Some fire extinguishers work by creating a blanket of foam over burning material, which smothers the flames and cools the material. Historically a group of chemicals known as Per‑ and PolyfluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) have been used in these foams, as they have been found to have good oil/water repellence and heat resistance. The term ‘PFAS’ covers a large number of … Read More
Mesothelioma Awareness
Inhaling asbestos fibres is known to be associated with cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and pleural thickening. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively associated with exposure to asbestos and is estimated to be responsible for 20% of deaths in the UK related to occupational lung disease. A further 20% of deaths are … 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
The Road Ahead: 2024 casualty data & what it reveals about Britain
The Department for Transport’s provisional 2024 statistics reveal a complex picture of road safety in Great Britain. While overall casualties have decreased, fatalities rose slightly, with 1,633 road deaths in 2024, a 1% increase from 2023. Motorcyclists and young or elderly road users remain disproportionately high risk. The figures reflect long-standing road safety patterns and highlight emerging issues for future … 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
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
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
New Freight Container Regulations In Northern Ireland
The Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 represent a significant update to the legal framework governing the use, approval, and maintenance of freight containers in Northern Ireland. These regulations replace the 1992 Regulations, bringing local standards in line with the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) 1972 and its latest amendments. What is Covered? The regulations apply … Read More