A Look Ahead to the Next 12 Months: Health and Safety Insights for 2026

In the most recent webinar in the series of webinars hosted by Ctrl Hub in partnership with The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), John Heslop, Principal Inspector at HSE, and Mark Lisgo, Managing Director of Ctrl Hub, discussed the HSE’s focus for the upcoming 12 months. This blog highlights the key points from their discussion and offers actionable insights for organisations looking to improve their health and safety practices in 2026.

The State of Health and Safety: A Snapshot

While high-risk industries have always been subject to strict safety regulations, 2026 brings ever increasing scrutiny. Employers must focus on compliance not only for physical safety but also for health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory risks, and asbestos management. In fact, health-related issues account for a significant portion of the injuries and illnesses reported in the workplace.

The HSE has identified key areas for heightened focus this year, including employee engagement, subcontractor compliance, and improving documentation and record-keeping. The goal is to shift the focus from reactive safety management to proactive prevention.

Duty Holder Responsibilities: Understanding Your Role

One of the most important takeaways from the webinar was the clarification of duty holder responsibilities. John Heslop explained that, under UK health and safety law, a “duty holder” is anyone responsible for the health and safety of workers. This includes both direct employees and subcontractors.

Employers must ensure that they are not only complying with regulations for their direct workforce but also ensuring that any contractors or external workers are fully aware of and adhering to safety protocols.

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As John mentioned, “Just because a subcontractor is on-site doesn’t mean you can absolve yourself of responsibility. It’s your duty to ensure they’re complying with health and safety standards.”

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Employee Engagement: A Cornerstone of Safety

Engaging employees in health and safety initiatives is not just a legal requirement but also an ethical responsibility. John emphasised the importance of employee involvement in safety processes, particularly in areas such as PPE (personal protective equipment), health surveillance, and training needs analysis.

Employers should ensure that employees not only understand the risks but are actively involved in mitigating them. John shared a case where a company adjusted their respiratory protective equipment to accommodate a worker’s health condition, showing a real commitment to employee well-being. This approach not only complied with safety standards but also demonstrated the company’s genuine investment in its workforce's health.

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“When employees feel involved and valued in health and safety decisions, they are more likely to take ownership of their own safety and the safety of those around them.” – John Heslop, HSE

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The Role of Documentation and Evidence in Compliance

As the HSE continues to stress, one of the most critical components of health and safety compliance is documentation. Employers must maintain comprehensive records to demonstrate compliance, including meeting minutes, training logs, risk assessments, and toolbox talk registers. These records should show not just that the safety procedures were in place but also that employees were actively engaged in them.

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Mark Lisgo added: “Compliance is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about demonstrating that your health and safety practices are embedded in the culture of your business. The right documentation can be the difference between successfully defending yourself in case of an incident and facing significant penalties.”

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Key Areas of Focus for the Next 12 Months

As businesses prepare for the next 12 months, HSE has highlighted several critical areas to focus on:

1. Respiratory Risks: Employers should assess their approach to managing respiratory risks, especially in environments where workers are exposed to dust, fumes, or hazardous substances. With new innovations in respiratory protective equipment (RPE), businesses must stay ahead of emerging technology to protect their workers effectively.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders: These remain a significant concern, particularly for workers in physically demanding roles. Regular assessments of workstations, job roles, and ergonomics can help reduce the risk of injuries caused by repetitive movements or poor posture.
3. Asbestos Management: Asbestos still poses a risk in many older buildings and construction sites. Employers must ensure that all workers are trained in handling asbestos safely and that proper health surveillance is in place.
4. Employee Engagement and Feedback: Regular employee consultations and safety meetings should be documented to ensure workers feel heard and that their concerns are being addressed. The more engaged employees are in the safety process, the safer the workplace will be.
5. Subcontractor Compliance: Managing subcontractors effectively and ensuring that they comply with safety regulations is an area of growing focus. Employers must ensure that all parties on a job site are following the same safety protocols.

Practical Steps to Improve Health and Safety Practices in 2026

For organisations looking to improve their health and safety practices this year, here are some practical steps to implement:

1. Conduct Regular Health and Safety Audits: Evaluate your existing health and safety protocols to ensure they are up to date. Include a review of your documentation, safety training, and compliance with current regulations.
2. Foster a Safety-First Culture: Engage employees at all levels in safety discussions. Encourage feedback and make sure they understand the importance of reporting near-misses and safety concerns.
3. Invest in Training: Provide ongoing training to employees, particularly in areas where safety risks are high, such as working with hazardous materials, noise exposure, and manual handling.
4. Use Technology to Streamline Compliance: Tools like Ctrl Hub’s platform can help streamline the process of documenting and tracking health and safety activities, making it easier to stay compliant and demonstrate due diligence in case of an inspection.
5. Ensure Subcontractor Engagement: Develop clear procedures for engaging subcontractors in your health and safety culture. Ensure they receive the same training, tools, and resources as your direct employees.

Conclusion: Building a Safer, Healthier Workforce

By focusing on employee engagement, proactive health management, and thorough documentation, employers can create a safer and more compliant work environment. The role of health and safety is not just about preventing accidents; it’s about ensuring that workers are healthy and well, both physically and mentally.

Ctrl Hub’s platform can help businesses achieve these goals by providing the tools needed to manage health and safety compliance more effectively. With the right systems in place, employers can be confident in their ability to meet regulatory requirements and protect their workforce.

If you missed the webinar or would like to explore how Ctrl Hub can support your health and safety efforts, the full session is available on demand.

👉 Watch the full webinar
📄 Download the slides
💬 Speak to Ctrl Hub about compliance solutions