The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has started consultations proposing to make extensive changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). These Regulations deal with the reporting of certain specified incidents, injuries and diseases. The proposals include an extension of the list of reportable occupational diseases, an easier mechanism to report, and an extension of the list of medical personnel who can make a diagnosis.
Current Reportable Occupational Diseases
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cramp in the arm/forearm
- Occupational Dermatitis
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
- Occupational Asthma
- Tendonitis
Proposed New Reportable Diseases
- Pneumoconiosis (including silicosis)
- Asbestosis
- Decompression Illness, Pulmonary Barotrauma and Dysbaric Osteonecrosis
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Cadmium Emphysema
- Beryllium Disease (skin and respiratory)
- Chromium-related ulceration
- Knee and elbow bursitis
- Oil folliculitis
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Bronchiolitis obliterans
- Occupational allergic rhinitis
- Occupational contact urticaria
The changes also include an extension of the list of dangerous occurrences. New categories will now include the fall of objects from structures under demolition and construction, and the overturning of construction plant.
A further change is to relax the rules on who can diagnose a condition. Presently, only a practitioner registered with the General Medical Council can diagnose a condition. The HSE is proposing to extend this by allowing other registered health practitioners such as nurses, occupational health advisers, and physiotherapists.
On the administrative side, the HSE is seeking views on simplifying the online reporting scheme. The aim is to improve usability, encourage reporting, but minimise over-reporting.
This vast extension will have serious implications for employers and dutyholders. With increased reporting obligations, there will be a greater risk of increased prosecutions and claims. The HSE has admitted that the reduction in the number of reportable diseases in 2013 improved reporting efficiency but overlooked serious work-related ill health that was no longer reportable. Interestingly, although work-related stress (WRS) formed 52% of 2025 HSE statistics, it has not been included in the proposed new list. The HSE says its exclusion is based on wider organisational issues and that it is difficult to define WRS in a way that allows for consistent and reliable reporting. This extension means employers will face increased RIDDOR notifications, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, heavy engineering, and mining operations.
Impact of Proposals
- More incidents will be reportable
- More diseases will trigger notifications
- Increased obligations and liabilities on employers and dutyholders for non-compliance
- Increased risk of claims and prosecutions
Businesses and employers, already burdened with duties, responsibilities, and obligations, may view these proposals as more bureaucratic measures. However, these measures are designed to prevent, detect, and deal with incidents, diseases, and occurrences that affect people’s lives. They may affect you, your husband, your wife, your child, your brother. Can you realistically ignore the risks? Can you face the consequences?
The HS Adviceline is available to answer your questions and deal with your concerns on 01455 852 028.
