As we kick off a New Year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have launched a new mental health campaign webpage to help employers tackle workplace stress. Forming part of the HSE’s long-term Working Minds campaign, the new webpage provides employers with essential information about how workplace stress develops and why it’s important to...
HSE inspections tackle health risks of flour dust in bakeries
The latest inspection drive from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is focusing on the health and safety risks posed by exposure to flour dust in bakeries. Britain’s health and safety watchdog is conducting a series of inspections at large bakeries across the country to check that they are properly protecting their workers from...
Firm fined over £400K after worker suffered life-changing head injuries
A packaging company has been prosecuted and fined over £400,000 after an employee suffered life-changing head injuries in an “entirely preventable” incident. Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited manufactures paper packaging and Matthew King was working at their East Kilbride site when a 4.5-ton machine fell on him on 31st October 2023. The 39-year-old had...
Health and safety statistics show ‘workplace health challenges persist’
The latest workplace health and safety statistics have served to highlight that “workplace health challenges persist,” in Great Britain. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which publishes the annual summary of workplace health and safety statistics for Great Britain, has highlighted Britain’s leading health and safety record, but also cautioned that many health challenges...
HSE finds ‘serious gaps’ in workplace hearing protection
Recent inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed serious gaps in workplace hearing protection. Britain’s health and safety watchdog said that 3 in 4 noisy workplaces demonstrated significant failings in workplace hearing protection, with inspectors uncovering issues with employee training and equipment management. HSE’s latest inspection campaign found that 1...
Consultation launched into mental health in construction
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) recently launched a consultation into mental health in construction. The CLC decided to publish the consultation after mental health was identified as a priority focus area for the construction industry at its Health, Safety and Wellbeing Summit in July this year. They want to create a working environment within...
HSE spot inspections target occupational asthma risks
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new targeted inspection initiative to tackle occupational asthma risks. Britain’s health and safety watchdog will carry out targeted inspections of 1,000 motor vehicle repair businesses across the nation to ensure they are properly managing the risks of occupational asthma. The HSE explains that skilled vehicle...
HSE highlights risks to young people at work
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been highlighting its advice and guidance for protecting the health, safety and welfare of young people at work. As the academic year draws to a close and many young people finish secondary or further education, they may be looking to enter the workplace for the first time...
HSE publishes latest figures for work-related fatalities
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published the latest annual statistics for work-related fatalities in Great Britain. The health and safety watchdog has revealed that a total of 124 workers died in work-related incidents between April 2024 and March 2025, which is a decrease of 14 from the previous year. Two decades ago,...
Firm fined £1 million after workers suffered serious injuries
A wood manufacturing firm has been fined more than £1 million after two of its workers suffered “very serious injuries” in separate incidents. West Fraser (Europe) Ltd, formerly known as Norbord, is a multi-national manufacturer of wood-based products. They appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court in February to plead guilty to breaching health and safety...
HSE: 50 years of strengthening workplace health and safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently celebrated 50 years of workplace health and safety regulation. On 1st January 2025, Britain’s health and safety watchdog marked the 50th anniversary of its official launch. Created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and launched on 1st January 1975, the regulator has spent...
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...
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...
Stress Awareness Week: Improve stress management in the workplace
International Stress Awareness Week, observed from 4th-8th November, and Stress Awareness Day (6th November) aim to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Run by the International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK), the annual campaign is designed to raise global awareness of stress and stress management, and combat the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues....