Reporting when a construction worker contracts Coronavirus

The Health and Safety Executive have published guidance on the application of the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (“RIDDOR”) during the current pandemic:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/riddor-reporting-coronavirus.htm

A report under RIDDOR is required when: 

• an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus. This is a dangerous occurrence and does not need the worker to actually contract COVID-19 – possible exposure is enough.  Lapses in control measures, such a failure in PPE or non-compliance with procedure is enough.
   
• a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID 19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This will be most likely be the case for health workers who contract the disease after caring for an individual with known disease.
   
• a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus.  Where a report has already been made following a worker contracting the disease, a further report under regulation 6 will be required.

Not reporting is a criminal offence and applies to all employers.