In the sphere of workplace injuries, not all harm is immediate. Some of the most profound impacts on human health at work unfold slowly, out of sight and, seemingly, out of mind. Their effects accumulate and compound casting a long shadow over our working lives; one that may stretch years or decades beyond the initial point of exposure.
By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 15 April 2026
With growing evidence of rising cases of asbestos disease among people working in buildings containing asbestos, it is clear the existing strategy of managing asbestos-containing materials ‘in situ’ is failing, and a comprehensive programme of removal must be adopted as quickly as possible.
By Charles Pickles, Airtight on Asbestos on 02 April 2026
Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause serious and devastating occupational diseases like asthma and dermatitis, so it’s essential employers regularly review their control measures rather than simply assuming workers are automatically protected.
By Andy Hooke CMIOSH TIFSM, AH Safety and Compliance on 02 April 2026
Paying the high price for health and safety failure: the Sentencing Council reports a five-fold increase in the average fine for health and safety convictions.
By Neal Stone on 17 September 2019
Government and employers should fund a new institute to provide leadership in health and safety research, the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) has urged in a report.
By Lawrence Waterman OBE on 14 August 2019
It is now almost two years since the tragic Grenfell tower fire and so an appropriate moment to reflect on the progress —or lack—on implementing subsequent measures to ensure that occupants of high-rise buildings not only feel safe but actually are safe within their homes.
By David Parr on 17 July 2019
There seems to be something hard-wired in all of us that we look after what we own.
By Mike Robinson on 17 July 2019
There are obligations and responsibilities when operating as a charity that do not necessarily bear on every individual or organisation in the public eye.
By Lawrence Waterman OBE on 11 July 2019
There can’t be many people with responsibility for or interest in workplace health and safety unaware of the risks to health from inhaling asbestos fibres, or of the terrible toll of thousands of lives shortened by the diseases caused including its unique cancer, mesothelioma.
By Lawrence Waterman OBE on 01 June 2019
I think most of us agree that reality is complex. Whether we are trying to understand work, politics or health, the world we live within is a vertiginous mix of ideas and structure, the past and the present and millions of individuals, each with their own idea of how the world should be.
By Mike Robinson FCA on 01 April 2019
If you look in your purse or wallet, there’s a good chance you will find a picture of Jane Austen – the result of a campaign initiated and led by Caroline Criado-Perez OBE when Elizabeth Fry, the Victorian prison and social campaigner, was replaced by Winston Churchill on the £5 note, leaving only men’s images celebrating achievement.
By Lawrence Waterman obe on 01 April 2019
I have recently been involved in reviewing the applications for the British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards for 2019, which have attracted in excess of 550 submissions across all sectors and from the UK and other countries.
By on 01 March 2019
There are many misconceptions around disability. Often people picture the familiar image of a wheelchair user and assume that disability must be present from birth.
By on 01 March 2019
