Asbestos remains one of the most significant long-latency occupational health hazards in the UK. Despite the prohibition of asbestos use in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still prevalent across a wide range of pre-2000 commercial, industrial, and public buildings. Exposure continues to result in fatal respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and asbestos-related lung cancer. According […]
Manual handling (lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads) remains one of the most common sources of workplace injury. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), more than one-third of all reported workplace injuries are caused by manual handling activities. Most of these injuries result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as sprains, strains, and chronic […]
Good lighting at work is essential for safety, productivity and overall wellbeing. It enables staff to see hazards quickly and reduces the risk of accidents, while poor lighting can have a range of negative effects. Inadequate or poorly maintained lighting often leads to increased slips, trips and falls, and it can also cause eyestrain, headaches […]
Working in confined spaces presents one of the most serious occupational hazards in the UK. Confined spaces, such as tanks, silos, sewers, and underground chambers, can pose significant risks including asphyxiation, toxic exposure, engulfment, and fire or explosion. According to HSE statistics, incidents in confined spaces, although less frequent than general workplace accidents, are often […]
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are one of the most significant pieces of health and safety legislation. They place a legal duty on employers to protect employees and others from the risks posed by hazardous substances. These regulations apply across almost every industry, from manufacturing and laboratories, to schools, offices, catering, […]
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to provide adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements for their workforce. This includes ensuring that employees have access to suitably trained first aiders. The Regulations apply to all workplaces regardless of size, which means including those with fewer than five employees and […]
With the UK experiencing increasingly warmer summers, the risks of heat stress and heat stroke have become serious health and safety concerns. For employers, especially those with outdoor or physically demanding roles, it is essential to understand these risks and take preventive action in line with legislation and HSE guidance. This article provides guidance to […]
Memorial burial grounds are sacred spaces, serving not only as final resting places but also as important locations for remembrance, heritage, and community reflection. While these sites often convey peace and tranquility, they also present a range of health and safety hazards that require careful management. Whether overseen by local authorities, religious organisations, private operators, […]
