New Years Day this year marked a significant milestone for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the national regulator for health and safety in Great Britain, as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. Established under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the HSE officially began its mission on 1 January 1975.

Over the past five decades, the HSE has been pivotal in transforming workplace safety, making Great Britain one of the safest countries to work in. The statistics speak volumes: in 1974, workplace fatalities totalled 651, but by 2023/24, this number had dropped to 138. This remarkable progress highlights the regulator’s relentless commitment to protecting lives.

A Legacy of Impact and a Future of Responsibility

Reflecting on this milestone, Sarah Albon, HSE’s chief executive, reaffirmed the organisation’s ongoing relevance in an ever-evolving world of work. She commented:

“Over the past half-century, the Health and Safety Executive has led the way in establishing Great Britain as a safe place to work. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we recognise there is still much for HSE to take on.”

While celebrating past successes, Albon acknowledged that challenges remain. Every workplace fatality is a tragedy, and work-related ill health continues to affect far too many people. To address these issues, the HSE launched its 10-year strategy, Protecting People and Places, in 2022. This forward-thinking initiative aims to build on the regulator’s strong foundations while tackling current and future challenges.

Expanding Roles and Responsibilities

The HSE’s responsibilities have grown significantly in recent years. Beyond its foundational focus on worker protection, the organisation now oversees public safety in various areas. This expansion includes its role as the appointed Building Safety Regulator and its extended oversight of chemical regulation post-Brexit.

Albon emphasised the HSE’s enduring principles:

“It is hard to foresee what the world of work will look like in the next 50 years but as ever, our fundamental principle will continue to be to make sure that those who create risk, take responsibility for controlling risk, and those who fail to do so will be held to account.”

Collaboration remains central to the HSE’s mission, as the organisation works with businesses, industries, regulators, and government to balance safety and economic growth.

 

National Recognition of HSE’s Contributions

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, extended his congratulations to the HSE on its 50th anniversary, highlighting its invaluable contributions:

“Over the last half-century this organisation has been at the heart of efforts to protect people and places across Britain: I would like to thank them for this vital work.”

He also underscored the importance of the HSE’s role in shaping the future of work through initiatives like the Get Britain Working White Paper and strengthened worker protections.

Looking Ahead

As the HSE marks this golden anniversary, its achievements stand as a testament to its dedication to health and safety. While the challenges of the next 50 years are yet to unfold, the organisation’s unwavering commitment to protecting people and places ensures it will remain a cornerstone of workplace safety in Great Britain.

Source – Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 2025.