HSE Inspections: What to expect in the coming months

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced where it will be focusing inspections (both announced and unannounced) over the coming months. These visits will target the areas that pose the greatest risk to worker health and safety, and if any of these impact your business now is the time to prepare.  

Taking action in advance not only protects your people and the reputation of your business but also reduces the risk of Improvement Notices or Prohibition Notices should inspectors visit, which can often lead to a costly “Fee for Intervention” (FFI). Here’s what inspectors are prioritising, why it matters, and how to stay compliant. 

 

Asbestos Management 

Asbestos remains a leading cause of occupational deaths, with 2,257 mesothelioma deaths recorded in 2022. 

Why it matters: Exposure can cause fatal illness decades after contact. Inspectors are paying close attention to older buildings, including schools, hospitals and offices. 

How to stay compliant: 

• If your building was constructed before 2000, arrange for an asbestos survey to be completed by a competent person. 

• Keep your asbestos register and management plan up to date. 

• Train staff who are likely to be exposed or undertake routine monitoring and use licensed contractors for removal work. 

How we can help: We have handy Asbestos Awareness e-learning on Atlas. 

 

Hazardous Dusts and Airborne Risks 

Industries such as woodworking, construction and bakeries face particular scrutiny for their management of dusts, such as wood, silica and flour. 

Why it matters: Around 12,000 deaths each year are linked to past occupational exposures. Wood dust and flour dust can cause asthma, and silica dust can cause silicosis and lung cancer. 

Hazardous dusts also present potential fire and explosion risks, which can be extremely damaging to your business if not managed effectively. This is identified within the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations, also known as DSEAR. 

How to stay compliant: 

• Ensure you identify the hazardous substances and processes within your business, and complete CoSHH Assessments to address the risks. 

• Put in place controls, such as elimination of the substance, substitution (swapping it for something less hazardous), Engineering Controls, such as using and maintaining effective local exhaust ventilation (LEV), consider whether you have the correct Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in place and that face-fit testing has been completed by a competent person where required. 

• Monitor exposure levels and provide health surveillance. 

• Ensure you identify the dangerous and potentially explosive substances within your workplace and implement suitable controls to eliminate or reduce the risks of an explosion. This is usually done by an assessment outlined by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. 

Our support: We offer Air Monitoring services, CoSHH templates and e-learning on Atlas, and DSEAR Risk Assessments 

 

Noise Risks 

Excessive noise remains a key focus in manufacturing, construction and engineering. 

Why it matters: Long-term exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, conditions that are irreversible. 

How to stay compliant: 

• Assess workplace noise levels. It is important that this is undertaken by a competent person with correctly calibrated monitoring equipment. 

• Introduce hearing protection zones and supply PPE. 

• Provide health surveillance for employees exposed to high noise. 

Our support: Noise Monitoring services, and Atlas e-learning on noise awareness and controls. 

 

Vibration Risks 

Inspectors will also pay close attention to vibration risks, particularly in industries using power tools and heavy equipment. 

Why it matters: Prolonged use of vibrating tools can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a painful and disabling condition that can stop people working with tools permanently by causing damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints. 

How to stay compliant: 

• Assess worker exposure to vibration. 

• Maintain and monitor equipment. 

• Provide health surveillance for at-risk staff. 

Our support: Vibration Monitoring to identify risks and solutions. 

 

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) 

Manual handling and repetitive strain remain major causes of work-related ill health. 

Why it matters: In 2023/24, 543,000 workers suffered from MSDs, resulting in 7.8 million lost working days. 

How to stay compliant: 

• Complete risk assessments for manual handling and repetitive tasks. 

• Train staff in safe lifting techniques and provide handling aids. 

• Redesign tasks to reduce repetitive strain, awkward postures and reducing the overall weight of each load 

Our support: Consultant-led Risk Assessment support and Atlas e-learning on manual handling. 

 

Work-Related Stress 

Stress is one of the HSE’s most significant concerns and will continue to be a focus. 

Why it matters: 776,000 workers experienced stress, depression or anxiety in 2023/24, causing 16.4 million lost working days. Left unmanaged, stress contributes to high turnover, absenteeism and poor performance. 

How to stay compliant: The HSE expects employers to manage stress using its six Management Standards: 

• Demands – ensuring workloads, patterns and environments are manageable. 

• Control – giving people a say in how they do their work. 

• Support – providing resources, encouragement and training. 

• Relationships – promoting positive working to avoid conflict and bullying. 

• Role – making sure staff understand their responsibilities. 

• Change – engaging staff during organisational change. 

Our support: 

• Risk Assessment templates which follow the management standards. 

• Atlas e-learning on stress. 

 

Legionella Risks 

Legionella is a particular inspection focus for the months ahead, especially in workplaces with complex water systems. 

Why it matters: 

• Legionella bacteria can grow in hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, spa pools and air conditioning units if not properly maintained. 

• Inhalation of contaminated water droplets can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. 

• Outbreaks often attract significant media attention, reputational damage, and serious enforcement action. 

How to stay compliant: 

• Appoint a competent person (“Responsible Person”) to oversee Legionella control. 

• Complete a Legionella risk assessment for all water systems. 

• Implement a written scheme of control (regular flushing, temperature checks, cleaning and disinfection). 

• Keep water at safe temperatures: hot water above 60°C and cold water below 20°C. 

• Maintain clear records of inspections, monitoring, and remedial actions. 

Our support: 

• Basic template legionella risk assessments for simple water systems. 

• On-site safety support days to check compliance. 

• Atlas templates and record-keeping to ensure monitoring is inspection ready. 

Why compliance matters now 

The scale of the challenge is clear: – 1.7 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2023/24. – 33.7 million working days were lost. – The total cost to Britain was £21.6 billion. With 14,000 proactive inspections planned for 2025–26, the risks of non-compliance — both financial and reputational — are higher than ever. 

 

How we help you stay ahead 

If you’ve got any questions around this guidance, get in touch via your free advice line on 0345 844 4848*.

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