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Reporting cases of occupational ill health

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (As Amended) (RIDDOR)

These regulations require that all diagnosed cases of occupational ill health occurring as a result of work carried out on or within the railway boundary should be reported to ORR as the health and safety enforcing authority for Britains railways. This includes railways, tramways, guided transport systems and trolley vehicle systems, and the associated infrastructure (permanent way area/area on or about the track), railway vehicles, stations (including platforms), signal boxes and office buildings.

Reports should be made using the online RIDDOR reporting form - guidance on completing the report (PDF 220 Kb) is available.

Below are examples of common occupational ill health issues associated with the railway industry found in Schedule 3 of RIDDOR.

  • Musculoskeletal disorders including:
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome;
    • cramp of hand/forearm, or traumatic inflammation of the tendons, due to repetitive movements;
    • subcutaneous cellulitis of the hand, knee or elbow (known as ‘beat ‘conditions) arising from physically demanding work causing severe or prolonged friction or pressure;
  • Hand-arm vibration syndrome
  • Infections due to biological agents including:
    • leptospirosis,
    • hepatitis,
    • tetanus,
    • Lyme disease,
    • legionellosis
  • Lung diseases including:
    • mesothelioma,
    • asbestosis,
    • pneumoconiosis (including that resulting from dust exposure during sand blasting by compressed air)
    • occupational asthma arising from to exposure to sensitising agents (including isocyanates)
  • Skin diseases including:
    • skin cancer,
    • occupational dermatitis arising from exposure to skin sensitisers (including for example cement, plaster or concrete; organic solvents; biocides, preservatives and disinfectants).

In addition to the above there are also a number of dangerous occurrences/incidents contained within Schedules 1 and 2 of RIDDOR involving the potential for exposure to harmful substances which may immediately cause health risks, these cases should also be reported.

A full list of reportable occupational health diseases can be found in Schedule 3 of RIDDOR.

Last updated: March 2013