Safety Management Magazine features

Asbestos

The compelling case for mandatory UKAS accreditation in asbestos surveying

With recent HSE research concluding that asbestos site surveys from UKAS-accredited companies and surveyors consistently deliver higher quality results than their non-accredited counterparts, the time has arrived for the Government and HSE to introduce mandatory UKAS accreditation for all organisations providing asbestos surveying services.

By Robert Southall, Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 02 September 2025

Asbestos Hasmat Suit Removal MED Istock Credit Shank Ali

Why it’s time for a new national asbestos strategy

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

HGV Reversing Back View Truck MED Middelveld Edited

For better or reverse

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

    Evac Chair Image

    Inclusive, compliant evacuation planning: why training and maintenance matter

    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

    HAIX Black Eagle Safety Pro Mid 2

    A step ahead: how the right safety footwear reduces workplace slips, trips and falls

    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

    Foot Slipping On Floor Istock 1058343254 Credit Fertnig

    The £11 million sales safety tax: why every business needs to tackle slip risks

    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

    Construction Worker MED Istock Violetastoimenova

    How is safety in the construction sector advancing? Trends to watch

    Virtual College by Netex speaks to Liz Longman, health and safety chartered professional and director of Terra Firma 360, to uncover how health and safety in the construction sector is advancing and hear about five key trends safety professionals should have on their radar.

    By Liz Longman, Terra Firma 360 on 20 May 2025

    Fire Door MED Istock 505571528 Credit Cholwanich

    Tackling new fire risks as Fire Door Safety Week celebrates 12th year

    The British Woodworking Federation’s annual Fire Door Safety Week this September will encourage duty holders such as those in charge of residential buildings to consider the dangers from lithium-ion batteries and ensure fire doors remain fit for purpose in reducing the risk should a battery-related fire break out.

    By Helen Hewitt, British Woodworking Federation on 11 July 2025

    Fire Extinguisher Istock 469052202 Credit Tashi Delek

    The C8 foam ban explained: what it means for you

    From 4 July, the use of fire extinguishers and suppression systems containing the ‘forever chemical’ perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) will be prohibited, meaning duty holders need to move fast to ensure compliance with the law.

    By Laurie Pollard, Firechief® Global on 09 July 2025

    Bike Battery MED Credit Aerogondo

    The hidden risks of lithium-ion batteries

    With UK fire services now tackling at least three Li-ion battery fires a day, it’s clear that stronger regulation and enforcement is urgently required to prevent the sale, use and modification of poor-quality and potentially dangerous batteries used in e-bikes and scooters.

    By Adrian Simmonds, QBE Europe on 01 July 2025

    Auditing Inspections Paperwork Istock 457984115 Credit John Wildgoose

    Health and safety auditing: friend or foe?

    A company’s management may be sceptical about the value of an external occupational health and safety audit, but done well, they are a great way to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in safety policies, systems and performance.

    By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 01 August 2025

    Hybrid Worker Stretching MED Istock 1311282401

    How being mobile helps prevent slips, trips and falls at work

    Good physical fitness and mobility can help to reduce the risk of workers suffering slips, trips and falls, so it makes sense to encourage staff to improve their coordination, balance and strength, through simple exercises and activities.

    By Chloe Miller, freelance writer on 04 August 2025

    Freediving Federico Buzzoni (1)

    Freediver, Helena Bourdillon on how trust is the key to productive and happy workplaces

    Helena Bourdillon has survived and triumphed over chronic depression and now freedives to world-beating depths. A star speaker at SHW Live this year in London, her success she says is built on a philosophy of trust, which she nurtures through her five tools. We take a deep dive to explore how this approach can be applied to reducing stress at work.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 31 July 2025

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