Major Changes to RIDDOR 2013 Proposed by The HSE

The HSE has reviewed the success of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, and has proposed some changes. What’s on the horizon?

Self-examination

The RIDDOR Regulations were introduced following a “bonfire of red tape” from the government. The revision of the 1995 Regulations resulted in cutting back and simplifying reporting requirements including:

1. a shortened list of specified injuries (formerly major injuries) to workers;
2. a reduced list of dangerous occurrences; and
3. a list of eight work-related diseases replacing the previous 47 specified ill-health conditions.

The purpose of the changes was:

• to make RIDDOR easier to understand;
• remove the need to collect data that could be obtained elsewhere or was rarely used, and
• ensure continued compliance with EU commitments.

The Regulations also included a clause requiring them to be reviewed within five years of coming into force. This was the reason for the post-implementation review published in October 2018

Accidents to Non-workers

Regulation 5 of RIDDOR 2013 requires employers to report non-fatal injuries to those who are on your premises but are not at work. This arises when the injured party is taken directly to hospital for treatment. The study found that there was major over-reporting in this category, particularly in the health, education and leisure sectors.  An estimated 40% of the reports submitted are unnecessary.  The proposal from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is to change Regulation 5 with a new criteria for reporting based on the severity of injury.

Occupational diseases

It was considered that slimming down the previous list of reportable occupational diseases was a step too far.   The plan is to extend the current list in the future update.  Those which were not removed include:

• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• occupational dermatitis;
• hand-arm vibration syndrome;
• occupational asthma and
• diseases attributable to biological agents.

The HSE proposes that various conditions namely:

• lung diseases;
• illnesses associated with divers and
• poisoning due to certain chemical exposures

are returned to RIDDOR.   The concern is that these no longer come to the attention of inspectors.

Guidance

Finally, the HSE recognises that a lack of clarity in reporting is caused in part by the current guidance. However, the much-missed printed guidance is unlikely to be reintroduced, with revisions to online material instead.

Note. These are early days and no date for revision has been given. It could be during 2019, but with Brexit etc. it may take longer.  Check the HSE guidance before making a RIDDOR report.  If one is required only do so if you’re sure that the incident must be reported.  Avoid “just in case” reporting.

Download a copy of  the RIDDOR review  and the HSE’s RIDDOR guidance .

Help & Support

The link above will take you to the main HSE website that talks about the requirements of RIDDOR.  We’ve put together a Quick guide to RIDDOR 2013.  We provide this to all our clients as part of their health and safety policy update.

If you require help or assistance with any aspect of health and safety do get in touch.  We offer a free 15-minute consultation without any obligation.