Exhaustion at work on the rise (23rd January 2012)

Workplace stress is increasingly leading to cases of exhaustion as a result of conditions such as insomnia, according to health consultancy Health@Work...

From Newsletter Stories

Record £54,000 fine and ban for owners of “disgraceful” restaurant (20th January 2012)

A Chinese restaurant with a consistent disregard for food hygiene has been handed a record £54,000 fine and banned from running restaurants in the future after being prosecuted for the second time in two years by Greenwich Council...

From Newsletter Stories

First link between potentially toxic PFCs in office air and in office workers’ blood (18th January 2012)

In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists are reporting that the indoor air in offices is an important source of worker exposure to potentially toxic substances released by carpeting, furniture, paint and other items...

From Newsletter Stories

Stressed-Out Britons will spend Christmas on their smartphones (19th December 2011)

Figures released this week show that almost half of work-obsessed Britons will be email watching over the festive period as the recession and eurozone chaos breeds a nation of Christmas neurotics...

From Newsletter Stories

Less than half of UK offices have Christmas decorations (14th December 2011)

Only 42% of offices are planning any form of Christmas decorations, according to a recent survey by leading office design company Maris Interiors...

From Newsletter Stories

Health & safety regulation to be cut by half (1st December 2011)

The Government has announced plans to begin a major cut back of health & safety red tape as early as January...

From Newsletter Stories

Call for end to long-term sickness absence (1st December 2011)

The Government has called for a review of the sickness absence system in Great Britain in order to help combat the £100 billion that working age ill health costs the economy every year...

From Newsletter Stories

Feel good partnership launches for Samaritans and Simplyhealth (27th October 2011)

Samaritans has today announced a new partnership with healthcare provider, Simplyhealth, who will sponsor the charity’s new fundraising day, Feel Good Friday...

From Newsletter Stories

Top tips for winter driving (24th October 2011)

Winter is one of the most dangerous times of year to travel, meaning that now is good time to focus on staying safe on the road this winter – whether you are driving on work business or in your own time...

From Newsletter Stories

Keeping it real (1st October 2011)

I was amused and slightly surprised this month when a health & safety specialist who I started to follow on Twitter responded by thanking me for doing so and telling me to: “Big up my bad self for following.” It’s not the kind of language that I often experience during my working day and equally isn’t the kind of language that many would associate with health & safety.

From Editor

European risk assessment project launched (1st October 2011)

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has launched a risk assessment tool to help Europe’s 20 million micro and small enterprises to improve health & safety for their workers by assessing risks through an easy-to-use and cost-free web application.

From News

Government bans referral fees in bid to tackle “compensation culture” (1st October 2011)

The Government has announced that it is to tackle rising insurance costs by introducing a ban on referral fees, as part of its commitment to curbing a compensation culture.

From News

Reaching a turning point (1st September 2011)

As HSM goes to press the HSE has released a list of the top ten most bizarre health & safety bans from the past year including decisions to ban Royal wedding street parties and attempts to prevent the use of pins to secure commemorative poppies. The Government said that the "ridiculous" bans had no basis in official regulations and betrayed an "obsession" with managing minor risks in bureaucratic and heavy-handed ways or complying with stifling restrictions imposed by insurance companies.

From Editor

Löfstedt Review consultation closes (1st September 2011)

The deadline has closed for interested parties to submit evidence to the Löfstedt Review, an independent review of health & safety legislation, with contributions submitted by several stakeholders.

From News

Letters to the editor (1st September 2011)

With the less than adequate enforcing powers of the HSE further curtailed, the only route to justice for the many injured or those made ill by their work is via a civil claim. And it is the fear of such that helps to regulate the many rogue companies and cavalier management that is rife.

From News

Half of UK employees work through holidays (26th August 2011)

From Newsletter Stories

Löfstedt Review consultation closes (26th August 2011)

The deadline has closed for interested parties to submit evidence to the Löfstedt Review, an independent review of health & safety legislation, with contributions submitted by several stakeholders...

From Newsletter Stories

Cloud technology could result in staff taking fewer ‘sickies’ (12th August 2011)

Figures released by the TUC suggest there are now 3.7 million home workers in the UK...

From Newsletter Stories

Ups and downs (27th July 2011)

It’s been a volatile few months. While provisional figures have revealed that accidents in the workplace have gone up, (full story page 6), HSE Chair, Judith Hackitt’s chances of getting Wimbledon tickets in the future have most probably gone down.

From Editor

Legislation needed to protect workers from dangerous dogs (27th July 2011)

Animal charities, enforcement agencies and trade unions have joined forces to call on the government to change dangerous dogs laws. The group is calling for dog control legislation reform to be taken forward in a government Dog Control Bill in next year's Queen's Speech.

From News

Warning over mythical Forklift truck licenses (27th July 2011)

Workers' lives are being put at risk because many recruitment agencies rely upon a fictional fork lift truck licence to verify skills, a major industry body has warned.

From News

Beware of behavioural safety initiatives, says Unite (27th July 2011)

Workers Union Unite has launched a campaign to warn members about the potential dangers of behavioural safety initiatives.

From News

Companies fined £640,000 for double fish farm deaths (26th July 2011)

Two companies have been fined a total of £640,000 following the death of two fish farm workers on a barge moored at a salmon farm on Loch Creran, Argyll & Bute...

From Newsletter Stories

Murray mound turns into health & safety battle ground (28th June 2011)

There has been little love lost between Wimbledon officials and the head of the Health and Safety Executive in a row over the safety of Murray Mound...

From Newsletter Stories

Serving alcohol at company sponsored events may increase employer liability (16th June 2011)

Employers who serve alcohol at company sponsored events need to be aware that if an employee is over the limit for alcohol at a roadside Garda (Police) checkpoint, company directors and managers may have personal liability, according to the EAP Institute...

From Newsletter Stories

CWU says government can’t afford to ignore dogs laws (16th June 2011)

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is among twenty animal charities, enforcement agencies and trade unions calling on the government to change dangerous dogs laws...

