HSE has refreshed its guidance publication 'Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica'. The publication has been refreshed to emphasise: where workers are regularly exposed to RCS dust and there is a reasonable likelihood that silicosis may develop worktop manufacturing and installation are stated as high-risk occupations and provision of health surveillance must be considered health surveillance is a risk-based scheme of repeated health checks and is required under the COSHH Regulations for those exposed to hazardous substances to detect ill-health effects early and show whether review and revision of risk assessment and control measures are necessary occupational health professionals should be consulted to identify when additional health surveillance is needed, for example where over-exposure to RCS dust has already occurred
You can read the updated publication on our website: Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (G404)
Falls from height continue to be the most common cause of fatal accidents to construction workers. HSEâs construction industry statistics show that falls from height were the cause of over half (52%) of the construction worker fatalities in 2023 to 2024. The No Falls Foundation is launching its annual No Falls Week, a campaign dedicated to promoting safe working at height. Sign up to get involved and get access to the No Falls Week resources hub where you can download materials to support the campaign. View the details of 2 recent HSE prosecutions following fatal falls from height during construction activity on our website: Bradford builder sentenced after fatal fall of asylum seeker Fines for company and operations manager after death from 20-foot fall
Visit HSE's website for more guidance and information on working at height.
Around half of all work-related ill health in Great Britain is due to stress, depression or anxiety. Employers can help manage and prevent stress by improving conditions at work, but also have a role in making adjustments and helping someone manage a mental health problem at work. Find out more about the practical resources and support available from HSEâs Working Minds campaign. This includes free online learning and information on accessing support services from Mates in Mind charity and The Lighthouse Construction Industry charity. You can also: download and promote campaign materials find out more about reasonable adjustments under equalities legislation
The review illustrates how HSE uses innovative science and evidence to protect people and places. Case studies this year include: identification of the highest risk tasks and trades within construction, allowing for targeted interventions to reduce the overall impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders investigation of a fatality as a consequence of premature collapse of a building during demolition expert engineering materials guides for the Building Safety Regulator
Visit HSE's website to download the 2025 Annual Science Review.
This year the review is also accompanied by several video case studies. Watch for future content from our scientists, researchers and engineers on our dedicated YouTube playlist. HSE continues to deliver and be involved in a wide range of innovative and relevant training courses and events in 2025. Upcoming courses and events include: Hydrogen: The Fundamentals
20 to 21 May, live online (2 half-days)
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: Occupational Health - Health Awareness Day
15 May (am), Bristol Occupational Health - Legal Obligations
28 May (am), Leominster
Asbestos Contractor sentenced after uncontrolled spread of asbestos Builder sentenced for unlicensed asbestos removal further guidance and information: Asbestos
Excavations Fines for company and director after man injured during excavation work further guidance and information: Excavations
Work at height Community order for builder after man fell through barn roof further guidance and information: Fragile surfaces
| 