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Office Under the Microscope – HSE’s New Focus and How SMEs Can Stay Safe

  • Writer: Myra Abordo
    Myra Abordo
  • Sep 2, 2025
  • 2 min read
A group of people in the office having discussion or meeting

In 2025, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has started to look at office environments in a new light. Offices were once considered low risk, but that is no longer the case. Inspections are increasing and enforcement is getting tighter, which means small and medium-sized businesses cannot afford to overlook safety. Updating your systems now will save you from disruption, penalties and unnecessary stress.


What Has Changed in Office Safety

  • Fire Safety. Many offices are being flagged for missing or outdated fire risk assessments, untrained fire wardens and blocked escape routes. Hybrid working makes this even more complex, as fire wardens and evacuation plans must cover variable staff attendance. Source: HSE Office Inspections 2025

  • Incident Reporting. Poor reporting of workplace incidents, from slips and trips to electrical faults, has become a key inspection target. Incomplete or late RIDDOR reporting can now trigger enforcement notices or fines.

  • Hybrid and Remote Work Risks. Employers remain responsible for the safety of hybrid and remote workers. This includes ergonomic setups, lone working risks and emergency procedures. Failure to carry out suitable risk assessments is now seen as a serious compliance issue.


Why This Matters for SMEs

For many SMEs, office safety has slipped down the priority list compared to sectors like construction or manufacturing. But HSE now views lapses in fire safety, reporting or hybrid work assessments with equal seriousness. Non-compliance is not just a regulatory issue. It can also damage reputation, lower employee confidence and increase operational risks.


How Base Solutions Can Support You

At Base Solutions, we work with SMEs to strengthen office safety without making it complicated:

  • Reviewing and updating fire safety plans, training wardens and tailoring evacuation strategies for hybrid teams.

  • Digitising incident reporting so even minor issues are logged quickly and RIDDOR obligations are met.

  • Creating clear risk assessment templates and ergonomic guides for hybrid and remote workers.


Office environments are now firmly under the HSE spotlight. By acting early and keeping systems up to date, you protect not only compliance but also the wellbeing and trust of your people. If your office safety needs a refresh, Base Solutions can help you make it simple, practical and effective.


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