New and expectant mothers are a particularly vulnerable group who may be affected by health and safety risks at work. As a result, there are a number of statutory instruments such as the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999, the Employments Rights Act 1996, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Equality […]
By law, employers are required to plan, manage and monitor the use of hazardous substances. An important aspect of this duty is ensuring that substances are handles and stored in line with risk assessments and legislation. What are the main substances covered by COSHH? COSHH covers many forms of substances that are hazardous to health. […]
A substance is considered hazardous if it has the potential to cause harm in any way. Under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), hazardous substances include those that are corrosive, explosive, toxic, or capable of oxidising. Most workplaces across the UK use substances that could pose a risk to health. It is therefore vital […]
As part of March’s Hazard of the Month, Warehouses, we’re highlighting two key areas: COSHH and Manual Handling. COSHH Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from exposure to hazardous substances, which may include: Dust Fumes Chemicals Vapours Mists Nanomaterials and nanotechnology by-products Gases Biological agents Germs Where substances are classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or […]
Employment Rights Bill praised by IOSH The UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill is ‘a watershed moment and a bold, long-overdue step forward for worker rights’, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The Bill is set to become law after it cleared the House of Lords. It introduces sweeping reforms designed to […]
As part of September’s Hazard of the Month, Fire, we’re highlighting two key areas: Fire Safety and Fire Wardens. Fire Safety Work involving flammable substances—such as gases, vapours, mists, or combustible dusts—poses a significant risk of fire or explosion when these materials mix with air and are exposed to an ignition source. Such incidents can result in serious harm […]
Offshore industry benefits from HSE inspection programme An inspection programme by Britain’s workplace regulator has led to major safety improvements in the offshore industry. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspected 13 production operators between January 2022 and May 2024 as part of its Process Safety Leadership Principles (PSLP) programme. In addition to their inspections, […]
Maintaining good housekeeping is essential for ensuring employee safety within an organisation. Effective housekeeping practices can help companies minimise workplace hazards and create a safe and secure environment for their employees. 1. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule Ensure that floors and surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis, along with carrying out immediate ad hoc […]
Scientists charge ‘charcoal sponge’ to soak up CO2 Scientists have devised a low-cost, energy-efficient method of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the air, new research suggests. The team at the University of Cambridge used a method similar to charging a battery to charge activated charcoal, which is often used in household water filters to […]
JUSE and CQI sign collaboration agreement The Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) and the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Providing the basis for future collaboration, CQI CEO, Vince Desmond, said, “There are big opportunities for the quality community to help organisations create new value, especially in the rapidly […]