Did you hear about the health and safety changes in October, and if so, did you implement the changes in it? Don’t worry if not, because Tony from TL Safety is here to explain.
From 1 October 2013, RIDDOR 2013 came into force, which introduces significant changes to the existing reporting requirements. The main changes are to simplify the reporting requirements in the following areas:
The classification of ‘major injuries’ to workers is being replaced with a shorter list of “specified injuries.” The previous list of 47 types of industrial disease is being replaced with eight categories of reportable work-related illness so fewer types of dangerous occurrence require reporting. There are no significant changes to the reporting requirements for:
Recording requirements remain broadly unchanged, including the requirement to record accidents resulting in the incapacitation of a worker for more than three days.
These regulations were first introduced in April 2013 but the mandatory compliance date was from the 1st October 2013. The regulations require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed. The updated third edition takes account of the amendment to regulation 3(2), which removes the requirement for the HSE to approve the training and qualifications of appointed first-aid personnel, and to incorporate some additional amendments brought about by other previous legislative changes. Whilst this may give you a wider choice of first aid providers it now puts the responsibility on the Employer to ensure that the training provider and trainers are competent to deliver first aid training. Before determining your first aid requirements you should carry out a first aid needs risk assessment.
