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Introduction The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) achieved Royal Ascent in July 1974 and commenced on the 1st October 1974.  In 1802 the first piece of health and safety legislation was introduced with the Factory Act.  This was aimed to safeguard child workers in factories and mills by implementing cleanliness requirements and improving […]

Whether driving for work, commuting, or using public transport, safety is paramount. Both employers and employees share responsibilities in ensuring that work-related travel is conducted safely. Commuting to and from Work “Commuting” refers to the regular journey that employees take between their home and their normal place of work. This can involve various modes of […]

As a business that relies on Health and Safety consultants to ensure compliance and workplace safety, understanding the audit process and preparing for it is crucial. Regular audits help identify potential hazards, ensure legal compliance, and ultimately protect your business from costly incidents or penalties. This guide will walk you through the key elements of […]

Background of the Case: In a recent and significant employment tribunal ruling, an employee Ms Hinds) of facilities management company, Mitie was awarded £350,000 for pregnancy discrimination after her employer treated her unfavourably when she disclosed her pregnancy. Ms Hinds was also constructively dismissed as she faced exclusion from meetings, unjustified criticism of her performance, […]

Sexual harassment is defined by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) as “unwanted conduct of a sexual nature” that has the purpose or effect of “violating a worker’s dignity” or “creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment”. Harassment including Sexual harassment is already prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. The Worker Protection […]

The allocation of tips is governed by the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 and its accompanying statutory Code of Practice. These are due to come into effect on 1st October 2024. The aim of this legislation, and the accompanying Code, is to ensure that workers in sectors where tipping is common, particularly hospitality and services, receive a […]

Noise is an often-overlooked aspect of workplace safety, yet it can have significant impacts on employee health and productivity. In many industries, excessive noise levels can lead to hearing loss, increased stress, and decreased job performance. As a result, conducting noise assessments is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. But can employers […]

Introduction: The recent judgement made in the Employment Tribunal case of Mrs. E Scott v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (2024) serves as a  reminder of the ongoing challenges that can be faced by pregnant employees in the workplace. This case highlights the legal protections afforded to pregnant employees under the Equality Act 2010 […]