The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a public consultation on The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
HSE is seeking input from businesses, employers, health practitioners and industry stakeholders on the future of workplace incident reporting in Great Britain.
Proposed updates to workplace reporting framework
The consultation, launched on Tuesday, April 7, aims to update the framework used to report work related injuries, ill health and dangerous occurrences.
Proposals are intended to strengthen worker protections while reducing administrative burden on businesses.
On the legislative side, HSE is proposing to clarify definitions within RIDDOR where terminology is currently considered unclear or ambiguous.
It is also reviewing the list of dangerous occurrences to better reflect modern workplace risks, alongside revising the list of reportable occupational diseases.
This includes reintroducing some previously removed conditions and adding new ones to ensure serious work related ill health is captured.
Another proposal would expand who can diagnose reportable occupational diseases.
Currently limited to doctors registered with the General Medical Council, HSE is proposing to include other registered health practitioners to reflect current occupational health practices.
Improving reporting processes and usability
Non legislative proposals include simplifying the online RIDDOR reporting form to improve usability and address issues of under reporting and over reporting.
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 is open until Tuesday, June 30, with full details here.
