The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) framework. The aim is to modernize the framework, and while nothing has changed in the law yet, they signal towards a clear shift.
For businesses across the UK, now is the time to understand what’s coming, and ensure your systems are robust enough to keep up.
At Business Safety Solutions, we want to be transparent about the changes and what they may mean for your businesses.
Key Proposed Changes Explained
Clearer Definitions:
One of the biggest frustrations with RIDDOR has always been ambiguity – what exactly counts as ‘work-related’? or what qualifies as an ‘injury’?
The proposed changes aim to remove some of these grey areas by tightening definitions.
More Reportable Occupational Diseases:
HSE is proposing to expand the list of reportable diseases, including conditions that reflect modern workplace risks.
Examples of What May be Considered -
- Silicosis and asbestosis
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Occupational asthma
- Conditions linked to chemicals, dust, and repetitive work
Business impact = expect an increase in reportable cases, especially in sectors like construction, manufacturing, engineering, and waste management. This change would see a greater reliance on health surveillance and occupational health processes.
Wider Diagnosis Routes:
Currently, RIDDOR reports are often triggered by diagnosis from doctors. The proposal expands this to include other registered health practitioners.
What Changes:
- Reports may be triggered earlier
- More professionals can initiate reportable events
- Faster turnaround from diagnosis to reporting
Expanded Dangerous Occurrences:
The list of reportable ‘near misses’ (dangerous occurrences) is being updated to reflect modern workplace risks.
New or Updated Areas Include -
- Structural collapses
- Dropped objects during construction or demolition
- Plant overturing
- Tunnels, quarries, and offshore operations
Implication =
- Near-miss reporting obligations may increase
- Greater scrutiny on high-risk activities and contractor operations
Simpler Online Reporting:
HSE plans to introduce a more streamline reporting form.
Although this sounds like a win, it may expose weaknesses in internal processes.
Our advice is to continue with robust investigation processes, don’t let standards slip due to a simplified format.
What Should Businesses Be Doing Now?
Even though these are proposals, preparation now will save time and risk later.
Here’s what we recommend:
- ✔ Review Your Reporting Process – ensure incident escalation and decision-making are clear and consistent.
- ✔ Strengthen Occupational Health Links – make sure diagnoses are captured, logged, and acted on promptly.
- ✔ Reassess High-Risk Activities – focus on areas where additional reporting is most likely.
- ✔ Update Training – managers must understand their responsibilities under RIDDOR.
- ✔ Check Contractor Responsibilities – avoid gaps or duplication in reporting duties.
- ✔ Maintain Strong Investigations – good reporting starts with good information.
At Business Safety Solutions, we support organisations with all of the above – helping ensure compliance while improving overall safety performance.
Important Reminder
These are simply proposals – current RIDDOR regulations remain in force. But the direction is clear, and early preparation will put your business ahead.
Business Safety Solutions can help you stay compliant, confident, and prepared – both now and if changes come into force.
