Notify the Defence Accident Investigation Branch
If you witness a fatality, accident, serious incident or near miss in MOD activities, notify the Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB).
Immediate actions
For any fatality or serious injury during Defence activity or on the Defence estate, call the emergency services first (or follow military emergency protocols if on operations).
Then, or if emergency services are not required, report the incident to DAIB.
Telephone: 01980 348622 (available 24/7)
Our duty staff will assess your report and decide if investigators need to be deployed.
What to report
This list is not exhaustive — if in doubt, call DAIB for advice.
- fatalities or serious injuries linked to MOD work or activities
- aviation accidents causing major damage or safety risks
- maritime accidents disabling ships or submarines
- land system failures that compromise safety
- heat illness or cold injury (suspected or confirmed)
- near misses where death, serious injury, or major loss of capability was narrowly avoided
If you’re unsure an incident is worth reporting
If in doubt, call DAIB 24/7 on 01980 348622 for expert advice.
Many reported incidents that seemed minor turned out to be critical.
Why calling the DAIB matters
You’re the first line of defence. By reporting, you help us learn and improve safety for everyone. Don’t wait for someone else to speak up — your voice could save lives.
What the DAIB is
DAIB is a defence accident investigation organisation that conducts independent, impartial and no-blame safety investigations.
We investigate, learn and improve safety.
The DAIB is part of the Defence Safety Authority.