Across the UK, many businesses, often without realising it, are responsible for managing buildings and systems that involve the use of water.
These include a wide range of facilities from office blocks and warehouses to healthcare facilities, factories, and venues within the hospitality sector.
Any premises that feature stored or recirculating water systems, such as tanks, showers, or cooling towers, have the potential to harbour Legionella bacteria if not properly maintained
This creates a significant health and safety risk that must be proactively managed.
Why Is Legionnaires’ Disease a Cause for Concern?
Legionnaires’ disease has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years from regulators, governing bodies, and insurers alike. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) place a clear legal obligation on businesses to manage this risk, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 guidance. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including large fines and formal enforcement action.
For businesses operating in regulated sectors, the stakes are even higher. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), for instance, requires a current Legionella risk assessment and proof of effective control measures before it approves or re-register healthcare premises. This includes GP surgeries, dental practices, and aesthetic clinics.
Additionally, insurers are becoming more cautious. There is a growing trend of insurance companies refusing to provide cover or delaying property transactions, such as sales or leases if appropriate Legionella documentation is not in place. Similarly, landlords, facilities managers, and property management companies are under increased pressure to show that they are taking a proactive approach to Legionella risk management, rather than responding only when problems arise.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease and How Common Is It? 
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and potentially fatal form of pneumonia, which people can contract by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. While anyone can be affected, individuals who are elderly, smoke, or have underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Legionella bacteria are naturally present in rivers, lakes, and other water sources. However, the risk becomes more significant in man-made water systems, especially where water is stored, heated, or circulated. If water systems are left untreated or poorly maintained, the bacteria can multiply quickly, especially under the right temperature conditions or where water becomes stagnant. As a result, virtually any commercial property, regardless of its size or industry, could be at risk.
Why Is the Issue Becoming More Urgent?
There are several reasons why Legionella risk is now a growing concern. Both the HSE and CQC have adopted a more proactive stance, increasing the frequency and rigour of inspections and taking a harder line on non-compliance. In addition, public awareness of health and safety responsibilities has grown, particularly following high-profile outbreaks and a broader societal focus on duty of care in the workplace.
The message from regulators and insurers is increasingly clear: failure to comply with Legionella safety standards is no longer being tolerated or overlooked.
What Can Businesses Do to Protect Themselves? 
The most effective way to reduce the risk of Legionella is to carry out a professional Legionella risk assessment. This should be performed by a qualified competent specialist who can identify potential hazards within your water systems and provide a detailed written scheme of control to mitigate those risks.
Once risks have been identified, businesses should take the following steps:
- Implement and maintain a comprehensive Legionella control plan in accordance with HSG274 guidance.
- Keep detailed records of all monitoring, maintenance, and temperature checks.
- Ensure staff who are responsible for managing water systems receive appropriate training.
- Review and update the risk assessment regularly, particularly after any changes to the water systems or building layout.
Taking Responsibility Today for a Safer Tomorrow
Addressing Legionella risk isn’t just about ticking a compliance box, it’s about protecting your employees, customers, and visitors from a potentially life-threatening illness. Being proactive can help businesses avoid costly fines, reputational damage, delays in property transactions, and potential loss of insurance coverage. More importantly, it supports a culture of safety and accountability that benefits everyone involved.
Now more than ever, UK businesses must take Legionella seriously and take steps today to manage the risk responsibly.
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