Proposed RIDDOR Changes 2026: What Health and Safety Leaders Need to Know
The Health and Safety Executive has announced the most significant update to RIDDOR regulations since 2013, and it's time to get ahead of the changes. The HSE launched a consultation on proposed reforms in April 2026, with the consultation period running until 30 June 2026. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, or any other sector, understanding these changes is crucial for compliance.
Why Now?
Working environments, technologies and sector-specific risks have moved on considerably since 2013. When the number of reportable occupational diseases was cut from 47 to six following the Lofstedt Review, the trade-off for a lighter administrative load was that serious work-related ill health dropped off the regulator's radar.
Additionally, HSE data from November 2024 to November 2025 shows persistent problems with wrong forms being used, categories being misapplied and, in some cases, reports being submitted by people who are not the responsible person. These issues have prompted a complete overhaul.
Key Proposed Changes
Expanded Occupational Diseases List
One of the most significant changes involves the reportable diseases. The current list of six reportable occupational diseases is set to grow to nineteen, with nine conditions being reintroduced and four new ones added. This means organisations will need to broaden their understanding of what constitutes a reportable condition.
New Dangerous Occurrences
Under the proposed reforms, tunnelling operations will now fall under stricter reporting regulations, with incidents occurring during tunnelling projects involving passages over 1.2 meters in diameter becoming mandatory reportable events. The reporting criteria for falling objects will expand, encompassing any unintentional drops from structures deemed under construction or demolition that could result in fatalities.
Simplified Reporting Forms
Proposed amendments include reducing the RIDDOR form questions, reordering questions, reviewing information boxes, and introducing flowcharts along with examples of completed report forms. These changes aim to reduce confusion and improve accuracy in reporting.
What This Means for Your Business
For those working in construction, the impact will be particularly significant. In 2024/25, 35 construction workers were killed in work-related accidents, accounting for around 28% of all worker fatalities. The expanded requirements reflect the sector's risk profile and the need for better data.
If the new definitions are not drawn carefully, reporting volumes could increase regardless of whether the underlying risk has changed, with organisations facing the risk of criminal prosecution for non-compliance where reports should have been made but were not.
How to Prepare
Now is the ideal time to review your current incident reporting procedures and ensure your team understands the proposed changes. Ensure everyone involved in RIDDOR reporting receives updated training before any new regulations come into force.
The consultation represented a genuine opportunity for industry input on regulations that affect daily operations. Engaging will help shape a regime that works for your organisation while maintaining the robust health and safety standards we all need.