Four-day working weeks have hit the headlines again, with a second UK-wide pilot set to begin in November. While there is debate around whether shortening the work week is the answer, attitudes towards more flexible ways of working are changing and employers who fail to recognise this risk being left behind.
By Kerry Reals on 31 October 2024
From March 2025, many businesses in England will have to begin separating their recyclable and food waste from general waste prior to collection, but the changes will bring wider business benefits, such as reduced waste disposal costs and improved sustainability credentials.
By Adriana Olaya Rodriguez, Newell Brands on 12 November 2024
When most people think of injuries in the materials handling industry, they picture serious incidents – severe trauma or even fatalities. However, a silent issue affects far more workers every day: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
By Kirsty Cunningham, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks on 11 November 2024
Machinery designed specifically for potentially explosive atmospheres will contain sparks that could trigger a fire or explosion. It’s essential it undergoes an independent inspection prior to initial use, in case the installer compromises the manufacturer’s design, invalidating the equipment and creating a potentially dangerous situation.
By Ian Wright, TÜV SÜD 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
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
Research suggests good indoor environmental quality can enhance the health, wellbeing and productivity of a building’s occupants, so it’s essential for building owners to improve areas like indoor air quality, temperature, lighting and acoustics.
By Dr Andy Dengel, BRE on 10 June 2024
Implementing sustainable procurement not only protects the environment by conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with the production, use and end-of-life of the product or service, it can also reap financial and reputational benefits for the purchasing company.
By Dr Keith Whitehead C.Env on 04 June 2024
Diabetes can pose significant risks to health and safety and the health of those with the condition, so it’s essential to create a supportive working environment that allows staff to properly manage their diabetes without fear their work performance will be questioned.
By Kate Walker, The Diabetes Safety Organisation on 30 May 2024
Employers have a legal duty to protect outdoor workers from the harmful effects of sun exposure, and should begin by educating staff about the dangers.
By SC Johnson Professional on 30 May 2024
With future droughts and population growth expected to place huge pressure on public water demand in the UK, businesses have a vital role to play in protecting future supplies by improving their water efficiency.
By Jo Osborn, Waterwise, and Liz D'Arcy, MOSL on 30 May 2024
Climate change is already affecting businesses around the world and will continue to hit bottom lines, disrupt supply chains, and impact workers’ health and wellbeing for decades to come – even if global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are successful. It is vital, therefore, that companies prioritise climate change adaptation measures alongside their mitigation strategies.
By Kerry Reals on 30 May 2024
Body-worn cameras can reduce the risk of violence and threats to staff by providing a deterrent effect and documentary evidence for pursuing aggressors, but it’s important to carefully consider issues like functionality, data storage and user training during the selection process.
By Alasdair Field, Reveal Media on 13 May 2024
