The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) further guidance for reporting cases of Covid-19 within the workplace.

This latest clarification comes after questions were raised as to how employers should interpret the legal reporting requirements.

RIDDOR requires 'Responsible Persons' (employers, the self-employed and others in charge of a workplace) to report certain matters to the HSE. 

How does an employer determine when a report must be made under the new guidance? The reporting requirements relating to cases of, or deaths from, COVID-19 under RIDDOR apply only to occupational exposure, that is, as a result of a person’s work. Work with the general public, as opposed to work with persons known to be infected, do not require a report. 

The HSE has identified three COVID-19 specific circumstances in which a Responsible Person should make a report:

1) An accident or incident at work has, or could have, led to the release or escape of coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence.

2) A worker has been diagnosed with COVID-19 attributed to being exposure to the virus at work. This must be reported as a case of disease.

3) A worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a work-related death due to exposure to a biological agent. 

Where there are multiple cases in a workplace, clearly it is important to determine whether they are related and therefore whether the COVID risk assessment and resulting control measures need to be revisited as a response.

For further information on this or any other health and safety issue, email info@culhamconsultancy.com.