HSE provides enforcement insight in its Annual General Meeting

On 28 July 2026, the HSE held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and highlighted key enforcement statistics and insights from the past year, as well as its focus going forward. Key takeaways from the AGM include:

• Work-related ill health has been a key area of focus with almost 15,000 proactive inspections conducted. The HSE is taking a targeted approach. For example, its recent flour dust asthma campaign has seen the inspection of 9 bakery head offices and various individual sites.
• In terms of enforcement, there have been 250 prosecutions with a conviction rate of 88% and £34.5 million fines issued in the last 12 months.
• Work related stress and mental health is a focus area for the next year. HSE continues to conduct research and recognises that workplace-related stressors can be more difficult to identify and quantify.
• Workplace temperatures were widely discussed and HSE stated that it is an area that requires attention and a consultation will be released shortly.
• Silica, asbestos and musculoskeletal disorders will continue to be addressed with an industry-led approach.
• Various other areas were discussed including use of AI and robotics to enable innovation, evolving chemical regulation, RIDDOR consultation next steps and menopause in the workplace.

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