IOSH supports change in RIDDOR regulations

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) supports Government plans to change the nature of workplace accidents that must be officially reported.

Currently, employers must report to the regulator whenever a staff member is absent for three days or more as a result of an injury sustained at work. The Government has suggested that this ‘three-day injury’ reporting system be extended to seven days.

In a response sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 65% of IOSH members backed the proposals, with many arguing that the three-day rule can be impractical for some companies.

The UK’s leading independent health and safety body is now pushing for the reporting system to be linked to the ‘fit note’, which would save bosses time as it would only require a report for incapacity of over seven days.

Although they have officially backed the move, IOSH have stated that any change to the RIDDOR reporting system should be supported by clear guidance with businesses advised that they must still record ‘three-day injuries’ and work to prevent all accidents. They also want to see fit notes modified to remind individuals to report workplace injuries.

IOSH Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Richard Jones, said: “Health and safety needs to be seen to be proportionate, with the amount of time and energy spent on reporting accidents reflecting the severity of the failures. And of course we also need to increase the number of serious accidents that do actually get reported by employers.

He added: “But we mustn’t trivialise workplace accidents that mean workers are absent for less than seven days. This would give completely the wrong message. Employers still need to treat them seriously, record them in the accident book and make sure they don’t happen again. Often, the same failures could easily have led to far worse harm and should act as a wake-up call.”

First Response Training, one of the leading suppliers of health and safety and first aid training in the UK, are in agreement with IOSH in championing a sensible approach to health and safety.

Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Many people are too quick to dismiss health and safety rules as unnecessary bureaucracy and a waste of time. There is a false impression of health and safety as something which is there to cause difficulty, rather than to protect people. If this change to the RIDDOR reporting scheme can help businesses in complying with regulations, while also promoting a balanced approach to health and safety, we believe it can only be a good thing.

“It is important that all organisations take every step which is reasonably practicable to create a safe working environment and minimise the risks of accidents. This duty should never be made light of, but a fair and practical change to the system is a positive thing. At First Response, we provide a number of health and safety training courses, including Essentials of Health and Safety and Managing and Supervising Safety, which all teach delegates about the relevant legislation and guidelines for organisations.

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