Insights
Whilst some are uncommon and unlikely to occur in most workplaces, one category that is often overlooked or goes unreported in that of occupational diseases.
To clarify, employers and self-employed people are required to report cases of certain diagnosed reportable diseases which are linked with occupational exposure to specified hazards. The reportable diseases and associated hazards are outlined below:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: where the person’s work involves regular use of percussive or vibrating tools
- Cramp of the hand or forearm: where the person’s work involves prolonged periods of repetitive movement of the fingers, hand or arm
- Occupational dermatitis: where the person’s work involves significant or regular exposure to a known skin sensitiser or irritant
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome: where the person’s work involves regular use of percussive or vibrating tools, or holding materials subject to percussive processes, or processes causing vibration
- Occupational asthma: where the person’s work involves significant or regular exposure to a known respiratory sensitiser
- Tendonitis or tenosynovitis: in the hand or forearm, where the person’s work is physically demanding and involves frequent, repetitive movements
Although the Regulations specify varying timescales for reporting different types of incidents, it is advisable to report incidents as soon as possible.
In the case of occupational diseases, they should be reported as soon as the responsible person receives a diagnosis and should be done using the appropriate form on the HSE incident reporting website.
If you need help or guidance with any aspect of incident reporting we can provide assistance with reporting via our reporting line as well as advice and guidance from our experienced consultants, who can assist with investigations where necessary.
