Workers’ safety concerns in the UK began long before formal regulations existed. As you can imagine, early protective measures were basic, and workers had little recourse when injured on the job.
This negligence created a culture where workers’ safety was not prioritized, and economic output always outweighed concern for employee welfare.
However, the real turning point for the UK came with the Industrial Revolution, when machinery and industrial activities increased workplace safety concerns. As factories and infrastructure projects expanded rapidly, so did workplace accidents and fatalities.
The Factory Act of 1833 was one of the earliest attempts to improve conditions, initially focusing on child workers. While not construction-specific, this legislation established the precedent that workplace safety deserved government oversight.
Today, the UK construction sector is governed by a comprehensive set of regulations to protect workers and ensure safe working practices.
Major health and safety regulations in construction
Several important regulations were introduced that specifically addressed the unique challenges of the construction industry.
The Landmark Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The most significant milestone in UK safety regulation came with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This very important legislation fundamentally changed how safety was managed across all industries, including construction.
Before 1974, the UK construction industry operated with minimal formal health and safety legislation. Most safety practices were not regulated, and there were no agreed standards to protect workers on-site. This led to high accident rates, which raised serious concerns, with injuries and fatalities often accepted as part of the job.
The 1974 law established a framework mandating employers to ensure, as much as possible, the health, safety, and well-being of their employees. This development placed legal accountability solely on organizations and greatly improved safety awareness and procedures on job sites.
The Act also defined general duties for employers and employees, ensuring a shared responsibility for maintaining safe working environments.
Alongside this legislation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was established to oversee compliance, provide guidance, and enforce the law. The HSE became the central authority for workplace safety in the United Kingdom, conducting inspections, issuing penalties, and leading safety campaigns, especially in unsafe industries like construction.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM)
As the construction industry grew, so did the complexity of its projects. This led to the introduction of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) in 1994.
CDM focused on managing risks throughout a project’s lifecycle, from design to completion. It required everyone involved – clients and contractors – to work together to identify hazards and implement safety measures.
In 2007 and 2015, the CDM regulations were updated to place even more emphasis on risk assessment and communication, ensuring that safety was a priority from the planning stage onward.
The roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in a construction project are clearly defined. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in reducing construction accidents by ensuring safety considerations start before the first shovel hits the ground.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) define manual handling as “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force.”
This regulation focuses on safe lifting techniques and mechanical aids to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, a common hazard on construction sites.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
Construction often involves hazardous substances like chemicals, dust, and fumes.
The COSHH Regulations established a framework that requires employers to assess, control, and monitor exposure to hazardous substances like silica dust and chemicals, protecting workers from potential health risks.
These regulations have been particularly important in addressing long-term occupational health issues like respiratory diseases, which affect thousands of construction workers annually.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Falls from height have consistently been the leading cause of fatal injuries in construction. According to the latest HSE statistics, 50 workers died as a result of falls from height in 2023/24. Additionally, over 5,000 people in Great Britain were injured due to falls from height.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 mandate safe working practices, including the use of proper equipment, regular inspection, assessing risks from work at height, and protective measures like scaffolding, ladders, and other height-related work.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Asbestos remains construction’s “hidden killer,” causing approximately 5,000 deaths annually in the UK despite its ban.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations established strict requirements for mandatory training, surveys, safe removal and disposal protocols, and more. These regulations require employers to assess and manage asbestos risks, particularly during demolition or refurbishment projects.
The Building Safety Act 2022
The tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was another turning point for health and safety regulations in the UK. It exposed significant gaps in fire safety and building management practices.
In response, the government introduced the Building Safety Act 2022, a comprehensive law aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
This act mandates stricter fire safety measures, mandatory certifications, and the phasing out of legacy CSCS cards by 2025. It also places a greater focus on accountability, requiring developers and building owners to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations.
Modern approaches to construction safety
Technology now plays a significant role in construction safety.
Digital compliance systems, wearable tech that monitors worker health, and AI-driven risk assessment tools are becoming more common on construction sites. These tools help identify hazards, track compliance, and provide real-time data to prevent accidents.
For example, wearable devices like smart boots with GPS, smart helmets, and AI-supported exoskeletons can alert workers to unsafe conditions, while AI systems can predict potential hazards based on site data. This proactive approach to safety is a stark contrast to the reactive measures of the past.
Related: See how to apply for CHAS accreditation.
The current state of construction safety
According to HSE statistics, fatal injuries in construction have fallen dramatically over recent decades.
In 1981, there were 495 work-related deaths in Great Britain, and the construction industry had a high number of fatalities. But there has been a significant drop in construction deaths. They fell to 138 work-related fatal injuries and 51 construction deaths in 2024 and 47 the year before.
While every fatality is one too many, this represents a massive reduction despite significant growth in the construction sector. Non-fatal injuries have also declined substantially thanks to these safety laws.
For construction companies, staying updated on these regulations is more than just avoiding fines. It enables us to protect workers and create safe work environments.
As the industry continues to evolve, so too will the laws that govern it, which means everyone from site managers to labourers needs to stay informed and committed to safety.