New rules to strengthen workplace safety – from extending protections for new and expectant mums to ensuring consistent standards on offshore wind projects – will go before Tynwald next month.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) will bring forward the Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which update rules first introduced in 2003 to reflect modern good practice.
Key changes include:
- Introducing the General Principles of Prevention, a framework widely used in the UK to help employers identify and control workplace risks.
- Extending protections to new or expectant mothers who are agency workers, giving them the same safeguards as directly employed staff.
- Removing outdated exemptions to ensure fire precautions are in place on all construction sites.
- Applying the regulations to offshore energy projects, including renewable wind developments, so that emerging industries meet the same high safety standards.
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “These amendments are about keeping our health and safety laws up-to-date, practical, and aligned with international good practice. They will help employers manage risks effectively and ensure all workers, including agency staff, are properly protected.”
The proposals follow an eight-week public consultation earlier this year, which received 20 responses. All supported the amendments.
If approved by Tynwald, the updated regulations will come into effect the next day.