From Newsletter Stories

Business groups calls on Government to simplify health & safety laws (26th May 2011)

Half of businesses believe current health and safety regulation is a burden according to a report released by the chambers of commerce...

From Newsletter Stories

Bosses are the worst offenders for health and safety blunders (25th May 2011)

British bosses lead from the front when it comes to health and safety gaffes in the workplace, according to a survey conducted by business support services provider ELAS...

From Newsletter Stories

Hear today, and tomorrow (1st May 2011)

Feedback from the second in our new series of handbooks Noise at Work has suggested that noise is one of the most challenging issues to manage in many readers' workplaces.

From Editor

Court decides in favour of employers for industrial deafness from lowlevel exposure (1st May 2011)

A five justice panel of the Supreme Court has allowed the appeals brought by employers and their insurers against a 2009 Court of Appeal decision that had made employers liable from 1978 onwards for noise induced deafness in employees caused by longterm exposure to regular workplace noise levels in excess of 85 decibels.

From News

Scope of review into health & safety revealed (1st May 2011)

The Government has published further details of the scope of Professor Löfstedt’s review into health and safety legislation.

From News

Leadership and individual responsibility critical to maintaining a ‘lower risk’ energy industry (21st April 2011)

The energy industry’s Annual Safety, Health and Environment Management Conference organised by Energy Networks Association has heard from government, industry and unions on why sustained leadership is vital to retaining the industry’s status as a ‘lower risk’ area for the Health and Safety Executive...

From Newsletter Stories

Scope of review into health and safety revealed (20th April 2011)

The scope of Professor Löfstedt’s Review into health and safety legislation is set out today as the draft terms of reference are published...

From Newsletter Stories

Supreme court decides in favour of employers for industrial deafness from low-level exposure (13th April 2011)

A five justice panel of the Supreme Court has allowed the appeals brought by employers and their insurers against a 2009 Court of Appeal decision that had made employers liable from 1978 onwards for noise induced deafness in employees caused by long-term exposure to regular workplace noise levels in excess of 85 decibels...

From Newsletter Stories

Cement company fine a reminder of frequently misunderstood hazard (12th April 2011)

Following the prosecution of an international cement company after a worker was set alight in an explosion companies are being reminded of the seriousness of Electric Arc Flash Risk...

From Newsletter Stories

No win, no fee system faces reform (1st April 2011)

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has announced new measures to crack down on legal costs from "no win, no fee" cases as part of an overhaul of the civil justice system...

From Newsletter Stories

Putting the 'Common' into Common Sense (1st April 2011)

There were no great surprises among the health and safety system reforms that have been announced by employment minister Chris Grayling in response to Lord Young’s report Common Sense, Common Safety.

From News

Health & safety system shake up (1st April 2011)

A package of changes to Britain’s health and safety system designed to support the Government’s growth agenda and to ease regulatory burdens on business have been announced by employment minister Chris Grayling .

From News

Consultants register up and running (1st April 2011)

A new online directory has been launched to help businesses find a health and safety consultant that they can trust to give sensible, expert advice

From News

First corporate manslaughter conviction (1st April 2011)

The Gloucestershire-based company, Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings Ltd, has been convicted of corporate manslaughter in the first trial to test the new Corporate Manslaughter Act and to convict a company without the need to also prosecute the company director.

From News

A floater to be proud of (31st March 2011)

A raft designed to float on raw sewage was one of the winning entries at the UK water sector’s first-ever health and safety awards...

From Newsletter Stories

Health and safety system shake up announced (31st March 2011)

A package of changes to Britain’s health and safety system designed to support the Government’s growth agenda and to ease regulatory burdens on business have been announced by employment minister Chris Grayling...

From Newsletter Stories

Inspection cuts will kill, warn union groups (9th March 2011)

Union groups have voiced grave concerns over suggestions that government spending cuts could force the HSE to cut unannounced safety inspections by a third...

From Newsletter Stories

First corporate manslaughter conviction (23rd February 2011)

The Gloucestershire-based company, Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings, has been convicted of corporate manslaughter in the first trial to test the new Corporate Manslaughter Act and to successfully convict a company without the need to also prosecute the company director, Mr Eaton...

From Newsletter Stories

The unkindest cuts (1st February 2011)

This time last year the health and safety community had an inkling that things could change dramatically following David Cameron’s December 2009 speech to the think tank Policy Exchange in which he called for “an end to the UK’s over the top health and safety culture.”

From Editor

Consultation opens on RIDDOR change (1st February 2011)

The HSE has opened a threemonth consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.

From News

Workplace stress the cause of man flu? (1st February 2011)

New research published in the scientific Journal Occupational Medicine suggests men who get stressed at work are more likely to catch common colds. The same association wasn’t found among women workers.

From News

Consultants register welcomed (1st February 2011)

Health and safety consultants are being invited to sign up to a new register that is intended to become a benchmark for standards in the profession.

From News

New safety campaign for Olympics project (1st February 2011)

Dennis Hone the new chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), has launched a new safety campaign for the site.

From News

Managers failing to encourage green behaviour (1st February 2011)

A new survey has shown that 70% of workers believe their managers lack commitment to pro-environmental behaviours with 65% believing unclear leadership contributes to the lack of pro-environmental behaviours.

From News

EEF warns against increasing burden of European legislation (1st February 2011)

The manufacturers organisation, the EEF is urging the UK government to redouble efforts to build an alliance with other EU member states to reduce the burden of health & safety legislation and remove unnecessary bureaucracy.

From News

Step change in safety commits to 50 per cent reduction in oil and gas leaks (11th January 2011)

In a move to drive further reductions in the number of accidental hydrocarbon releases in the UK oil and gas industry, companies have committed jointly to cut leaks on their offshore installations by 50 per cent over the next three years...

From Newsletter Stories

Mud and snow tyres now mandatory on drive axles in Germany (6th January 2011)

UK and Ireland-based operators travelling to or through Germany are now required to have M+S tyres fitted to drive axles during snowy and icy conditions following a revision to the existing law in the European country...

