With World Mental Health Day taking place on 10 October, now is an ideal time for employers to review their approach to supporting employee mental health, focusing on creating a culture of prevention before people reach crisis point.
By Sam Downie, Mates in Mind on 02 October 2025
Drug and alcohol testing can be an effective way of preventing substance misuse causing safety problems at work, but it’s vital to provide education and support so employees understand the dangers substance misuse poses to their own health and to the safety of colleagues and the public.
By Jordan Reid, Randox Testing Services on 01 October 2025
Look through recent reports and you will find a stack of stats behind the rise in stress among UK school teachers, from worsening pupil behaviour to teachers reporting chronic overwork.
By Belinda Liversedge on 06 October 2025
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a vital tool for protecting workers from hazardous substances that pose an immediate risk to life and the risk of serious and fatal diseases at a later stage. However, RPE will only provide an effective level of protection if it is carefully selected to match the respiratory hazard, type of work and the physical attributes of the wearers.
By Ian Kelsall, Draeger Safety UK on 09 September 2025
This July, HSE prosecuted two cases in which two workers were killed by reversing HGVs. They shared striking similarities.
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2025
A group of asbestos management organisations have developed a methodology that can more accurately identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It presents the information in simple form so building owners have a better understanding of the risk the ACMs pose. The move would also allow asbestos removal strategies to be targeted at buildings with the riskiest ACMs and the most vulnerable occupants.
By Campaign team, Asbestos Information CIC on 01 September 2025
There are growing calls for mandatory UKAS accreditation for organisations that offer asbestos surveying services, but there are strong arguments both in favour and against the move.
By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 04 September 2025
If tight-fitting respiratory facepieces are required to protect against inhalation of hazardous substances, wearers must undergo a fit test by a competent person. However, it’s essential employers understand the benefits and shortcomings of the available test methods.
By Paul Salisbury, Fire Safe International Ltd on 04 September 2025
The key ISO management standards setting out best practice frameworks for effectively managing occupational health and safety, environmental and quality risks and opportunities are undergoing major revision, so it’s essential businesses start planning now to meet the new requirements in order to maintain their certifications under the relevant standards.
By Dr Keith Whitehead, British Safety Council on 08 August 2025
Mobile and fixed gas detectors have long been a crucial tool for alerting workers to the presence of asphyxiating or explosive gases, but developments in smart and connected technology are making it much easier to monitor entire networks of detectors and respond immediately to alarms and emergencies that could pose a risk to life or site safety.
By Becca Dodds, Draeger Safety UK on 26 August 2025
Those responsible for business premises should provide assistive equipment to ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of people with mobility impairments. However, it is crucial that this equipment is regularly maintained and that staff are thoroughly trained in its use – otherwise, confusion and potentially fatal delays can arise in an emergency.
By Evac+Chair on 07 August 2025
Safety footwear can prevent slip, trip and fall injuries, but it’s essential to consider other factors that could positively or negatively affect wearer comfort, such as breathable materials, waterproof qualities and boot weight.
By Simon Ash, HAIX on 06 August 2025
Slip injuries to workers and members of the public can have a major financial impact on a business in terms of fines, compensation payouts and higher insurance premiums, so it’s essential to take a scientific approach to understanding and reducing slip risks.
By Christian Harris, Slip Safety Services on 01 August 2025
