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
A significant percentage of employees feel that their employer’s efforts to support their wellbeing are either misdirected or little more than a ‘tick-box’ exercise, so it’s vital to take a strategic approach to worker wellbeing, starting with asking staff exactly why, where and how they need support.
By Dr Audrey Fleming, British Safety Council on 02 October 2023
Male construction workers in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, but creating an environment where workers feel comfortable talking about mental health and better project planning at the pre-construction stage to reduce time pressures on the workforce can help protect workers’ mental wellbeing.
By Nicola Hodkinson, Seddon Construction on 02 October 2023
Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and mould can pose a significant risk to the health of workers and the public, so it’s essential that duty holders take appropriate steps to prevent their spread, such as good ventilation and regular testing and analysis to identify and monitor their presence.
By David R Flower, Institute of Occupational Medicine on 21 September 2023
The post-pandemic shift to home and hybrid working poses challenges for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of workers, but the starting point should always be the careful assessment, discussion and management of risks like home workstations, electrical dangers and mental wellbeing.
By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 20 September 2023
Environmental factors such as noise, air quality, temperature and ventilation can all impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of office workers, so it makes sense to address them when designing and running office buildings.
By Bex Moorhouse, Invigorate Spaces Ltd on 20 September 2023
The behaviours of line managers can have a positive or negative impact on employee health, wellbeing and engagement, so it’s vital managers get staff feedback on whether their management style is supportive or negative, and have regular check-ins so workers can raise concerns about their wellbeing.
By Marcus Herbert, British Safety Council on 03 September 2023
For neurodivergent workers, loud and brightly lit offices can cause sensory overload, anxiety and fatigue, so it’s essential to consider approaches such as providing adjustable workspaces, quiet zones and flexible working so they can perform at their best.
By Guy Osmond, Osmond Ergonomics on 01 September 2023
Migraine can have a detrimental impact on people’s working lives, but employers can significantly reduce the impact through approaches like allowing staff to work flexible hours to cope with the symptoms and providing quiet areas where workers can recover from a migraine attack.
By Steph Weatherley, the Migraine Trust on 01 September 2023
Movement is essential for our back and general bodily health. Yet when we sit all day, we are often static. Safety Management visits a unique ergonomic furniture shop to find out if active sitting could prevent pain.
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2023
The golden thread topic has no doubt featured many times before. With it being summer 2023, the registration of higher-risk buildings is in full swing, and the policy on the golden thread of information is being finalised with secondary legislation enshrining it expected in various waves soon.
By Sofie Hooper, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management on 16 August 2023