From Newsletter Stories

Uncollected waste warning (6th January 2011)

Uncollected trade waste is the responsibility of businesses and, particularly during the current turbulent weather conditions, procedures need to be in place to deal with it...

From Newsletter Stories

Consultants register labelled 'A toothless tiger' (6th January 2011)

A leading environmental consultant has hit out at the Occupational Safety Consultants Register (OSCR) proposed by Lord Young’s review and due to be implemented in early 2011 as “a toothless tiger which is at best a poor attempt to solve a problem that already has a solution and at worst damaging to the profession”...

From Newsletter Stories

Brits shy away from making claims in the workplace (16th December 2010)

A new survey has suggested that Brits are embarrassed about making negligence claims in the workplace...

From Newsletter Stories

Winter driving tips (26th November 2010)

With the sudden onset of cold weather during this year’s Road Safety Week, Interactive Driving Systems is advising drivers to follow a few simple tips to make their journeys as safe as possible...

From Newsletter Stories

Teacher who lost voice given £150, 000 (10th November 2010)

An English teacher who lost her voice trying to make herself heard in a noisy classroom has been awarded more than £150,000 in compensation...

From Newsletter Stories

Electricity industry launches safety initiative (8th November 2010)

Plans have been launched to make the UK electricity industry a world leader in health and safety.

From Newsletter Stories

Cutting the Gordian Knot (1st November 2010)

His straight talking approach might have been tough to swallow when it came to the subject of the economy, but Lord Young’s overhaul of the UK health & safety system seems to have been just the tonic.

From Editor

News in brief (1st November 2010)

The TUC’s biennial survey of safety reps has found that almost half (49 per cent) of workplaces in the UK have never been visited by a health and safety inspector.

From News

Lord Young recommends quick and easy DIY risk analysis for SMEs (1st November 2010)

In a bid to reduce the burden of health and safety regulations on small and medium sized businesses, firms will be able to complete 15 minute questionnaires, which will be valid as risk analysis for nonhazardous workplaces.

From News

HSE budget cut by a third (1st November 2010)

The HSE’s budget is to be cut by 35% by 2014/2015.

From News

Good progress on reducing injuries and fatalities at work not matched by progress on work-related harm to health (1st November 2010)

New figures from the HSE confirm that Britain has Europe’s lowest rate of fatal occupational injuries.

From News

Reactions to Lord Young’s report (1st November 2010)

Initial reactions to the findings of Lord Young’s review into the operation of health & safety laws and the growing compensation culture have on the whole been positive. Some leading stakeholders in the health & safety market offer HSM their views

From News

Start living: Stop stressing is the message of National Stress Awareness Day (26th October 2010)

National Stress Awareness Day (NSAD) is being held this year on Wednesday 3rd November 2010 and will encourage people to “Start Living – Stop Stressing”...

From Newsletter Stories

Lord Young recommends quick and easy DIY risk analysis for SMEs (15th October 2010)

In a bid to reduce the burden of health and safety regulations on small and medium sized businesses, firms will be able to complete 15 minute questionnaires, which will be valid as risk analysis for non-hazardous workplaces.

From News

First corporate manslaughter trial adjourned (12th October 2010)

The long awaited trial for corporate manslaughter of Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings, due to start in Bristol this week, has been adjourned until 24 January 2011...

From Newsletter Stories

Commission launches starter kit for Equality Act (1st October 2010)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an online starter guide to the Equality Act 2010 to coincide with most of the legislation coming into force...

From Newsletter Stories

Green shoots of a new type of health & safety? (1st October 2010)

While the new government’s passion for health & safety may be up for debate (Lord Young’s long awaited review is to be published soon) if there’s one thing the coalition has been enthusiastic about its intention to be the “greenest government ever.” David Cameron has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 10% in the first 12 months as well as publishing the energy use of government departments in real time

From Editor

The Savoy opens its doors to a construction safety charity (3rd September 2010)

A special reception will take place at The Savoy on 3 November in aid of the Lighthouse Club, which is a charity that helps families of construction workers affected by serious accidents or illnesses...

From Newsletter Stories

The road to hell is paved with good intentions (1st September 2010)

Sometimes those who are immersed in health & safety can end up having a blinkered view of its wider perception

From Editor

Early death risk varies according to occupation (1st September 2010)

New research shows that the risk of death from diseases and injuries caused by alcohol, drugs and sexual habits varies significantly between different jobs and professions.

From News

Health & safety managers have a lot on their plates (1st September 2010)

Health & safety managers have to juggle over 30 different priorities during the course of their work, according to research by Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS). ARMS asked 200 health & safety managers about their workplace priorities and as many as 33 different issues were highlighted.

From News

Consultants register coming soon (1st September 2010)

A new UK scheme to accredit health and safety consultants is to be announced at the beginning of September.

From News

Bodyshop workers unaware of asthma risk (1st September 2010)

Bodyshop workers are being encouraged to do more to protect themselves when paint spraying, as new research suggests that some are still putting themselves at risk of developing asthma

From News

Health & safety managers have a lot on their plates (1st September 2010)

Health & safety managers have to juggle over 30 different priorities during the course of their work, according to research by Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS). ARMS asked 200 health & safety managers about their workplace priorities and as many as 33 different issues were highlighted.

From News

Government confirms one-in, one out system for red tape (5th August 2010)

The government has confirmed it plans to introduce a one-in, one-out system for regulations that impose costs on businesses...

From Newsletter Stories

Workplace safety at risk due to de-regulation of health & safety policies (16th July 2010)

A report by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University has found that workplace safety has been put at risk due to changes in health and safety policies over the past decade...

From Newsletter Stories

Do you know your numbers? (2nd July 2010)

The Blood Pressure Association is encouraging organisations to highlight their occupational health services by taking part in Know your Numbers! Week – the charity’s nationwide blood pressure testing event...

From Newsletter Stories

Course to address cellar gas safety (4th June 2010)

CryoService, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of drinks dispense gas solutions to the leisure industry has launched an online drinks dispense gas training package ‘Using Cellar Gases Safely’, bringing a much needed health and safety solution for operators in this sector...

