Changes to RIDDOR

Two important changes are taking place in the way that Riddor (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) operates.

Method of reporting incidents:

From 12 September 2011, statutory reporting to the HSE of work-related injuries and incidents under RIDDOR will be mainly on-line. Forms will be available on the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk

Currently there a number of ways to notify reportable injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences, these include:

• Telephone to the HSE's Incident Contact Centre (ICC), Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
• Email
• Post
• Internet

Fatal and major injuries and incidents can still be reported by telephone after 12 September, but otherwise the only method will be on-line.

Like all public bodies, the HSE is having to deliver services in a more efficient way. This change will contribute to the significant economies needed to meet their reduced budget. This change is also in line with the Government's approach to providing effective services online.

3-day injuries:

There is currently a consultation underway with all interested parties (local authorities, IOSH, etc) over Lord Young's report to the Government - Common Sense on Safety. The report suggests changing the requirement to report over 3-day injuries to over 7-day injuries (excluding the day of the accident but including weekends and bank holidays). It is likely that Lord Young's proposals will be approved and implemented.

The first obvious impact of this will be to reduce the number of reported incidents since there will be no need to report incidents of injuries lasting more than three days but under seven. However one of the main principles of RIDDOR is to track the number of workplace accidents and monitor trends. This change will make comparing accident statistics difficult, which will make it hard to analyse performance accurately.

The change will align RIDDOR with the procedure for obtaining a 'fit note' from a GP. However 'non-reportable' injuries must not be trivialised and employer obligations regarding 'recording' and 'investigating' will remain. For more information visit the HSE website.