A major construction company has been fined £285,000 after a “tragic incident” led to the death of one worker and seriously injured another. Balfour Beatty were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for health and safety failings which led to the incident during the construction of a new engineering hall at the...
IOSH campaign tackles unpaid hours affecting worker health and safety
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has launched a new campaign to highlight the issue of ‘small print’ in workers’ contracts, after their recent survey revealed an “epidemic” of unpaid work could be risking worker health and safety. The world’s largest occupational safety and health (OSH) body says that half of the...
Health and safety law turns 50
The UK’s landmark health and safety law – the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 – turned 50 this summer. The world-leading health and safety law received Royal Assent on 31st July 1974 – which is now just over half a century ago. A former Chief Executive and Senior Inspector from the...
IOSH calls for focus on ‘looking after people at work’
Responding to the King’s Speech last month, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) welcomed plans to strengthen workers’ rights and urged a “greater focus more generally on looking after people at work.” IOSH’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Ruth Wilkinson, penned a blog post following the King’s Speech in the House...
Diversity and inclusion must be a year-round effort
As Pride Month reached its conclusion, the message from workplace health and safety bodies was clear – we must push for equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace throughout the year to ensure that people can “bring their whole selves to work” and feel safe. In a blog article to celebrate Pride Month in...
Increase in work-related fatalities a ‘huge concern’
New figures published this week (3rd July) reveal that work-related fatalities have increased in Great Britain, with almost 3 workers now killed every week. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has said the rise of work-related fatalities is a “huge concern” and shows that urgent action is needed. The latest statistics for...
IOSH urges next government to boost occupational health and safety
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is urging the next government to focus on improving occupational health and safety to reduce work-related illnesses and boost productivity. The world’s largest occupational health and safety body has surveyed its members and launched its own manifesto ahead of the upcoming General Election in the UK....
HSE issues farm safety reminder ahead of summer visits
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to farmers to ensure they are following strict farm safety measures to keep all visitors healthy and safe this summer. Britain’s health and safety watchdog said that many farmers host “open farm” events during the summer months, often as part of Open Farm Sunday...
IOSH report focuses on future risks to workplace health and safety
A new report recently launched by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) highlights an uncertain future for workers, exploring potential risks to workplace health and safety. The Towards a safe and healthy future of work report, published in April, explores potential future risks for people’s health, safety and wellbeing at work, including...
Health and safety can help tackle UK economic crisis
A poll conducted by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) found that many agreed that workplace health and safety can help tackle the UK’s current economic crisis. The snap social media poll conducted earlier this month found that more than two thirds of respondents (68%) said ‘Yes’ when asked if occupational safety...
Campaign aims to improve farm safety
A national campaign has been launched to improve farm safety in Britain, with a focus on the dangers of livestock. The Your Farm, Your Future campaign was relaunched on 19th February 2024 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after incidents involving livestock were identified as the number one cause of work-related deaths on...
Manufacturer fined £250K for ‘serious and avoidable’ incidents
A bedding manufacturer has been prosecuted and fined £250,000 after two of its employees were badly injured in “serious and avoidable” incidents at work. Sartex Quilts and Textiles Limited were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following separate serious incidents at its site in Rochdale in March 2020 and October 2021, which...
Employers must do more to support menopause in the workplace
Employers are being reminded of the importance of creating supportive environments and approaching menopause in the workplace with a “holistic view.” The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) recently spoke out to urge businesses to take action on menopause in the workplace. The world’s leading professional health and safety body said that firms...
HSE: ‘too many’ metalworking firms lack key safety measures
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that “far too many” metalworking firms lack key safety control measures to protect their workers. Britain’s health and safety watchdog began carrying out targeted inspections of metalworking firms last year. They have found that more needs to be done across the industry to protect workers from...
HSE undertakes assurance inspections in the NHS
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is undertaking a series of assurance inspections in the NHS to assess how risks of workplace violence and aggression and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are managed. Inspectors from Britain’s health and safety watchdog are focusing on the findings and recommendations from the HSE’s 4-year inspection programme on the risk...