April 2026: the changing health, safety and fire landscape
The sun has been shining today and we have been out and about getting fresh air whilst going through some of the proposals and changes we are set to see; we’ve been prepping this update just for you lovely lot.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of important changes in health and safety with:
1. Proposals to change RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
In April 2026, the HSE launched its first major consultation on overhauling RIDDOR since 2013.
This is a review aimed at modernising how workplaces report injuries, ill health, and dangerous occurrences. The consultation runs until the 30 June 2026 , so there’s still time to have your say if you want to.
What the proposals could mean for you and your business:
There will be a bigger focus on occupational diseases. The current list of reportable diseases is quite short (only six main conditions).The HSE is proposing to expand it from 6 to 19 conditions. This includes bringing back diseases that were removed in 2013 (such as asbestosis, various forms of pneumoconiosis including silicosis from silica dust, and some beryllium-related conditions).
It also adds four new ones including noise‑induced hearing loss, bronchiolitis obliterans, occupational allergic rhinitis and occupational contact urticaria.
Why does this matter, why do we need a change?
It is felt RIDDOR needs to better reflect today’s workplace risks, especially those in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and industries with dust, noise, and chemical exposure.
Many businesses find the current wording in RIDDOR confusing, which leads to both over-reporting (Lots of inappropriate reports) and under-reporting (missing real risks). HSE wants to make terms clearer so everyone understands what needs reporting and when.
Updating dangerous occurrences: Proposals also include revising the list to better match the occurrences faced, for example, adding or clarifying incidents involving construction plant overturning, falling objects from structures, or issues linked to new technologies and working methods.
Easier reporting process: The HSE is looking at simplifying the online RIDDOR reporting form to reduce admin burdens while still capturing important data.
Who can diagnose: There’s discussion about widening who can formally confirm a reportable disease (beyond GMC doctors) to make the system more practical.
At the moment these consultations make no formal changes however, they can support you in how you review your businesses risks.
Ensure you are maintaining accurate internal incident records, near-miss logs, and health surveillance where relevant. If you have concerns or repetitive ill health episodes raising concerns, investigate.
Remember: RIDDOR helps the HSE spot trends and prevent future harm. Accurate reporting protects everyone in the long run.
Treat every incident as a learning opportunity. Even if it’s not reportable, investigating properly prevents reoccurrence and helps shape a safer future for you and your teams.
2. Asbestos Management –
Asbestos remains one of the biggest causes of work-related ill health and death in the UK. In 2026, the focus is very much on active, ongoing management rather than a one-off survey.
During Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April 2026), the HSE reminded everyone that inspectors are actively checking compliance on premises and construction sites.
The core regulation is still the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 — section 4, specifically the “Duty to Manage”. This applies to anyone who owns, manages, or is responsible for non-domestic buildings (and some multi-occupancy domestic premises) built or refurbished before 2000.
What the law requires you to do
1. Find out if asbestos is present — Arrange a suitable asbestos survey (management survey or refurbishment/demolition survey depending on the work). Presume materials contain asbestos unless you have strong evidence that they don’t.
2. Create and keep an asbestos register — Record the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Photos are your friend!
3. Assess the risk — Decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed to fibres, think of refurbishment work, construction, maintenance etc.
4. Ensure you have a written asbestos management plan— This must set out how you will manage the risk, including who is responsible, how you will monitor condition, and procedures for any work that might disturb asbestos.
5 Communication — Share the information with anyone who might disturb the material (contractors, maintenance employees, tenants). Provide appropriate asbestos awareness training to relevant people.
6. Monitor and review— Regularly check the condition of known ACMs and review the whole plan at least every 12 months, or sooner if circumstances change (e.g. building works or damage). This is where photographs become very useful.
How the landscape is continuing to shift…
HSE inspectors are prioritising checks on whether dutyholders are actively managing asbestos — not just having an old survey gathering dust. Poor management arrangements will lead to enforcement.
A consultation on updates to the Control of Asbestos Regulations and supporting guidance closed in January 2026.
Key topics included:
Improving independence and impartiality in the four-stage clearance process after licensed asbestos removal (to reduce contamination risks).
Raising the quality and reliability of asbestos surveys.
Clarifying definitions, such as what counts as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) versus lower-risk work.
The HSE is reviewing responses, with any legislative or guidance changes expected later in 2026. The change is likely to be clearer rules, better survey standards, and stronger protections.
Training and competence remain critical. Anyone who might disturb asbestos (even unintentionally) needs suitable awareness training. Those doing higher-risk work need more advanced training and, in many cases, licensing.
Whilst this is happening, review your asbestos management plan — is it up to date, actively used, and understood by the right people?
Ensure surveys are carried out by competent professionals and that re-inspections happen on time.
For buildings undergoing refurbishment or demolition, always use a suitable refurbishment/demolition survey beforehand. Do not start work without it!
If you engage contractors, check they are properly trained and that you share your asbestos information with them before work starts.
Think of it as protecting the health of everyone who uses or works in your building for years to come. A proactive approach saves lives and avoids emotional and financial expense.
4 HSE Cost Recovery – Fee for Intervention increases
From 1 April 2026, the HSE raised its hourly rate for Fee for Intervention (and other cost recovery schemes). The main FFI rate went from £183 to £188 per hour. This is part of a broader push for the HSE to fully recover costs when they find material breaches during inspections or investigations.
Good practices, with the right support = lower chance of intervention and fees.
If you do receive a notification of contravention, act quickly and document improvements. Budget for safety management as part of your business operations.
5 Fire Safety Updates – Residential and High-Rise Buildings
There have been several important fire safety developments, especially in England. Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 came into force on 6 April 2026.
Responsible persons (usually building owners or managers) for certain residential buildings (including higher-risk ones and some between 11–18m) mustIdentify residents who may need help evacuating due to mobility, sensory, cognitive, or temporary issues.
Offer person-centred fire risk assessments.
Agree and maintain Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) where requested.
Create or update a building-wide emergency evacuation plan.
This moves away from “stay put” assumptions in some cases and emphasises individual needs.Approved Document B (Fire Safety) amendments — From 30 September 2026, new residential buildings over 18m will generally need two staircases. There are transitional rules for projects already underway.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) became a standalone body on 27 January 2026, moving out of the HSE while keeping its core functions. This aims to strengthen oversight of higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act.
Review or commission updated fire risk assessments that consider personal evacuation needs.
For landlords, managing agents, or facilities teams: Start mapping resident needs (sensitively and in line with data protection).Maintain the “golden thread” of information for higher-risk buildings.
Fire safety is everyone’s business — train staff and review plans regularly rather than leaving it to an annual check.
6. Occupational Health – Mental Health and Stress
HSE continues to emphasise work-related stress, anxiety, and depression. In 2026, there’s growing expectation that organisations manage psychosocial risks properly, with enforcement happening where failings exist.
We recommend you include mental health in your risk assessments (e.g. workload, control, support, relationships, roles etc.).
Use the HSE’s Management Standards for work-related stress as a practical and simple framework.
Train your managers to spot signs and have supportive return-to-work policies.
Remember: Good mental health support isn’t just kind — it’s good risk management. People make up our businesses, without them, we cant operate.
As further changes happen throughout the year, we will keep you posted.
If you need support, we are always there on hello@shedoessafety.co.uk
Laura Tull, CertIOSH, AIFSM SHE does safety Ltd
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