WOBO recognises the activities of the UK Health and Safety Executive and their potential use within the global setting
This content has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Remediation plan to accelerate building safety works
We have introduced a comprehensive Remediation Improvement Plan aimed at increasing the speed of essential high-rise building safety works across England.
The Remediation Improvement Plan is aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and timeliness of applications for essential high-rise building safety works across England.
At a ministerial round table hosted by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, BSR Board Chair Lord Roe introduced the plan and the regulator’s deadline of 30 April 2026 to clear the majority of remaining remediation applications from 2024.
Key measures in the plan include:
- mirroring the success that the Innovation Unit has delivered for new-build applications, creation of a Remediation Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) cohort and the introduction of Account Managers to streamline communication and processing
- a recruitment drive to increase Regulatory Lead capacity, reducing individual caseloads to the benefit of applicants and processes
- using “Approval with Requirements”, where appropriate, allowing projects to mobilise while distinct technical issues are resolved later
- publication of remediation-specific guidance and supporting information to help industry avoid common application errors
More information about the plan will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Bookmark BSR’s webpage for updates.Gateway 2 update shows continued positive momentum – We have released our latest building control Gateway 2 update.
The update demonstrates a continuing positive momentum against a backdrop of:
- increasing decisions and applications for new high-rise residential building units
- further reductions in complex legacy cases
- a renewed focus on remediation projects
Closed applications continue to exceed previous rates with 639, including 273 invalidations over the past 12 weeks. The number of live applications of all categories is 1,212.
During that time, 108 new build applications have had decisions, with 82 new applications received. 65% of all decisions across all categories over the past 12 weeks related to London cases.
Read more about the latest Gateway 2 update.
Residents’ Panel: Independent Chair sought – An independent Chair is being recruited for our Residents’ Panel.
This is to ensure residents’ perspectives are heard, understood and reflected in regulatory decision-making.
The Chair will play a pivotal role in enabling the Panel to operate confidently, independently and with real impact.
Responsibilities include:
- leading quarterly Residents’ Panel online meetings
- creating a safe, respectful and inclusive space for discussion
- supporting residents to articulate their experiences and concerns
- helping translate lived experience into practical insight that can inform our work
- working constructively with BSR while maintaining independence and credibility
Applications close on 10 May 2026.
Find out more about the role and how to apply.
How is AI influencing safety decisions at work? If you work in critical infrastructure or process industries and artificial intelligence (AI) plays a role in safety-related work, researchers want to hear about your experience.
On behalf of HSE, Emlyn Square is running a short survey to understand how engineering and safety professionals use AI tools to support decision-making and problem solving.
The anonymous survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and explores how AI is shaping safety-critical work.
The research forms part of the ThinkSHARP project, which is investigating how AI is transforming cognitive work in critical infrastructure and process industries.
The project is funded by the UK’s AI Safety Institute (AISI) through the AISI Challenge Fund.
Take part
Complete the survey: AI use in UK infrastructure and process industries.After completing the survey, you can also register your interest in taking part in a follow-up research interview. Please respond by 17 April 2026.
HSE launches 2026 annual science review The review illustrates how HSE uses science, engineering and analytical work to protect people and places.
Case studies in this years review include:
- strengthening AI standards for cutting-edge people detection systems
- investigating potentially environmentally catastrophic releases of thousands of litres of highly corrosive acid
- research into safer liquid hydrogen refueling stations
Visit HSE’s website to download the 2026 Annual Science Review.
April: Global Asbestos Awareness Week and Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month, while 1 to 7 April is Global Asbestos Awareness Week.
These act as a timely reminder to check that you’re managing health and safety risks properly and making sure you’re compliant with law.
Asbestos: know your building, know your duty This Global Asbestos Awareness Week, HSE is reminding organisations to make sure they’re compliant with legal requirements for safe management of asbestos.
We provide practical support and guidance at HSE’s website.
Do you know what’s in the building?
The risks are not static. As buildings age, asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can deteriorate and the law requires them to be actively monitored and managed to keep people safe.
If historical records are incomplete, or you suspect materials have not been properly documented, now is the time to act.
The law is clear
There is a legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises — from factories, warehouses and offices to public buildings such as hospitals, schools.
What you need to do
HSE sets out a clear framework for managing asbestos in buildings:
- arrange for an asbestos survey — or review any existing surveys
- make a register and assess the risks
- write an asbestos management plan and action it
Find out more about our Asbestos: Your Duty campaign website.
Download and share Global Asbestos Awareness week resources.
Take action to prevent work-related stress — #BeTheChange April is Stress Awareness Month, a crucial time for employers to address and manage work-related stress.
HSE’s Working Minds campaign is encouraging employers to take proactive steps to protect workers’ mental health and improve productivity.
Why it matters
- 964,000 workers reported stress, depression, or anxiety caused or worsened by work in 2024/25
- 22.1 million working days lost due to stress
- 50% of all work-related ill health is linked to stress
These figures highlight the urgent need for action. Early intervention can protect your workforce’s well-being and strengthen your organisation’s resilience.
Your legal duty As an employer, you must:
- assess stress risks and identify vulnerable workers
- reduce or eliminate stress risks where possible
- manage stress as a workplace hazard, just like any other health and safety risk
Failure to act could result in enforcement action.
What you can do this month
- use the ‘5Rs Framework’: Reach out, Recognise, Respond, Reflect, and Make it Routine to integrate stress prevention into daily management practices
- assess stress risks using HSE Management Standards.
- access free resources including risk assessment guidance, the Stress Talking Toolkit, online learning modules, and campaign materials to help facilitate conversations and drive immediate action.
Take action today to foster a healthier, more resilient workplace. Access all tools and resources at our Working Minds website.