Opinion

    Louise Hosking CIEH

    Environmental health professionals: a vital armoury in protecting public and worker health

    The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has been protecting the public, supporting professionals and influencing policy for over 130 years. The work of CIEH’s 7,600 members encompasses health protection both in work and across our communities locally, nationally and internationally. Our vision is simple: “a safer, cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

    By Louise Hosking, CIEH on 29 February 2024

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Work-shy and lonely, or creative and committed?

    Working from Home (or WFH) sometimes feels like just another wedge issue with which to divide us. But it’s a serious one, with potentially far-reaching consequences for our health, productivity and wellbeing. Which is why the study published in the Journal of Occupational Health (and covered recently by the Observer) caught my attention. It also contained something quite refreshing – a balanced view!

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 01 March 2024

    Ear Protectors and Gloves iStock

    Why we need to harness new technology to prevent noise-induced hearing loss

    It is 50 years this year since I started an engineering apprenticeship with Black Country-based GKN Sankey, to be told upon walking into a very noisy high-speed blanking and piercing shop (with power presses running at 400 blows per minute), “don’t worry son, you’ll get used to it”.

    By Neal Hill, consultant and member of UKHCA on 11 March 2024

    Buildings With Cranes iStock Vladimirovic

    CDM prosecutions – what can we learn from them?

    Construction, design and management is an approach used within the construction industry that integrates all stages of a project. It considers all aspects of a construction process from the initial design and planning to the construction and maintenance of the building or structure.

    By Kevin Bridges and Hannah Beaumont, Pinsent Masons on 15 March 2024

    Man on high Platform (IPAF)

    Simplified reporting of falls from height will identify ways to prevent accidents

    With recent statistics showing little improvement in the number of workplace falls from height, the Access Industry Forum (AIF) believes a simplified incident reporting system for falls would allow lessons to be learned about the causes and most effective preventive measures.

    By Peter Bennett OBE, Access Industry Forum (AIF) on 07 February 2024

    EBike Battery iStockMixMedia

    Batteries – an opportunity, but what’s the safety risk?

    As global economies look to achieve their net zero targets, there is an increased focus on the development of non-fossil fuel alternative energy sources, such as battery power. The demand for batteries over the next 20 years is predicted to increase twentyfold. This presents numerous opportunities for those in the battery production supply chain who will need to gear up to meet this increased demand. However, despite the glow of opportunity, it is important that the safety risks posed by batteries are effectively managed.

    By Liam Jagger, Pinsent Masons on 07 February 2024

    Ladder Association 1

    We need UK government action to halt the sale of unsafe ladders on online platforms

    With tests showing that 70 per cent of multi-purpose ladders available to purchase in the UK via online platforms fail to meet minimum safety requirements designed to keep users safe, the Ladder Association is calling for the UK government to close loopholes allowing their sale.

    By David Gray, Ladder Association on 31 January 2024

    Mike Robinson 240X240

    2024: a year of choices for us all

    How are you feeling this New Year? Tense? Worried? Tired? I ask because, according to the pollsters, many of us are suffering from ‘burnout’.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 01 February 2024

    Matthew Sulley

    Managing work-related road risk with vehicle safety technology

    Work-related road safety has been high on the agenda in recent years and, as greater numbers of people have returned to the roads following the end of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in 2021, there has been a corresponding increase in road casualties.

    By Matthew Sulley, Pinsent Masons LLP on 10 November 2022

    Luke Price

    Supporting older workers with long-term health conditions is crucial for recruiting and retaining older talent

    With businesses struggling to recruit, it’s more important than ever that employers expand their search for the best talent. Post-pandemic, we know that businesses are losing the experience and skills of older workers, with more than 330,000 people 50–64 having retired early since the beginning of 2020.

    By Luke Price, Centre for Ageing Better on 13 November 2022