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
There are several ways of responding to and monitoring the emergency alerts sent by lone worker personal alarms, including some cost-saving options.
By Rebecca Pick on 19 October 2021
Workers could be damaging their hearing when wearing headphones and headsets for work purposes and to listen to music while working, so it’s vital employers take steps to control the risks.
By Stephen Wheatley on 12 October 2021
“We need to be remembered. There’s no depiction. There’s nothing about us, [but anyway] we say, all miners are black. We are [all black], till we get showered down there [underground], when we come out of the pit, and then you can see.”
By Belinda Liversedge on 11 October 2021
A new toolkit aims to help employers tackle any health and safety concerns they may have when employing someone with epilepsy.
By Claudia Christie, Epilepsy Action on 14 September 2021
New digital and wireless monitoring technology and software offers the chance to make workplaces much safer, but research shows many employers are slow to realise the benefits.
By Andrew Bligh on 14 September 2021
At Acas we see the future of work framed by three challenges: the need to ‘reopen’ workplaces safely; the need to ‘rebuild’ the economy using sustainable business models that focus on job quality as well as quantity; and the need to ‘re-imagine’ work by reflecting on our changed values and the lessons the pandemic has taught us.
By Adrian Wakeling is senior policy advisor at Acas on 06 September 2021
Many workers are feeling anxious about returning to the workplace as Covid restrictions are eased, so it’s vital employers communicate effectively with staff about the precautions in place to protect them from the virus.
By Dr Sarita Robinson and Christina Buxton on 06 September 2021
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If staff are fearful about returning to the workplace as Covid controls are eased, it is vital employers explain the precautions that are in place to keep them safe and consider making further changes to reduce the risk to specific individuals.
By Julian Cox on 31 August 2021
Research shows that just one in four outdoor workers in the UK wear sun cream to protect themselves from UV radiation, so it’s vital employers do more to warn workers about the health risks from sun exposure.
By SC Johnson Professional on 16 August 2021
Employers have a legal duty to manage risks to people’s health and safety arising from a worker suffering diabetes.
By Andrew Litchfield on 16 August 2021
