Safety Management Magazine opinions

Istock 1932082801 Credit Dejan Marjanovic 600 Min

Rethinking homes as centres of economic activity (amongst other things)

The decentralisation of work away from fixed workplaces, the rise of AI and demographic changes are creating new opportunities for people to carry out ‘hands-on’ work in the home, such as production of fashion, textiles, food and drink, and delivery of health services and therapies. However, our existing housing stock is not designed to accommodate such functions, so it’s essential that future town planning creates homes that support different kinds of enterprise, both to support business success and the wellbeing of these new home-based workers.

By Andy Lake, Flexibility.co.uk on 08 October 2026

Mike Robinson CEO British Safety Council 700X430

Building a future worth working in

It’s easy to become myopic about the future of work. Take a quick look at the world today and the signs can seem discouraging: political instability, economic volatility, the accelerating disruption posed by AI and climate change. Together, these factors paint a picture of uncertainty that can make our belief in progress seem naïve and tempt us into believing that the future can be no better than the past, that our best days are now behind us. That would be a profound failure of imagination.

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council CEO on 12 October 2026

Istock 453104097 Credit Mactrunksmll 500 Min

Migraine in work: a test of the Government’s plans to Keep Britain Working

Migraine can have a profound, and often avoidable, impact on people’s working lives and careers. The Government’s growing focus on workplace health offers an important opportunity to change this, but only if this common, often disabling and frequently invisible neurological condition is properly understood and addressed by Government, the NHS and employers.

By Rob Music, The Migraine Trust on 07 September 2026

    Chloe Alexander

    How PFAS has exposed the failings of our chemical safety laws and what can be done about it

    The recent ITV documentary revealing alarmingly high levels of PFAS in the blood of residents from a Yorkshire town, reveals some of the real-life consequences of one of the biggest pollution crises of our time.

    By Chloe Alexander, Wildlife and Countryside Link on 16 April 2026

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    The long shadow of exposure: confronting the hidden burden of harmful substances

    In the sphere of workplace injuries, not all harm is immediate. Some of the most profound impacts on human health at work unfold slowly, out of sight and, seemingly, out of mind. Their effects accumulate and compound casting a long shadow over our working lives; one that may stretch years or decades beyond the initial point of exposure.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 15 April 2026

    Graham Peterson

    Air pollution: what about the workers?

    UK efforts to tackle air pollution have focused almost exclusively on public health and outdoor air quality, meaning the risks to workers from poor indoor air quality in workplaces have been seriously neglected.

    By Graham Petersen, Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) on 15 April 2026

    Shubhi Sharma

    The problem with PFAS: how can the UK address the ‘forever chemicals’ pollution crisis?

    PFAS pollution is a rapidly growing concern in the UK. PFAS are widespread in the UK’s environment, wildlife, and people and research shows that the cost of cleaning up PFAS in the UK is astronomical. The question is, what is the government currently doing to address these issues, and is it enough?

    By Dr Shubhi Sharma, CHEMTrust on 15 April 2026

    Charles Pickles Airtight on Asbestos

    Foresight, hindsight and heads in the sand – preventing future deaths from asbestos

    With growing evidence of rising cases of asbestos disease among people working in buildings containing asbestos, it is clear the existing strategy of managing asbestos-containing materials ‘in situ’ is failing, and a comprehensive programme of removal must be adopted as quickly as possible.

    By Charles Pickles, Airtight on Asbestos on 02 April 2026

    Megan Kirton

    PFAS, forever chemicals – the pollution crisis highlighting the importance of sound chemical regulation

    PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as ‘forever chemicals’, present significant long-term environmental, human health and economic threats for the UK.

    By Megan Kirton and Heather McFarlane, Fidra on 01 April 2026

    Lisa Pool, Head Of Marketing, ISEP

    What health and safety professionals really know about sustainability

    Health and safety professionals are uniquely placed to help businesses meet ever-increasing sustainability challenges, but a new survey suggests they need to rapidly expand their knowledge of the relevant regulations, risks and technical practices if they are to effect real change within organisations.

    By Lisa Pool, Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) on 17 March 2026

    Professor Robbie Mcdonald

    Government is off-track to meet its legally binding commitments to protect and improve the environment and must act urgently, says the OEP

    The Office for Environmental Protection is an independent body set up to hold government and public authorities to account for their environmental commitments. A key part of its remit is to annually assess how government is progressing against its legally binding environmental targets and goals in its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). The EIP is regarded as government’s roadmap on how it will restore England’s environment.

    By Professor Robbie McDonald, Office for Environmental Protection on 17 March 2026

    Tamara Walters Photo

    Water sector reform and why efficiency is key to ensuring resilient business supplies

    With England facing a 6 billion litres per day water supply shortfall by 2055 and the water sector undergoing its biggest reform since privatisation, business has an essential role in demand and efficiency to ensure resilient future supplies.

    By Tamara Walters, Waterwise on 17 March 2026

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Replace the ‘S’: Why safety belongs at the core of ESG

    ESG metrics are intended to show how a business operates in a world defined by volatility and change. Do the actions of an organisation support the long-term survival of both people and planet? Are actions genuinely grounded in mission and purpose? Do words and deeds seek to meet the same ends?

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 12 March 2026

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