RIDDOR vs COSHH in Health and Social Care

Health and social care work often involves ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both workers and those receiving care. Two important regulations in this field are RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002). Both play key roles in promoting safety, but they focus on different aspects of risk management and incident response. Understanding their roles is essential to maintain compliance and provide a safe environment.

What is RIDDOR?

RIDDOR is a legal framework requiring employers, the self-employed, and people in control of work premises to report work-related incidents. It came into force to ensure organisations take responsibility for serious accidents, illnesses, and dangerous events in the workplace.

Under RIDDOR, you must report incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It applies to specific events, including:

• Deaths caused by work-related accidents.
• Serious injuries such as fractures (excluding fingers, toes, and thumbs), amputations, or burns covering more than 10% of the body.
• Occupational diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, or dermatitis resulting from work conditions.
• Dangerous occurrences, or “near misses,” such as equipment collapse or chemical spillages that could have caused harm.
• Injuries requiring an employee to be away from work or unable to perform normal duties for more than seven consecutive days.

Clear, timely reporting helps identify workplace hazards and take steps to reduce risks for the future.

RIDDOR in Health and Social Care

In health and social care, RIDDOR reporting is especially important due to the vulnerability of service users. Typical incidents that may require reporting include:

• Exposure to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis contracted while working.
• Physical attacks or violence against staff resulting in injury.
• Slips, trips, and falls causing significant harm to staff, patients, or visitors.
• Needle-stick injuries that may risk transmitting infections like Hepatitis B or C.

Failure to comply with RIDDOR could result in legal action against the organisation. Accurate reporting creates accountability and promotes safer care environments.

What is COSHH?

COSHH is a regulation that deals with managing risks from hazardous substances in the workplace. These substances could harm workers or others if not handled correctly. COSHH applies to chemicals, dust, fumes, vapour, and even biological agents like bacteria, viruses, or mould.

Employers must assess the risks associated with hazardous substances and implement controls to eliminate or minimise harm. They are required to:

1. Identify hazardous substances in the workplace.
2. Assess the harm they could cause.
3. Prevent or control exposure.
4. Provide information, training, and equipment for staff.
5. Monitor health and exposure levels where necessary.
6. Have procedures in place for dealing with accidents or emergencies.

COSHH helps reduce workplace illnesses and ensures safe handling of hazardous materials.

COSHH in Health and Social Care

In health and social care settings, COSHH covers risks from chemicals, cleaning products, medical gases, and biological agents. Specific examples include:

• Cleaning agents that can cause respiratory issues or skin irritation.
• Controlling infectious diseases and the use of substances like disinfectants in hospitals or care homes.
• Safe handling and disposal of cytotoxic drugs used in cancer treatment.
• Risks linked to bodily fluids during patient care, with controls like gloves, masks, and aprons.
• Ensuring ventilation when using oxygen cylinders or anaesthetic gases.

COSHH is crucial to safeguarding both staff and patients from exposure to harmful substances or infections.

Key Differences Between RIDDOR and COSHH

Though both regulations concern workplace safety, they serve different purposes:

Focus Area:

• RIDDOR deals with reporting incidents after they have occurred.
• COSHH focuses on preventing harm by managing the risks associated with hazardous substances.

Scope:

• RIDDOR applies to all work-related accidents, injuries, illnesses, and near misses.
• COSHH is specific to the risks and hazards caused by certain substances.

Responsibility:

• RIDDOR requires you to report incidents to the HSE.
• COSHH requires employers to assess risks, implement controls, and provide staff training, but not necessarily report every incident to the HSE.

Timing:

• RIDDOR is reactive, focusing on the response to incidents that have already occurred.
• COSHH is proactive, aiming to minimise risks and prevent harm before it happens.

Why Both Regulations Matter Together

RIDDOR and COSHH often overlap in health and social care. Together, they address different sides of workplace safety. For example:

• A care worker could suffer a chemical burn when using an unlabelled cleaning product. This would fall under COSHH because the hazardous substance should have been risk assessed. RIDDOR would also apply if the burn resulted in more than seven days off work.
• If a nurse accidentally contracts an infectious disease after a needle-stick injury, this would be reported under RIDDOR as a workplace illness. COSHH applies if handling the needle involved biological risks that weren’t managed properly.

Using both frameworks ensures a well-rounded approach to managing workplace risks. COSHH helps prevent incidents from happening, while RIDDOR tracks issues to improve future safety.

Training and Compliance

Both RIDDOR and COSHH highlight the importance of staff training. Implementing these regulations effectively requires staff to understand their duties and follow proper procedures.

Appropriate training under RIDDOR involves:

• Recognising what incidents require reporting.
• Knowing how and when to complete reports for the HSE.

For COSHH, training might include:

• Learning how to safely use and store hazardous substances.
• Understanding the risks of chemicals or biological agents.
• Knowing emergency procedures for spills, leaks, or other incidents.

Staff compliance ensures incidents or exposure risks are documented and addressed systematically. This builds a safer workplace for everyone.

Applying RIDDOR and COSHH

Implementing these regulations can pose challenges. In fast-paced environments like hospitals or care homes, recognising which incidents need reporting under RIDDOR can be difficult. Failure to report correctly might lead to legal consequences.

Similarly, COSHH can be time-intensive. Employers must carry out detailed risk assessments, which may involve monitoring exposure levels or providing specialised equipment. Skipping steps increases the likelihood of harm.

Organisations benefit from having dedicated health and safety officers. These professionals oversee compliance and ensure all requirements are met regularly.

Practical Tips for Compliance

To stay safe and compliant with both RIDDOR and COSHH, focus on the following:

1. Update Risk Assessments: Regularly review COSHH assessments for hazardous substances. Identify new risks as they arise.
2. Maintain Reports: Record all RIDDOR incidents promptly. Keep documentation for legal and review purposes.
3. Provide Equipment: Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, aprons, or goggles when required under COSHH.
4. Use Labels: Clearly label all substances with COSHH hazard signs. This makes it easier for workers to use materials safely.
5. Train Staff Regularly: Keep staff informed of RIDDOR and COSHH guidelines. Regular refreshers help maintain good practices.
6. Create Checklists: Have simple checklists to cover RIDDOR reporting steps and COSHH risk controls. This ensures nothing is missed.

Final Thoughts

RIDDOR and COSHH are central to workplace safety in health and social care. They address the critical areas of incident reporting and hazardous substance control. Proper application of these regulations reduces harm, builds safer environments, and ensures legal compliance. By understanding their roles and following clear guidelines, organisations create a responsible culture of safety for their staff and service users.