As we move through 2025, all UK healthcare professionals must stay informed about evolving workplace health and safety regulations. With new compliance expectations, emerging risks, and heightened regulatory oversight, maintaining a safe and compliant work environment has never been more important.
Whether you’re working in a hospital, care home, clinic, or in a community-based setting, understanding your responsibilities as a healthcare professional under current legislation is essential to maintaining safe, clean, and compliant work environments.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Your Legal Foundation
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 remains the primary piece of legislation guiding the health and safety of employees in the UK. In 2025, enforcement of this Act continues to intensify, especially within healthcare facilities, where risks are dynamic and often complex.
This legislation makes it clear: every employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all staff. As a healthcare professional, following the safety protocols and reporting any lapses or risks to health in your environment is a must.
Workplace Safety in Healthcare: What Has Changed in 2025?
Healthcare workplaces in 2025 face newer challenges. With rising concerns over infection control, the growing complexity of hazardous substances, and expanded use of digital health technologies, workplace safety now involves more than just physical protection. In light of emerging safety challenges in 2025, healthcare professionals are expected to follow best practices in risk assessment, PPE usage, and COSHH compliance. Additionally, the increasing integration of digital health tools, AI diagnostics, and remote monitoring devices has introduced new cyber and ergonomic risks that now fall under workplace safety planning.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), also known as the Safety Executive, has increased on-site inspections in healthcare premises since early 2025. Their role includes enforcing workplace health and safety through audits, penalties, and mandatory improvement plans.
COSHH and Hazardous Substances: Continued Emphasis in 2025
The management of hazardous substances in the workplace is one of the most heavily monitored areas in healthcare. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, healthcare professionals are required to:
- Identify substances classified as hazardous substances
- Review safety data sheets
- Apply proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures
- Reduce exposure through safe systems of work and control measures to mitigate health risks.
The COSHH e-tool was officially phased out in early 2025. All healthcare providers should now be using new, compliant software to manage COSHH risk assessments.
National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2025
In April 2025, all healthcare facilities were required to fully adopt the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2025. These standards replace older guidelines and aim to improve consistency and accountability in healthcare hygiene practices.
As a healthcare worker, your responsibilities include:
- Familiarising yourself with cleaning protocols for your area or department
- Supporting compliance with safety measures during your daily work activities
- Ensuring that cleaning and disinfection are logged and verified as per the standards
These standards promote a “star rating” system to help communicate cleanliness levels across facilities. Every healthcare professional plays a role in achieving and maintaining high ratings.
Mental Health and Well-being
Since January 2025, NHS Trusts and private providers have been expected to implement updated frameworks for occupational health and safety, with a clear emphasis on mental health and staff well-being.
Healthcare professionals are often at higher risk of ill health due to long hours, emotional strain, and physical demands. In Q2 2025, you should ensure your employer:
- Provides access to health surveillance and mental health support
- Promotes a positive health and safety policy that includes psychological well-being
- Allows flexibility or accommodations for burnout, stress, or trauma-related conditions
Supporting mental health is no longer optional; it is a key part of ensuring safety and welfare within the healthcare workforce.
Remote and Hybrid Work in Healthcare
Although primarily seen in admin and telehealth roles, remote and hybrid work environments are still subject to health and safety legislation. Healthcare professionals working from home must:
- Conduct workstation risk assessments
- Use ergonomic furniture to prevent musculoskeletal conditions
- Maintain patient confidentiality in line with information governance rules
- Have access to appropriate PPE ( Personal protective equipment) and support channels if engaging with patients virtually
The HSE has issued new guidance to support safe working outside the traditional place of work, and all healthcare providers must ensure that remote staff are included in their health and safety management plans.
Your Responsibilities as a Healthcare Professional
Healthcare professionals are not only expected to comply with regulations but also contribute to enforcing a culture of safety in the workplace. You are responsible for health and safety when:
- Reporting incidents or near misses
- Following proper infection control protocols
- Participating in mandatory health and safety training
- Using provided PPE correctly and requesting replacements when needed
Summary
As we progress through 2025, healthcare professionals must prioritise proactive, people-centred health and safety at work. This includes understanding the Safety at Work Act 1974, adhering to National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness, safely managing hazardous substances, and upholding a mentally and physically safe workplace. These responsibilities apply across all healthcare settings, including remote and community care. By actively engaging in health and safety management, professionals safeguard patient care, support team wellbeing, and ensure long-term protection for themselves and others.
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