In any industry that involves working with chemicals or hazardous substances, workers will invariably come across COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) symbols on the labels of bottles and containers that store dangerous substances. It is essential that these labels are understood, and that the COSHH standards are followed in the handling and storage […]

£2.15m fine following recycling worker fatality HSE inspector Stephen Garner explains the background to a fatal accident at a paper recycling plant. On 30 January 2020, 32-year-old Dean Atkinson was returning from the employee welfare cabins to his workstation on the picking line at Ward Recycling’s paper recycling plant in County Durham, England. Dean needed […]

This blog breaks down the changes made in the most recent update to first aid at work guidance. These updates do not change what is required to comply with the law. Mental Health The updates to the guidance emphasise employers’ responsibilities to take account of employees’ mental health when conducting their first aid needs assessment. […]

Any substance with the capacity to inflict harm in any form is defined as hazardous. According to COSHH, hazardous substances are defined as those that are corrosive, explosive, toxic, or capable of oxidizing. Almost every UK workplace will use substances that pose potential health hazards. Therefore making sure that employees can recognize such substances and […]

Wood dust failures lands £15k fine A manufacturing company has been fined £15,000 after exposing its own workers to wood dust and failing to comply with two improvement notices. Wood dust can cause serious and often irreversible health problems, including sino-nasal cancer, asthma and dermatitis. Employers have a legal responsibility to prevent or adequately control […]

As part of February’s Hazard of the Month, Occupational Health, we’re highlighting two key areas: Asbestos Awareness and Control of Hazardous Substances. Asbestos Awareness Asbestos exposure is one of the biggest occupational hazards to workers in the UK, with around 5000 people dying from asbestos-related illnesses every year. These diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung disease, are incurable and […]

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Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity shines in 2023 The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity continues to be a steadfast beacon of hope for those in need and in 2023, they saw 4438 people reaching out for support through its 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, a 30% increase on the previous year. Its charitable spend also increased by 12% […]

Physical and mental health are intrinsically linked, and both take a combination of conscious effort and routine habits to maintain. Changing your habits and implementing new ones can be challenging, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. To help you get started, we’ve published this blog – keep reading to […]

This blog can be delivered to your staff as a Toolbox Talk. If you require a specific Toolbox Talk for your workplace, please feel free to get in touch. Reason: Raising Awareness of the Mental Health Crisis in the Construction Industry to have an honest and open conversation in a safe environment: to enable recognition […]