The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), aiming to modernise how workplace incidents, occupational illnesses and dangerous occurrences are reported in Great Britain.
The consultation opened on 7 April 2026 and will run until 30 June 2026, giving businesses, duty holders and industry stakeholders the opportunity to comment on potential reforms to the reporting framework.
RIDDOR requires employers, the self-employed and those in control of work premises to report certain work-related incidents to the regulator, including specified injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences. The reporting system provides the HSE with important data that helps identify risks, target enforcement activity and improve workplace safety standards.
Proposed changes
The consultation outlines a range of legislative and practical changes intended to improve clarity, capture better information on workplace risks and reduce unnecessary administrative burden.
Key proposals include:
- Clarifying definitions within the regulations, where terms such as “work-related” and “routine work” have been identified as unclear or ambiguous.
- Expanding the list of reportable occupational diseases, including the reintroduction of several conditions previously removed from the regulations.
- Updating the list of dangerous occurrences to better reflect modern workplace risks.
- Allowing a wider range of registered health professionals to diagnose reportable occupational diseases, rather than limiting diagnoses to doctors.
In addition, the HSE is seeking feedback on possible improvements to the online RIDDOR reporting system to make it easier to use and help address both under-reporting and over-reporting of incidents.
Implications for the Industry
If implemented, the changes could lead to more incidents and occupational illnesses becoming reportable. For sectors such as construction and engineering, the expanded scope may increase reporting requirements and reinforce the importance of effective incident monitoring and health surveillance.
However, clearer definitions and improved guidance may also reduce confusion around what needs to be reported, helping organisations ensure compliance while avoiding unnecessary reporting.
Have Your Say
The HSE is encouraging employers, safety professionals, healthcare practitioners and other stakeholders to contribute their views as part of the consultation.
Responses must be submitted by 30 June 2026.