From Newsletter Stories

'Water' way to improve safety (3rd June 2010)

From Newsletter Stories

Health & safety managers taking on the environment (3rd June 2010)

New research from NEBOSH has suggested that more than half of health and safety managers are now responsible for managing environmental issues at work...

From Newsletter Stories

UK Government steps up oil rig safety inspections (1st June 2010)

The Government has announced that it will increase its inspection of North Sea drilling rigs in the wake of the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

From News

Review into health & safety underway (1st June 2010)

News that Lord Young is to go ahead with a review of health & safety for the Coalition Government has been met with mixed reactions

From News

Tick box approach to EU law not good for British business (4th May 2010)

A report comparing the UK and EU regulatory systems, argues that Westminster does not do enough to scrutinise legislation originating from Brussels...

From Newsletter Stories

New tool to help prevent MSDs (1st May 2010)

A new downloadable tool is available to help businesses and organisations reduce the likelihood of their employees suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs associated with repetitive tasks.

From Q & A

Why health & safety needs talent (1st May 2010)

Regardless of political preferences it is fair to say that the Tory appointed health & safety trouble shooter Lord Young had a point when he said in his speech at a recent health and safety conference that “health and safety is in crisis”. (You can view the speech on the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s website, www.iosh.co.uk). A catalogue of events has led me to believe this may well be true.

From News

Corby case settles out-of-court (1st May 2010)

Corby Council has reached an out-of-court settlement over compensation for birth defects caused by toixc waste at a clean up operation of a former British Steel site.

From News

Film award (1st May 2010)

EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Film Award is returning again for its second year as the safety body continues its cooperation with the DOK Leipzig Festival in 2010.

From News

Optical radiation rules come into force (1st May 2010)

New regulations further protecting workers from the dangers of hazardous sources of artificial light have come into force.

From News

Updates to EN 149 (1st May 2010)

From July 2010 all Filtering Face Masks sold in europe will need to meet the updated EN149:2009 standard. This came about following a warning from the french Safety Institute for occupational accident prevention (INRS) in 2004 which highlighted a discrepancy between the performance of face masks when tested and their performance in actual use.

From Breathing safely

Firm fined after potential asbestos exposure (1st May 2010)

A building firm has been fined after refurbishment work triggered the temporary closure of country club near Darlington over fears of exposure to asbestos.

From Breathing safely

'Attitudes to driving are a litmus test for overall attitudes to safety” (1st May 2010)

Traditionally, driving at work has been seen as something that is done to get from job to job, rather than being an integral work activity.

From Q & A

DWP issues fit note guidance (2nd March 2010)

The Department of Work and Pensions has introduced guidance for employers on the implications of the fit note which is set to replace the traditional sick note in April...

From Newsletter Stories

Make your workplace bowel cancer aware (2nd March 2010)

As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer UK has promotional material and support available to workplaces wishing to promote awareness of the issue...

From Newsletter Stories

Stressing the importance of stress (1st March 2010)

According to an HSM poll less than half of readers’ organisations have policies in place to manage stress.

From Editor

New review aims to clarify confusing health & safety requirement (18th February 2010)

ICE has published a review aimed to help designers in the construction industry better understand the legal requirement to exercise a duty ‘so far as is reasonable practical’...

From Newsletter Stories

Workers memorial day to be officially recognised (2nd February 2010)

The Government’s decision to formally recognise Workers’ Memorial Day has been widely welcomed by safety campaigners...

From Newsletter Stories

Black ice and white lies (1st February 2010)

No sooner had the safety community recovered from a busy festive season banning sweets at pantos and imposing speed limits on reindeer* than it had a whole new challenge to contend with; the snow.

From News

BSI to develop stress management standard (1st February 2010)

BSI, the global standards, certification and assessment provider, and Nottingham University are developing a good practice guidance standard which will help those assessing and managing the risks associated with workrelated stress.

From News

Proposals to slash legal costs in personal injury claims welcomed (1st February 2010)

The long-awaited outcome of Lord Justice Jackson’s review of civil litigation costs has been broadly welcomed by the British Safety Council (BSC).

From News

A load of good advice (1st February 2010)

The HSE has launched a load safety website as part of a campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries linked to workplace transport

From News

IOSH sets the record straight (1st February 2010)

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is urging businesses and communities to do the right thing by clearing snow and ice from public areas following reports in the papers which claimed it was warning businesses not to grit public paths.

From News

Workers complacent over Swine Flu risk (1st February 2010)

Following the flurry of activity to guard against swine flu at the end of 2009, attitudes towards the virus seem to have become more complacent, according to Rachael Heenan, health employment specialist of Beachcroft LLP.

From News

Lessons I’ve learned (1st February 2010)

PPE has come a long way since I joined the Fire and Rescue Service. In 1980 firefighters were issued with a cork helmet which had a leather chin strap and metal suds so you could burn your face if you were exposed to heat.

From Ppe

Tips for designated drivers (15th December 2009)

The AA Drive tech has published some safety tips for any designated drivers this festive season...

From Newsletter Stories

Prize winning pic creates a buzz (1st December 2009)

A beekeeper’s portrait was awarded first prize for a European photo competition on safer and healthier workplaces...

From Newsletter Stories

Warning over the protection of agency workers (2nd November 2009)

Eleven employment agencies have been warned by the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS) after advertising for asbestos removal workers without properly checking the health and safety implications...

From Newsletter Stories

Time to sing our praises (1st November 2009)

When we pitch ourselves against the rest of europe it’s not every day that the UK comes out on top. As most football fans will probably still be trying to forget no British teams even qualified for Euro 2008 and the bottom of the leader board is not unfamiliar territory for the UK in the Eurovision Song contest (yes that’s UK nil point).

From News

Funding available to SMEs (1st November 2009)

Small businesses and local partnerships across Britain can bid for a share of millions of pounds over the next two years to fund innovative projects to improve the health and welfare of their workers.

From News

European campaign on risk assessment draws to a close (1st November 2009)

“With over 450 Europeans dying every day from workrelated causes, workplace health and safety cannot be regarded as a luxury in these times of economic crisis”.

