Coming into effect from April 21, 2025, the UK government has introduced updates to the driver hours rules for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) under the Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs (Amendment and Modification) Regulations 2025. These changes aim to align UK regulations with international standards, particularly under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the AETR … Read More
Respiratory Health Surveillance Research
Why may an employer need to provide health surveillance? Employers may need to implement respiratory health surveillance to safeguard the health and safety of employees exposed to respiratory hazards in the workplace. This surveillance is essential for: Early detection: Identifying initial signs of respiratory issues caused by exposure to hazardous substances. Prevention: Mitigating the risk of developing serious respiratory conditions. … Read More
Working In Reduced Oxygen Atmospheres
The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) have published updated guidance for working in reduced oxygen atmospheres. The guidance provides advice and guidance to installers and premise owners where these systems are, or are about to be, fitted for the safety of those who are required to access such spaces. Workplaces where you may encounter reduced levels of oxygen could include … Read More
No Falls Week 2025
What is No Falls Week? No Falls Week is a dedicated campaign aimed at promoting safe work practices at height and preventing falls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety measures in the work-at-height sector, which is often associated with significant risks. When is No Falls Week? No Falls Week runs from … Read More
MOT Inspection Manuals for HGVs and PSVs
Who has published the guidance? Updated MOT Inspection manuals for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) has been published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). What does the guidance cover? The manuals provide detailed procedures and standards for the examination and maintenance of HGVs and PSVs. They focus on: Ensuring vehicle safety. Compliance with … Read More
New Battery Energy Storage Systems Guidance
Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming increasingly important and more common as more renewable energy is generated. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance on their website addressing responsibilities across the lifecycle of these systems. The guidance helps stakeholders comply with health and safety laws and mitigate risks effectively. What does the guidance cover? The … Read More
50 Years of the HSE and the Health & Safety at Work Act
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Established by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the HSE was officially launched on 1st January 1975 under its first Director General, John Locke. In April of 1975, new legal duties were introduced for employers, the self-employed, and employees, with the HSE responsible for … Read More
Protecting Properties Against Flooding
According to research conducted by the Association of British Insurers, a total of £585 million was paid out for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions in 2024. This is a record high compared to the £485 million paid out in 2023. By the end of 2024, there had been a total of 7 consecutive quarters in which weather-related claims … Read More
Reasonable adjustments for neurodiverse employees
It is a well-established principle of equality legislation that employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled workers. What is reasonable will depend on the particular circumstances but could include measures such as: Finding a different way to do something, such as providing training in a different way, allowing extra time for certain tasks or considering … Read More
New business waste and recycling rules in England
Individuals, households, businesses and other organisations all have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure that their waste is disposed of responsibly. Similar to the way that most households have separate collections for different types of domestic waste, new regulations coming into effect in England at the end of March 2025 will require most workplaces to … Read More