From the Research
Tendonitis is not reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) in the UK. RIDDOR specifically requires reporting of certain work-related injuries, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences, but tendonitis is not included in the list of reportable conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. While tendonitis can be work-related and might be considered under broader workplace health assessments, it does not meet the specific criteria for mandatory RIDDOR reporting.
Key Considerations
- Employers should still document cases of work-related tendonitis as part of their general health and safety records, and implement preventive measures to reduce repetitive strain injuries.
- If tendonitis is severe enough to cause incapacitation for more than seven consecutive days, the resulting absence would be reportable as a general over-seven-day injury, but the specific diagnosis of tendonitis itself is not a reportable condition under the regulations.
- Recent studies have focused on the treatment of tendonitis, including the use of corticosteroid injections and platelet-rich plasma injections, but these do not affect the reporting requirements under RIDDOR 3, 4.
Treatment and Prevention
- Eccentric exercises have been shown to be an effective treatment for tendinopathy, and may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan 3.
- Employers can take steps to prevent work-related tendonitis by implementing ergonomic measures and providing regular breaks for employees who perform repetitive tasks.
- The use of corticosteroid injections and other treatments may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but should be guided by the latest evidence and clinical guidelines 1, 2, 4, 5.