With UK fire services now tackling at least three Li-ion battery fires a day, it’s clear that stronger regulation and enforcement is urgently required to prevent the sale, use and modification of poor-quality and potentially dangerous batteries used in e-bikes and scooters.
By Adrian Simmonds, QBE Europe on 01 July 2025
Eight years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK continues to grapple with the complex and emotionally charged challenge of cladding remediation, with around half of affected residential buildings still yet to begin the process.
By George Edwardes, Fire Protection Association (FPA) on 01 July 2025
Workplace and facilities management professionals play a vital role in creating and maintaining a ‘Golden Thread’ of digital information to ensure the ongoing safety of occupied higher-risk residential buildings. Now, new tools and guidance have been published to ensure everyone adopts a standardised approach when drawing together the required data and information.
By Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) on 01 July 2025
When workers are exposed to hazardous substances like dusts, it may be necessary to carry out air monitoring to check both employees’ personal exposure levels and the general effectiveness of control measures. But it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of sampling equipment used.
By Tim Turney, Casella Solutions on 29 August 2024
While inexpensive precautions for preventing slips, trips and falls have a part to play in any day-to-day risk management system, more expensive options, such as replacing damaged floor coverings, are often the most effective long-term measure for minimising the danger to staff and visitors.
By Phil Jones, William Martin on 22 August 2024
Many employers are keen to support the psychological health of their workforce through the provision of different forms of training and employee support services, but it’s vital there’s genuine evidence of the effectiveness of the training and support provided, otherwise the investment will be wasted.
By Professor Neil Greenberg and Georgina Godden, March on Stress on 21 August 2024
Migraine can have a debilitating effect on an individual’s performance at work, so it’s vital employers take steps to reduce the triggers for an attack and provide adequate support.
By Andrea Quinn, The Migraine Trust on 21 August 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers huge potential for improving the performance, functionality and fit of personal protective equipment (PPE). Material science company W. L. Gore and Associates is already working with stakeholders like apparel and footwear manufacturing partners to explore how the technology can ensure the most effective use of materials, create inclusive PPE that fits all genders and body shapes, and incorporate smart technology with enhanced safety and comfort functionality into garments and more.
By Leonard Schlichting, W. L. Gore and Associates, and Reza Jamshidi-Azad, GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics on 20 August 2024
Worker fatigue could potentially pose a serious risk to the safe running of London’s public transport and strategic road network, but Transport for London has a comprehensive set of measures in place to minimise the chance of tiredness affecting workers’ ability to perform safely.
By Chris Jones, Transport for London on 19 August 2024
Traditional slip prevention methods often fall short because they rely on assumptions and general practices rather than solid evidence, but a scientific approach will identify why they occur and how they can be prevented.
By Christian Harris, Slip Safety Services on 29 July 2024
With the UK predicted to be facing an increase in the frequency of heatwaves and rising average temperatures, it is essential employers begin taking steps now to protect workers from the risk of heat-related accidents and illness.
By Liz Longman, Virtual College by Netex on 29 July 2024
Workers in the rail industry can be at particular risk of slips, trips and falls due to the diverse nature of the tasks and working environments, but the likelihood of injury can be reduced through the careful selection and provision of suitable slip-resistant footwear.
By Simon Ash, HAIX on 29 July 2024
Keeping people safe, healthy and happy at work in a world that has changed immeasurably since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 50 years ago presents huge challenges, but also significant opportunities, a panel of experts said during a roundtable hosted by British Safety Council in central London on 8 July.
By Kerry Reals on 29 July 2024
