The Construction Plant Association (CPA) has recently published three new or updated guidance documents. Lifting Operations in Wind This is a new publication that looks at how wind affects cranes and loads. The guidance looks at measures for controlling a load safely, planning operations, when to take a crane out of service due to high winds and putting the crane … Read More
Building Safety Regulator Reforms Announced
Following recommendations contained in the reports following the Grenfell Tower fire, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was established under the Building Safety Act 2022. The BSR is part of the HSE and is responsible for: Setting standards for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings Helping accountable persons to manage building safety Overseeing the registration of building control bodies and … Read More
Driving In London – Blind Spot Information Systems
In 2021 a scheme was introduced where HGVs over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight would require a permit to enter Greater London. Operators of relevant vehicles entering the area without a permit can be fined. The scheme aims to improve safety for vulnerable road users and reduce collisions. Under the scheme, vehicles are allocated a star rating based on how … Read More
Preventing Fires on Construction Sites
Fire risks on construction and refurbishment sites can be a particular concern, especially as those hazards and the controls required to manage them may change several times as a project progresses. For a number of years a “Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation” has been produced by groups representing contractors, … Read More
HSE Launches Consultation on Chemical Legislation
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