What is the function of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is primarily responsible for overseeing workplace health and safety in the UK. This includes ensuring that employers comply with health and safety laws to provide a safe working environment for employees and prevent accidents and illnesses related to work. The HSE sets regulations, provides guidance, and enforces compliance through inspections and investigations in various workplaces.

While managing public health crises may be part of other organizations’ roles and environmental standards are overseen by different regulatory bodies, the HSE's specific mandate focuses on health and safety in employment settings. Conducting audits on businesses may occur as part of their enforcement activities, but it is not their main function. Their primary emphasis is on creating and maintaining safe working conditions, thus allowing businesses to operate safely and efficiently.