The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
The move is aimed at improving clarity, modernising reporting requirements and reducing administrative burdens on businesses.
The regulator is seeking views on clarifying key definitions within RIDDOR, where existing terminology has been identified as unclear or open to interpretation, an issue that has long created inconsistency in reporting across construction and other high-risk sectors.
It is also proposing updates to the list of dangerous occurrences to better reflect modern workplace risks, alongside revisions to the list of reportable occupational diseases.
A further proposed change would broaden who can formally diagnose a reportable occupational disease. Currently, diagnoses must be made by a doctor registered with and licensed by the General Medical Council. Under the new proposals, this could be extended to other registered health practitioners, recognising the wider role of occupational health professionals.
Construction implications
For construction managers, the changes could have practical implications for how incidents and ill health cases are identified, recorded and reported, particularly on complex projects where multiple contractors are involved.
Alongside legislative proposals, HSE is also seeking feedback on simplifying the online RIDDOR reporting form. The aim is to improve usability and address the persistent issue of both underreporting and overreporting, which can distort safety data and hinder effective risk management.
Rachael Radway, deputy director of regulation at the HSE, said: “RIDDOR reporting is central to how we identify emerging risk, target regulatory activity and contribute to the evidence base for workplace health and safety. This consultation allows those who will be affected by the changes to have their say as we look to improve standards and reduce the burden on business.
The consultation is open until 30 June 2026. More details can be found here.
