Reportable Dangerous Occurrence
If something happens which does not result in a reportable injury, but which clearly could have done, it may be a dangerous occurrence which must be reported immediately.
Examples include:
- Electrical short circuit or overloading causing fire or explosion.
- Explosion or fire causing suspension of normal work for over 24 hours.
- Unintended collapse of: any building or structure under construction, alteration or demolition where over five tonnes of material falls; a wall or floor in a place of work.
Who To Report To
You should report the accident, incident or disease to the RIDDOR ‘Incident Control Centre’. You can complete reports (F2508/F2508A)
on-line at the RIDDOR website:
www.riddor.gov.uk/ or you can telephone them on 0845 300 9923 (8.30am–5.00pm).
Keeping Records
You should keep a record of any reportable injury, disease or dangerous occurrence for 3 years after the date on which it happened. You should include:
The date and method of reporting.
- The date, time and place of the event.
- Personal details of those involved.
- A description of the nature of the event or disease.
All accidents should be recorded in an accident book, which should be kept on the premises.
Further Information About Riddor
Further information on RIDDOR can be found by visiting the RIDDOR website:
www.riddor.gov.uk/ and by obtaining the free HSE guide:
RIDDOR explained. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations available via HSE books website:
www.hsebooks.co.uk or by telephoning 01787 88 11 65.
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Background
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed in 1995 with the aim of protecting disabled people in the following areas:
- employment;
- access to goods, facilities and services;
- the management, buying or renting of land or property;
- education.
The law took effect for employers in December 1996 and other provisions were introduced over a period of time. The following requirements were
introduced for ‘service providers’ (eg businesses and organisations, providing a service to the public):
- From December 1996, it has been unlawful to treat disabled people less favourably than others for a reason related to their disability.
- From October 1999, reasonable adjustments have had to be made for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way services are provided.
- From October 2004, reasonable adjustments have had to be made to the physical features of premises to overcome physical barriers to access.
- In April 2005, a new Disability Act was passed which amends or extends the existing provisions of the DDA 1995.
Discrimination
Discrimination
Discrimination under the Act occurs:
- By treating a disabled person less favourably than other customers because of their disability
or
- By not making reasonable adjustments to the way you deliver your service, which allow disabled persons to use them.
Treating a disabled person ‘less favourably’ than other customers includes:
- Refusing to serve them.
- Providing them with a lower standard of service.
- Providing them with a service on worse terms.
Discrimination Claims
Any disabled person who feels that they have been discriminated against has the right to take civil proceedings against the service provider in the County Court. This is a civil action, not a criminal one, and there is no possibility of a criminal conviction. However, if successful, compensation may be awarded to the applicant and an injunction, preventing the service provider from repeating the discriminatory act, may be imposed.
Defining Disability
The Disability Discrimination Act defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Disabilities include:
- physical impairments;
- sensory impairments;
- mental illness;
- severe disfigurement;
- recurrent and progressive conditions.
According to The Disability Rights Commission, around 1 in 5 people of working age are considered to be ‘disabled’ and are likely to have rights under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).