Safety Management Magazine features

01 HERO Three Little Pigs Arcola Development Alexander Johansen 600 Min

Who is the wolf in your life? Listening to the people behind the hard hat

A new play explores the lives of migrant construction workers in the UK, using humour, real-life experiences and physical theatre to capture the banter, friendships and absurd moments that make life on site bearable, alongside the pressures that often go unseen. Ahead of the play’s premiere in London on 12-14 November, playwright Inna Cebotari explains how Three Little Pigs aims to add to the public debate about how best to support the wellbeing of construction workers.

By Inna Cebotari, Kinth Square on 02 October 2026

Istock 2197441100 Credit Recep Bg 600 Min

Why UK employers need to rethink recruitment, retention and support for older workers

With workers over the age of 50 now comprising almost one third of the entire UK workforce, recruiting and retaining older workers is now core to the success of the economy. However, not all employers are offering what’s needed to retain and recruit older workers, and ageist attitudes, limited flexible working opportunities, and employment support that doesn’t fit with health, caring, or other responsibilities are leaving too many people locked out of the labour market.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 04 October 2026

Istock 590242016 600 Min

The five DSE ergonomics myths costing employers money

Employers often try to prevent musculoskeletal problems associated with display screen work by buying equipment, ranging from more expensive chairs to standing desks and posture correctors. The evidence suggests that what makes the difference is not the equipment itself but whether people are shown how to use it, encouraged to keep changing position and given timely, personalised advice based on their actual workstation and risk profile. Dr Nicola Tik and Dr Shane Lowe of Vitrue Health examine five common myths and explain how digital DSE assessment and training can help close the gap.

By Dr Nicola Tik & Dr Shane Lowe, Vitrue Health on 07 October 2026

    Asbestos

    The compelling case for mandatory UKAS accreditation in asbestos surveying

    With recent HSE research concluding that asbestos site surveys from UKAS-accredited companies and surveyors consistently deliver higher quality results than their non-accredited counterparts, the time has arrived for the Government and HSE to introduce mandatory UKAS accreditation for all organisations providing asbestos surveying services.

    By Robert Southall, Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 02 September 2025

    Man Car Headache Tired Night Driving MED Istock Credit Valentinrussanov

    Why mental health is central to driver safety

    Driving for work can be physically demanding and emotionally taxing, and the resulting psychological toll can greatly increase the risk of being involved in a collision. However, a new toolkit provides employers with a framework and guidance to embed effective mental health support for drivers into their organisational culture and operational strategy.

    By Simon Turner, Driving for Better Business on 01 October 2025

    Man Alcohol Drinking MED Istock 529917013 Credit Sturti

    Safe, focused and productive: why employers should test for drugs and alcohol

    Drug and alcohol testing can be an effective way of preventing substance misuse causing safety problems at work, but it’s vital to provide education and support so employees understand the dangers substance misuse poses to their own health and to the safety of colleagues and the public.

    By Jordan Reid, Randox Testing Services on 01 October 2025

    Generic Safety Image 2 Credit Dräger

    Psychological safety: a genuine risk to physical safety

    A ‘psychologically safe’ workplace where employees feel confident and comfortable speaking up to raise concerns, ask for help and admit mistakes has been shown to make it easier to support worker wellbeing and achieve better management of safety risks, and there are some simple ways of fostering such an environment.

    By David Head, Dräeger Safety UK and Ireland on 03 October 2025

    Stress Young Female Black Worker MED Istock Delmaine Donson

    Effective stress management is about business performance not policies and support services

    Successful management of psychosocial risks involves creating and fostering working environments that enable employees to thrive, rather than just reacting to stress-related issues after they emerge.

    By Stephen Haynes, British Safety Council on 01 October 2025

    Dust Monitoring Photo By Casella

    Artificial stone and the rise of silicosis

    With concerns rising that workers who manufacture and install artificial stone kitchen worktops are at high risk of early-onset fatal lung disease, it is vital employers take steps to prevent and control exposure to respirable crystalline silica found in engineered stone materials.

    By Tim Turney, Casella on 23 September 2025

    Vivienne Westwood Store. 430 King's Road, Chelsea, London, UK. ( 5 )

    Asbestos in the UK – how the past inevitably catches up with us

    Despite the 1999 ban on the importation and use of asbestos in the UK, the substance remains present in major quantities in a huge variety and number of buildings, meaning careful management is vital to reduce the potentially devastating exposure risks.

    By Chris Ivey, UKATA on 04 September 2025

    Half Mask Credit Draeger

    Respiratory protective equipment: getting the basics right

    Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a vital tool for protecting workers from hazardous substances that pose an immediate risk to life and the risk of serious and fatal diseases at a later stage. However, RPE will only provide an effective level of protection if it is carefully selected to match the respiratory hazard, type of work and the physical attributes of the wearers.

    By Ian Kelsall, Draeger Safety UK on 09 September 2025

    HGV Reversing Back View Truck MED Middelveld Edited

    For better or reverse

    This July, HSE prosecuted two cases in which two workers were killed by reversing HGVs. They shared striking similarities.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2025

    Asbestos Removal Hasmat Suit PPE Med Istock Credit Lovelyday12

    Mandatory UKAS accreditation for surveying: essential step or unnecessary barrier to creating an asbestos-safe future?

    There are growing calls for mandatory UKAS accreditation for organisations that offer asbestos surveying services, but there are strong arguments both in favour and against the move.

    By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 04 September 2025

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