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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its updated Local Authority Circular (LAC 67/2) for 2025/26, setting out inspection priorities and enforcement expectations for the year ahead. For care providers, this update is a timely reminder of the need to remain vigilant, proactive, and compliant when it comes to health and safety standards.
In this blog, we explore the key changes and what they could mean for your care organisation.
LAC 67/2 is a guidance document issued by the HSE to local authorities, outlining how proactive inspections should be targeted based on risk. It identifies the sectors and activities that warrant attention and provides a framework for consistent enforcement across the UK.
Each year, this circular is reviewed and updated to reflect emerging risks and sector, specific concerns. For 2025/26, care homes and other social care settings remain a priority area.
For the coming year, the HSE is focusing on:
1. Workplace Transport Safety
Improperly managed vehicles on care home premises remain a source of serious incidents. The HSE will be looking closely at how businesses separate pedestrians from vehicles, the use of mobility vehicles, and whether delivery procedures are risk assessed.
2. Falls from Height
Falls from height continue to be one of the most common causes of fatal workplace injuries. In care environments, this can relate to maintenance work, cleaning tasks, or even access to loft spaces. Risk assessments and safe working practices must be well documented and followed.
3. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
With manual handling a daily reality in care settings, inspectors will be checking for safe lifting practices, staff training records, and whether the correct equipment is in place. The use of hoists, slings, and other assistive devices must meet both legal and manufacturer standards.
4. Asbestos Management
Buildings constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos. The HSE expects care providers to have an up, to, date asbestos register and clear procedures in place for managing any risk to residents, visitors, and staff.
5. Occupational Health
A growing focus is being placed on mental health, stress, and fatigue, particularly in high, pressure sectors like social care. While not a new area of interest, the HSE is expected to delve deeper into how employers assess and mitigate psychosocial risks in the workplace.
If you operate in the care sector, you should prepare for the possibility of an unannounced inspection – and ensure that your health and safety systems are not just compliant, but actively managed and well, communicated to staff.
Key actions include:
Health and safety in the care sector isn’t just about meeting legal requirements, it’s about protecting vulnerable people and creating a safe, supportive environment for both residents and staff.
With the HSE sharpening its focus for 2025/26, now is the time to review your procedures, refresh your training, and make sure your compliance documentation is fully up to date.
At Quality Care Group, we work closely with care providers across the UK to help them manage risk more effectively and stay one step ahead of regulatory change.
If you have any questions about this, or anything else related to risk control or management, please don't not hesitate to contact me on 01273 424904.
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