RIDDOR: Public Consultation Now Open

Posted on May 28, 2026

The UK government has opened a public consultation on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), signalling a potential shift in how workplace incidents are recorded and reported across the construction industry.

RIDDOR has long been a cornerstone of health and safety compliance, requiring employers, contractors, and site managers to formally report certain workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and near misses. However, evolving working practices, advances in technology, and ongoing concerns about underreporting have prompted regulators to review whether the current framework remains fit for purpose.

Why This Matters

Construction remains one of the UK’s highest-risk sectors, with complex worksites, multiple subcontractors, and dynamic hazards. Accurate reporting under RIDDOR is not just a legal obligation—it plays a critical role in identifying trends, preventing repeat incidents, and shaping national safety policy.

The consultation aims to gather feedback on several key areas, including:

Whether current reporting thresholds are appropriate
The clarity and usability of reporting processes
Alignment with modern construction practices, including offsite manufacturing and digital site management
Opportunities to improve data quality and enforcement

Early indications suggest the review may look at simplifying reporting requirements while strengthening accountability, particularly around near misses and occupational health issues, which are often underreported.

Potential Impacts on Contractors and Duty Holders

If changes are introduced, construction firms may need to adapt internal reporting procedures, retrain staff, and potentially adopt new digital tools for incident tracking. Smaller contractors, particularly, could feel the impact if additional reporting obligations are introduced. On the other hand, clearer guidance and streamlined systems could reduce administrative burden and improve consistency across the industry.

Have Your Say

The consultation is open to businesses, safety professionals, trade bodies, and workers. For those in construction, this is a valuable opportunity to influence how health and safety reporting evolves, ensuring it reflects the realities of modern sites while maintaining strong protections for workers.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposals carefully and submit feedback before the consultation closes. Industry input will be crucial in shaping a system that is both practical and effective.

The consultation runs until the 30^th of June 2026.

Looking Ahead

While no immediate changes have been confirmed, the consultation signals a broader commitment to improving workplace safety regulation. Construction firms should stay informed, engage with the process, and be prepared for potential updates to compliance requirements in the coming years.

As always, proactive safety management, not just regulatory compliance, will remain the foundation of a resilient and responsible construction sector.