Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Great Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. Established under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and formally launched in 1975, HSE works to prevent work-related deaths, injuries and ill health through regulation, inspections, enforcement, research and guidance. Its remit also covers major industrial hazards, chemicals and substances that may create risks to workers or the public. HSE plays an important role in UK chemicals regulation, including implementation of UK REACH and assessment of potential restrictions on substances such as PFAS. It operates across England, Scotland and Wales and works with businesses, government departments and local authorities.