The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published significantly improved guidance to help employers manage infection risks and biological hazards in the workplace. The refreshed guidance is designed to be more practical, easier to navigate, and better aligned with the realities of modern working environments.
Biological hazards can arise in many different settings — from healthcare and social care to manufacturing, offices, retail environments and roles involving regular contact with the public. The updated guidance supports employers in identifying where infection risks may arise, understanding their legal duties, and taking proportionate steps to control those risks effectively.
Managing Infection Risks Through Risk Assessment
A key focus of the updated guidance is helping employers approach infection risks in the same way as any other workplace hazard. It provides practical advice on carrying out suitable and sufficient risk assessments, identifying who may be affected, and implementing appropriate control measures based on the level of risk.
The guidance reinforces that controls should be proportionate and practical, reflecting the nature of the work, the work environment, and the people involved. This includes consideration of hygiene measures, ventilation, cleaning regimes, employee information and training, and systems of work where relevant.
Clearer Structure and Easier Navigation
One of the most noticeable improvements is the new site structure, which makes it easier to find relevant information based on workplace type and potential exposure risks. Employers no longer need to work through large volumes of generic or outdated content to find what applies to them.
Outdated and non‑workplace material has been removed, creating clearer, more focused guidance that is firmly rooted in occupational health and safety principles.
Stronger Links to Trusted Health Resources
The refreshed guidance also includes stronger links to related HSE resources, helping employers take a more joined‑up approach to compliance and risk management. In addition, there is clearer signposting to authoritative clinical sources, including the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency, ensuring access to reliable health information where needed.
This distinction helps keep the focus firmly on workplace risk management, rather than clinical diagnosis or medical advice.
What This Means for Employers
For employers, the update provides a useful opportunity to review existing risk assessments and control measures, particularly where working practices, environments, or workforce needs have changed. Infection risks should be managed sensibly and proportionately, with clear communication to employees about how risks are controlled.
Employers can access the updated HSE guidance on infections and biological hazards at work via the HSE website. If you would like support reviewing your risk assessments or translating the guidance into practical actions for your workplace, our team is here to help.
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