The latest annual crime survey report released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) shows a massive increase in violence and abuse as well as customer theft in 2022/23 compared to 2021/22. Some key statistics from the report regarding violence and abuse in the retail sector include: There are over 1,300 violent or abusive incidents towards retail workers a day, up … Read More
First Ever No Falls Week Announced
The No Falls Foundation has announced the first ever No Falls Week to take place from the 13th to the 17th of May. The No Falls Foundation is a charity dedicated to preventing falls from height and helping those affected by life-changing injuries from such falls. They work with a number of partners, including organisations like IPAF, the Ladder Association, … Read More
Keep Cool And Healthy – Updated Legionella Guidance
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. The bacteria that cause the disease are found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs and generally pose no problems. However, they can also grow in purpose-built water systems such as hot and cold water systems, whirlpool spas and cooling towers, and evaporative condensers such as those … Read More
Ladder Association Launch New Toolbox Talks
Three toolbox talk documents have been produced by the Ladder Association and are available for free on their website. The documents each cover a specific topic related to ladder usage: How to know when to use a ladder How to select the right ladder How to secure your ladder The toolbox talks highlight the risks associated with each of … Read More
New Responsible AI Guidance
A guide to responsible artificial intelligence (AI) innovation has been developed and published by the Association of British Insurance (ABI). While this guide is focused on the insurance industry, the principles discussed will be relevant to others considering the use of AI in their operations. The guide aims to help firms seeking to use AI to improve operations in … Read More
New External Wall Fire Risk Guidance
A joint document released by the Fire Industry Association, Institution of Fire Engineers, and Façade Special Interest Group provides guidance on proportionality and risk when carrying out fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs) to PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls and Cladding of Flats. PAS 9980 provides a methodology for carrying out FRAEWs. The guidance is … Read More
HSE Update First Aid Guidance
The HSE has updated two publications dealing with first aid at work. The revisions focus on expanding and simplifying the existing guidance and are not in response to any change in the law or what is required to comply with the law. ‘First aid at work: guidance on regulations’ concerns the regulations and requirements for first aid in work … Read More
EHRC Launch Menopause in the Workplace Guidance
A new set of guidelines published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is intended to help employers understand their legal obligations in regard to supporting employees with menopausal symptoms. The guidance follows research by the Charted Institute of Personnel and Development, which found that 67% of working women between 40 and 60 who were experiencing menopausal symptoms … Read More
Updated Guidance for the Inspection of Steel Chimneys
The Association of Technical Lighting and Access Specialists, ATLAS, has published revised guidance regarding the inspection of industrial steel chimneys. This is designed to provide general guidance on good practice to organisations with responsibility for inspecting and maintaining steel chimneys and builds upon the previous guide published in 2017. Industrial steel chimneys are used in a wide range of industries … Read More
New National Radon Action Plan Considers Working From Home
Radon is a naturally occurring colourless, odourless, and radioactive gas. In the UK, the main source of radon is the ground. Gas can seep out and build up in caves, underground mines, and poorly ventilated areas of buildings, in particular basements. It is estimated that exposure to radon is the second-largest cause of lung cancer after smoking in the UK. … Read More