UK Introduces Sweeping Health and Safety Reforms for 2026

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has rolled out substantial updates to health and safety legislation and guidance for 2026, with a pronounced shift towards occupational health, disease prevention, and organisational accountability. These changes aim to address the estimated £22.9 billion annual cost of work-related injuries and illnesses, which account for 40.1 million lost working days.

Key UK Legislative Changes and Priorities

  • RIDDOR Modernisation: The HSE has proposed significant changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). These proposals include expanding the list of reportable occupational diseases, broadening the range of healthcare professionals whose diagnoses trigger reporting obligations, and updating dangerous occurrence reporting to better reflect modern workplaces. If implemented, businesses will need to reassess their incident reporting procedures and occupational health arrangements.
  • Increased Focus on Workplace Health: The HSE's priorities are increasingly shifting towards long-term health risks. There will be increased enforcement activity in sectors with prevalent workplace health risks, focusing on dust and airborne contaminants, health surveillance programmes, contractor management, and the quality of risk assessments.
  • Psychosocial Risks and Mental Health: Workplace mental health is now a core part of health and safety. Employers are expected to identify and manage psychosocial risks such as stress, workload pressures, and burnout, as mandated by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The HSE has indicated it will take enforcement action where employers fail to manage work-related stress.
  • Building and Asbestos Safety Reforms: The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), established under the Building Safety Act 2022, continues to implement reforms to improve standards for high-risk and multi-occupancy buildings. The BSR became a standalone public body on January 27, 2026, aiming for greater accountability. Additionally, an HSE consultation on stricter Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which closed in January 2026, proposes better surveys, independent clearance processes, and clearer definitions for notifiable non-licensed work.
  • Martyn's Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025): This new legislation introduces staged requirements for public venues and events, mandating robust security measures and emergency preparedness. Businesses will need to conduct security risk assessments, implement clear emergency plans, provide staff training, and appoint security leads.
  • Remote and Hybrid Working: Employers are increasingly expected to consider risks associated with remote and hybrid working arrangements, including proportionate risk assessments for regular home workers.
  • Chemicals Regulations: The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 aim to amend three sets of assimilated regulations concerning chemicals in Great Britain. This includes changes to the Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR), the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (GB CLP), and the Prior Informed Consent Regulation (GB PIC). These changes address issues that could not be resolved at the time of the UK's exit from the EU.

Ireland Strengthens Protections Against Hazardous Chemicals

Ireland has also introduced significant health and safety legislation in 2026, primarily focusing on enhanced protection for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals. On April 2, 2026, Minister of State Alan Dillon TD signed two new sets of regulations into law: the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

Key Irish Regulatory Updates

  • EU Directive Implementation: These new regulations implement EU Directive 2024/869, which aims to improve worker protection from the harmful effects of lead and diisocyanates.
  • Occupational Exposure Limits for Diisocyanates: For the first time, EU-wide occupational exposure limits have been set for diisocyanates, substances commonly linked to asthma and skin conditions, affecting an estimated 4.2 million workers across the EU.
  • Strengthened Lead Protections: The Directive also strengthens protections related to lead exposure, requiring ongoing medical monitoring for workers with elevated blood-lead levels and setting stricter exposure limits for female workers of childbearing age.
  • Updated Codes of Practice: Alongside these amendments, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has published a new Code of Practice for the Chemical Agents Regulations (2001 to 2026) and the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Regulations (2024 and 2026), which came into force on April 9, 2026.
  • Emphasis on Proactive Safety Management: For 2026, the HSA's emphasis has shifted towards proactive Safety Management Systems that demonstrate ongoing risk control, moving away from reactive fixes. Employers are expected to maintain up-to-date safety statements and conduct thorough risk assessments.
  • DSE Compliance for Hybrid Work: The HSA has intensified its focus on Display Screen Equipment (DSE) and Visual Display Unit (VDU) standards, particularly in the context of hybrid working. This includes requiring dual-location risk assessments for employees who habitually work from home, as the home office is now considered a legal 'place of work'.

Implications for Businesses

Both UK and Irish businesses face increased scrutiny and a need for proactive compliance. The regulatory changes underscore a commitment to reducing work-related ill health and ensuring safer working environments. Employers in both jurisdictions must review and update their health and safety policies, risk assessments, and training programmes to align with the new requirements. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including substantial fines and personal liability for directors in Ireland.

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For comprehensive support in navigating these evolving health and safety landscapes, businesses can find valuable resources and training solutions through Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.