Safety Management Magazine features

    Adam Pope 3

    What to watch in workplace safety in 2026

    From the growing use of AI and connected technology in the UK’s fast-expanding clean energy industry, to a greater focus on ‘traditional’ safety issues like fire safety and respiratory hazards, Dräger highlights some of the key OSH trends to look out for in 2026.

    By Adam Pope, Draeger Safety UK on 02 February 2026

    Marcus Long BSI Main Image

    Breaking the Silence: Why every workplace needs the new suicide awareness standard

    One in 13 people have attempted suicide, but in workplaces the issue is often masked by stigma. We explore how a new landmark standard is moving suicide awareness out of the shadows of ‘hushed conversations’ and into the light of clear, actionable guidance.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 02 February 2026

    Istock 1305250081 Businessman Holding Umbrella To Cover And Protect MED

    Risky business – how to future-proof your organisation and get ahead

    Forward-thinking organisations regularly update their plans for responding to events posing major business disruption, and existing emergency procedures for challenges, such as fire, provide a useful template for an effective business continuity strategy.

    By Ian Cooke, British Safety Council on 02 February 2026

    Hearing Protection MED Istock Credit Searsie

    Beyond awareness: how companies can support hearing protection behaviour

    Workers often fail to wear hearing protection in noisy environments, but there are some simple steps employers can take to boost wear rates – and prevent devastating hearing damage.

    By Dr Dalia Tsimpida, University of Southampton on 02 February 2026

    Hearing Protection Shutterstock 64364473

    Noise control: what I wish employers knew before making the big spend

    Employers often spend significant sums attempting to reduce noise levels from plant and machinery without first considering lower cost, but often more effective approaches, such as properly maintaining mechanical parts like guards, fans and compressed air systems.

    By Gill Cussons, UK Hearing Conservation Association (UKHCA) on 02 February 2026

    Drug And Alcohol Testing Credit Draeger

    Preventing drug and alcohol misuse through workplace testing

    Drug and alcohol testing can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of everyone at work, and simple, non-invasive testing devices are now available for fast and discreet results.

    By Mark Burrup, Draeger Safety UK on 22 January 2026

    AITT Tutor

    Why workplace transport training is changing in 2026 and what it means for employers

    New workplace transport training categories due in January mean it is essential to ensure operators of material handling equipment have the necessary training for the exact type of machine they use, and accredited training providers are an ideal source of advice and conversion training.

    By AITT on 14 January 2026

    Anne Gardner Aston

    “I’m not prepared to sit back and assume everybody’s fine”

    Director of health and safety at the Canal & River Trust, Anne Gardner-Aston, shares what she’s most proud of achieving in the past four years since taking on a new role in the wake of a turbulent moment in the charity’s history.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 02 January 2026

    Cam Stevens PKG Safety Innovation 4 (1)

    Human-centred technology for better work design: rethinking musculoskeletal disorder prevention

    Although technologies like computer vision analysis, machine learning and wearable sensors are increasingly being used to identify and assess the causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), it’s essential to consider data relating to all aspects of work design when seeking to reduce MSDs in the workplace.

    By Cam Stevens, Pocketknife Group on 02 January 2026

    Neurodiverse Brain MED Istockcredit Boonstudio

    Supporting neurodiverse employees: why standard DSE assessments fall short

    Display screen equipment assessments have traditionally focused on tackling the physical ergonomics of desk-based work in a bid to reduce musculoskeletal risks, but effectively supporting the wellbeing and productivity of neurodivergent workers involves a wider consideration of their cognitive, sensory, organisational and environmental needs.

    By Guy Osmond and Alex Reffell, Osmond Ergonomics & Wellbeing on 08 December 2025