The Health and Safety Executive has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, known as RIDDOR.
The consultation opened on 7 April and closes on 30 June 2026. It is the first major review of the regulations in more than a decade and could have implications for scaffolding and access contractors across Great Britain.
RIDDOR sets out when employers, the self-employed and those in control of work premises must report certain workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
HSE said the proposals are intended to clarify parts of the regulations, update the list of reportable occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences, and simplify the online reporting process.
For scaffolding firms, one of the key areas is the proposed expansion of occupational disease reporting.
The consultation includes changes to the list of reportable diseases and proposes broadening who can formally diagnose a reportable occupational disease beyond doctors registered with the General Medical Council.
Industry observers say the proposals point to a wider shift in focus from incident reporting alone towards better capture of long-term occupational health risks.
That could place greater attention on common site exposures, including noise from impact wrenches, hammer drills and reciprocating saws, as well as dust from drilling, cutting and refurbishment work.
If adopted, the changes could lead to closer scrutiny of noise assessments, dust controls, respiratory protection, hearing protection, health surveillance and record keeping.
HSE has said there are no proposed changes to current reporting timescales.
NASC Head of Technical, Mark Collinson, said: “This consultation reflects a growing focus on occupational health as well as safety.
“For scaffolding contractors, the key will be ensuring any changes are practical and proportionate. It is important that members engage now so that the realities of scaffolding and access work on site are properly considered.”
The consultation is relevant to all sectors, but HSE said duty holders, self-employed people and those in control of work premises are among those being encouraged to respond.
Scaffolding contractors are being advised to review existing RIDDOR procedures, reassess noise and dust controls, check PPE and RPE compliance, and consider whether current health surveillance arrangements would stand up to closer reporting requirements.
Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 30 June 2026.
To submit a response, visit: https://consultations.hse.gov.uk/hse/proposals-riddor-2013/?_ga=2.113107780.1584131210.1777041125-1991780333.1776853701
