As we close out the year, the conversation around health and safety is becoming sharper, tougher and far less forgiving. Enforcement hasn't quietly evolved, it has decisively shifted. Prosecution is now the default, scrutiny on directors is intensifying, and the margin for weak systems is shrinking fast. In this timely roundtable, I'm joined by Keith Mathews, from HCR Law's Insurance, to cut through the noise and look at what really matters as we head into 2026. This is about defensibility, governance and avoiding the blind spots that still catch organisations out, often with devastating consequences.

Key highlights

• Enforcement mindset shift: prosecution over persuasion
• Risk assessments: task specific or vulnerable
• Directors in focus: personal accountability rising
• Training expectations: quality, supervision, proof
• Mental health risks: legal and operational exposure
• Occupational disease: long tail liability remains
• Governance priority: board level ownership essential

Resources and actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-mathews-228757bb/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/