7th April 2026
HSE Launches Consultation On Workplace Injury And Illness Reporting
What’s happening?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently opened a public consultation on the regulations which govern reporting requirements for workplace injuries, illnesses and dangerous occurrences.
Opening on 7th April 2026, the consultation will run for a period of 10 weeks and will allow employers and stakeholders to have their say on all aspects of the existing Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR is a law that places a duty on employers and other persons who are in charge of a place of work to report and keep records of a number of key workplace incidents, including:
- Fatalities
- Certain workplace injuries
- Specific diagnosed cases of a number of reportable occupational diseases
- Certain dangerous occurrences (these do not specifically have to result in injury to a person)
The framework was introduced to ensure that the relevant enforcing authority is notified of the accident or incident, and to give them the opportunity to respond or investigate.
Why do we need a consultation on RIDDOR?
The HSE are keen to ensure that the legislative aspects of RIDDOR remain fit for purpose in the modern working environment.
A number of the definitions contained within Regulation 2 could be viewed as ambiguous or unclear, and there is a desire to make things clearer for employers.
In addition, the HSE would like to broaden the scope of what is accepted as a ‘diagnosis’ for occupational diseases, including allowing other types of practitioners, other than registered doctors, to diagnose such conditions.
There is also a desire to review the list of occupational diseases contained in Regulation 8, along with the dangerous occurrences listed in Schedule 2.
Alongside the legislative reviews, the HSE would like to improve the method of reporting, which is currently managed through an online form. The existing system has been criticised by users and has led to both under-reporting and over-reporting.
How do I get involved?
An online survey is available here; however, the HSE will also accept email and paper submissions.
Once the consultation has closed, the HSE will consider the respondents’ views and publish their responses formally on their website.
The consultation closes on 30 June 2026. Full details and responses: https://consultations.hse.gov.
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