From News

New lone worker guidance (1st November 2009)

The TUC has published new guidance on Lone Working for safety representatives following its 2008 survey which revealed that working alone was their sixth main hazard of concern.

From News

Updated chemicals advice (1st November 2009)

New easy to use guidance is available for businesses on how to deal with hazardous substances in the workplace.

From News

October: All the gear and no idea? (30th October 2009)

From Comment

Taking the biscuit? (27th October 2009)

Hundreds of council workers have been duped into filling in a fake health and safety survey about accidents caused by biscuits...

From Newsletter Stories

Tory plan for safety on building sites could lead to more deaths says Unite (26th October 2009)

New plans by the Conservative party to allow construction companies to arrange their own externally audited safety inspections, and ban Health and Safety Executive inspectors from their sites, could lead to a worsening of health and safety and an increase in building site deaths says Unite, the UK’s largest union...

From Newsletter Stories

Employers urged to get flexible (16th October 2009)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched new flexible working guidance aimed at improving employee productivity, lowering business costs and meeting the needs of modern families...

From Newsletter Stories

Five companies appear in court over Buncefield explosion (5th October 2009)

Five companies are due to appear in court today charged in connection with an explosion at the Buncefield oil depot...

From Newsletter Stories

All the gear and no idea? (1st October 2009)

The world’s health and safety manufacturers and suppliers return to Düsseldorf this November for the biennial A+A exhibition where no fewer than 1,220 of the stalls will contain some form of PPE.

From News

Employers encouraged to get flexible (1st October 2009)

From News

Worker rights helpline launched (1st October 2009)

The Government has launched a free helpline for 'vulnerable workers' where they can get advice about workplace rights and report abuses of rights.

From News

EU u-turn on extension to standard (1st October 2009)

The EU has made a turnaround in its decision to extend the period in which EN 954-1 can be used.

From News

Great expectations (1st October 2009)

The PPE market has developed at a staggering rate in recent years; there are no fewer than 1,220 stands exhibiting some form of PPE at this year’s A+A show and many of the products on offer have more advanced features than ever before.Georgina Bisby takes a closer look at the market’ s evolution

From Ppe

Machinery safety (1st October 2009)

The new Machinery Safety Regulations come into force on 29th December this year and Wieland Electric is hosting a series of seminars through November and December to help engineers tackle the changes and make a smooth transition.

From Construction site safety

September: Can Safety ever really pay? (30th September 2009)

From Comment

Prisoners get drunk on hand gel (25th September 2009)

Alcohol hand gel which was put in a prison to help combat swine flu has been banned after prisoners started drinking it...

From Newsletter Stories

Worker rights helpline launched (25th September 2009)

The Government has launched a free helpline for 'vulnerable workers' where they can get advice about their workplace rights and report abuses of those rights...

From Newsletter Stories

Delay to Machinery Directive standard given cautious welcome (24th September 2009)

News that BS EN 954-1will be accepted to support compliance to the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for a further three years in spite of the introduction of replacement standards has been given a cautious welcome..

From Newsletter Stories

Fight flu with fresh air (16th September 2009)

Did you know that naturally occurring hydroxyl radicals in the open air kill pathogens such as bacteria and viruses? So, your mum was right - fresh air really is good for you! This ‘Open Air Factor’ was originally discovered during biological warfare research after World War 2...

From Newsletter Stories

Can safety ever really pay? (1st September 2009)

A new report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) suggests more needs to be done to raise awareness of the economic benefits of having a strong occupational health and safety policy, particularly for SMEs.

From News

CIPD issues swine flu wake-up as employers relax their guard (1st September 2009)

UK businesses should prepare for staff absence rates of up to 50% for periods of between two and four weeks this autumn and winter in their contingency planning or the expected second wave of swine flu.

From News

Businesses not realising economic advantages of h&s (1st September 2009)

A report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is the latest to suggest good occupational safety and health practice can be a strong economic advantage for organisations.

From News

Drive to increase worker involvement in safety (1st September 2009)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is using its presence at September’s TUC conference in Liverpool to promote plans to get more employees involved in health and safety where they work.

From News

Machinery Directive standard delay given cautious welcome (1st September 2009)

News that BS EN 954-1will be accepted to support compliance to the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for a further three years in spite of the introduction of replacement standards has been given a cautious welcome.

From News

  Are you storing chemicals safely? (1st September 2009)

Any chemicals you keep on your premises, including cleaning products, glue, paint or bleach, must be stored and handled carefully.

From Handling storing

Ex-smokers can win a luxury holiday (27th August 2009)

Ex-smokers across the UK still have time to enter stop smoking charity QUIT’s competition to find the country’s most inspirational quitters and win the holiday of a lifetime...

From Newsletter Stories

First trial under the new Corporate Manslaughter Act to take place in February 2010 (27th August 2009)

It has been confirmed at Bristol Crown Court, that the trial of the first corporate manslaughter prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), under the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, will take place on 23 February 2010...

From Newsletter Stories

New law poster: Don’t be misled (15th August 2009)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning businesses not to be duped into buying unnecessary and overpriced copies of its health and safety law poster.

From News

TUC calls for new legislation (15th August 2009)

The TUC has renewed calls for the introduction of a legal health and safety duty on directors:

From News

Time to stamp out tired drivng (15th August 2009)

The Fleet Safety Forum, is urging companies to tackle the silent killer of driver tiredness in a new initiative.

From News

Small companies confused (15th August 2009)

In its new report Health and safety in small organisations: the Risk and Regulation Advisory Council (RRAC) has found that many small organisations are still uncertain and confused about health and safety.

From News

Health and Safety at Work Act turns 35 (15th August 2009)

On the 31st July the Health and Safety at Work Act turned 35. The Act came about largely as result of the Robens Report on Safety and Health at Work published in 1972.

From News

July/August: Toxic turnaround (30th July 2009)

A landmark ruling against Corby Council has given a group of young people suffering from birth defects the right to sue for negligence

From Comment

Another kind of toxic debt (30th July 2009)

In a report launched this year the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EUOSHA) suggested not enough people take into account reprotoxicants in workplace risk assessments.A subsequent HSM poll found this was likely to be because few understand what they are and where they are found.

