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Following the UK’s exit from the EU there have been some small changes to some Health & Safety related legislation. This affects the Supply of Machinery Regulations & REACH (Registration, evaluation, authorisation & restriction of Chemicals) Regulations.

For those involved in the supply of machinery there are now different requirements for equipment intended for sale in the UK and that intended for sale in the EU. The EU requirements for CE marking remain the same but equipment for sale in the UK will now require a UKCA mark.

Anyone involved in the sale of equipment to the UK market should ensure they have plans in place to meet these new standard by the end of 2021.

For the supply of substances there are new requirements for the UK under the UK REACH Regulations. Anyone who is involved in the manufacture and supply of chemicals should ensure they are familiar with the new registration scheme.

Following the changes to the reporting requirements for lost time injuries in 2012 the HSE has now made additional changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.

These new changes relate to the classification of reportable incidents. The main changes are in the following areas:

• The classification of 'major injuries' to workers replaced with a shorter list of 'specified injuries'
• The existing schedule detailing 47 types of industrial disease replaced with eight categories of reportable work-related illness
• Fewer types of 'dangerous occurrence' require reporting

Hopefully these changes will make reporting simpler for all involved in the reporting of incidents to the HSE.

New guidance has been produced by the HSE which can be found on their website.