Changes to the System for Reporting Health and Safety Incidents

Businesses are reminded that new reporting arrangements for workplace health and safety incidents commenced today (Monday 12 September).

Only fatal and major injuries and incidents should now be reported by phone to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). All other work-related injuries and incidents covered by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) must be reported using one of seven forms that are available online on the HSE website. The forms are:

• F2508 – Report of an injury;
• F2508 – Report of a Dangerous Occurrence;
• F2508A – Report of a Case of Disease;
• OIR9B – Report of an Injury Offshore;
• OIR9B – Report of a Dangerous Occurrence Offshore;
• F2508G1 – Report of a Flammable Gas Incident; and
• F2508G2 – Report of a Dangerous Gas Fitting;

Commenting on the change, Trevor Carlile, the HSE Director of Strategy said, “This should not be a significant change for many, as more than half of reportable injuries are already notified to the HSE through the website. The new forms are intuitive and quick and easy to complete. The most important thing is that there will still be somebody at the end of the phone to assist those who are reporting a traumatic event that has resulted in a death or major injury.”

In addition, the HSE’s Infoline telephone service, which currently provides a basic information service to callers, is scheduled to end on 30 September. Instead, those seeking information and official guidance will be directed to the resources and health and safety information available on the website.

Further information on the changes can be found on the HSE website.