From Managing safety

Swine flu: Check list for employers (20th July 2009)

Employers who do not adequately protect staff from swine flu could face costly lawsuits of tens of thousands of pounds from claimants, if they are found to have breached their duty of care as outlined in the Health & Safety Act, warns James Wilders, an employment law partner at law firm Dickinson Dees...

From Newsletter Stories

Wrong goggles end in serious eye injury (20th July 2009)

A steel erector received £6,500 in compensation after he suffered permanent damage to his eye during the construction of the new Wembley Stadium...

From Newsletter Stories

Ramp ruling ends threat of legal action (25th June 2009)

The House of Lords has ruled against a care worker who tried to sue her employer after she was injured using a ramp that had not been installed by the council she worked for.

From News

May: Panorama: A missed opportunity (30th May 2009)

From Comment

Pub beats smoking ban (27th May 2009)

A landlady in Barnsley has told regulars they can smoke in her pub - after a customer found a loophole in the law...

From Newsletter Stories

One-stop-shop to be piloted (1st May 2009)

The Government is to pilot a one-stop-shop for advice on health and safety and employment legislation.

From News

Sorry seems to be the hardest word (1st May 2009)

The vast majority of UK employers fail to apologise when their staff suffer workrelated accidents or injuries, according to a new survey from the National Accident Helpline.

From News

Sorry seems to be the hardest word (27th April 2009)

From Newsletter Stories

Sparrow's cigarette caused shop blaze (27th April 2009)

A cigarette loving sparrow is being blamed for a fire that caused £250,000 of damage to a shop in Lincolnshire...

From Newsletter Stories

40s Carpenters at greatest risk of developing asbestos related cancer (23rd April 2009)

One in 17 British carpenters born in the 1940s will die of mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos - according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer...

From Newsletter Stories

CPS advises first corporate manslaughter charge (23rd April 2009)

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge of corporate manslaughter against Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings in relation to the death of Alexander Wright on 5 September 2008...

From Newsletter Stories

Swimming pool to close if 'too wet' (23rd March 2009)

An outdoor swimming pool, the London Fields Lido in Hackney, north London, has warned swimmers that the pool might have to be closed - if it gets 'too wet' according to reports in the Telegraph...

From Newsletter Stories

Asbestos is in 90% of schools (23rd March 2009)

Nearly nine in 10 schools contain deadly asbestos, the Daily Mirror has found in research it has undertaken as part of its Asbestos Timebomb campaign...

From Newsletter Stories

New service to save businesses money and boost businesses confidence (23rd March 2009)

The Government will pilot a one stop shop for advice on health and safety and employment legislation under new measures announced this month...

From Newsletter Stories

Safety concerns 'not adequately dealt with' (12th March 2009)

A worker at the Grovepark Mills plastics plant has said his concerns about health and safety were not adequately dealt with by the Health and Safety Executive in the two years before an explosion in 2004 which killed nine workers, new research claims...

From Newsletter Stories

Royal Mail to face prosecution over Heathrow death (23rd February 2009)

Following a two and a half year investigation the Health and Safety Executive have announced that they will be prosecuting Royal Mail over the death of a driver in the yard at the Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre in 2006...

From Newsletter Stories

Workers feel bosses ignoring health and safety (18th February 2009)

Workers believe health and safety has become less of a concern to the nation’s employers as a result of the recession, according to new research...

From Newsletter Stories

Drivers now need grit – not just salt - for bad weather, says IAM (11th February 2009)

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has put together an at-a-glance guide to driving and riding in adverse weather, to help the estimated six million drivers who are now facing the worst driving conditions in a generation...

From Newsletter Stories

February: A new era of responsibility (8th February 2009)

From Comment

‘Clearer guidance for SMEs needed’ (1st February 2009)

Small businesses should get a one stop shop for guidance on health and safety and employment legislation to help them comply with the law and save them time and money, a new report has recommended.

From News

ACCIDENT REDUCTION PLEDGE FOR ‘MOST DANGEROUS JOB’IN BRITAIN (1st February 2009)

The number of fatal incidents in the waste and recycling industry is more than 10 times the national average and reportable accidents in these workplaces are more than four times the national average. This had made working in the industry one of the most dangerous jobs in Great Britain.

From News

Time for some clarity (1st February 2009)

The focus on stakeholder involvement in the HSE’s new strategy is not just an opportunity to invite interested parties to play their part, but a much needed chance to provide some clarity, says Georgina Bisby

From Editor

QUESTIONS & COMMENT (1st February 2009)

I am a plant engineer at a medium sized manufacturer and have taken on some responsibility for the health and safety of my team over the past two years.

From Editor

Health and Safety (Offences) Act becomes law (27th January 2009)

The Health and Safety Offences Act came into force this month (17 January) signalling tougher penalties for those who breach health and safety regulations...

From Newsletter Stories

“Compensation culture” in UK grossly exaggerated, says new research (7th January 2009)

New research shows that the majority of people have modest expectations for compensation following injuries at work, casting doubt on the widely-made claim that Britain has developed a compensation culture...

From Newsletter Stories

Gardener ordered to take down barbed wire to protect intruders (4th November 2008)

A gardener who put up barbed wire around his allotment to protect it from thieves has been told he must take it down in case the intruders hurt themselves...

From Newsletter Stories

Messy workmates save builder's life (1st October 2008)

A builder is believed to have survived a six-storey fall down a lift shaft because his workmates had been using it as a rubbish chute...

From Newsletter Stories

This can’t be stressed enough (1st October 2008)

A social worker who suffered a heart attack after becoming stressed at work has received £175,000 in compensation, the TUC reports.

From News

Tougher health and safety penalties to become law (1st October 2008)

The Health and Safety Offences Act has received Royal Assent spelling increased penalties and greater sentences for those who flout health and safety legislation. It received Royal Assent on 16 October 2008 and will come into force in three months time, in January 2009.

