Changes introduced today mean only fatal and major injuries will be reported by phone with all other incidents logged via the HSE website.

Trevor Carlile, HSE’s Director of Strategy: “This should not be a significant change for many, as more than half of reportable injuries are already notified to HSE through the website.

“The new forms are intuitive and quick and easy to complete. The most important thing is that there will still be somebody at the end of the phone to assist those who are reporting a traumatic event that has resulted in a death or major injury.”

The HSE’s Infoline telephone advice service will also end this month as part of a cost-cutting drive.

All advice needed on health and safety issues will be found on the HSE’s website.

Carlile said: “HSE’s website is already overwhelmingly the most popular option for accessing health and safety information.

“We’re confident that our web services can be efficient and effective at a fraction of the cost per contact compared with telephone services. We’ll continue to make improvements to make the website as intuitive and easy-to-use as possible.”