as certain infections or conditions that could affect you, your staff, or children (e.g., Legionnaires' disease, leptospirosis).
What Does Not Need to Be Reported?
Not every injury or illness requires a RIDDOR report. Minor injuries such as scrapes, small cuts, or bruises that do not require hospital treatment are not reportable.
How to Report an Incident
Act Quickly: Once an incident occurs, assess whether it falls under RIDDOR’s reporting requirements.
Online Reporting: Most incidents can be reported via the HSE’s online forms, which you can access at www.hse.gov.uk/riddor.
Telephone Reporting: In the case of a fatality or major incident, you must call the HSE’s Incident Contact Centre immediately at 0345 300 9923.
Keep Records: Even if an incident does not require a RIDDOR report, you should still document it in your accident log for your own records and inform tiney.
Failure to report a reportable incident under RIDDOR is a breach of the law and can result in enforcement action, including fines. It’s essential to act responsibly and report incidents promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if a child trips and grazes their knee?
A: Minor incidents like grazes or bruises do not need to be reported under RIDDOR unless they require hospital treatment.
Q: Do I need to report COVID-19 cases?
A: COVID-19 is reportable if there is reasonable evidence that it was contracted through your work activities.
Q: Can I delegate reporting to someone else?
A: As the registered childminder, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring the report is made. However, an assistant can help with record-keeping and initial preparation.
By understanding and adhering to RIDDOR requirements, you demonstrate a commitment to safety and professionalism in your childcare practice. For further support, consult the HSE website or contact your local authority for guidance.
Please remember that for some other serious accidents, incidents or illness you will still need to ensure you have notified tiney as your the Childminder Agency for which your registered. More details on what notifications you would need to make to tiney are in our Help Centre article here.