As the UK construction industry moves into 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is sharpening its focus on key risk areas that continue to drive incidents, ill-health and enforcement action. For construction businesses, this means inspections will not only assess paperwork, but also how effectively health and safety is embedded into day-to-day operations.
At Refocus Safety Ltd, we work closely with construction companies of all sizes to help them understand regulatory expectations, prepare for HSE inspections and, most importantly, protect their workforce. Below, we outline the HSE’s key focus areas for 2026 — and how Refocus Safety supports clients in meeting and exceeding these expectations.
1. Increased Scrutiny on Occupational Health Risks
HSE continues to prioritise the prevention of work-related ill-health across construction. In 2026, inspectors are expected to focus heavily on exposure to dust (including silica), noise, vibration and manual handling risks, alongside long-term conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders.
How Refocus Safety helps:
• Development and review of robust health risk assessments
• Support with health surveillance programmes
• Practical guidance on controlling exposure through safer systems of work
• Clear documentation that demonstrates compliance during inspections
Our approach ensures that health risks are managed proactively — not retrospectively after enforcement action.
2. Mental Health and Wellbeing on Site
Mental health and wellbeing remain a growing priority for the HSE, particularly in high-pressure environments like construction. Inspectors are increasingly interested in how employers manage stress, fatigue, workload and wellbeing, as well as how concerns are identified and addressed.
How Refocus Safety helps:
• Review and implementation of mental health and wellbeing policies
• Advice on integrating wellbeing into existing safety management systems
• Support with toolbox talks and workforce engagement
• Guidance on managing stress risks and demonstrating due diligence
By helping clients build supportive site cultures, Refocus Safety ensures wellbeing is treated as a core safety issue — not an afterthought.
3. Competence, Training and Leadership Visibility
HSE inspections in 2026 will continue to examine whether workers, supervisors and managers are competent for the tasks they carry out. Simply holding certificates is no longer enough — inspectors expect evidence that training is relevant, current and understood.
How Refocus Safety helps:
• Competency assessments tailored to specific roles
• Support with training matrices and record management
• Development of effective toolbox talks and refresher training
• Advice for directors and managers on demonstrating leadership commitment
Refocus Safety works with clients to ensure competence is practical, evidenced and defensible during inspections.
4. Risk Assessments, RAMS and Real-World Application
Risk assessments and RAMS remain central to HSE enforcement activity. In 2026, inspectors will focus on whether documents are site-specific, regularly reviewed and actively used on site, rather than generic templates.
How Refocus Safety helps:
• Creation and review of clear, task-specific RAMS
• Ensuring documentation reflects actual site conditions
• Support with communication and workforce understanding
• Ongoing reviews as projects evolve
Our focus is always on making documentation usable and meaningful — not just compliant.
5. Environmental Factors That Impact Worker Health
While HSE is not the environmental regulator, inspectors increasingly consider environmental factors where they affect worker health, such as dust suppression, noise control and waste management.
How Refocus Safety helps:
• Integration of environmental controls into safety systems
• Practical guidance on dust, noise and vibration management
• Support with monitoring and record-keeping
• Advice on community-facing risks linked to site activities
This joined-up approach strengthens both compliance and reputation.
6. Preparing for a Changing Regulatory Landscape
With the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) becoming formally independent in 2026, the regulatory environment for construction — particularly higher-risk buildings — continues to evolve. This reinforces the need for strong, well-documented safety management systems.
How Refocus Safety helps:
• Keeping clients informed of regulatory changes
• Advising on responsibilities under evolving legislation
• Supporting duty holders with structured compliance frameworks
We help clients stay ahead of change, rather than reacting to it.
How Refocus Safety Ltd Helps Clients Prepare for HSE Inspections in 2026
At Refocus Safety Ltd, our support is practical, proportionate and tailored to each client’s business. Our inspection-readiness support includes:
• Health and safety system reviews and audits
• Site inspections aligned with HSE expectations
• RAMS and policy development
• Competence and training support
• Ongoing advice and retained consultancy services
Our aim is not just to help clients pass inspections, but to build safer, healthier and more resilient construction businesses.
Conclusion
The HSE’s focus for 2026 is clear: effective health and safety management must be active, evidence-based and embedded into everyday site operations. For construction companies, preparation is essential.
Refocus Safety Ltd partners with construction businesses to ensure they are inspection-ready, compliant and confident — today and into the future.
If you’d like support preparing for HSE inspections or reviewing your current arrangements, Refocus Safety Ltd is here to help.