A new consultation has been launched by the HSE seeking opinions on proposed changes to the HSE’s chemicals policy, in particular on biocides, classification, labelling and packaging, and the export and import of hazardous chemicals (Prior Informed Consent). Generally, the changes proposed are aimed at reducing costs and administrative burdens for businesses and improving the post-Brexit regulatory framework while maintaining … Read More
Down the Line: Avoiding Pipeline Problems
Linewatch is an organisation made up of oil and gas pipeline operators whose goal is raising awareness of pipeline networks and promoting safe working practices near pipelines. As part of their awareness campaign, Linewatch has published an annual report detailing the pipeline infringements that occurred over the previous year. Infringements are Linewatch’s key metric and can refer to a range … Read More
A Storey About Roof Gardens
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued a clarification to guidance on determining if a building is a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022 and Higher-Risk Buildings Regulations 2023. The update clarifies that a roof garden does not count as a storey. The clarifications came following a tribunal decision to label a residential building … Read More
Employment Rights Bill – Government Publishes Implementation Roadmap
The government has published the Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap, outlining when new measures will come into effect. This comprehensive plan aims to raise living standards across the UK, with around 15 million workers expected to benefit from new rights starting later this year. Highlights of the Roadmap include: Measures that will take effect after the bill is passed: The Strikes … Read More
The Sun’s Out – Time To Get The Shorts Out?
With the sun making a brief appearance over the past few days, the familiar health and safety advisories have returned, highlighting the risks of prolonged sun exposure, including skin cancer and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related risks to workers Whether indoors or outdoors, working in excessive heat can cause a number of medical issues, including: Heat rash – a skin irritation caused … Read More
Updated Gas Safety Guidance
The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) has recently made a number of revisions to published documents on their website. The documents in question include: Code of Practice 31 – The safe use of cylinders on mobile workshops and service vehicles (Revision 6: 2025) Technical Information 29 – Oxy-fuel equipment: selection and assembly (Revision 2: 2025) Safety Alert 2 – Hydrogen … Read More
Revised Bloodborne Viruses Guidance
A bloodborne virus is an infection that can be transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids. The most common examples of bloodborne viruses are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently updated their guidance on managing the risks associated with blood-borne viruses (BBVs) in the workplace. This revised guidance provides … Read More
New Guidance On The Safe Rigging Of Cranes
The Construction Plant Association’s Crane Interest Group has published new guidance for crane rigging. CPA CIG 2506 introduces a structured and practical approach to pre-lift safety checks for mobile and crawler cranes. This new guidance is designed to enhance, not replace, existing safety processes and is aimed at reducing the risk of rigging errors and improving overall site safety. … Read More
HSE Launch Free Stress eLearning Module
Stress is a widespread issue in the workplace, which, alongside anxiety and depression, contributes to around half of all cases of work-related ill health. Employees may experience stress for various reasons, such as excessive workloads, limited control over their tasks, insufficient support, difficult workplace relationships, or changes in their role or the organisation. Employers are legally required to protect staff … Read More
Updated Guidance on Fire Alarm Zone Plans: Why They Matter
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released new guidance on Fire Detection and Alarm Zone Plans; this has been updated to align with the latest BS 5839-1:2025 standard. This update brings a renewed focus on the critical role of zone plans in fire safety management. Key Changes in the Guidance The new guidance classifies the absence of a zone … Read More