Following the previous safety alert released April 2022 the HSE has now released specific details of research undertaken regarding the effectiveness of different styles of filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators / masks as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). In the previous safety alert the HSE warned that respirators and facemasks that rely on ear loops to hold them in place are not … Read More

The HSE has published updated guidance covering electrical safety on construction sites. The guidance focuses on control measures and actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents involving electricity. The updated version is designed to take into account updates to legislation since the previous edition. The publication is intended for anyone who ‘controls or influences’ the design, … Read More

Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’. Stress can affect a person’s physical and mental health and cause burnout, anxiety, and depression. Stress can be caused by factors at work such as conflicting demands, conflict at work, lack of support … Read More

A Schedule of Common Lifts publication has been released by The Industry Lifting Lead AP Group. This publication is designed to provide clear guidance on various lifting methods for different loads that are often used on construction sites. The guidance is intended to help in the process of planning lifts, providing suggestions on the best practices to be used for … Read More

The Home Office recently published 3 new guides to responsible persons and building owners comply with their fire safety duties in small no-domestic premises and blocks of flats. As well content specific to the type of premises each of the guides contain general guidance on your responsibilities, fire risk assessment, fire hazards, fire protection measures (considering the layout of the … Read More

As part of the third phase of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme a series of new fire safety guidance and regulations will come into force in England on the 1st of October 2023. The new regulations follow the first two phases which were the Fire Safety Act 2021 (phase 1) and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (phase … Read More

The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) recently published a safety alert regarding possible fire risks associated with LPG forklifts. This alert is to raise awareness of problems starting LPG powered trucks from cold due to a build-up of deposits in the ignition system. Unburnt LPG passing through the truck’s engine could cause a fire risk. The safety alert gives advice … Read More

Work Right is a campaign initiative launched by the HSE which aims to help smaller businesses and workers. This provides guidance on a number of work related health and safety matters including mental health, musculoskeletal disorders and conditions that affect the back, joints and limbs and lung disease. As part of this overall campaign the HSE recently launched Asbestos & … Read More

On 3rd February 2023 the Environment Agency published new guidance on the production of hydrogen from methane with carbon capture. The guidance is intended to help potential producers with permit applications and to ensure they minimise environmental impacts. The majority of hydrogen is currently produced through the use of fossil fuels in a process which involves heating a mixture of … Read More

Since October 2022 the HSE have been running a targeted inspection campaign focussing on manufacturing industries that use materials containing silica. In particular sone working, brick and tile manufacturing, kitchen worktops and foundries. Exposure to fine respirable silica dust which can penetrate deep into the lungs is associated with long-term health issues such as silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive … Read More