The Health and Safety Executive has launched an important consultation on proposed updates to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. As a trusted health and safety partner to organisations across the United Kingdom, MBO Safety Services is committed to helping businesses understand what these changes could mean in practice.
This consultation is open until 30 June 2026, and it represents a significant opportunity for duty holders, employers, self-employed individuals, and those responsible for work premises to contribute to the future of workplace safety reporting.
Why This Consultation Matters
Great Britain continues to maintain one of the strongest workplace safety records in Europe. The Health and Safety Executive plays a central role in this achievement by ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain clear, proportionate, and aligned with modern risks.
The proposed updates to RIDDOR aim to:
- Improve clarity
- Strengthen reporting accuracy
- Ensure that serious cases of ill health and dangerous occurrences are captured
- Modernise the system to reflect current workplace realities
At MBO Safety Services, we see these proposals as a positive step toward enhancing both compliance and worker protection.
Key Legislative Proposals Explained
- Clearer Definitions in Regulation 2
Terms such as “work-related”, “injury”, and “routine work” have caused confusion for many organisations. The Health and Safety Executive proposes refining these definitions to remove ambiguity. This will help duty holders make more confident decisions about what must be reported.
- Updated List of Occupational Diseases
The consultation proposes reintroducing previously removed diseases and adding new ones to ensure that serious cases of work-related ill health are captured. This reflects the evolving understanding of occupational health risks.
- Broader Scope for Diagnosis
Currently, only doctors registered with the General Medical Council can diagnose occupational diseases for RIDDOR purposes. The proposal would allow other registered health practitioners to provide diagnoses. This could streamline reporting and reduce delays.
- Revised List of Dangerous Occurrences
Modern workplaces face modern risks. The Health and Safety Executive intends to update Schedule 2 by adding new categories and amending existing ones. This ensures that the regulations remain relevant to contemporary hazards.
Non-Legislative Proposal: A Better Reporting Process
- Simplified Online Reporting
The Health and Safety Executive aims to improve the online reporting form to reduce both under-reporting and over-reporting. A more intuitive system will help responsible persons submit accurate information with greater ease.
At MBO Safety Services, we welcome this improvement. A streamlined reporting process supports better compliance and reduces administrative burden.
Who Should Pay Attention to These Changes
This consultation is relevant to:
- Employers
- Duty holders
- Self-employed individuals
- Those in control of work premises
- Health care practitioners
- Safety professionals
Some proposals may apply more directly to specific roles, but all sectors are encouraged to review the consultation and provide feedback.
Understanding Key Terms
The consultation also provides helpful definitions, including:
- Duty holder: Anyone with legal responsibilities under health and safety law.
- Employer: A duty holder with specific responsibilities toward employees and others affected by their work.
- Responsible person: The individual required to submit RIDDOR reports.
- Work-related accident or incident: An event arising out of or in connection with work, not simply occurring at a workplace.
These clarifications will support more consistent reporting across industries.
What This Means for Your Organisation
At MBO Safety Services, we encourage all clients and partners to review the proposals and consider how they may impact their reporting duties. Clearer definitions and improved reporting processes can help reduce uncertainty and strengthen compliance.
We are here to support you in understanding these changes and preparing for any future updates to RIDDOR.
If you would like guidance on how these proposals may affect your organisation, or if you need support with RIDDOR reporting, training, or incident investigation, simply contact our friendly team on 08000 842 297 or info@mbo.ltd