Health & Safety Updates – UK Regulatory Outlook January/February 2024

Consultation launched on standard tiers under Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

The UK government is seeking feedback on proposed requirements for standard-tier premises under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. This affects venues with a capacity of 100 to 799 people. The consultation, which ends on March 18, 2024, offers dutyholders in this category a chance to express their opinions.

Even if a venue falls into the enhanced tier (with a capacity of 800 or more), it’s valuable for property managers and owners to participate, as the standards set for standard-tier dutyholders will likely influence enhanced-tier requirements.

Mental health is important in business, warns ONS

The Office for National Statistics (ONS), recently highlighted that a record number of 2.8 million people aged 16-64 are out of work due to health issues. This highlights the importance of businesses doing all they can to prioritise mental health support for their employees. Employers need to ensure proper measures are in place to address mental health risks, and take steps such as having mental health first aiders on site. The HSE has launched a free online tool to help employers understand their legal responsibilities regarding stress and mental health.

New higher-risk buildings regulations introduced

New regulations called the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 have been introduced. These regulations specify which information must be maintained and shared by the principal accountable person and other accountable persons regarding higher-risk buildings.

All higher-risk buildings needed to be registered by October 1, 2023. For new higher-risk buildings still under development, there’s a transitional period until April 6, 2024. During this time, if construction has progressed to a point, these buildings will continue under the existing building control rules. However, new building applications will need extra information and approvals from the regulator.

New regulations brought in to enforce certain sections of the Building Safety Act

Particular sections of Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 have come into effect as of January 16, 2024. These regulations establish an ongoing responsibility to assess and manage safety risks in occupied higher-risk buildings. Key obligations include applying for building assessment certificates, developing and maintaining building safety case reports, ongoing risk assessment and management, reporting requirements, and engaging with residents. Owners and managers who are subject to these regulations must understand their legal importance and take appropriate measures to ensure building safety.

New responsibilities from the HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its first three-year plan as the Building Safety Regulator. Starting in spring 2024, the HSE will require building assessment certificate applications from the main responsible persons. These applications must be submitted within 28 days, with all the necessary information to show compliance.

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