How long must RIDDOR records be kept?

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, which require businesses in the UK to keep a record of specific workplace incidents. The correct duration for retaining RIDDOR records is set at three years from the date of the incident. This timeframe allows businesses to maintain adequate documentation for safety audits, inspections, and potential claims, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Keeping RIDDOR records for three years is crucial because it reflects an appropriate balance of accountability without placing an excessive burden on organizations to retain documentation indefinitely. It also aligns with the legal requirements set forth by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which aims to promote workplace safety.

The options that suggest durations shorter than three years do not comply with the legal requirements, as they would not allow sufficient time for review or investigation of incidents. Meanwhile, a duration longer than three years may unnecessarily complicate record-keeping without providing additional benefits given that the focus on incidents tends to diminish after that period.