Safety notices: offshore installations

HSE has recently published 2 safety notices targeted at offshore installation duty holders.

The notices highlight key safety risks and recommended actions for offshore duty holders.

Elevated cabin floor windows

HSE is investigating a fatal incident and is aware of another, that involved falls through floor window openings in elevated cabins, after protective gratings were removed for cleaning or maintenance.

• duty holders should ensure gratings are securely fixed, assess fall risks and implement suitable controls
• clear warning signs should be displayed where non-load-bearing glass floor windows are present
• suppliers should also support users and highlight this potential hazard where possible

Read the safety notice in full: Offshore – Elevated cabin floor windows.

Drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes

HSE has issued a safety notice warning that some drilling drawworks fail-safe disc brakes may not provide enough braking torque to stop a moving load in an emergency, despite passing routine static holding tests.

This could result in uncontrolled descent of top drives or travelling systems, creating a significant risk of serious injury and equipment damage.

Offshore operators, duty holders, manufacturers and suppliers should review the design, testing, maintenance and performance standards of drawworks emergency braking systems.

Read the safety notice in full: Offshore – Drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes.

New campaign from HSE: protect workers from noise and vibration

Noise and vibration at work can cause permanent harm, but much of this is preventable. 

HSE has launched a new noise and vibration campaign, which promotes a simple 3-step approach to help employers prevent permanent, life-changing ill health: assess, control, protect.

Workers may not always realise they’re being harmed until symptoms appear. By then, some damage may already be permanent. Taking action early can prevent these life-changing health conditions and help employers meet their legal duties:

• visit the noise and vibration pages on our Work Right campaign website for practical advice and resources
• read our press release: Noise and vibration: HSE warns employers not to wait until the damage is done
• sign up to the HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge to support HSE’s wider work to reduce vibration-related ill health

Join our free webinar on 21 October: Vibration risk management: getting your priorities right

Accident and near-miss tool

The accident and near-miss tool is designed to help organisations streamline incident reporting and aid compliance with RIDDOR requirements.

The tool automates the collection of accident and near-miss records, allowing teams to filter by location, type or theme. This enables you to understand how risks occur and take informed preventative measures. 

It also guides duty holders through HSE’s step-by-step investigation framework providing expert advice on investigating incidents and preventing recurrence.

• visit our webpage about the accident and near-miss tool
• book time with a member of our products team
• watch our series of walkthrough videos on YouTube

Construction company fined £120,000 after worker dies in fall from height

A worker died after falling through an unsafe floor during refurbishment work at a domestic property.

The incident occurred during work to replace damaged floor joists which left unsafe, open gaps in the floor. The worker fell from the first floor to the concrete floor below, causing fatal head injuries.

HSE’s investigation found that the work at height had not been properly planned, supervised or carried out safely, and adequate measures had not been put in place to prevent falls. The company was fined £120,000 plus costs.

Read more about the incident in our press release: Construction company fined £120,000 after worker dies in fall from height

You can read further guidance and information on assessing work at height. For more health and safety stories visit HSE’s news centre.

Join us at Safe Net Zero 2026

18 to 19 November, Edinburgh.

HSE is bringing together key hydrogen stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences at Safe Net Zero 2026.

Join us in-person for the opportunity to learn, share and network. The packed programme will focus on what is happening with hydrogen safety nationally and globally, and what that means in relation to the UK transport, storage and production landscapes.Book your place for Safe Net Zero 2026.