HSE inspections in garages and bodyshops to tackle occupational asthma risks

HSE inspectors are now visiting motor vehicle repair businesses to check protection measures against isocyanate exposure.

The inspections focus on ensuring effective controls, procedures and monitoring are in place to protect workers from the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK.

Isocyanates are chemicals used to harden paints, coatings, lacquers and finishes. Every year, many skilled vehicle paint sprayers develop this life-changing disease, forcing them to leave their profession permanently.

Read about the risks, control measures and how to monitor workers’ health on our campaign website: Isocyanates awareness.

There are also further details about the inspections in our news article: HSE launches workplace safety inspections for motor vehicle repair.

Refreshed offshore oil and gas website

Our webpages for the offshore oil and gas industry have been updated, offering a streamlined and enhanced experience for visitors.

The updates will help all those working in the industry comply with health and safety law as they:

bring the guidance up to date
remove obsolete or duplicated information
make it easier for users to find and understand the content they need

The most significant change is bringing previously separate content on the Offshore Major Accident Regulator (OMAR) into the main offshore website. This will help dutyholders access information on the role of the UK’s offshore competent authority.

Visit the updated offshore oil and gas website.

Call for evidence on lifting equipment and pressure systems regulations

HSE has begun work to review both the:

This review was announced by the Treasury under the Regulatory Action Programme (RAP). This is a government initiative to reform the UK’s regulatory landscape in support of economic growth, innovation and business productivity.

Call for Evidence

HSE has launched a Call for Evidence as part of our review, which is now open for comments.

The purpose is to:

understand whether any aspects of the regulations impose administrative or financial burdens that do not clearly support risk reduction
identify areas where the regulations may no longer reflect current practice or technological developments
explore whether there is scope to improve clarity or effectiveness

The information will help determine if the regulations remain proportionate and responsive to emerging technologies.

Your perspectives will be invaluable in shaping the future of these regulations. We encourage participation and sharing this opportunity with relevant colleagues.

How to participate

There are 2 separate Calls for Evidence. Find out more and give your views:

The closing date for comments is 11 November 2025.

MSD Awards 2026 Launched

This years MSD ‘Risk-reduction through design’ awards are now open.

Celebrating 10 years of innovation in MSD risk reduction, the awards are sponsored by HSE and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and recognise UK employers making impactful changes to reduce workplace MSD risks. This could be:

a reduction in lifting, carrying pushing or pulling activities

removing the need for manual handling

a significant decrease in the need for awkward postures or the force needed to use equipment

Any UK employer can enter 2 categories:

best overall MSD risk reduction through design

SME recognition award (under 250 employees)

Further details on how to enter, as well as case studies of previous winners, can be found on our website: Musculoskeletal disorders risk-reduction through design awards 2026.

The closing date for entries is Saturday 31 January 2026. 

Waste company fined £160,000 after worker suffers crush injuries

The £160,000 fine came after an incident where a loading shovel bucket fell onto a maintenance worker.

The worker was fixing a hydraulic leak on the loading shovel when the shovel bucket fell on them, causing serious crush injuries.

An investigation found the company had failed to undertake a risk assessment for the maintenance activity and had not devised a safe system of work.

Read more in our press release: Waste company fined £160,000 after worker suffers crush injuries

HSE’s waste management and recycling pages contain useful information and guidance to help control the risks associated with waste management.

Visit our news centre for more health and safety headlines, which include:

glass maker fined £600,000 after worker injured

10 October is World Mental Health Day

Employers have a legal duty to prevent work-related stress and support mental health through risk assessments and actions.

Get free resources from HSE’s Working Minds campaign.