UK Health and Safety Act needs update to match modern work practices, says IOSH

Health and Safety Act remains fit for purpose, poll finds

The UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act continues to be relevant but requires updates to align with modern working practices, according to a recent poll conducted by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

As reported by IOSH, over 80% of respondents to an online poll believe the Act remains effective 50 years after its introduction.

The Act, credited with significantly reducing workplace fatalities from 651 in 1974 to 138 last year, is seen as a cornerstone of workplace safety legislation.

However, the reduction in fatalities has plateaued over the past decade, suggesting a need for renewed efforts and updates to the legislation.

Wednesday, 31 July, marks the 50th anniversary of the Act’s Royal Assent.

Despite its successes, IOSH has called on the UK Government to be proactive in updating laws and regulations to continue preventing workplace harm.

Calls for legislative updates

Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, emphasised the importance of the Act but highlighted the necessity for updates: “The Act has certainly played a significant role in making workplaces safer and healthier since 1974 due to the goal setting legislation and it being risk-based.

“And it’s clear from our poll that the consensus is it remains relevant today.”

Wilkinson pointed out ongoing challenges: “But 138 people died in workplace accidents last year.

“And the most recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive showed 1.8 million reported they were suffering from work-related ill health, half of them saying they had stress, depression or anxiety.

“This is costing the economy many billions of pounds and, crucially, impacting on people’s lives.”

IOSH’s manifesto, published before the UK General Election, urged the Government to ensure that laws and regulations, as well as their application and enforcement, reflect modern working practices and address new and emerging hazards, including those from new technologies and climate change.

Public and professional opinions

The IOSH poll, conducted on LinkedIn, received 1,137 votes, with 82% of respondents indicating the Act remains fit for purpose.

Health and safety professionals contributed various suggestions for updating the Act.

One professional commented: “Needs reviewing, updating and to include additional occupational health and mental health into the review.”

Another added: “As with a lot of legislation, there are some parts that will undoubtedly require updating to continue to be relevant.

“[The Act] has, and continues, to underpin how we operate as professionals.”

A third respondent stated: “[The Act] is still as relevant today as it was back in 1974.

“One area I would update is to include wellbeing as a theme within the legislation.”