Preparing safety case reports for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has published its latest guide to preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the Building Safety Act. This guidance has been prepared by engineers and risk experts to provide a framework for structural engineers preparing safety case reports.

Preparing safety case reports for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Actsupports structural engineers in fulfilling their responsibilities within the building safety regime, providing clear, proportionate guidance for identifying hazards, assessing risks and contributing robust structural information to safety case reports.

The publication explains the legislative framework, clarifies the role of structural engineers within the building safety regime and sets out a consistent approach to assessing structural and structural/fire-related risks. It outlines how to develop a reliable understanding of a building’s condition, determine reasonable steps and present evidence in addressing structural risks a transparent, auditable format.

IStructE Technical Director, Patrick Hayes said: “This guide is an essential tool for those preparing the structural aspects of safety case reports. It explains what a safety case is and takes the reader through the process of preparing a report and how to address the issues that arise. It will quickly become a reference document alongside our HRB Compendium for those working on the safety of existing buildings.”

Written for those supporting safety cases for both existing and new build HRBs, the guide covers condition assessment, investigations, structural behaviour, fire-related structural performance, ongoing monitoring and change control. It provides a structured methodology that enables engineers to deliver clear, defensible inputs to the safety case and safety case report.

This is a comprehensive, practical guide that supports engineers in preparing or reviewing the structural elements of safety cases, offering clear methodologies and well evidenced good practice.

Specifically, this publication:

• Defines ‘safety case’ and ‘safety case report’ and explains the legal context
• Details the process of preparing and presenting a structural safety case report
• Sets out a recommended process for carrying out structural assessments
• Provides methodologies for risk assessment
• Outlines how to gather and structure supporting data, including presenting ‘claims, argument and evidence’
• Provides advice on how to deal with structural issues
• Provides advice on quality control and legal considerations.

This guidance applies to all HRBs, new build and existing and aims to ensure that structural safety case reports are robust, well-reasoned and auditable, enabling consistent and robust submissions under the BSA.

About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/

The Institution of Structural Engineers was established in 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering, with over 30,000 members working in 139 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence in the built environment. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.

The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.

This article was issued via Press Release as "Preparing safety case reports for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act" by Head of Communication and Journals at The Institution of Structural Engineers dated 24 March 2026.

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