What did England learn about workplace health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published England’s national report as part of the PEROSH collaborative project: “Lessons learned for OSH from the COVID-19 pandemic: How Different European Countries Addressed Occupational Health and Safety Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Key findings from the England report:
- Workplaces as transmission hotspots: COVID-19 spread rapidly in sectors where remote work was not possible, such as healthcare, social care, education, transport, manufacturing, and public services.
- Layered risk management: The most effective strategies combined ventilation improvements, face coverings, regular testing, and tailored risk assessments. The “Hierarchy of Controls” approach was essential for reducing transmission.
- Human factors matter: Financial insecurity and lack of sick pay led to presenteeism, increasing workplace transmission. Strong leadership, clear communication, and support for self-isolation were critical.
- Data-driven response: Linking public health and workplace data enabled real-time monitoring and targeted interventions, helping to identify outbreak patterns and inform policy.
- Preparedness for the future: The report calls for integrated OSH and public health planning, routine occupational data collection, investment in behavioural science, and international cooperation to build resilient workplaces.
England’s experience highlights the importance of adaptable, evidence-based strategies and collaboration across sectors to protect workers and communities in future health emergencies.
📘 Read the full report:
