Grenfell Hope Istock Luan Mazieri

Grenfell Tower Inquiry sets out recommendations as chair blames ‘incompetence, dishonesty and greed’ for deadly fire

Decades of failure and deregulation by governments and the “systematic dishonesty” of cladding manufacturers led to the “avoidable” deaths of 72 people in the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the scathing final report from a public inquiry into the disaster has concluded.

By Kerry Reals on 04 September 2024

Woman Wearing PPE Mask Draeger Safety UK

RPE: the significance of inclusivity in respiratory protection

Problems with the fit of some disposal filtering facepiece respirators across the variety of face shapes and facial features found in the workforce, means those who fall outside of the standard facial dimensions may not be getting full protection from respiratory risks. This has prompted one leading RPE manufacturer to develop a new design that provides a good fit for a wider range of different face shapes and sizes, keeping more people safe in the workplace.

By Ian Kelsall, Draeger Safety UK on 05 September 2024

Man With Breathing Mask iStock D Keine

Mesothelioma caused by asbestos in UK schools and hospitals: an ongoing risk to public health

By Mesothelioma UK and University of Sheffield on 05 September 2024

Danger Asbestos iStock Steve Luker

Asbestos risk management: why the UK is falling short

By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 30 August 2024

Man fitting Boiler UKNAR

Why the UK needs a National Asbestos Register

By Andrew Paten, UK National Asbestos Register (UKNAR) on 29 August 2024

National Grid Pylon HSE

National Grid fined £3.2 million after pylon worker receives 33,000-volt shock

The National Grid has been fined £3.2 million after a worker suffered “life-changing” burns from a 33,000-volt shock while working on a pylon, to which the electricity had not been switched off.

By Kerry Reals on 09 September 2024

Asbestos Protection Suit iStock D Keine

The duty to manage asbestos, the rise in prosecutions and other emerging trends

In this article, I will explore the impact of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) public awareness campaigns regarding the duty to manage asbestos and consider the resulting rise in prosecutions.

By Francesca Ledwith, Pinsent Masons on 05 September 2024

Asbestos Roof Tiles iStock LianeM

Asbestos: why ‘management in-situ’ is the wrong approach

By Charles Pickles, Airtight on Asbestos on 05 September 2024

Engineered Stone Cutting iStock Cagkansayin

Engineered stone worktops and silicosis: a challenging problem

By Kevin Bampton, BOHS on 04 September 2024