Health and safety compliance isn’t static. Laws, standards, and enforcement priorities change regularly—and for business owners, staying ahead of those changes is essential.

Failing to keep up doesn’t just risk fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It can also affect your insurance, your ability to bid for contracts, and—most importantly—the safety of your team and clients.

As we move through late 2025 and into 2026, here are the key legislation updates and compliance changes that every business owner needs to have on their radar.

1. Martyn’s Law (The Protect Duty)

Set to roll out in stages from 2025 onwards, Martyn’s Law introduces new requirements for public venues and businesses that host events or manage spaces where the public gather.

What it means for you:

• If your business operates in spaces accessed by the public (shopping centres, venues, leisure facilities), you may need to demonstrate stronger risk assessments, emergency planning, and staff training for potential security threats as part of your health and safety compliance.
• Cleaning companies working in these environments will also be expected to comply with updated documentation and procedures.

2. Greater Emphasis on Mental Health at Work

The UK has already seen stronger recognition of mental well-being as part of overall workplace safety, but upcoming reforms will go further. Businesses will be expected to address stress, workload management, and psychological safety with the same seriousness as physical hazards.

What it means for you:

• Risk assessments should include psychosocial risks (e.g. stress, fatigue, lone working).
• Businesses may need to provide evidence of policies, training, and support systems for employee wellbeing.

Read more here and here.

3. Hybrid & Remote Working Regulations

As hybrid and remote working has become the norm in many sectors, HSE guidance is shifting. By 2026, it’s expected that new standards for ergonomics, equipment use, and home-based risk assessments will be introduced.

What it means for you:

• Employers will need to demonstrate how they manage risks outside of traditional workplaces.
• Simple steps such as DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessments for home workers will become a compliance must-have.

4. Stricter Enforcement Around COSHH

Chemical safety (COSHH) is already vital for industries like cleaning, manufacturing, and healthcare—but HSE has signalled tighter monitoring and tougher penalties for breaches.

What it means for you:

• Expect more frequent inspections in sectors where chemical use is high.
• COSHH risk assessments will need to be current, site-specific, and properly communicated to staff—not just filed away.

5. Increased Use of Technology in Compliance

Wearables, monitoring systems, and digital compliance platforms are becoming part of the health and safety compliance landscape. While not yet mandatory, the trend is clear: HSE and insurers increasingly expect businesses to show they are embracing smart, trackable systems.

What it means for you:

• Businesses that adopt digital documentation systems (like Docflite) will have a competitive advantage.
• Demonstrating real-time compliance management could reduce liability and improve your position when tendering for contracts.

Why You Should Act Now

Waiting until the law changes isn’t a strategy—it’s a risk. By the time a new requirement becomes enforceable, clients, auditors, and regulators will already expect you to comply.

The smart move is to:
✔ Review your current compliance documents
✔ Update risk assessments and policies ahead of new requirements
✔ Train your team so they’re prepared, not caught off guard
✔ Seek expert support to ensure nothing slips through the cracks

The Bottom Line

Health and safety legislation is moving towards greater accountability, stronger documentation, and a wider view of workplace risks—from physical to psychological.

At H & S Compliance Solutions, we stay ahead of these changes so our clients don’t have to. We create custom, contract-ready compliance documentation tailored to your business—so you stay safe, compliant, and competitive.

Ready to future-proof your compliance? Call us today on 01865 60 21 51 or book your free discovery call.