From News

Safety training aids (1st October 2008)

In your August comment, you mentioned the need for straightforward safety advice and information, especially for smaller organisation

From News

Boozy builders' £50,000 trail of destruction (12th September 2008)

Two Polish builders caused £50,000 worth of damage when they drove a digger truck to a local off-licence to pick up some more booze – after they ran out on site...

From Newsletter Stories

Health and safety reforms set to save small business £300 million (5th September 2008)

Better advice and support on health and safety could save small businesses up to £300 million a year, according to, Improving outcomes from health and safety, a new report from the Better Regulation Executive (BRE)

From News

Escalator ban for former olympic hurdler (18th August 2008)

An 80-year-old former Olympic hurdler has been banned from running the wrong way up escalators because of safety concerns...

From Newsletter Stories

Health and safety reforms set to save small business £300 million, says BRE (6th August 2008)

Small businesses could save up to £300 million a year with better advice and support on health and safety, a new report from BRE has said...

From Newsletter Stories

Work smarter, not harder (1st August 2008)

The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has suggested small and low-risk businesses could save £300 million by cutting the amount of time they spend on health and safety regulation

From News

Seagulls force vicar to wear hardhat (21st July 2008)

A Cornish vicar has taken to wearing a hardhat to church to protect him from an unusual hazard - a pair of dive-bombing seagulls...

From Newsletter Stories

Electrician is hard to shock (11th June 2008)

An electrican from Romania has claimed he never suffers from electric shocks, even when he touches live wires without protection...

From Newsletter Stories

World Asthma Day (2nd May 2008)

World Asthma Day 2008 took place on Tuesday May 6th and the HSE has a number of activities happening in May, aimed at reducing occupational asthma and other work-related respiratory diseases...

From Newsletter Stories

Going back to Black (22nd April 2008)

The Corporate Manslaughter Act, which came into effect 6th April, has dominated headlines for the past few months. While the increased penalties for gross negligence associated with the new Act bring a welcome focus to health and safety at board level, the Act doesn't really bring anything new to the table.

From News

Corporate Manslaughter Act comes into force (22nd April 2008)

The 6th April saw the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act Come into force.

From News

Vision of a healthier Britain revealed (22nd April 2008)

The national director for Health and Work Dame Carol Black has published the first ever review into the health of the working age population – Working for a Healthier Tomorrow – calling for urgent and comprehensive reform and a new approach to health and work in Britain.

From Safety first

Taking safety on the road (22nd April 2008)

With HSE statistics showing 20 people are killed and 250 seriously injured each week in incidents involving work-related road use, it is little surprise that occupational road risk has been tipped as an area where the impact of the Corporate Manslaughter Act could be felt early on. Georgina Bisby investigates

From Managing safety

Live missile used as anvil (10th April 2008)

A farmer in a Romanian village shocked local firefighters when they discovered he was using an unexploded missile as an anvil...

From Newsletter Stories

Boss bans dirty undies (3rd March 2008)

Fed up with poor personal hygiene standards among staff, a Serbian boss has mad it a sackable offence for staff to come into work wearing dirty underwear or without having a shower...

From Newsletter Stories

Work-related stress a killer, says study (5th February 2008)

Stress at work has been shown to promote biological changes in the body which increases the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study by the European Heart Journal, published at the end of January...

From Newsletter Stories

Smoking ban bit of a fag? (8th January 2008)

A German restaurant owner has come up with an ingenious solution to getting round the smoking ban - cutting holes in the wall so customers can stick their heads out to have a cigarette...

From Newsletter Stories

Hain urges representatives to come together to solve construction site fatalities (7th August 2007)

Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is to ask employers, trade unions and other organisations to come together and find ways to reduce fatalities in the construction industry...

From Newsletter Stories

Health and safety ban on piano man (9th July 2007)

A cruise passenger was recently banned from playing the grand piano on a ship - in case he hurt his fingers...

From Newsletter Stories

Myth of the month (8th June 2007)

The latest myth busting cartoon from the Health and Safety Exceutive (HSE) addresses the myth that new regulations require trapeze artists to wear hard hats...

From Newsletter Stories

HSE launches ladder exchange scheme (1st June 2007)

With falls from height continuing to be the main cause of work place fatalities, the HSE has launched a ladder exchange scheme to encourage the removal of 'dodgy' ladders from the workplace...

From Newsletter Stories

Being accident prone no accident (11th May 2007)

Researchers in Holland have revealed that people who have lots of accidents could be more than just plain unlucky...

From Newsletter Stories

Health and Safety gone bonkers? (4th April 2007)

Health and Safety executives have been banned from moving furniture around their offices in a move which one HSE insider has labelled as, "the nanny state gone bonkers"...

From Newsletter Stories

Keeping up with the changing world of work (3rd April 2007)

Flexibility and partnership are key to keeping up with the changing world of work, explained Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the HSE at the IOSH conference...

From Newsletter Stories

New guidance on Legionnaires' precautions (3rd April 2007)

After concluding that a catalogue of errors was to blame for the Barrow Legionnaires' tragedy, the HSE has published a list of practical recommendations aimed at preventing future outbreaks of the disease...

From Newsletter Stories

Fasten seatbelts and prepare for a trumpy ride (12th December 2006)

An American Airlines flight en route from Washington to Dallas had to make an emergency landing in Nashville earler this week after passenger’s reported a smell of burning. All 99 passengers and five crew were evacuated and had to go through security again with their luggage. One however, was not allowed back on the plane...

From Newsletter Stories

Fire station up in smoke (7th November 2006)

Everyone's seen the smoke alarm adverts: 'If your battery doesn't work, you haven't got a smoke alarm' booms the voice over. Unfortunately for a Sussex fire station, it didn't heed its own advice.

From Newsletter Stories

Do drink and drive... (16th October 2006)

Dutch paper Het Laatste Nieuws recently reported on a Dutch scentist who actually encourages young people to drink and drive...

From Newsletter Stories

Financial pressure 'crippling' HSE (4th September 2006)

From Newsletter Stories

That's all folks... (4th September 2006)

As the HSE urges over-zealous practitioners to get a life, TV regulator Ofcom has decided to cut smoking scenes from Tom and Jerry cartoons after investigating a complaint.

