Industry Update: HSE Launches Health Inspections from 3 October
The Health and Safety Executive has announced a renewed focus on health risks in the construction sector, launching inspections across sites from 3 October. The initiative aims to raise awareness and compliance around dangers associated with material handling, dust, manual handling, and other occupational health hazards.
This tells us that regulators are expanding their scrutiny beyond the classic safety issues (falls, collapse, etc.) to the less visible but equally harmful health exposures. If your project teams are not actively managing health risks on site, now is the time to act.
Why Health Hazards Are Rising in Prominence
In the past, health risks such as respiratory disease, musculoskeletal disorders, or noise-induced hearing loss were often overshadowed by more immediate physical injury risks. But recent trends show:
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Greater regulatory appetite: HSE is signalling that health non‑compliance will draw closer attention.
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Worker awareness: Operatives are increasingly informed and expect better controls around dust, vibration, noise and exposure to hazardous substances.
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Legal precedent building: Inspectors and courts are less tolerant of “long‑term harm” and latent conditions that emerge from poor health management.
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Technology and data: Advances in monitoring (wearables, sensor systems) make exposures easier to detect and demonstrate.
Addressing these “silent” risks not only protects your workforce, it also builds credibility when clients or insurers challenge your safety standards.
What You Should Be Doing Now
To get ahead of this enforcement focus, your health & safety system should include:
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Health risk assessments (HRAs) for every task with potential exposure (dust, vibration, chemicals, noise).
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Control plans and mitigation — e.g. dust suppression, extraction, vibration‑reducing tools, PPE, job rotation.
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Health monitoring where required (e.g. for vibration, noise, silica).
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Training and toolbox talks focused on health awareness, symptom reporting, and safe practices.
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Audit and continual review — your health controls should be as visible and checked as your fall protection systems.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we offer services designed to integrate this rising regulatory emphasis on health into your safety and competence systems:
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Training & revalidation: Courses and refreshers on health hazards, exposure control, and best practices.
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NVQ assessments & competence checks: We verify that your workforce is appropriately trained and assessed in health and safety skills.
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Safety consultancy & audits: We’ll carry out health risk audits, help you develop mitigation strategies, and provide independent assurance before regulators arrive.
Be ready for visits this autumn — let’s make your health systems as robust as your safety systems.
📞 Call us now on 0330 133 0402 or 01473 561 402 to schedule a health audit, book training, or arrange consultancy support.