The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is consulting on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), an important piece of secondary legislation made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The deadline for responses has been extended to 7 July 2026, with HSE seeking views from stakeholders on a range of proposed reforms intended to improve the clarity, scope and operation of the reporting regime.
In this article we set out what RIDDOR is, the key proposals under the consultation, the legal and regulatory context in which they sit, and why stakeholders may wish to consider responding before the consultation closes.
RIDDOR is the statutory reporting regime which requires certain serious work-related incidents to be reported to the relevant enforcing authority, usually HSE or the relevant local authority. It applies across a wide range of sectors and is intended to ensure that regulators are notified of incidents which may indicate serious risks to health and safety, so that they can monitor trends, consider whether further enquiries are required and, where appropriate, take enforcement action.
The obligation to report falls on the 'responsible person'. Depending on the circumstances, this may include employers in relation to their employees, self-employed persons, or those in control of work premises. The principal categories of reportable incidents are set out in RIDDOR 2013 itself, including:
non-fatal injuries to workers under regulation 4,
non-fatal injuries to non-workers under regulation 5,
work-related fatalities under regulation 6,
dangerous occurrences under regulation 7 and Schedule 2,
occupational diseases under regulation 8,
exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and biological agents under regulation 9,
diseases offshore under regulation 10 and
gas-related injuries and hazards under regulation 11.
It's important to note that RIDDOR does not require every workplace accident or near miss to be reported. The incident must fall within one of the reportable categories and, in the case of accidents, must generally arise out of or in connection with work. In practice, RIDDOR reporting is often a key early step following a serious health and safety incident and it can sit alongside internal investigations, evidence preservation, communications with insurers and engagement with regulators. For that reason, organisations should ensure that those responsible for health and safety understand the key relevant provisions of RIDDOR 2013, including, but not limited to:
regulation 3, which identifies the 'responsible person',
regulations 4 to 11, which set out the reportable categories,
regulation 12 which addresses recording and record-keeping of incidents and
schedule 1, which sets out reporting and recording procedures.
The consultation covers both legislative amendments to RIDDOR 2013 and non-legislative improvements.
Clarification of definitions - HSE proposes to clarify key terms such as “work-related”, “injury” and “routine work”. Greater certainty in these definitions is intended to improve consistency in reporting and reduce disputes over whether an incident falls within scope.
Revision of reportable occupational diseases - the proposals include expanding the list of reportable diseases, including reintroducing some previously removed conditions and adding new ones to better reflect current workplace health risks.
Broadening of diagnosis requirements - currently, certain diagnoses must be made by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council. The consultation proposes permitting diagnoses by a broader category of registered health professionals, potentially increasing the number of reportable cases.
Amendments to dangerous occurrences - updates are proposed to better capture modern industrial risks by introducing new categories and refining existing ones.
Improved reporting process - HSE proposes to simplify the online reporting system, with the aim of reducing both under-reporting and over-reporting, while improving usability for duty holders and responsible persons.
The consultation is issued pursuant to HSE’s duty to consult under section 50(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and in accordance with the government’s consultation principles.
RIDDOR itself sits within the broader framework of UK health and safety law, under which:
duty holders must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and
accurate reporting of incidents supports regulatory oversight, enforcement, and the development of preventative strategies.
The consultation is therefore not limited to technical amendments, but forms part of a wider effort to ensure that the UK’s health and safety regime remains effective, proportionate and responsive to evolving risks.
Stakeholders across all sectors may find it beneficial to engage with the consultation for several reasons:
Influence reporting obligations - the proposed changes could materially affect what must be reported under RIDDOR, particularly in relation to occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences. Stakeholder input can help ensure that the scope of reporting is both appropriate and workable in practice.
Shape the interpretation of key legal concepts - Clarification of terms such as 'work-related' may have significant legal implications, including for liability, enforcement and internal investigations. Engaging with the consultation provides an opportunity to influence how these concepts are ultimately defined.
Ensure proportionality - HSE is seeking evidence on the costs and benefits of the proposed reforms, including their operational impact. Respondents can highlight:
administrative and compliance burdens,
sector-specific challenges and
resource implications.
This is particularly important to ensure that the regime remains proportionate, in line with the principles underpinning the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Improve the reporting system - those with experience of submitting RIDDOR reports are well placed to comment on the practical usability of the system, helping to shape reforms that reduce errors, duplication and inefficiency.
Address emerging risks - The proposed updates to diseases and dangerous occurrences are intended to reflect modern working practices and health risks. Stakeholders can help ensure that these lists are accurate, evidence-based and future-proof.
Prepare for future compliance - Early engagement allows organisations to anticipate and plan for potential regulatory changes, including reviewing internal systems, training and reporting protocols.
Information on how you can respond to the consultation, including access to the online survey and supporting documents, can be found here:
The HSE’s proposed reforms to RIDDOR 2013 represent a potentially significant development in the UK’s health and safety reporting framework. By updating definitions, expanding reportable categories and improving reporting processes, the proposals aim to create a clearer and more effective system.
Given the potential impact on reporting obligations, regulatory exposure and operational processes, stakeholders may wish to give careful consideration to the consultation and take the opportunity to contribute to its development.
If you require any advice in relation to RIDDOR, responding to the HSE consultation, or any other health and safety related matters, including HSE investigations or prosecutions arising from health and safety incidents, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our business risk and regulation team.
