Structure of the S&R programme

Factors influencing research

The need to keep abreast of new and fast changing technologies together with societal concerns about the acceptable level of risk in work activities are the key drivers for new research. During 2000, the government and HSC published 'Revitalising health and safety' and 'Securing health together' which set challenging targets for improving health and safety performance in the UK Over the next 10 years.

Research is undertaken to help meet HSC/E's business objectives. It plays a key role in:

• Improving our understanding of health and safety risks and how to control them
• Improving our understanding of how people behave and organisations respond to risks
• Supporting enforcement activities e.g. developing analytical techniques
• Ensuring health and safety regulations, standards and guidance are technically sound and cost effective

Research organisation

HSE has an integrated science & research programme which address both generic and specific occupational health and safety issues across the complete spectrum of HSC/E's regulatory responsibilities. Funding comes from HSE's grant in aid from government, and normally plans to spend annually about £20.5 million on research, in addition to research funded through HSE by industry.

HSC has published its Science & Research Strategy 2005-2008 HSC/E's Science Strategy 2005 - 2008(410kb) detailing the key science & research issues being considered by HSE.

HSE has a number of key programmes for delivering priority business outcomes. The work to achieve the health and safety performance targets will involve:

• Taking action where significant improvements in health and safety are needed now. Current priority areas are:
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • stress
  • falls from heights
  • slips/trips/falls
  • workplace transport
  • construction
  • agriculture
  • health services
• Ensuring that an effective regulatory regime exists in the major hazard sectors
• Ensuring compliance with the health and safety legislation
• Meeting the requirement to modernise and simplify the regulatory framework, provide information and advice, promote risk assessment and technical knowledge and operate statutory schemes.

Nuclear safety research (Nuclear Research Programme), which is 80% funded by the nuclear licensees is managed within the Nuclear Safety Directorate (NSD) and is devoted to nuclear industry specific issues.

Nuclear safety research (the HSC Co-ordinated Programme), which is 80% funded by the nuclear licensees is managed within the Nuclear Safety Directorate (NSD) and is devoted to nuclear industry specific nuclear safety issues . The programme forms part of HSE's research work in the major hazard industries.

Procurement of research

HSE's research procurement policy is to ensure that research is contracted efficiently and effectively to maximise value for money, ensure financial probity and further our health and safety interests. HSE has about 500 active projects at any one time. The life span and budget of individual projects varies considerably.

The programme comprises projects carried out by contractors from private industry, consultants, government laboratories, universities and the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL). HSE does not award research grants.

HSE looks to commission research with organisations which can demonstrate that they have the necessary capability and follow sound health and safety and environmental practices. Account is also taken of the existence and proper operation of appropriate quality management systems.

Further information on research procurement can be found at Selling to the HSE.