Safety in numbers
Conducting 150,000 interviews in 140 countries, Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s World Risk Poll is uniquely positioned to tell us about harm at work. But can information also spur change?
By Belinda Liversedge on 04 June 2025
Safety Management health, safety, and wellbeing features
Celebrating 50 years of The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Upon its introduction half a century ago, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ushered in a new regulatory system, philosophy and regulator for managing occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in Britain. To mark this landmark anniversary, four former senior Health and Safety Executive staff have published a book exploring how the system which underpins Britain’s OSH performance has survived for so long and weathered various challenges along the way.
By David Ashton, Kevin Myers, David Eves and David Snowball on 03 June 2025
Can AI be trusted with worker safety?
Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance the management of occupational safety by analysing vast amounts of both internal and external industry safety data. This data can be continuously updated, integrating lessons learned to support real-time improvements in worker safety.
By Emma Bundy, Yokogawa RAP on 03 June 2025
Why quality data is essential when using AI for occupational safety and health management
Artificial intelligence-powered models, systems and technology have the potential to significantly improve the management of occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, but it is vital that OSH practitioners understand the limitations and dangers of using AI to protect people at work.
By Dr Bob Rajan-Sithamparanadarajah. Safety Groups UK (SGUK) on 01 April 2025
Sustainable aviation fuels: how do we put the SAFety in SAF?
Sustainable aviation fuel is seen as having great potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation. However, as with other emerging renewable energy sources, the safety risks arising from the production, processing and storage of these biofuels can be accompanied by new risks and will require careful management from the safety industry as utilisation increases to meet the Government’s mandatory targets.
By Megan Hine, Draeger Safety UK on 01 April 2025
Holistically speaking: an interview with safety psychologist Dr Tim Marsh
Safety psychologist, Dr Tim Marsh is a well-known figure on the international conference and events circuit, regularly giving talks on the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, safety and wellbeing.
By Kerry Reals, British Safety Council on 01 April 2025
5 trends to watch in the safety sector in 2025
Dräger’s annual Safety and Health at Work Report provides a useful insight and snapshot into the views of employees and managers on safety in UK workplaces. This year’s report suggests employers need to increase and refine their efforts in areas such as employee mental wellbeing, more structured safety training and greater use of digital and connected safety technology.
By David Head, Draeger Safety UK on 19 March 2025
The UK Hearing Conservation Association: how we work to promote the protection of the nation’s hearing health
The UK Hearing Conservation Association is a multi-disciplinary association that strives to prevent damage to the nation’s hearing health and other noise-related health conditions through a combination of practical, evidenced and cost-effective campaigns, awareness-raising activities and best-practice advice. It is therefore a great forum for those wishing to keep abreast of the latest developments around hearing health – both in the workplace and in recreational settings.
By Leah Philpott, member, UKHCA At Work Group on 14 March 2025
The Make Listening Safe initiative: a global response to hearing loss
With over one billion young people globally thought to be at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe recreational listening practices, the World Health Organization is urging stakeholders like manufacturers of personal audio devices, video game hardware companies and entertainment venues to do more to protect people’s hearing and educate them about the health risks of excessive sound exposure.
By Peter Mulas and Dr Shelly Chadha, World Health Organization (WHO) on 13 March 2025
Prevention is better than cure: the role of employers in improving worker health
With a record 2.8 million people in the UK out of work due to long-term sickness, a spotlight is shining on the health of the nation and how to improve it. What more could, or should, employers be doing to keep workers healthy and prevent them from leaving the workforce?
By Kerry Reals on 11 March 2025
HSE inspections target hearing protection and noise control failures
The Health and Safety Executive is currently conducting an inspection programme looking at the adequacy of employers’ noise control measures, while changes to how compensation claims for noise-induced hearing loss are assessed are predicted to result in higher payouts for affected workers. As a result, it is crucial employers review their noise risk reduction approach to ensure it reflects current best practice.
By Peter Wilson, INVC on 07 March 2025
The Health & Safety Event returns to the NEC Birmingham
The free-to-attend Health & Safety Event returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 8–10 April 2025, providing a superb opportunity for occupational health and safety (OSH) practitioners to access the latest products and solutions and expand their knowledge and expertise.
By Safety Management on 05 March 2025
The sustainable approach to noise control carbon footprints
Conventional noise control techniques for plant and machinery incorporate considerable embodied carbon due to the volume and types of materials used – and often result in higher energy demand due to problems like an increased need for cooling fans. However, adopting modern analysis and engineering processes means the costs and carbon footprints of typical noise control projects can be cut by up to 90 per cent.
By Peter Wilson, INVC on 05 March 2025
