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
More women are joining the health and safety industry. But is change happening fast enough?
By Belinda Liversedge on 06 March 2023
Guidance has been published to make it easier to communicate the essential messages for safe working at height to designers, clients, managers, supervisors and workers.
By Access Industry Forum on 01 March 2021
Workers could be damaging their hearing while wearing headphones for recreational use at work, so it’s vital that employers take action to control the risks.
By Stephen Wheatley, UK Hearing Conservation Association on 01 March 2023
A noisy office can be a cause of stress but there are some simple workplace design adjustments that can help mitigate the impact.
By Guy Osmond, Osmond Ergonomics on 01 March 2023
Creating an environment at work where everyone feels comfortable talking about menopause can make it easier for employees struggling with the symptoms to seek help and support from their managers.
By Deborah Garlick, Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace on 28 February 2023
Mobile access towers are a common type of work at height equipment, but it’s essential they are regularly and properly inspected to ensure they are safe to use.
By Don Aers, PASMA on 22 February 2023
A new ‘gateway’ approval process aims to ensure the safety of certain high-rise residential buildings in Britain.
By Colin Blatchford-Brown, HSE on 21 February 2023
New and emerging technology, such as collaborative robots that can work alongside or even independently of people, looks set to boost productivity and innovation, but may also pose new risks to workers’ health, safety and wellbeing.
By Dr Julie Riggs, British Safety Council on 13 February 2023
With rising numbers of suicides in construction, how is the industry responding to the crisis?
By Belinda Liversedge on 08 February 2023
A third of employers do not feel well equipped to support women going through the menopause, according to an Acas poll. This is by no means an isolated finding – a long tail of research reminds us that the menopause still sits low on the list of workplace priorities.
By Simone Cheng, Acas on 01 February 2023
