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Objective This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace health and safety in England, identifying key lessons to strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies.Material and Methods The study draws on findings from 20 workplace outbreak investigations and an outbreak risk model based on national linked datasets. These were conducted as part of the COVID-OUT study under the UK PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study. The analysis focused on transmission risks and control measures across various workplace settings and was complemented by a review of UK-based scientific literature on the broader effects of the pandemic on workers and workplaces.Results Workplaces were found to be significant settings for COVID-19 transmission. The study analyses outbreaks across several high-risk sectors, including manufacturing, storage and distribution, meat-processing, public order and safety, and public-facing offices, highlighting sector- specific challenges and the effectiveness of different control measures implemented in each setting. It emphasises the need for tailored infection prevention strategies, including regular testing in combination of local contact tracing, improved ventilation, use of face coverings, and financial support for workers to encourage self-isolation. The study advocates for a multi-layered approach to risk mitigation, combining physical, behavioural, and administrative interventions. It also stresses the need for strong data collection and analysis to identify high-risk settings and inform targeted response.Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection-resilient workplaces to protect worker health and ensure business continuity. Future pandemic preparedness requires a holistic approach that integrates workplace health into broader national public health strategies. This includes establishing pre-approved emergency research protocols, enhancing international collaboration, and improving data systems with occupational data routinely collected for real-time insights and decision-making. A coordinated, system-wide approach is essential to ensure resilience and protect both the workforce and the broader community.