Portsmouth Harbour Powers Modernisation: Implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

Portsmouth Harbour Powers Modernisation: Correction Slip clarifies UK health and safety law and governance for port operations

What has changed

The Correction Slip relates to the statutory undertakings which form part of Portsmouth International Port and the Camber. It modernises and consolidates the statutory harbour powers which apply in relation to the port, so that in the future it will be governed under the Order, and the Acts and Orders listed in Schedule 3.

In practical terms, this adjustment is a governance and oversight change rather than a stand‑alone new duty. It influences how safety obligations are administered, who wields decision making authority for harbour operations and how the port’s compliance framework aligns with UK health and safety law and HSE requirements.

Why this matters for health and safety and regulatory compliance

Port operations sit at the intersection of worker safety, contractor management and operational risk. Modernising harbour powers can refresh lines of responsibility, accountability and enforcement. While the underlying health and safety duties remain governed by UK health and safety law, clearer governance can improve risk governance, supervision and record keeping within the port environment. Duty holders should anticipate changes in oversight and ensure that arrangements for risk assessment, control measures and monitoring align with the new framework.

For organisations that operate within or adjacent to the port, including contractors and suppliers, the change heightens the need for clear contracts, competent advice and robust management systems. Integrating these into an ISO 45001 framework can support systematic control of workplace risk and regulatory compliance. See ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management for guidance.

Key duties for organisations and steps to achieve compliance

To align with the updated governance framework, organisations should consider the following actions:

• Review the final text of the Correction Slip, the Order, and Schedule 3 to understand revised governance arrangements.
• Map existing health and safety duties at the port with the new governance lines and identify gaps in oversight.
• Update risk assessments for harbour operations to reflect any new oversight structures and responsibilities.
• Review contractor management practices and ensure competent advice is available through a suitably qualified person, for example via Competent Person support.
• Update policies and procedures to reflect revised governance, including incident reporting and corrective actions.
• Invest in appropriate training and ensure ongoing health and safety training for port staff, contractors and managers.
• Align your ISO 45001 management system with the new requirements where relevant, using practical support from ISO 45001.

Enforcement and sanctions

Enforcement under UK health and safety law remains focused on managing risk in the workplace. The modernised harbour powers are not expected to remove safety obligations but may change the way compliance is overseen and reported. Organisations should stay alert to any further guidance from the port authority or local regulators and ensure timely remedies for any identified non‑compliances.

Next steps for governance, risk and assurance

Establish a governance map that clearly assigns responsibility for harbour safety, risk assessment and compliance monitoring. Engage workers and contractors in risk identification and control review. Update management system documentation and ensure governance arrangements reflect the new Order and Schedule 3. Consider working with a specialist health and safety advisor to review your port related risk controls and assurance processes, for example through Synergos services and training.

For systematic control of workplace risk and legal compliance, organisations may engage with health and safety risk assessments and Competent Person support.