HSE proposes major overhaul to RIDDOR reporting regulations

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) is the legal requirement to report specific serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and near-misses.

Although HSE gently states the reforms are an “opportunity to update regulations”, proposals represent a significant change to employers’ duties. The three key reforms are that:

• More incidents will be reportable
• More diseases will trigger obligations; and
• More professionals will be capable of initiating the diagnostic trigger for reporting.

Employers can be fined or in serious cases, face up to two years in prison, for failing to report incidents under RIDDOR. Photograph: iStock

Expansion of reportable occupational diseases

A key proposal is to expand the list of reportable occupational diseases from six conditions to 19.

It includes the reintroduction of nine diseases – such as asbestosis, pneumoconiosis (including silicosis), and skin and respiratory beryllium disease – removed in 2013 as part of a wider government “bonfire of red tape” initiative.

In addition, there are four newly added conditions: noise‑induced hearing loss, bronchiolitis obliterans, occupational allergic rhinitis and occupational contact urticaria.

Commenting in a blog post for global law firm, DLA Piper, lawyers Liam Green, Nick Rock, Ailish Oxenforth and Poppy Williams write: “For sectors like construction, manufacturing and agriculture, this represents a substantial expansion of reporting obligations and a renewed regulatory focus on occupational health surveillance.”

New and revised dangerous occurrences

The consultation also refreshes and expands the list of dangerous occurrences.

HSE proposes adding four new categories alongside six amendments designed to clarify, consolidate and modernise existing provisions.

New categories include the fall of objects from structures under demolition or construction and the overturning of construction plant.

“The practical effect is significant. Events that have historically been managed internally – particularly on construction sites – are more likely to become formally reportable, with all the regulatory attention that brings,” comment Liam Green et al.

Expansion of who can diagnose

A further proposal from the regulator would broaden who could formally diagnose a reportable occupational disease.

Currently, diagnosis must be made by a doctor registered with and holding a licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC).

HSE is proposing to extend this to other registered health practitioners, such as nurses and physiotherapists reflecting the wider range of professionals involved in occupational health.

On the non-legislative side, HSE is seeking views on simplifying the online RIDDOR reporting form to improve usability and tackle both under-reporting and over-reporting. HSE calls this a “longstanding challenge for the regulator and for businesses alike.”

In announcing the consultation, Rachael Radway, Deputy Director of Regulation at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “RIDDOR reporting is central to how we identify emerging risk, target regulatory activity and contribute to the evidence base for workplace health and safety. This consultation allows those who will be affected by the changes to have their say as we look to improve standards and reduce the burden on business.

“The consultation is relevant across all sectors and industries. Duty holders, self-employed workers and those in control of work premises are particularly encouraged to respond. We are also encouraging healthcare practitioners involved in diagnosing and managing work-related conditions to engage as the proposed changes may impact their ways of working in the future.”

The consultation closes on 30 June 2026. Respond online here 

Or download the Word version here