Health and safety law in the UK is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the 382 Local Authorities (LAs) across the country.
The Statistics so Far
In 2025’s first quarter, the picture for HSE was:
- 28 prosecutions
- Just over £3 million in fines
- Just under 4 years in suspended sentences were handed down
Comparatively, with less than a quarter of 2026 passed, the courts have so far handed out:
- 41 prosecutions
- Over £3.8 million in fines and
- Over 6 years in suspended prison sentences
We can see the upward trend. It is important for your business not to become one of these statistics.
Responsibility for Enforcement
The main work activity of a business will normally decide whose remit they fall under.
HSE mostly visit:
- Power plants
- Mines
- Manufacturers
- MVRs
- Construction sites
- Agricultural sites (incl. farms)
- Waste management sites
They will also attend any work site where there has been a fatality.
LAs, whilst focusing on environmental or food safety, will also visit:
- Retailers
- Wholesalers
- Distributors
- Warehouses
- Hotels
- Caterers
- Offices
- Gyms and sports facilities
Local Fire and Rescue Services have the responsibility for ensuring commercial buildings comply with fire safety legislation.
From April 2027, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will also be looking for / checking risk assessments and precautions at relevant businesses to determine preparedness in case a terrorist threat is realised, and how any aftermath of an attack would be managed.
Businesses can be subjected to an unannounced health and safety or fire safety inspection from any of these principal enforcing authorities. It is also possible that inspectors/officers from two or more enforcing authorities may arrive at the same time as a part of the “flexible warranting” initiative.
Further Information
For more information on:
- Why visits occur
- What officials are looking for
- What types of enforcement notices can be issued
- What the Fee for Intervention is
Please look at our previous newsletters: When an Inspector Calls Part 1 and Part 2.
Need help with health & safety-related issues? Please do not hesitate to contact us.