Health and Safety Executive

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a UK government agency responsible for the regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and for research into occupational risks in England, Scotland and Wales. It was established in 1974 by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

History

The HSE was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, following recommendations from the Robens Report. This report was commissioned in response to a series of significant accidents in the 1960s. The HSE was tasked with regulating all work-related health and safety in Great Britain.

Functions

The HSE's functions are to:

• Prepare and review regulations and guidance on work-related health and safety.
• Enforce health and safety law.
• Research and report on health and safety practices and issues.
• Provide advice and information to workers and employers.
• Work with local authorities to enforce health and safety law.

Structure

The HSE is sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions. As of 2018, it has a board of nine members and is headquartered in Bootle, Merseyside. The HSE operates through a network of regional offices throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Criticism and Controversy

The HSE has faced criticism for its enforcement practices and for the perceived burden of health and safety regulations. However, it has also been praised for its role in significantly reducing workplace fatalities and injuries since its creation.

See Also

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

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