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....
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...