HSE consults on changes to workplace incident reporting (RIDDOR)

Terry Griffin, partner in our regulatory, compliance & licensing team, looks at the consultation the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently running on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

These rules set out when employers and others in control of workplaces must formally report serious accidents, work-related illnesses and near misses to the regulator. The consultation, open until 30 June 2026, is part of HSE’s wider plan to reduce work-related ill health and to make the reporting process clearer and easier to use.

What is RIDDOR and why does it matter?

RIDDOR requires employers, those in control of work premises and the self-employed to tell HSE about certain serious incidents such as fractures, major burns, some occupational diseases and dangerous near misses such as equipment failures.

These reports help HSE understand where and why people are being harmed at work and to target its enforcement and guidance.

Failing to report an incident can be a criminal offence and may also affect how an organisation responds to claims and manages its wider health and safety duties.

What is HSE proposing to change?

In brief, HSE is seeking views on proposals to:

• Clarify key definitions so that duty holders have a clearer idea of what must be reported and when.
• Update the list of reportable work-related diseases to better reflect modern patterns of ill health.
• Allow a wider range of registered health professionals (not just doctors) to provide the diagnosis that triggers a report of an occupational disease, so that genuine cases are picked up more quickly.
• Refresh the list of dangerous occurrences to ensure it keeps pace with newer technologies and ways of working.

HSE is also asking for feedback on how to simplify its online RIDDOR reporting forms, to reduce both over-reporting and under-reporting and cut down on unnecessary paperwork.

What should employers and duty holders do now?

The consultation is relevant to organisations of all sizes and sectors, particularly those in higher-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, health and social care and utilities.

We recommend that employers:

• Review their current accident and incident reporting procedures and training.
• Consider whether the proposals would change how they identify, escalate and report potential RIDDOR incidents.
• Decide whether to submit a response to HSE, either directly or through trade bodies or professional associations.

The consultation documents and online response form are available on HSE’s website.

If you would like to understand what the proposals could mean for your organisation, or would like support in preparing a response, contact Harrison Drury’s regulatory, compliance & licensing team on 01772 258321.