HSE Legislation Effects on Reducing Industrial Accidents and Improving Occupational Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Effective Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) legislation is critical for reducing occupational accidents and promoting worker health. Although numerous studies have examined individual interventions, a comprehensive synthesis across industries has been lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of HSE legal and managerial interventions on reducing industrial accidents and improving occupational health across multiple high-risk sectors. A systematic search of reputable scientific databases was conducted to identify studies up to January 2026. Twelve studies encompassing manufacturing, construction, high-risk sectors such as mining and transportation, and petrochemical and oil industries were included. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted. Random-effects meta-analysis and subgroup analyses were performed based on intervention type, industry, and outcome measures. Overall, HSE interventions significantly reduced occupational accident risk (RR=0.788; 95% CI: 0.682–0.894). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that safety management systems (OHSMS, ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001) and regulatory inspections with penalties significantly lowered accident risk. Economic and demographic factors moderated outcomes, with younger, less-experienced, or male workers at higher risk, mitigated by training, resource allocation, and targeted interventions (RR=0.839). Severe occupational injuries and disabling incidents showed the most significant reduction (RR = 0.769). HSE legislation, combined with systematic safety management and targeted inspections, effectively reduces industrial accidents and enhances worker health. Policy implications include enforcing legal standards, implementing safety management systems, and integrating workforce-focused interventions.