WOBO recognises the activities of the UK Health and Safety Executive and their potential use within the global setting
(1) Accident and Near-miss Tool
HSE and our publishing partner TSO have launched the Accident and Near-miss Tool.
The Accident and Near-miss Tool is designed to help organisations streamline incident reporting and aid compliance with RIDDOR requirements.
The tool automates the collection of accident and near-miss records, allowing teams to filter by location, type or theme. This enables you to understand how risks occur and take informed preventive measures.
It also guides dutyholders through HSE’s step-by-step investigation framework providing expert advice on investigating incidents and preventing recurrence, supporting:
- accurate reporting
- consistent investigation
- effective incident management
(2) Consultation launched on the Control of Asbestos Regulations and guidance – The consultation is now open for comments.
HSE has launched a consultation on proposals to improve the application of the Control of Asbestos Regulations and guidance around asbestos management to help protect workers and building users.
Great Britain already has one of the best workplace health and safety performances globally, with some of the lowest rates of occupational injury and fatality in Europe. These proposals build on this strong foundation to enhance protections in areas where asbestos remains a significant health risk.
The consultation aims to seek stakeholders’ views on 3 proposals:
- to ensure the independence and impartiality of roles in the four-stage clearance process to further minimise the risk of exposure from asbestos to workers and building users after the removal of asbestos
- to drive up the standard of asbestos surveys to ensure dutyholders have the information they need to safely manage asbestos risks
- to clarify the type of work that constitutes work with asbestos known as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)
The consultation is particularly relevant to dutyholders, asbestos analysts, asbestos removal contractors, asbestos surveyors, and associated professions including facilities management and construction.
How to take part
The full consultation document, including detailed proposals, background information and how to respond is available on our website.
View the consultation: Legislative and guidance proposals for the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
The consultation runs until 9 January 2026.Assent Building Compliance Ltd: Updates and operational notice
(3) Assent Building Compliance Ltd: Updates and operational notice – On 6 November 2025, the court made winding-up orders against:
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Assent Building Control Compliance Limited (Assent)
- LB Building Control Limited (LB)
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Oculus Building Consultancy Limited (Oculus)
The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of the companies.
In line with their duty under section 52(1)(a) of the Building Act 1984, LB and Oculus have issued cancellation notices to customers for all live projects.
All non-higher-risk building projects will revert to the relevant local authority, unless the project owner chooses to find an alternative registered building control approver (RBCA).
All higher-risk building (HRB) projects will revert to the BSR.
The importance of continuity is appreciated, and we intend to secure resources to limit any delays. We are working to confirm the exact number of HRB projects which will revert to the BSR and we are asking the Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) working on them to get in touch with us directly.
RBIs who were working with us on the supplier framework have also been asked to contact us directly.
An operational notice for project owners has been published giving advice and links to useful guidance.
(4) MSD Risk-reduction through design awards 2026 – open for nominations – Celebrating 10 Years of innovation in MSD risk reduction.
For a decade, these awards have highlighted UK employers who’ve made smart, practical design changes to reduce the risks of MSDs.
These conditions affect the back, joints and limbs, and are a leading cause of work-related ill health, contributing to over 6.6 million lost working days each year in Great Britain.
This year we’re spotlighting workplaces that have:
- minimised lifting, pushing or pulling
- improved posture during tasks
- removed manual handling through thoughtful design
If your organisation has introduced such improvements, you could be recognised in one of 2 categories:
- Best Overall MSD Risk Reduction
- SME Recognition Award (for businesses with fewer than 250 employees)
How to enter Further details on how to enter, as well as inspiring case studies of previous winners, can be found on our website: Musculoskeletal disorders risk-reduction through design awards 2026. Entries close on 31 January 2026.
(5) NEBOSH HSE certificate in manual handling risk assessment – Manual handling is a major cause of work-related MSDs, which employers must manage to prevent worker injuries.
This course teaches delegates to recognise, assess and reduce manual handling risks using HSE assessment tools (MAC and RAPP).
It covers legal requirements, injury types, risk factors, control measures, handling techniques and organisational responsibilities, concluding with a formal assessment leading to the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Manual Handling Risk Assessment.
Book your place – Visit our website to find out more details, view prices or book your place:
- NEBOSH HSE certificate in manual handling risk assessment – 26 to 27 January, live online
- This course is also available on this additional dates: 18 March 2026, HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton
(6) Driving culture change with HSE’s tools: How to achieve success in 2026 – 27 November, 3pm
Join this free webinar where experts from the HSE and our publishing partner, TSO, will answer your questions on improving organisational safety culture.
Register for the ‘Driving culture change with HSE’s tools’ webinar.