Learning Global Lessons: What Does Safety, Health & Culture Have in Mind for 2026 and Beyond

So many areas covered, but what seemed prevalent across all jurisdictions was a demonstrable shift in increased corporate accountability, improved governance and genuinely, wanting to put people first! Below, I highlight some of the coverage which stood out, and where some of the most important lessons can be learnt: -

Firstly, Dee Arp, the Chief Quality Officer at NEBOSH provided insight into building a workplace which is truly ‘psychologically safe’, can only help create the right environment for your business, but also for staff, to thrive.

Secondly, Joseph Gallagher Limited and Mathew Beechey, Group SHEQT Manager, provided wisdom and guidance on the forward-thinking cultural and behaviour programme, which globally ensures that ‘LIFE’ (Living Incident Free Everyday) remains a top priority. It was remarkable how their business has embraced change, and built and grown a real culture of trust, respect, integrity and excellence from day one of any team members’ journey. ‘LIFE’ is now embedded as part of their core values, to create and promote a safe and respectful working environment. They also celebrated this by being recognised recently for ‘Health, Safety & Wellbeing Initiative of the Year’ at the 2025 New Civil Engineer Tunnelling Awards.

Thirdly, Keiran Doona and Wills Bros Group, shared real word impacts on working carbon neutral, and how to deliver new developments and schemes in line with PAS 2080; a new standard that focuses on carbon management in buildings and infrastructure.

Finally, Debbie Janson from the University of Bath, really brought to life the research she had been doing into blockers and generational differences in application of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing. She recently spearheaded guidance – BSI 30417:2025, A Guide to Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment. This provides practical guidance to help organisations ensure that PPE is safe, well-fitting and appropriate for all users.

There were so many other remarkable speakers and content; it was a real pleasure to be part of.

So, what do all the highlights tell us…? Certainly, that there is a changing shift towards people, planet, culture and inclusivity; yes, for the benefit of business, but also for their people, and whomever they impact.

And, what does our future hold…? ‘The Case for Prevention’ and increased pro-activity is something I covered myself at HSE360, drawing upon years’ experience in health and safety law. I reflected on where I regularly will see pitfalls and issues occur, and in our current climate – where I anticipate that future issues could arise.

Looking ahead, as we soon enter another New Year - my top five considerations for organisations to reflect on are: -

• The Changing Face of Risk – currently, at a cost of £22.9-billion to Great Britain, and an estimated global monetary cost of $2.8 trillion per year, health and safety is definitely not just a ‘nice to have’ – it has a real, tangible, and increasing cost from getting it wrong. Therefore, where can our risks arise…? Business diversification, acquisition or change, could all introduce new hazards, if not managed properly. Developments in technology and environment may also change your risk landscape – damp and mold, mental health, lithium i-on batteries etc. Failing to risk assess any new risk or hazard, against failing to appreciate any known risks enough, is an area that I regularly see corporates go wrong. Have an incident, but still have no suitable and sufficient risk assessment in place.

Lesson 1: think carefully about the scope of your current operation, foreseeable risks, and are you satisfied that have you done enough to eliminate or control/manage those risks?

• Board, Director and Governance Responsibilities – changes in the UK Corporate Governance Code, Better Business Campaign, as well as changes to competency requirements for many sectors, all signpost us to greater and increased accountability for senior professionals and controlling minds.

Lesson 2: ensuring that those in Senior Roles know how to best deliver on their health and safety responsibilities, from the top throughout the organisation, is vital to continued successful operation of your business.

• Well-being is paramount – the UK economy and labour market is facing ever increasing challenges securing and retaining staff, as well as managing a mental health crisis. Different approaches are being taken worldwide, with Australia and Norway, Sweden and Denmark leading the way! However, there is already a structured framework in the UK for managing mental health in the workplace, as well as recognised guidance in the form of management standards, ISO 45003 and now, suicide risk at work.

Lesson 3: you want to ensure that your staff can thrive at work, are capable of delivering what they were hired to do, without being exposed to unnecessary occupational stress or hazards.

• Enforcement Activity – Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pursued fewer criminal prosecutions this year, but increased the numbers of targeted inspections (in areas like occupational health, woodworking dust, metalworking fluids, and in construction), and still pursued much activity in the form of Enforcement Notices.

Lesson 4: being prepared and ready, ensuring that crisis plans are known and tested regularly is key. Enforcement Notices can still affect your business operations, including ability to win work, so should always be carefully considered.>

• Reliance on Data and Evidence – finally, many tech, IT, AI driven solutions are now available to help you achieve and maintain compliance.

Lesson 5: these solutions do not simply achieve compliance for you. They often will only be as good as data gathered and put in. Businesses are still be expected to review systems, and have proper oversight, monitor, identify trends or learnings. Having information gathered/stored but still not acted on, will not always provide a legal defence.

If you would like to know more about anything covered in this article; discuss any of your health and safety legal challenges, needs or requirements; or sign up to receive our quarterly regulatory newsletter – please don’t hesitate to contact Emma Evans, Regulatory (Health & Safety) Partner emmaevans@bexleybeaumont.com  |  07738 007652