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
Developments in smart textiles offer new ways of protecting workers’ health and safety – such as clothing that can detect and warn of electrical dangers.
By Johannes Bosch, ADRESYS on 03 October 2022
The growth in home working can potentially boost worker wellbeing through steps like the removal of the daily commute, but employers need to ensure it doesn’t result in unwanted problems, like a failure to spot the signs of stress in their remote teams.
By Clare Forshaw, Park Health & Safety on 26 September 2022
Slip-resistant safety footwear can play a vital role in preventing slips and trips, but it’s vital to also consider other factors like wearer comfort when selecting it.
By Simon Ash, HAIX on 07 September 2022
What is authentic leadership and what can authentic leaders do for teams and workplace culture?
By Belinda Liversedge on 06 September 2022
Exciting developments in education technology look set make it easier to teach, engage and motivate learners on health and safety – and save employers time and money.
By Dr Julie Riggs on 05 September 2022
A collaborative investigation into dust exposure levels during road planing works on the M25 motorway led to dust levels being cut by half – and some vital lessons for the highways maintenance industry on preventing respiratory disease.
By Steve Perkins, Steve Perkins Associates Limited on 05 September 2022
Hybrid working can support worker health and wellbeing, increase staff engagement and help attract a more diverse workforce, but getting it right requires genuine collaboration and trust between employers and their teams.
By Ben Goodall, Acas on 03 September 2022
EMCOR UK invests heavily in supporting the mental wellbeing of its staff, and was the first company in the world to be accredited under the new ISO 45003 standard for managing psychosocial risks at work.
By Jonathan Gawthrop, EMCOR UK on 29 August 2022
Wearable technology, greater employee involvement in decision-making and embedding risk reduction at the design stage of projects could all help boost the health of construction workers, according to a new report from IOM.
By Nathan Baker, Institute of Occupational Medicine on 19 August 2022
AI is already being widely used to protect people’s health and safety at work, but there’s a danger the data being harvested could be used in negative ways, such as pervasive monitoring of employees’ work rates and performance.
By David Sharp, International Workplace on 12 August 2022
