New publications this month:
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA)
Approach to the UK REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern
This new policy paper confirms the government’s new approach to identifying Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) under UK REACH. This approach has applied since 24 February 2026. It intends to speed up the process by drawing information from other jurisdictions – in particular, this would enable more rapid and closer alignment with the EU REACH candidate list. The HSE will also be able to propose further potential SVHCs in their annual work programmes.
PFAS Plan
Information is presented on the UK government’s intended approach to understanding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sources, addressing PFAS pathways and reducing exposure to PFAS. A suite of indicative actions are set out against these three objectives.
HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE)
Video: Anaerobic digestion
This video concerns incidents at anaerobic digestion plants and how these may be avoided through appropriate training and controls.
Video: On torch extraction for welding fume
This video concerns the operation and use of on torch extraction for welding fume, with advice on issues, practices and competency.
MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY (MCA)
The following notes and notices relevant to occupational health and safety were published or updated during February 2026:
EUROPEAN CHEMICALS AGENCY (ECHA): EU AND NORTHERN IRELAND
ECHA adds two hazardous chemicals to the Candidate List
Two chemicals were added to the candidate list of SVHCs in February 2026:
Single programming document 2026 – 2028
This document sets out the programme for chemical safety work between 2026 and 2028 and the annual work programme for 2026. This covers regimes including EU REACH, the EU CLP Regulation and Biocides.
Companies fined after racking collapse, killing two workers
Two companies have been fined following an incident which resulted in the deaths of two workers in West Yorkshire.
On 29 October 2020, a self-employed worker was attending the site in Bingley on behalf of a company called Collins Site Services. A racking system at the site, which belonged to Space Productiv Ltd, was being tested in the presence of the managing director of this company. When test weights were applied, some of which weighed up to two tonnes, when the structure began to collapse.
The two men had been working from a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) next to the racking structure as it was being loaded. The collapsing racking struck the MEWP, causing it to overturn while both men were inside. Both men sustained fatal injuries and died shortly afterwards.
An HSE investigation found that both companies failed to adequately assess the risks arising from the work being undertaken and failed to put in place a safe system of work to ensure the health and safety of those involved.
The HSE found that the planned and implemented systems of work were unsafe. Workers were positioned within the collapse zone of the racking during testing, placing them at serious risk should the structure fail.
Breaches
Space Productiv Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974:
Collins Site Services Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Penalties
Space Productiv Ltd was fined £97,500 and ordered to pay £17,377 in costs.
Collins Site Services Ltd was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £10,292 in costs.
Forge in the West Midlands fined for death of employee who became entangled in a lathe
A forge in Halesowen has been fined three-quarters of a million pounds after an employee died due to entanglement with a lathe.
On 8 December 2023, the worker was using a handheld emery cloth to finish a rotating component on a 20-metre long lathe. The man was employed as a machinist at the forge. While using the cloth, the man became entangled in the dangerous moving parts of the lathe and sustained catastrophic injuries. Despite efforts by the emergency services, the worker died later that evening.
An HSE investigation found that Somers Forge Limited had failed to:
The HSE has provided guidance on using emery cloth on metalworking lathes. This states that it is never acceptable to apply emery cloth by hand to a rotating component, as there is a risk of the operator becoming entangled or dragged into the danger zone.
Breach
Somers Forge Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Penalty
Somers Forge Limited was fined £750,000 and ordered to pay £38,314 in costs.
Housing association maintenance company fined after employee fatality
A maintenance company has been handed a six-figure fine after an employee died from inhaling toxic vapours while laying a floor.
On 9 December 2020, a worker was laying a vinyl bathroom floor at a domestic property in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The worker’s employer had purchased an adhesive containing Dichloromethane (DCM), which is a highly volatile solvent. The use of small volumes of DCM products large amounts of colourless, low odour vapour, even at room temperature. The employee used this regularly during his employment.
On the day of the worker’s death, the hose to the pressurised glue canister became damaged. This led to the release of a large amount of adhesive into the poorly ventilated bathroom. The worker lost consciousness and collapsed. Emergency services had to force entry to the bathroom to reach him.
An HSE investigation found that Connect Property Services Limited had failed to take appropriate precautions to ensure substances hazardous to health were not used when safer alternatives are available.
HSE guidance on Dichloromethane (DCM) prioritises avoiding the use of DCM-based products whenever reasonably practicable, by using suitable and safer alternative products or methods. DCM-based products should only be used in well-ventilated areas to prevent the build-up of vapour.
Connect Property Services Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Connect Property Services Limited was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9676.81 with a surcharge of £190.
