Make sure you protect workers during low temperatures and wintry conditions. You can find helpful advice from HSE on keeping people as comfortable as possible when working in the cold. Our website offers information and guidance including: clarity on what the law says about temperature in the workplace guidance for working outdoors advice on how to protect workers in low temperatures
You can also read our guidance on preventing slips and trips in winter weather.
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. HSEâs latest annual statistics for 2023 to 2024 show that number has reduced to 138. You can: visit our HSE turns 50 webpage, where you can download a stakeholder pack in the related content section, and get involved in helping us mark 50 years find out more in our press release: Health and Safety Executive turns 50
Our latest asbestos campaign blog highlights the impact of asbestos exposure on a member of HSE's digital team. Dan Williamson shares the impact of asbestos exposure on his family, where 3 members died from asbestos-related cancer. This personal account highlights the ongoing presence of asbestos in many buildings and the risks posed when it is disturbed or damaged. read the full blog on our campaign website: a family's tragic history with asbestos download free resources and find out more about the duty to manage asbestos in buildings
There were 215 new cases of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) recorded in Great Britain in 2023. HSE's hand-arm vibration calculator can assist you in calculating exposures along with guidance on how to use it. Access the guidance, as well as a link to the calculator, on our webpage: the hand-arm vibration exposure calculator. Guidance on how to control risks from exposure to vibration in construction is available at: Construction physical ill health risks: Vibration. HAVS prosecution Following a HSE investigation, a council was recently fined £60,000 for exposing workers to the risks arising from the use of vibrating tools. Read more in our press release: Council fined after workers exposed to risks from vibrating tools. Upcoming HAVS training course HSE is also running a one-day course around hand-arm vibration management on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at HSE's Science and Research Centre in Buxton. Book your place at Hand-arm vibration: management in the workplace. HSE will continue to deliver and be involved in a wide range of innovative and relevant training courses and events in 2025. HSE's training is delivered by experts to help organisations comply with the law and keep workforces healthy and safe. Upcoming courses include: CDM and the role of the Principal Designer
5 February, Buxton Musculoskeletal disorders assessment
6 February, Buxton
Find out more about HSE's training, webinars and events
WWT events The CONIAC website includes the regional groups that make up the Working Well Together Initiative (WWT) and its health and safety events. These include: Health surveillance - are you compliant?
30 January (am), Durham Client duties Company and contractor sentenced as failures led to evacuation in village Links for further guidance and information: Commercial clients: roles and responsibilities
Risk assessment Company fined after worker dies at wind farm construction site Links for further guidance and information: Managing risks and risk assessment at work
Work at height â roof work Company and director sentenced for putting workers at risk Links for further guidance and information: Roof work
Work at height â solar panels Company fined as worker breaks leg from fall Links for further guidance and information: Solar panel installation
Work at height â fragile surfaces Company fined after barn roof fall Links for further guidance and information: Fragile surfaces | 