Recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings showed that 97% of official control visitors carried out in 2025 required action.

In response, the Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements.

The findings, collected across England, Wales and Scotland, highlighted a number of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry.

The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations.

Ian Graham, chair of the Amenity Forum, says:

“The findings highlight that there remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance across the sector. Whilst many of the issues identified can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls, the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining robust systems and regularly reviewing procedures.”

The Forum is therefore urging organisations to take the following five actions:

• Review pesticide stores and ensure bunding, fire protection and storage arrangements remain suitable.
• Audit pesticide stocks and remove any unauthorised or expired products.
• Ensure spray records are complete, compliant and readily available for inspection.
• Verify that pedestrian-operated spraying equipment has been inspected where required.
• Confirm registration requirements under the Official Controls Regulations have been met.

A recent feature in Pro Landscaper’s June issue covers the discussion of weed management control in public spaces after communities expressed concern in Brighton. Read it here.