The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has consulted on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
RIDDOR sets out which work-related accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences employers, duty holders and some self-employed people must legally report.
The consultation closed on 7 July 2026. The proposals are now being considered by HSE and any legislative changes will be subject to Government approval before coming into force. Further information about the consultation is available on the HSE website.
What changes have been proposed?
Clearer definitions
HSE has proposed clarifying a number of definitions within RIDDOR, including terms such as “work-related”, “injury” and “routine work”, where existing wording has been identified as unclear.
More reportable occupational diseases
If approved, the proposals would expand the list of reportable occupational diseases from six to 19 by reintroducing some previously reportable conditions and adding others to better reflect modern workplace health risks.
More reportable dangerous occurrences
HSE has also proposed updating the list of dangerous occurrences to better reflect current workplace risks. This could increase the number of near misses and dangerous occurrences that employers and some self-employed people are legally required to report.
Changes to occupational disease diagnosis
Another proposal would allow certain registered health practitioners, rather than only GMC-registered doctors, to diagnose reportable occupational diseases for RIDDOR purposes.
Why this matters
The consultation is relevant across all sectors. If the proposals are adopted, organisations may need to review how they identify, investigate and report workplace incidents and work-related ill health.
Failure to report a reportable incident can result in enforcement action, including prosecution and fines. Employers should ensure their reporting arrangements remain up to date with any future changes.
What employers should do
Monitor the outcome
HSE is currently considering responses received during the consultation. Employers should keep track of future announcements before making changes to their reporting procedures.
Review reporting procedures
Review existing accident, incident, occupational disease and dangerous occurrence reporting procedures so they can be updated promptly if the proposals become law.
Train managers
Ensure managers understand current RIDDOR requirements and are aware that changes may be introduced following the consultation.
How PIB Risk Management can help
PIB Risk Management can help you keep up to date with legal requirements, manage incidents and accidents, carry out accident and near miss investigations, and analyse accident and incident data.
Keeping reporting procedures under regular review can help organisations remain compliant while improving how workplace incidents are managed and investigated.
