As the government’s flagship flexible working in schools programme nears its conclusion, we investigate whether it’s a practical solution to schools’ retention and stress crisis.
By Belinda Liversedge on 31 March 2026
Vehicle paint sprayers face an elevated risk of developing debilitating occupational asthma from exposure to isocyanates found in certain ‘2-pack’ paints, coatings and lacquers, so HSE is encouraging motor vehicle repair businesses to prevent or minimise exposure through a mix of education, advice and enforcement.
By Kate Jones, HSE on 01 April 2026
Portable gas detectors are a vital safety tool for tasks like water treatment and refrigerated food processing, but it’s essential they form part of a wider system for controlling the risks posed by gases, including staff training, detector maintenance and a through understanding of the relevant legal duties.
By Megan Hine, Draeger Safety UK on 02 April 2026
There are growing concerns about the heightened risk of asbestos exposure in schools and hospitals, but the UK is falling behind Europe in tackling the problem of asbestos in non-domestic buildings.
By Mesothelioma UK and University of Sheffield on 05 September 2024
Assessments of background asbestos levels in UK buildings may be providing employers with a false sense of reassurance. The UK also looks set to fall behind Europe in reducing the risks the substance poses to building occupants and workers.
By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 30 August 2024
Although the previous Conservative government rejected widespread demands for a national register of asbestos in non-domestic premises, a new online platform aims to create a register of existing surveys that can be quickly and freely accessed by those who need to carry out work that could disturb the deadly material.
By Andrew Paten, UK National Asbestos Register (UKNAR) on 29 August 2024
Ruth Denyer has spent almost three decades working as a health and safety professional in the entertainment industry, starting out in theatre before spending 17 years at ITV and then joining global streaming service Netflix. Safety Management sat down with Ruth to discuss a range of issues, from the realities of keeping people safe on set without dampening creativity, to her role as co-president of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) – which, alongside Ruth, will celebrate its 50th birthday next year.
By Kerry Reals on 29 August 2024
When workers are exposed to hazardous substances like dusts, it may be necessary to carry out air monitoring to check both employees’ personal exposure levels and the general effectiveness of control measures. But it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of sampling equipment used.
By Tim Turney, Casella Solutions on 29 August 2024
While inexpensive precautions for preventing slips, trips and falls have a part to play in any day-to-day risk management system, more expensive options, such as replacing damaged floor coverings, are often the most effective long-term measure for minimising the danger to staff and visitors.
By Phil Jones, William Martin on 22 August 2024
Many employers are keen to support the psychological health of their workforce through the provision of different forms of training and employee support services, but it’s vital there’s genuine evidence of the effectiveness of the training and support provided, otherwise the investment will be wasted.
By Professor Neil Greenberg and Georgina Godden, March on Stress on 21 August 2024
Migraine can have a debilitating effect on an individual’s performance at work, so it’s vital employers take steps to reduce the triggers for an attack and provide adequate support.
By Andrea Quinn, The Migraine Trust on 21 August 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers huge potential for improving the performance, functionality and fit of personal protective equipment (PPE). Material science company W. L. Gore and Associates is already working with stakeholders like apparel and footwear manufacturing partners to explore how the technology can ensure the most effective use of materials, create inclusive PPE that fits all genders and body shapes, and incorporate smart technology with enhanced safety and comfort functionality into garments and more.
By Leonard Schlichting, W. L. Gore and Associates, and Reza Jamshidi-Azad, GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics on 20 August 2024
Worker fatigue could potentially pose a serious risk to the safe running of London’s public transport and strategic road network, but Transport for London has a comprehensive set of measures in place to minimise the chance of tiredness affecting workers’ ability to perform safely.
By Chris Jones, Transport for London on 19 August 2024
