Last month, I mentioned two big moments – the General Election and the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) on 31 July. The lack of attention given to health, safety, or even wellbeing by most political parties in their election manifestos, while not entirely unexpected, was disappointing. And it doesn’t reflect the real concerns of workers and leaders here and around the world.
By Mike Robinson FCA on 01 July 2024
In my previous piece for Safety Management last summer (‘A new Building Safety Remediation Scheme would hold developers and builders to account for all fire and building safety defects in homes’) I set the scene on the unfolding world of building safety remediation and described how I was attempting to change things in the interests of consumer safety. Now with a general election called, there is an opportunity to influence the policies of a new, incoming administration.
By The Earl of Lytton on 28 June 2024
It’s a simple, obvious truth: the cleaner the air we breathe, the healthier we are. Yet, most of us are inhaling pollution out in the streets as well as in the safety of our homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other buildings – without realising the damage it is causing to our health, nor that there are quick, easy solutions to clean the air and strengthen the health of our communities.
By Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE, Ella Roberta Foundation on 30 May 2024
It is 50 years this year since I started an engineering apprenticeship with Black Country-based GKN Sankey, to be told upon walking into a very noisy high-speed blanking and piercing shop (with power presses running at 400 blows per minute), “don’t worry son, you’ll get used to it”.
By Neal Hill, consultant and member of UKHCA on 11 March 2024
With recent statistics showing little improvement in the number of workplace falls from height, the Access Industry Forum (AIF) believes a simplified incident reporting system for falls would allow lessons to be learned about the causes and most effective preventive measures.
By Peter Bennett OBE, Access Industry Forum (AIF) on 07 February 2024
As global economies look to achieve their net zero targets, there is an increased focus on the development of non-fossil fuel alternative energy sources, such as battery power. The demand for batteries over the next 20 years is predicted to increase twentyfold. This presents numerous opportunities for those in the battery production supply chain who will need to gear up to meet this increased demand. However, despite the glow of opportunity, it is important that the safety risks posed by batteries are effectively managed.
By Liam Jagger, Pinsent Masons on 07 February 2024
With tests showing that 70 per cent of multi-purpose ladders available to purchase in the UK via online platforms fail to meet minimum safety requirements designed to keep users safe, the Ladder Association is calling for the UK government to close loopholes allowing their sale.
By David Gray, Ladder Association on 31 January 2024
How are you feeling this New Year? Tense? Worried? Tired? I ask because, according to the pollsters, many of us are suffering from ‘burnout’.
By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 01 February 2024
The symptoms of the menopause can have a hugely detrimental impact on a worker’s performance and attendance, but measures such as allowing flexible working arrangements will go a long way to retaining and supporting the affected individuals.
By Lauren Chiren, Women of a Certain Stage on 03 January 2024
With the use of AI in the workplace predicted to become widespread, it is vital that employers carefully manage any associated health and safety risks, such as negative health impacts from using AI to monitor people’s work rates.
By Hannah Burton, Pinsent Masons LLP on 03 January 2024
Accessibility, accountability, transparency: three critical actions in the journey towards race equality at work.
By Sandra Kerr, Business in the Community (BITC) on 15 December 2023
Menstruation is a natural part of many employees’ lives, and it shouldn’t be a barrier to success or wellbeing.
By Claire McCartney and Rachel Suff, CIPD on 12 December 2023
The world breathed a huge sigh of relief when, on Tuesday 28 November, 41 miners were rescued from the tunnel they were digging in the Himalayan mountains.
By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 01 December 2023
