As the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 turns 50 on 31 July, the world of work, both now and in the future, looks markedly different to when this ground-breaking piece of legislation was enacted. Yet, the Act has stood the test of time and its principles remain as relevant now as they did in the summer of ’74 – unlike some of the haircuts from that time.
By Kerry Reals on 27 June 2024
Lithium-ion batteries used to power equipment such as e-bikes and electric vehicles are increasingly linked to serious fires in workplaces and residential buildings, so it’s essential those in charge of such environments assess and control the risks.
By Matt Humby, Firechief® Global on 28 June 2024
Those responsible for workplaces, public buildings and multi-occupied residential premises have a variety of duties aimed at protecting the occupants from fire, and good communication with those at risk is crucial to ensuring the dangers are properly managed.
By Phil Jones, William Martin on 27 June 2024
Cognitive neuroscientist Javid Farahani will be speaking at the SHW Live exhibition in Farnborough in September on how simple technology can assess the cognitive health and fitness of employees – and provide them and their employers with simple ideas for improving their performance and resilience to stress.
By Javid Farahani, CogMap on 15 August 2023
Arc rated PPE provides vital protection against electrical arcing for people such as engineers working on electrical installations, but it’s crucial to consider factors like comfort, durability and weather protection when selecting it.
By Jonas Andersson, GORE-TEX on 15 August 2023
A new charter and benchmarking scheme aims to encourage all stakeholders in the built environment industry to develop the necessary leadership and culture to put people’s safety first in how we design, build and maintain the built environment.
By Gary Townsend Vila, Building a Safer Future on 15 August 2023
With fire safety duties becoming ever more stringent following the Grenfell tragedy, it is crucial that ‘Responsible Persons’ (and other relevant safety roles) only specify and hire appropriate fire safety organisations who have been independently assessed and certificated to evidence their competence.
By Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, BAFE Fire Safety Register on 10 August 2023
Working in hot, cold and wet conditions can have a negative impact on a worker’s performance and comfort levels, so it’s vital to ensure that any protective clothing provides adequate insulation, weather protection and breathability.
By Anna West, GORE-TEX on 09 August 2023
On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, 2023 has seen a significant rollout of legislative changes to fire safety in high-rise residential buildings that highlight the progress made and the challenges that yet remain.
By Aisha Farooq, Fire Protection Association on 08 August 2023
The dire warnings about air pollution’s impact can leave us feeling scared and stuck. As a systemic problem there are limits to what individuals can do in isolation to protect themselves. But is that the full picture? What is the potential for individuals and businesses to support change?
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 August 2023
Although fire can be a significant hazard during construction work, construction company Avondale Construction is deploying a range of innovative technology to minimise the risk of a blaze.
By Nick Curran, Avondale Construction on 01 August 2023
Slip-resistant footwear is a vital tool in preventing slips at work, but it’s important to consider factors like wearer comfort to ensure it provides the most effective protection.
By Simon Ash, HAIX on 11 July 2023
With recent research showing that almost one in three outdoor workers in the UK never wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays, it’s never been more important for employers to educate staff about the health risks – and provide appropriate sun protection products.
By SC Johnson Professional on 10 July 2023
