HSE science team helps power hydrogen aviation breakthrough

HSE has been working with Rolls Royce to achieve a major milestone for sustainable aviation.

Our science team has played a key role in a helping decarbonise air travel by supporting the successful test of the first jet engine in the world to reach full take-off power using 100% hydrogen fuel.

Working with Rolls-Royce, specialists at our Science and Research Centre in Buxton designed and installed high-flow, high-pressure hydrogen supply and monitoring systems for the pioneering ‘Engine GH2’ test programme.

Our scientists also provided rigorous safety analysis. This helped move the project from design to live testing at pace while maintaining robust safety standards.

To find out more about this exciting project:

read our press release: HSE science team helps power world-first hydrogen aviation breakthrough
watch our video on YouTube: Working with Rolls Royce to decarbonise air travel

Help shape the future of HSE services

HSE is testing prototypes to help improve the land use planning (LUP) web app.

Using mock-ups of how the service might look and feel, we test prototypes to get feedback so we can iterate and improve before the service is built.

If you use the service, however infrequently, we would like to hear from you.

The voluntary sessions take 1 to 2 hours, and are on MS Teams at a time to suit you. For people who use credits, we offer one credit on completion of testing, for use in the current service.

If you are interested in taking part, please email HSE’s research team. We will use your contact details to send you a consent form and sign-up information.

Feedback can also be provided anonymously through our survey on land use planning services and guidance.

Please share this with others who might be interested. You can also view our user research privacy policy.

HSE has updated its infections and biological hazards at work guidance

HSE has published extensively improved guidance on managing infection risks and biological hazards in workplaces.

Working as part of a wider website update programme, we have:

improved guidance on identifying biological hazards and carrying out risk assessments
introduced a clearer structure to help users quickly find information relevant to their workplace and risks
added content covering legal duties, prevention of exposure, and safe work with biological agents
included guidance for workers and advice on pandemic preparedness and response
removed outdated and non-relevant information
strengthened links to HSE resources and authoritative sources such as the NHS and UK Health Security Agency

Visit the refreshed guidance on infections and biological hazards at work.

Reminder to keep construction sites secure during school holidays

With school summer holidays fast approaching, HSE is reminding construction companies of their duties to keep children out of their site and away from danger.

While these sorts of accidents are rare, children have tragically lost their lives, and others have been injured, after accessing unsecure and unsafe construction sites.

School holidays mean more children and young people spending time outdoors exploring their local surroundings. Those in control of construction sites must ensure that they are secure, fenced off where necessary, well-maintained and protected from unauthorised access.

For further information read our press release.

You can read HSE guidance about protecting the public on construction sites.

Leisure firm fined after footballer electrocuted by floodlight

A man was electrocuted and died after coming into contact with a floodlight while retrieving a football at a leisure centre.

He had been playing on an all-weather pitch when the ball went out of play. As he climbed a fence to collect it, he touched a floodlight and received a fatal electric shock.

HSE’s investigation found:

the incident was caused by worn and faulty wiring that had not been properly inspected or maintained over several years
the company had also failed to act on a previous incident just weeks earlier, when another person received an electric shock from the same equipment

The leisure firm was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £40,000 in costs.

Read more about the incident in our press release: Leisure firm fined after death of footballer electrocuted by floodlight

For more health and safety stories:

RIDDOR: public consultation closing soon

A consultation is open on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

We are seeking stakeholder views on a range of proposals to help reduce work-related ill health, one of HSE’s key strategic objectives. These include proposed clarified definitions and updating lists of occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences.

The consultation runs until 30 June 2026.

Take part in the consultation and submit comments: Consultation on proposals for RIDDOR.