10. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, INFORMATION AND REPORTING

Changes and developments since last year

• the HSE board rejected a number of proposals to “simplify and clarify” injury and illness reporting requirements following a consultation exercise launched in August 2012. However, from October 2013 self-employed people will no longer have to report injuries or illness to themselves and the list of reportable major injuries and dangerous occurrences in the Riddor Regulations will be amended. Employers will still be under a duty to report injuries to members of the public and to report occupational cancers, diseases attributable to biological agents, hand-arm vibration syndrome, dermatitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, severe cramp of the arm, tendonitis and occupational asthma;

• from 1 October 2013, the HSE will no longer approve first-aid training providers under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981;

• the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to the First Aid Regulations may be withdrawn and incorporated into new guidance, depending on the outcome of an HSE consultation launched in March 2013;

• in January 2013 the government announced the creation of a new independent, call-centre based assessment and advisory service to enable employers of all sizes to access expert advice to help them manage sickness absence in the workplace from 2014; and

• in March 2013 the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued new advice on GP fit notes.