The sudden and alarming appearance of silicosis cases among engineered stone workers in the UK, against the backdrop of a ban in Australia and in some US States, has suddenly brought the question of how to regulate for health protection in the workplace to the fore.
By Kevin Bampton, BOHS on 04 September 2024
Robust regulatory frameworks that prioritise worker safety and wellbeing must be proactively developed to keep pace with the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution and avoid a race to the bottom on AI safety standards, according to a new white paper published by British Safety Council.
By British Safety Council on 22 August 2024
Measures such as enabling companies to provide Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) as fully tax-free benefits and relaxing rules on tax relief for employer-funded medical treatments could help boost the UK economy by £2.65 billion over four years, according to research published by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
By Kerry Reals on 21 August 2024
UK workers could be granted the right to switch off and not respond to calls and emails from employers outside their contracted hours, under new plans being considered by the Government.
By Kerry Reals on 20 August 2024
The Sentencing Council Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety & Hygiene Offences Definitive Guideline (‘the Guidelines’) came into force nearly 10 years ago. The Guidelines sought to implement a proportionate approach to sentencing, ensuring that the levels of fines imposed are proportionate to the means of the offender and reflect the seriousness of the offence committed. This article will explore the sentencing process, provide an update on sentencing over the years and will explore some recent cases.
By Polly Geddes and Hannah Burton, Pinsent Masons on 29 July 2024
A new Employment Rights Bill that will ban zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire practices and introduce flexible working rights from day one was among 40 UK Government Bills announced by King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July.
By Kerry Reals on 18 July 2024
Fifty years on from the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, most workers believe the legislation should be updated to reflect changing work practices and place a greater emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, a new survey commissioned by Dräger Safety UK has found.
By Kerry Reals on 11 July 2024
Recent prosecutions of entertainment companies for health and safety failings are a reminder that the duty to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees and others applies to all workplaces, organisations and workers in whatever sector or business.
By Laura White, Pinsent Masons on 04 July 2024
As the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 turns 50 on 31 July, the world of work, both now and in the future, looks markedly different to when this ground-breaking piece of legislation was enacted. Yet, the Act has stood the test of time and its principles remain as relevant now as they did in the summer of ’74 – unlike some of the haircuts from that time.
By Kerry Reals on 27 June 2024
Now that electioneering is well and truly underway in the UK, in the run up to 4 July, I know it may be the last thing you want to hear more about. But given the polls and the lively nature of the debate so far, this has the potential to be one of the more historic and memorable elections.
By Mike Robinson FCA on 03 June 2024
