Walk into any workplace in 2025 — a warehouse, an open-plan office, a school — and you’ll find the same question quietly lingering in the background: are we really prepared for what might go wrong?
From mental wellbeing to physical safety, and now a growing focus on threat resilience, the demands placed on UK employers are shifting fast. As 2026 approaches, health and safety is no longer just about ticking boxes, it’s about adapting to a world that doesn’t stand still.
So what does that mean for businesses trying to keep up?
Getting the Basics Right — Then Going a Bit Further
Let’s start with the obvious: your signage, equipment and emergency kits can’t stay static while regulations evolve around them. But it’s surprising how often they do.
Take safety signage. Many offices still rely on faded fire exit stickers and outdated wall charts. Others haven’t updated PPE stock since pre-COVID. It’s rarely due to negligence — just a lack of headspace in busy organisations.
Still, it matters. Out-of-date safety gear or unclear signage can quickly land a business in trouble, especially as enforcement tightens.
For companies unsure where to begin, looking for more information from reputable safety partners can offer a clearer picture — not a sales pitch, just practical guidance rooted in legislation.
Martyn’s Law Is Coming — And It’s Not Just for Stadiums
There’s been a lot of talk in political and security circles about Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. The legislation, expected to roll out more fully in 2026, is designed to make public venues more secure against terror threats.
But it doesn’t just apply to arenas or music venues. It’s going to affect a wide range of businesses — including SMEs, office buildings, and retailers — especially if they welcome visitors or have responsibility for publicly accessible spaces.
At its heart, Martyn’s Law is about preparedness. Things like knowing your evacuation plan, having someone trained to manage a critical situation, or even simply walking through “what if” scenarios with your team.
If that sounds daunting, you’re not alone. But many businesses are already weaving this thinking into their broader safety strategies, not treating it as a bolt-on. The key is starting before you’re required to.
Training That Doesn’t Just Tick Boxes
We’ve all done it. Sat through the mandatory online fire safety module, clicked “next” without reading, passed the quiz, moved on.
But if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that performative safety training doesn’t hold up under pressure.
What works better? Real-world simulations. Short, engaging refreshers. Quiet encouragement from line managers to speak up if something feels unsafe. Creating a culture where safety isn’t just a department — it’s a habit.
It’s not about turning every employee into a health and safety expert. It’s about making sure people know what to do, when to act, and who to ask — without second-guessing themselves.
Public Health Is Everyone’s Business Now
Health and safety used to mean hard hats and hazard signs. In 2026, it also means air quality, virus control, and psychological safety.
The UK Health Security Agency recently released its 2025–2026 business plan, which reads less like a dry government PDF and more like a quiet call to arms. It outlines the increasing role employers will play in public health — especially in disease resilience and environmental safety.
That might mean reassessing your ventilation system. Or encouraging people to stay home when unwell, without fear of judgement or financial penalty. These aren’t dramatic changes, but they show your team you’re paying attention.
And of course, as the definition of “safety” broadens, digital risks are now part of the picture too. A data breach or cyberattack can be just as disruptive as a fire alarm or flood. For businesses reviewing their vulnerabilities ahead of 2026, it’s worth considering how basic protections like Cyber Essentials fit into a more holistic approach to workplace security.
What Comes Next?
If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s this: the workplace isn’t what it was five years ago and it won’t be the same five years from now.
Regulations are tightening, expectations are rising, and risks are evolving. But at its core, workplace safety is still about people. About how we show up for each other. About not waiting until something goes wrong to take it seriously.
The companies that will thrive in 2026 won’t just be the ones who follow the rules. They’ll be the ones who understand that a safe workplace isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation.
