HSE announces legislation changes

The reporting of workplace injuries has been simplified and greater flexibility has been introduced for managing the provision of first aid training.The reporting of workplace injuries has been simplified and greater flexibility has been introduced for managing the provision of first aid training.

First aid

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 have been amended to remove the requirement for HSE to approve first aid training and qualifications.

The change is part of HSE’s work to reduce the burden on businesses and put common sense back in to health and safety, while maintaining standards. The new approach applies to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors.

Information, including the regulations and guidance for employers is available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/

RIDDOR

Changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 have been introduced that clarify and simplify the reporting requirements, while ensuring that the data collected gives an accurate and useful picture of workplace incidents.

The main changes are in the following areas:

• The classification of ‘major injuries’ to workers has been replaced with a shorter list of ‘specified injuries’
• The existing schedule detailing 47 types of industrial disease replaced with eight categories of reportable work-related illness
• Fewer types of ‘dangerous occurrence’ require reporting

The changes affect all employers – including the self-employed. Information and guidance is available on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/

Both changes follow a review of health and safety legislation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt in which he made a number of recommendations that the Government appointed HSE to implement.

Neither change alters the duties and responsibilities already placed on employers. For example, businesses still have a legal duty to make arrangements to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

The amendments to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 do not affect how an incident at work is reported and the criteria that determine whether an incident should be investigated.