Pneumoconiosis Workers’ Compensation Payment Amendments in Northern Ireland: Implications for UK health and safety law and business duty holders

Pneumoconiosis Workers’ Compensation Payment Amendments in Northern Ireland: Implications for UK health and safety law and business duty holders

What has changed

Under the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/925 (N.I.9)) (“the Order”) lump sum payments may be made to certain persons disabled by a disease to which the Order applies, or to dependants of persons who were so disabled before they died. The 2026 Amendment Regulations alter how claims are paid and who qualifies, establishing new parameters for lump sum settlements under the Northern Ireland scheme. The changes sit within UK health and safety law and are relevant to organisations with NI operations or NI employees, even where the disease is not common in day to day operations.

Why it matters

The amendment affects the financial risk profile for employers and other duty holders in Northern Ireland. It can influence compensation costs for workers disabled by pneumoconiosis and may affect decisions on claims handling and medical surveillance. For businesses with NI workforces, it reinforces the need for robust dust control, exposure monitoring and timely health surveillance to reduce long term liabilities. It also emphasises the importance of accurate records, effective insurance arrangements and clear contractor management so that exposure is properly managed at source.

Who is affected

The update primarily affects organisations with Northern Ireland operations or contractors where pneumoconiosis risk and related exposure are present. This includes sectors such as construction, mining, heavy manufacturing and other workplaces with exposure to silica and other siliceous dusts. Prepared organisations should consider the impact on their governance and risk management practices.

Key duties for employers

Review dust control measures and risk assessments for pneumoconiosis hazards. Ensure health surveillance programmes are in place and evidence of exposure monitoring is retained. Confirm insurance coverage and employer liability arrangements for NI claims. Update policies and training to reflect the new payment framework and the importance of preventing pneumoconiosis through engineering controls and PPE. Revisit contractor management to ensure sub contractors comply with dust control and reporting obligations. Consider aligning management systems with ISO 45001 and engage a Competent Person for ongoing oversight. See health and safety risk assessments and Competent Person support for practical guidance.

Enforcement and sanctions

Regulatory authorities in Northern Ireland enforce the Pneumoconiosis scheme and the 2026 amendment Regulations through established processes. Non compliance can increase liability and affect governance in risk management. Organisations should maintain open dialogue with the regulator where relevant and demonstrate proactive risk control.

Steps to achieve compliance

Prioritise steps to demonstrate compliance with the amended framework:

1. Review risk assessments for pneumoconiosis hazards and dust exposure.
2. Update health surveillance and medical monitoring arrangements.
3. Assess and document exposure controls in line with best practice.
4. Ensure accurate record keeping of exposure data and health surveillance results.
5. Strengthen insurance and liability arrangements for NI claims.
6. Update procurement and contractor management to enforce dust control commitments.
7. Enhance governance by aligning with ISO 45001 where appropriate.
8. Engage with workers to understand concerns and gather input on risk controls.

Practical governance and oversight

Establish clear accountability for pneumoconiosis risk, appoint a competent adviser and integrate risk management into management systems. If you need structured support, consider Synergos Consultancy services covering ISO 45001 health and safety management resources and Competent Person support.

Wrap up

The Pneumoconiosis payment amendments in Northern Ireland represent a clarifying development in UK health and safety law. By recognising new payment routes and reinforcing exposure controls, organisations should act promptly to strengthen governance, update risk assessments and ensure ongoing compliance. Timely planning and proactive action can reduce liabilities while protecting workers and compliance standing.