Health and Safety Executive turns 50

HSE celebrated 50 years on 1 January 2025

Created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, HSE was officially launched on 1 January 1975.

Working together with local authorities for the last 50 years, we have played a central role in reducing workplace death and injury, helping Great Britain become one of the safest places in the world to work.

In 1974, 651 workers were killed at work. HSE’s latest annual statistics for 2023 to 2024 show that number has reduced to 138.

Visit our website where you can find out more and get involved in helping us mark 50 years: Health and Safety Executive turns 50

Home improvement and asbestos

Many people may be considering some home improvements this new year, involving the use of tradespeople.

Before any work starts, homeowners should make sure the tradespeople have evaluated the risk of asbestos being present and/or disturbed, as well as what they will do should they suspect or discover hidden asbestos.

Our Asbestos and You campaign provides essential information that traders in building, maintenance and allied trades need to help plan work safely.

visit the Asbestos and You campaign website to download the quick guide for trades
access the asbestos essentials tasksheets
share the free TrustMark app for homeowners

Health and Safety Executive Chief Executive awarded in the New Year’s Honours List

The Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Sarah Albon has been recognised in the New Year’s honours list.

Sarah has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Bath for her services to the public sector. The honours are given by the King and recognise achievements of people from across the United Kingdom.

Sarah joined HSE in 2019 and led the organisation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to HSE, Sarah was Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service.

Read the full press release to find out more.

Recognising contributions to reducing musculoskeletal risk

Time is running out to make a nomination for HSE’s 2025 Risk-reduction through design awards.

If you are an employer in the UK and you have made design changes that have reduced musculoskeletal risks in your workplace, then nominate yourselves for the awards.

Any UK employer can enter and there is an additional award category for small and medium size businesses (up to 250 employees).

The deadline for entries is 31 January 2025. Our website has further details on how to enter and case studies of previous winners.

Call for Safety Focus as Solar Panel Fire Numbers Increase

A renewed emphasis on installation quality, regular maintenance and system inspections is being called for as the number of solar panel fire incidents continues to climb alongside the rapid expansion of renewable energy technology. Fire and safety specialists say that while solar power remains a safe and effective energy source, poorly installed equipment, faulty components

Safety notice: GEC VMX High Voltage Switchgear

HSE has published a safety notice following the failure of a GEC VMX high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, which resulted in electrical arcing and fire within a substation. HSE’s investigation identified partial discharge activity as the most likely cause, with previous warning signs having been detected but not acted upon. The notice applies to GEC

Company and director prosecuted after worker injury

A company and its director have been prosecuted after a worker suffered life-changing injuries during the dismantling of a steel frame structure in Surrey. The incident occurred when a steel beam weighing more than 100kg fell after a ratchet strap, not designed for lifting operations, failed. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hse-network.com] The worker sustained multiple fractures to the

Network Rail fined £1.2m over wall collapse

Network Rail has been fined £1.2 million after a boundary wall at Rugby railway station collapsed and seriously injured 81-year-old Edward Hanlon in September 2022. Investigators found the wall had been omitted from inspection records after boundary changes were incorrectly documented, meaning its deteriorating condition went unnoticed. [orr.gov.uk], [yahoo.com] The incident left Mr Hanlon with