 RIDDOR could undergo further changes |
The Health and Safety Executive has been advised to change RIDDOR
to capture rarer occupational health conditions and reduce the number of
laypeople reported under accident figures.
Changes to RIDDOR in 2013 reduced the number of rarer occupational
health conditions reported.
Five years later, a post-implementation review published last
month has proposed that this be reversed with an extension of the types of
conditions that can be reported.
These
include conditions such as pneumoconiosis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis,
decompression illness, pulmonary barotrauma and poisoning due to certain
chemical exposures.
The same report said it found evidence of over-reporting of
accidents involving non-workers – particularly within the
leisure sector - and proposed measures to reduce this.
Extended reporting of rarer conditions was welcomed by the CIEH
but it was cautious about plans to reduce reporting of incidents involving non
workers.
CIEH policy manager Tamara Sandoul said: ‘We welcome HSE’s intention
to increase the number of reportable occupational diseases under RIDDOR – this
is a vital move towards monitoring and dealing with high rates of work-related
illness, which is part of the HSE’s strategy.
‘We are however, concerned to hear that HSE is considering
reducing the reporting of injuries to members of the public within the leisure
sector.
‘Whilst this change may be justified, it has to be clearly
evidenced and all potential negative impacts should be carefully assessed so
that legitimate injuries are not missed. RIDDOR is a key source of intelligence
to both HSE and local authorities.
‘Smaller injuries can also present important clues as to the
overall safety practices of a business and members of the public should be
protected as a priority.’
The PIR report raised concerns over the exclusion of rarer
conditions as they eroded an evidence base.
The report said: ‘With the long term focus
on work-related ill health, the exclusion of these diseases reduces the scope
for research and the evidence base to improve worker health.
‘Without investigation and enforcement where appropriate, workers
could be left at risk of potentially life-threatening illnesses due to
workplace exposures.’