Local MP Robert Largan recently paid a visit to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Science & Research Centre in Harpur Hill Buxton.

The HSE is a UK Government agency responsible for the regulation and enforcement of workplace health and safety, and research into occupational risks in Great Britain.

Before a tour of the site, Robert was given an overview of HSE policy and the 100-year history of the centre in Buxton.

The Safety in Mines Research Board bought the site in Harpur Hill in 1924. Under the instruction of Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, the centre started as the Safety in Mines Research Establishment in 1947.

The 550-acre site accommodates a laboratory, large-scale testing facilities, 380 scientists, engineers, occupational health, and hygiene specialists working together to make Great Britain one of the safest places in the world to work and do business.

During the tour, Robert met with HSE’s scientists to learn about their research into Covid-19 transmission and contamination, which involves Covid-19 outbreak heat map analysis.

The world-class regulator helps the Government and industry solve health and safety challenges in times of crisis. Robert visited the incident investigation and evidence store, which houses evidence from some of the UK’s most tragic workplace disasters.

Robert Largan MP, for High Peak, commented:

“It’s been a fascinating visit to the Health & Safety Executive laboratories at Harpur Hill. 

“I’ve chatted to the explosions team, learning about the HSE work on hydrogen; taking part in an experiment with microbiologists studying decontamination; speaking to material specialists who investigate industrial accidents; and discussing Covid-19 transmission studies with scientists.

“We should be proud of the world-class work that is happening right here in the High Peak to keep our workforce and the public safe.”