Safety Management Magazine features

01 HERO Three Little Pigs Arcola Development Alexander Johansen 600 Min

Who is the wolf in your life? Listening to the people behind the hard hat

A new play explores the lives of migrant construction workers in the UK, using humour, real-life experiences and physical theatre to capture the banter, friendships and absurd moments that make life on site bearable, alongside the pressures that often go unseen. Ahead of the play’s premiere in London on 12-14 November, playwright Inna Cebotari explains how Three Little Pigs aims to add to the public debate about how best to support the wellbeing of construction workers.

By Inna Cebotari, Kinth Square on 02 October 2026

Istock 2197441100 Credit Recep Bg 600 Min

Why UK employers need to rethink recruitment, retention and support for older workers

With workers over the age of 50 now comprising almost one third of the entire UK workforce, recruiting and retaining older workers is now core to the success of the economy. However, not all employers are offering what’s needed to retain and recruit older workers, and ageist attitudes, limited flexible working opportunities, and employment support that doesn’t fit with health, caring, or other responsibilities are leaving too many people locked out of the labour market.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 04 October 2026

Istock 590242016 600 Min

The five DSE ergonomics myths costing employers money

Employers often try to prevent musculoskeletal problems associated with display screen work by buying equipment, ranging from more expensive chairs to standing desks and posture correctors. The evidence suggests that what makes the difference is not the equipment itself but whether people are shown how to use it, encouraged to keep changing position and given timely, personalised advice based on their actual workstation and risk profile. Dr Nicola Tik and Dr Shane Lowe of Vitrue Health examine five common myths and explain how digital DSE assessment and training can help close the gap.

By Dr Nicola Tik & Dr Shane Lowe, Vitrue Health on 07 October 2026

    Istock 1356376659 Credit Solstock 600 Min

    When ‘safe enough‘ isn’t the whole story: what workers’ feelings of safety reveal about performance

    Research by Peoplesafe has found that one in two workers reported feeling unsafe at work at least once in the past year, with knock-on effects on staff productivity, mental wellbeing and absence. However, the report also found that workers believe feeling safe at work is something that can be built from a combination of sufficient staffing, practical protection measures like personal alarms, and an organisational culture where concerns are taken seriously and immediately acted on.

    By Naz Dossa, Peoplesafe on 18 October 2026

    Draeger Safety UK Gas Safety 4 600 Min

    Safety on demand: the role of renting safety equipment in the workplace of the future

    Businesses have traditionally purchased safety equipment like portable gas detectors or breathing apparatus outright. However, many employers are now supplementing asset ownership with rental models, valuing the ability to quickly source ready-configured equipment to meet fast-changing on-site requirements, and appreciating immediate access to specialist knowledge on the most appropriate kit for a particular hazard, and training on how to operate it.

    By Euan McIntosh, Draeger Hire on 18 October 2026

    Istock 1308386875 Credit Juyochi 600 Min

    When did health and safety become the science of human performance?

    British Safety Council’s Hidden Hazards campaign asks us to recognise workplace health risks that are easily overlooked because they are not always visible or immediate. The emerging science of human performance takes that challenge further, and we therefore need to ask: what if some hidden hazards matter not only because they can make people ill, but because they can quietly change how well people think, judge and respond while they work?

    By Dr Julie Riggs, British Safety Council on 18 October 2026

    Nurse Stressed Lonely Istock 2086349526 Solstock 600 Min

    When roles change faster than support: rethinking wellbeing for a workforce in transition

    Constant changes to job roles, tasks and working arrangements can create worries and stress among teams, so it’s essential to constantly review the support offered to ensure workers’ concerns about the need to learn new skills and the financial implications of switching jobs are adequately addressed.

    By Chloe Miller, CC Consulting on 18 October 2026

    Istock 590242016 600 Min

    The five DSE ergonomics myths costing employers money

    Employers often try to prevent musculoskeletal problems associated with display screen work by buying equipment, ranging from more expensive chairs to standing desks and posture correctors. The evidence suggests that what makes the difference is not the equipment itself but whether people are shown how to use it, encouraged to keep changing position and given timely, personalised advice based on their actual workstation and risk profile. Dr Nicola Tik and Dr Shane Lowe of Vitrue Health examine five common myths and explain how digital DSE assessment and training can help close the gap.

    By Dr Nicola Tik & Dr Shane Lowe, Vitrue Health on 07 October 2026

    Istock 2197441100 Credit Recep Bg 600 Min

    Why UK employers need to rethink recruitment, retention and support for older workers

    With workers over the age of 50 now comprising almost one third of the entire UK workforce, recruiting and retaining older workers is now core to the success of the economy. However, not all employers are offering what’s needed to retain and recruit older workers, and ageist attitudes, limited flexible working opportunities, and employment support that doesn’t fit with health, caring, or other responsibilities are leaving too many people locked out of the labour market.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 04 October 2026

    Istock 1388264088 Credit Mihailomilovanovic 600 Min

    Eliminating barriers in reporting: how conversational AI can unlock safety engagement

    Online reporting systems that require lengthy and cumbersome form filling and typing can discourage workers from reporting safety incidents and concerns. However, AI-powered mobile apps that allow reporting simply by speaking can simplify and speed up the process, boosting reporting rates and overall staff engagement with safety systems and culture.

    By Julian Taylor, ecoPortal on 04 October 2026

    01 HERO Three Little Pigs Arcola Development Alexander Johansen 600 Min

    Who is the wolf in your life? Listening to the people behind the hard hat

    A new play explores the lives of migrant construction workers in the UK, using humour, real-life experiences and physical theatre to capture the banter, friendships and absurd moments that make life on site bearable, alongside the pressures that often go unseen. Ahead of the play’s premiere in London on 12-14 November, playwright Inna Cebotari explains how Three Little Pigs aims to add to the public debate about how best to support the wellbeing of construction workers.

    By Inna Cebotari, Kinth Square on 02 October 2026

    MEWP Safety Day 1 600 Min

    Why paperwork alone isn’t sufficient MEWP rescue preparation

    A recent safety awareness day has highlighted the importance of contractors regularly practising emergency rescue from mobile elevating work platforms, rather than relying on one-off training sessions and paper procedures that are not always easy to follow during a fast-moving incident.

    By Ben Hughes, Horizon Platforms on 22 September 2026

    Jlgpowertowers Nano30cs 600 Min

    Why the future of low-level access starts with rethinking old habits

    Low-level access equipment like powered lifts can help make work at height safer by providing a secure, enclosed working platform, but they can also bring other benefits, such as avoiding the need for awkward stretching to reach work areas, which helps to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

    By Samuel Butterworth, JLG Power Towers on 22 September 2026

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