Martyn’s Law update and workplace risks in focus at forthcoming conference

Key developments on Martyn’s Law, the rising challenge of workplace stress, and other major health and safety issues will take centre stage at a conference taking place next week.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Health and Safety Conference 2026 brings together expert speakers to explore some of the most pressing topics affecting professionals working in health and safety today.

Leading the programme is an essential update on Martyn’s Law – The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, one year on from receiving Royal Assent, and with the statutory guidance for venues being published this week.

Thomas Yih from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) – the regulator responsible for implementing the Act – will outline what organisations need to know as the legislation starts to roll out.

The conference will then turn to a vital session on The Control of Asbestos Regulations and Guidance, delivered by Annmarie Staunton, Senior Policy Advisor at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). She will examine recent Select Committee recommendations and the HSE’s response.

Another highlight of the programme will be a panel discussion on the growing issue of work related stress, often described as a “silent killer”. The panel features Paul Spurrier, Head of Local Authority Team, HSE, Heather Beach, Chair of the Women in Safety Network & Founder, Healthy Work Company and Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Regulatory Engagement, IOSH

The conference will also feature an eye opening session on the serious risks posed when rough sleepers seek shelter in bins and the health and safety implications, led by Kevin Thomas, Health and Safety Business Partner at Biffa.

Nikki Pearson, Head of Membership Services at CIEH, said:

“This year’s Health and Safety Conference brings together some of the most significant issues facing the profession, from the implementation of Martyn’s Law to long‑standing and emerging workplace risks such as asbestos exposure and work‑related stress.

“By hearing directly from regulators, policy leaders and sector experts, delegates will gain valuable insight into how legislation, guidance and best practice are evolving, and what that means in practice for those responsible for protecting people’s health and safety.

“We’re proud to be hosting a programme that is timely, relevant and firmly rooted in the realities faced by health and safety and environmental health professionals.”

The CIEH Health and Safety Conference takes place online on Wednesday, 22 April and is open to CIEH members and non-members.

For the full programme and to book a place visit: https://www.cieh.org/events/2026/april/cieh-health-and-safety-conference/