From Newsletter Stories

Achieving safe procurement (31st August 2006)

Subsequent to the publication of the BSIF research, following availability of the BOMEL information from the HSE on RIDDOR reports involving PPE, there has been dialogue across the safety industry on the fact that over 22 000 incidents involving PPE are generated each year. The significant findings are that most are caused as a result of mis-selection and/or misuse.

From Safety first

Networking Day (31st August 2006)

The BSIF Networking Day and Gala Dinner is firmly established as the Safety Industry event of the year and a day that should not be missed. Our aim is to provide an opportunity to network with industry colleagues and friends in an enjoyable social atmosphere.

From Safety first

Latest news in brief (31st August 2006)

It's in your hands campaign gathers momentum

From Safety first

BSIF business development (31st August 2006)

The BSIF has appointed David Lummis to manage the Federation's commercial operations under the recently launched umbrella of BSIF Enterprises.

From Safety first

Passport schemes (31st August 2006)

For some months now the BSIF has been seeking to facilitate changes to the current arrangements to deliver sector specific safety passports for workers. The principle that any employee or contractor should be able to produce a safety passport to evidence their 'competence' is sound: it should provide comfort for the employer and flexibility for the holder of the passport.

From Safety first

From the secretary's desk (31st August 2006)

As I am putting this item together, the matter of personal safety and the need for people to be protected has been brought sharply into focus as a result of the terrorism threats which have just closed our major airports.

From Safety first

Cool staff (31st August 2006)

The TUC is warning that if employers fail to keep workplaces cool, they could be liable if a member of staff falls ill due to the heat or has an accident because they are feeling tired or faint.

From Safety first

Fewer fatal injuries (31st August 2006)

The Health and Safety Commission has published the annual workplace fatal injury statistics for 2005/2006 which show that 212 people were fatally injured. This is a reduction from 223 in 2004/2005 and the lowest recorded fatal injury figure.

From Safety first

I know, let's use petrol! (16th August 2006)

A Scunthorpe man demonstrated an original interpretation of ‘giving it a bit of elbow grease,’ blowing up his house while attempting to clean glue off his kitchen floor...

From Newsletter Stories

HSE launches noise and HAVS campaign (15th August 2006)

More than two million UK workers are exposed to either excessive noise or hand arm vibration. The HSE aims to address this with a new programme to protect workers from suffering permanent damage to their health as a result of their work.

From Newsletter Stories

Companies may now face manslaughter charges (15th August 2006)

Corporations can now be successfully prosecuted for manslaughter following the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Bill introduced to Parliament last month.

From Newsletter Stories

Warning for the hard of hearing (1st August 2006)

Deaf Alerter is a fire alarm warning and messaging system for deaf and hard of hearing people. It is already installed in many large public access buildings, such as New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and comprises a VHF rad

From Premises

Visits on target (1st August 2006)

Less than five months after the launch of Workplace Health Connect, 1000 small businesses have requested a visit from an adviser. This puts the service on target for reaching 11 000 workers through workplace visits in England

From Training

Safe start for young workers (1st August 2006)

Research has shown that, across Europe, 18 to 24-year olds are at least 50% more likely to be injured in the workplace than more experienced workers.

From Training

Let them eat cake? Not likely (8th June 2006)

While health and safety is often unfairly portrayed as a legislatory killjoy, a recent story reported in The Sun literally takes the biscuit.

From Newsletter Stories

HSE Noise and Vibration roadshows throughout June (5th May 2006)

The HSE and manufacturers organisation, the EEF, are running four roadshows on Noise and Vibration that they claim will provide ‘no nonsense’ advice for employers relating to the recent changes in EU regulations.

From Newsletter Stories

HSC needs your help (5th May 2006)

The HSC has issued a consultation document to seek views on how to encourage, improve and increase worker involvement in health and safety risk management.

From Newsletter Stories

Naughty sat nav system (10th April 2006)

Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales are being sent up a dangerous track by their cars satellite navigation systems, reports the Telegraph.

From Newsletter Stories

Employers advice on involving workers in H&S management (7th March 2006)

The HSE has launched new resources for employees them involve workers in health and safety management. Published as part of the its "worker involvement" website the HSE says the tools provide a wealth of sound help and advice to businesses.

From Newsletter Stories

How not to impress H&S inspectors... (7th March 2006)

A Swiss strip club owner spectacularly failed to convince health and safety inspectors that his venue was fire-proof – by burning it down.

From Newsletter Stories

Branding system for gloves (1st February 2006)

DSM Dyneema has introduced a new branding programme to help ensure the quality of industrial gloves made with Dyneema fibre.

From Ppe

Gore-Tex Jacket Winners (12th December 2005)

Well done to the following five readers for scooping the five Gore-

From Newsletter Stories

EU launches Health & Safety for businesses website (12th December 2005)

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in partnership with a network of Euro Info Centres has launched a new website to provide businesses with good practice information in occupational health and safety.

From Newsletter Stories

HSE Revamps RSI database (12th December 2005)

The HSE has updated and expanded its information on important Court judgements in RSI cases and says it will benefit both itself and legal and health professionals working in the RSI field - as well as trade unions insurers and designers, and those s

From Newsletter Stories

New Whole Body Vibration guidance from HSE (12th December 2005)

The HSE has published further guidance on Whole Body Vibration. Whole Body Vibration: The control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 gives advice to employers of what can be done to reduce and control the risks of WBV under the Control of Vibratio

From Newsletter Stories

HSE steps up slips and trips campaign (9th October 2005)

‘Don’t feel bad when someone else trips up – take positive action’ is the thrust of the HSE’s latest effort to reduce slip and trip accidents at work.

From Newsletter Stories

HSM launches regular e-Newsletter (1st October 2005)

Complementing its website (www.hsmsearch.com) Health & Safety Matters magazine is to launch a regular e-Newsletter. If you would like to register to receive the email newsletter, simply do so via the website. All subscribers to the e-Newsletter will

From News