Two firms fined after racking collapse killed two workers Two companies have been fined following an incident which resulted in the deaths of two workers in West Yorkshire. Lee Horton, 58, and Daron Pickstock, 43, were killed when an industrial racking system collapsed as it was being tested at Castefields Industrial Estate in Bingley on...
Many companies use contractors for specialist tasks that their own employees are unable to carry out. This could involve working on critical process plant and equipment or carrying out non-routine activities where there is a greater potential for harm if their work is not properly managed. So, how can you act responsibly to ensure that...
A contractor is anyone who works for you who is not a direct employee – in many industries they are commonly found on site, and it is essential that they are managed properly in order to avoid risks to themselves and others on site. 1. Identify the job and its hazards To be able to...
IOSH warns against losing focus on building safety IOSH is urging the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to maintain its firm commitment to high standards and sustain the momentum behind the industry’s necessary cultural transformation. The global professional body is concerned that delays in the approval processes could fuel claims that building safety requirements are holding...
As part of February’s Hazard of the Month, Working at Height, we’re highlighting two key areas: Working at Height and Managing Health and Safety. Working at Height When managing the risks associated with working at height, a structured, step-by-step hierarchy of controls must be followed. The first consideration is whether working at height can be avoided...
HSE inspections tackling exposure to flour dust in bakeries The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out a series of inspections at large bakeries across Great Britain from January 2026. Inspectors will check that employers are properly protecting workers from the dangers of dusty ingredients including flour dust. Exposure to certain dusty ingredients can...
NHS Trust fined after it failed to manage hand-arm vibration risks An NHS Trust has been fined £40,000 after several employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), following prolonged exposure to vibration from work equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) began an investigation into Chesterfield Royal Hospital...
Construction work naturally comes with many risks to health and safety, and control measures are heavily focused on physical hazards to counter this. However, it is important to remember the role stress plays in health and safety challenges faced by those in the construction industry. In the UK 22.1 million Working days lost due to...
WFH linked to significant mental health gains, a study of 16K employees finds Employees who work predominantly from home experience stronger mental health outcomes than those who commute to the office, according to new research published in Social Science & Medicine. The study, led by researchers from the University of Melbourne and partner institutions, analysed...
Mindfulness, the practice of noticing our surroundings in the present moment without judgement, may be the key to reduced stress in the workplace. It can help to reduce stress, while improving focus and productivity. 1. Take breaks regularly Research has shown that incorporating regular breaks into your work day can help to improve productivity. With...