When you take a blow to the head at work, it can be tempting to brush it off. But even a minor knock can lead to serious consequences if not handled properly. That’s why Hard Hat Awareness Week (9–15 June 2025) is shining a spotlight on head injury safety with one clear message: Stop Work, Report, Recover.
Head injuries remain one of the most under-reported incidents on UK construction and industrial sites. Many workers aren’t sure what steps to take or worry about making a fuss. But knowing how to report head injury at work under RIDDOR can protect your health, your job and your legal rights.
If you’re unsure what to do after a head injury on a construction site, here’s what you need to know. We’ll walk you through the immediate actions you need to take, how to report incidents correctly and how to avoid both medical and legal complications down the line.
Spotting the first signs of concussion and brain injury
After a head impact, it’s not always easy to tell how serious the injury is. Some symptoms appear straight away. Others may take hours or even days to develop. That’s why it’s so important to look out for these warning signs:
- dizziness or balance problems
- nausea or vomiting
- confusion or feeling dazed
- blurred or double vision
- memory loss or difficulty concentrating
Even if symptoms seem mild, don’t ignore them. Brain injuries can escalate quickly, and early action could prevent long-term damage. If in doubt, always seek medical advice.
Essential on-site actions to take immediately
When a head injury happens on site, every minute counts. Acting quickly can prevent the injury from worsening and protect both the worker and others around them. Here are the crucial post-impact head injury steps to take.
Pause work and secure the area
First, stop all work in the immediate area. Continuing activity after a head injury can put the injured person at greater risk – even if they insist they feel fine. Movement, noise or further hazards could make things worse.
Notify the site supervisor immediately. They can coordinate first aid, control site safety and start the reporting process. The sooner this happens, the better the chance of a safe recovery.
Check responsiveness using AVPU
Before medical professionals arrive, a simple AVPU check can help assess the worker’s responsiveness. AVPU stands for:
- Alert – Are they awake and aware?
- Voice – Do they respond when spoken to?
- Pain – Do they respond to gentle pressure or pain stimulus?
- Unresponsive – No response at all.
This is not a medical diagnosis. It’s a quick, basic check to help guide emergency responders when they arrive. Always perform this check safely and calmly, without moving the injured person unless absolutely necessary.
Get professional medical help immediately
Even if the worker seems okay, head injuries can be unpredictable. Arrange for professional medical assessment straight away. Paramedics and doctors have the tools and expertise to spot hidden problems that may not be obvious at first glance.
How to report a head injury under RIDDOR
Once immediate care is provided, the next crucial step is reporting the incident properly. In the UK, serious workplace injuries – including head injuries – must be reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). Accurate reporting helps protect workers, improve safety standards and ensure legal compliance.
Choose the correct injury category
When reporting under RIDDOR, it’s vital to select the right category. Head injuries typically fall under:
- Loss of consciousness due to head trauma
- Serious injuries requiring hospital treatment
- injuries leading to absence from work for more than 7 days
Misclassifying the injury can lead to inaccurate data, affect safety reviews, and create complications if legal claims arise later. Always record head injuries clearly and specifically.
Complete the diagram with accurate details
Many RIDDOR forms require you to include clear details about how the injury happened. Make sure you record:
- The exact impact site on the head
- The direction of force (e.g. falling object, collision)
- What object or equipment was involved
Precision matters. A thorough account supports medical treatment, legal clarity and future safety improvements.
Collecting supporting evidence
Strong documentation makes a big difference, both for recovery and for any future claims. Make sure to:
- Photograph any helmet or PPE damage
- Collect witness statements from colleagues present
- Gather the site’s RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements)
- Retain medical notes and incident reports
For more on helmet safety, visit our inspect your hard hat guide.
RIDDOR reporting deadlines and documentation rules
Once a head injury has been reported, employers have legal duties to follow strict timeframes and record-keeping rules. Missing these deadlines can have serious consequences.
Under RIDDOR:
- You must report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) within 15 days of the injury occurring, if it results in an employee being off work for more than seven consecutive days.
- All incident records must be kept securely for at least three years. Many businesses choose to store them longer for insurance and legal purposes.
Accurate documentation supports any future insurance claims, protects the employer in case of regulatory investigations and may be crucial evidence if legal action is taken down the line.
What happens if you don’t follow RIDDOR protocols
Failing to report a head injury correctly under RIDDOR puts workers at risk and can expose employers to serious consequences.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can issue:
- Fines and penalties for non-compliance
- Prohibition notices, stopping unsafe work until issues are fixed
- Investigations that may lead to legal action
Beyond regulatory penalties, failure to report can allow unsafe conditions to continue, increasing the chance of repeat accidents and lowering the site’s overall safety rating.
For employers, incomplete or missing reports can also create legal exposure if an injured worker later makes a claim. Without clear records, defending against compensation claims becomes much harder and may result in higher costs or lost cases.
If you’re unsure what compensation you may be entitled to after a head injury, try our compensation calculator to get a clearer idea.
Report, recover, and get the support you deserve
Every head injury deserves proper care and reporting. By following the simple rule of Stop Work, Report, Recover, you help protect your health, your colleagues and your future.
If your injury wasn’t handled properly, or if you’re facing complications because procedures weren’t followed, legal support is available. You don’t have to do this alone. You can also read more about your legal options in our construction head injury claims guide.
Ready to talk? Our friendly team is here to help. We’ll guide you through your legal options. And with our no-win-no-fee approach, you won’t pay anything upfront to get the legal help you need.