As the government’s flagship flexible working in schools programme nears its conclusion, we investigate whether it’s a practical solution to schools’ retention and stress crisis.
By Belinda Liversedge on 31 March 2026
Vehicle paint sprayers face an elevated risk of developing debilitating occupational asthma from exposure to isocyanates found in certain ‘2-pack’ paints, coatings and lacquers, so HSE is encouraging motor vehicle repair businesses to prevent or minimise exposure through a mix of education, advice and enforcement.
By Kate Jones, HSE on 01 April 2026
Portable gas detectors are a vital safety tool for tasks like water treatment and refrigerated food processing, but it’s essential they form part of a wider system for controlling the risks posed by gases, including staff training, detector maintenance and a thorough understanding of the relevant legal duties.
By Megan Hine, Draeger Safety UK on 02 April 2026
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
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
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, director and consultant, Noise & Vibration Solutions UK Ltd on 02 February 2026
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
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
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
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
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
Rohan Jindal was cycling to college in Dehli where he was studying engineering, when he had to stop. Not because of the hot sun beating down, but because he couldn’t breathe. And although asthmatic, that wasn’t the trigger. Looking all around he saw construction sites emitting large clouds of dust. This was his ‘a ha’ moment. “What,” he asked himself “do they do in construction to supress the dust?”
By Belinda Liversedge on 30 October 2025
Wearable technology powered by AI analysis is now regularly deployed to prevent safety problems like musculoskeletal injuries and collisions between forklifts and pedestrians, and future developments mean the technology looks set to make it easier to manage other safety challenges, like site evacuations.
By Graham Sharp, Stanley on 08 December 2025
