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

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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

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    Sound advice

    Workers could be damaging their hearing when wearing headphones and headsets for work purposes and to listen to music while working, so it’s vital employers take steps to control the risks.

    By Stephen Wheatley on 12 October 2021

    Miners At Calverton Pit Courtesy Of David Bell

    The lost story of Britain’s Black miners

    “We need to be remembered. There’s no depiction. There’s nothing about us, [but anyway] we say, all miners are black. We are [all black], till we get showered down there [underground], when we come out of the pit, and then you can see.”

    By Belinda Liversedge on 11 October 2021

    Epilepsy MED Istock Credit Thitareesarmkasat

    Epilepsy at work: nothing to fear

    A new toolkit aims to help employers tackle any health and safety concerns they may have when employing someone with epilepsy.

    By Claudia Christie, Epilepsy Action on 14 September 2021

    Industry 4 MED

    Industry 4.0 – a missed opportunity?

    New digital and wireless monitoring technology and software offers the chance to make workplaces much safer, but research shows many employers are slow to realise the benefits.

    By Andrew Bligh on 14 September 2021

    Istock 1191849990 Credit Delmaine Donson

    Hybrid working: getting it right

    At Acas we see the future of work framed by three challenges: the need to ‘reopen’ workplaces safely; the need to ‘rebuild’ the economy using sustainable business models that focus on job quality as well as quantity; and the need to ‘re-imagine’ work by reflecting on our changed values and the lessons the pandemic has taught us.

    By Adrian Wakeling is senior policy advisor at Acas on 06 September 2021

    Nervous Istock Credit SBDIGIT MED

    A nervous return

    Many workers are feeling anxious about returning to the workplace as Covid restrictions are eased, so it’s vital employers communicate effectively with staff about the precautions in place to protect them from the virus.

    By Dr Sarita Robinson and Christina Buxton on 06 September 2021

    Cox Julian Print[5]

    Back to work

    If staff are fearful about returning to the workplace as Covid controls are eased, it is vital employers explain the precautions that are in place to keep them safe and consider making further changes to reduce the risk to specific individuals.

    By Julian Cox on 31 August 2021

    Sunshine Istock 530746094 Gregorbister

    Here comes the sun

    Research shows that just one in four outdoor workers in the UK wear sun cream to protect themselves from UV radiation, so it’s vital employers do more to warn workers about the health risks from sun exposure.

    By SC Johnson Professional on 16 August 2021

    Diabetes Istock 1141160481 Credit Ta Nu

    Don’t overlook diabetes

    Employers have a legal duty to manage risks to people’s health and safety arising from a worker suffering diabetes.

    By Andrew Litchfield on 16 August 2021

    Istock 1140571046 Credit Laylabird

    Get up off that thing

    The move to home working may increase the prevalence of ill health and obesity if workers spend more time sitting, so it’s essential employers encourage staff to exercise more.

    By Dr RS Bridger on 09 August 2021

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