Following the previous safety alert released April 2022 the HSE has now released specific details of research undertaken regarding the effectiveness of different styles of filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators / masks as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). In the previous safety alert the HSE warned that respirators and facemasks that rely on ear loops to hold them in place are not … Read More

Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’. Stress can affect a person’s physical and mental health and cause burnout, anxiety, and depression. Stress can be caused by factors at work such as conflicting demands, conflict at work, lack of support … Read More

Under the regulations¹, from 24th August 2023, anyone whose work involves use of di-isocyanates either on their own or where the chemical is part of another substance or mixture (except for when in very low concentrations), is required to have completed specific training. Di-isocyanates can be found in many applications including, paints, adhesives, spray foams, sealants, inks and is used in … Read More

A new set of five videos regarding the safe use of inland waterways, have been released by the Environment Agency in partnership with the Canal and River Trust. The videos each cover a different topic and are all around 5 mins in length making them a quick and easy watch. Additionally the animated format of the videos makes them accessible … Read More

As part of the third phase of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme a series of new fire safety guidance and regulations will come into force in England on the 1st of October 2023. The new regulations follow the first two phases which were the Fire Safety Act 2021 (phase 1) and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (phase … Read More

The Environment Agency has released guidance on how to effectively integrate climate change risk assessment and adaptation planning into management systems. The guidance is designed for organisation already operating with management systems under an environmental permit. The guidance considers the effects of climate change as a whole rather than specific elements due to the wide range of impacts organisations may … Read More

Work Right is a campaign initiative launched by the HSE which aims to help smaller businesses and workers. This provides guidance on a number of work related health and safety matters including mental health, musculoskeletal disorders and conditions that affect the back, joints and limbs and lung disease. As part of this overall campaign the HSE recently launched Asbestos & … Read More

Updated building fire safety guidance documents have recently been made available from the Fire Protection Association / RISCAuthority, these include: The latest edition of the guide “A to Z of essential principles in the protection of buildings”. This sets out to identify and order aspects of building design and construction that can be strengthened to protect property and business against … Read More

Two employers recently received significant fines after children were killed or seriously injured by falling trees on their property. In the first case Newcastle City Council were fined £280,000 after an incident on 25th September 2020 in which a tree in poor condition in a school playground, fell causing the death of a six year old girl. In the second … Read More