As we leave behind 2020, many of us are wondering what 2021 has in store for many health and safety professionals. Although we cannot predict the future, we can look back and analyse the key areas of health and safety and what to expect for the year ahead.
Health and safety in 2021

Returning to work
With the recent news of a vaccine rollout, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Getting employers to return to work is a huge task for many businesses. Many employers have already or will need to adapt their offices and work environments to be COVID secure. The HSE will be carrying out spot checks and inspections on businesses to ensure they are COVID-secure and confirm the measures they’ve put in place are in line with the latest guidance. Failure to comply, certain work practices may need to be stopped until businesses have made it safe for their workforce. They could also face a fine and even prosecution.

Mental health and wellbeing
It is no surprise that mental health and wellbeing have been pushed at the top of the agenda since the start of the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 has caused many of us anxiety, stress, loneliness, frustrations and unfortunately grief of loved ones. It is employers’ legal and moral duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their staff, which includes mental health and wellbeing. Many employers will need to adapt a range of measures and provide training and guidance to support their staff to regain effective work-life balance.

Increase of remote working

Changes to COSHH legislation
With the UK leaving the EU at the beginning of this year, the UK will have its own framework for COSHH that will reflect the EU (EU BPR) framework but will operate independently. All businesses that supply chemicals will now have to deal with the HSE as the GB CLP Agency instead of the Euorpean Chemical Agency (ECHA). Many regulations have now changed such as biocides, CLP, PIC, PPP and REACH. Please read HSE’s website here.

Placing civil explosives on the market
Here to support your health and safety needs
Keep up to date with The Health & Safety Event
As the health and safety landscape continues to evolve, keep up to date with the latest developments and insights at The Health & Safety Event this September
Meet suppliers to help with your health & safety workplace needs
With many of the leading industry leading brands exhibiting at The Health & Safety Event, find all the solutions you need to help you with your health and safety management in the workplace
Connect and share best practice with other H&S professionals
We have recently launched our new matchmaking service to help you maximise your time onsite at The Health & Safety Event. We will match your business requirements to suppliers who offer the solutions and services to your everyday challenges.