HSE focuses on manual handling injuries this festive season

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is focusing on safe manual handling as the festive season gets underway. Britain’s health and safety watchdog has warnings and advice for the haulage and distribution industry, a new body mapping tool for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and awards for MSD risk-reduction. The HSE has warned those working in...

National Workplace Day of Remembrance remembers lives lost at work

Thursday 12th December marks the UK National Workplace Day of Remembrance. The annual awareness day was first established in 2019 to remember all those who have lost their lives at work, across all industries and job roles. The organisers urge people to mark the National Workplace Day of Remembrance by observing a minute’s silence...

Government publishes plan to Get Britain Working

The government has published its plan to get Britain working again. The Get Britain Working Whitepaper was published last week (26th November 2024) and sets out the government’s plans to tackle “spiralling economic inactivity” and get Britain growing again. It forms a key part of the government’s commitment to build “an inclusive and thriving...

HSE publishes latest workplace health and safety statistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published it’s latest workplace health and safety statistics.  The annual statistics reveal the number of workers affected by work-related ill-health and workplace injuries in Great Britain from 1st April 2023 until 31st March 2024. Britain’s health and safety watchdog has revealed that the number of workers who...

Health and safety for the winter season

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is providing employers with tailored seasonal guidance for protecting workers during the winter months. Britain’s health and safety watchdog is addressing health and safety risks for seasonal and temporary workers, lone workers, preventing slips, trips and falls on icy surfaces, working in low temperatures, and preventing manual handling...

HSE spotlights worker health during Lung Cancer Awareness Month

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is emphasising the need to control asbestos and protect workers’ health during Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November. Britain’s health and safety watchdog highlighted the fact that 12,000 people still die from work-related lung diseases, including lung cancer, each year. These deaths are linked to exposure to hazardous...

Construction firm fined after ‘tragic incident’ led to worker death

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...