Euralarm, the European trade association representing the fire safety and security industry, has published new guidance on implementing safety measures to prevent fires caused by unattended cooking appliances. Research undertaken by groups such as the Zurich Insurance Company (Europe) and the National Fire Protection Association (USA) highlights that cooking is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Such … Read More
HSE Publishes New Domestic Service Guidance
The HSE has published new guidance clarifying who qualifies as a domestic servant and where health and safety law applies in the context of domestic work. The key point to remember is that health and safety law does not apply to domestic servants in a private household. This generally includes roles such as nannies, cooks, and chauffeurs. However, … 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
Falls Through Windows
Falls through windows pose a significant safety risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently conducted a study of the effectiveness of guarding to prevent falls through window openings. This research focuses on evaluating the measures used to prevent falls from windows, a critical safety concern in both residential and commercial buildings. Summary of the research This research aims to … 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
Fire safety in small premises
In 2023 the Home Office published 3 new guides to help responsible persons and building owners comply with their fire safety duties in small non-domestic premises, guest accommodation and blocks of flats. Following changes to legal requirements introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022, the Home Office has now issued updated versions of those guides. All three guides explain … Read More
Did lowering the speed limit work?
On 17th September 2023 the Welsh Government introduced a standard 20 mph speed limit on all restricted roads in Wales. The majority of these roads are located in residential and built-up areas, and previously most restricted roads in Wales followed the UK standard speed limit of 30 mph. This change increased the approximate total length of roads in Wales with … Read More