Committees

MPs to question health and safety watchdog leadership

31 January 2025

The Work and Pensions Committee will question the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leadership on the watchdog’s work.

The Executive turned 50 this year, and since its formation the number of accidents resulting in deaths in the workplace has fallen and injuries have been on a downward trend of late.  Yet, work-related illness is on the rise.

The Government’s contribution to the HSE’s budget has been cut significantly since 2010. This has led it to be more reliant on fines levied against companies failing to comply with health and safety laws.

Despite this, in recent years the Executive has also seen its remit expanded to include policing building safety in the wake of the Grenfell disaster and the cladding scandal.

Among other thing, the Committee will examine the impact the budget restraints are having on its ability to keep watch over the Britain’s workplace safety.

Witnesses

From 09.30

  • Sarah Albon, Chief Executive, Health and Safety Executive;
  • Sarah Newton, Chair, Health and Safety Executive;
  • Jane Lassey, Director of Regulation, Health and Safety Executive.

Further information

Image: House of Commons