13 May Prosecution: Cardiff University fined after workers developed occupational asthma Exposure to workplace allergens can have serious and life-changing consequences. A recent HSE prosecution shows why employers must identify allergen risks early and ensure suitable controls are in place. Cardiff University was fined £280,000 after two employees developed occupational asthma due to prolonged exposure to animal allergens at work. The prosecution The HSE found that … Read More
7 May Silicosis in stonemasonry: A preventable but serious risk The i Paper’s ‘Killer kitchens’ campaign has been raising awareness about the dangers of silica dust in stonemasonry. The campaign has received support from MPs, health experts and trade unions, calling for tougher regulations for workers at risk. What is the risk? Silicosis is a serious, irreversible lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline … Read More
9 April Lithium-ion batteries: Increase in ebike and escooter fires in 2025 The Guardian recently reported that, following an investigation by the Press Association, ebike and escooter fires are at a record high in the UK, with 432 ebike fires and 147 escooter fires reported in 2025. This is a significant increase on the 313 ebike fires and 124 escooter fires reported in 2024. The majority of … Read More
13 February Recent HSE prosecutions: The importance of machine safety Two recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecutions in February 2026 highlight the very real and often life‑changing consequences of inadequate machinery safety in the workplace. These incidents serve as a reminder that failing to implement robust controls, particularly around isolation, guarding and safe systems of work, can result in severe injuries and significant legal … Read More
29 January Flour Dust: HSE Bakery Inspections The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a series of nationwide inspections across large bakeries to address a long‑standing but often underestimated hazard: exposure to flour dust and other airborne bakery ingredients. These inspections, running from January 2026, aim to ensure that employers are taking proper steps to protect workers in dusty environments from … Read More
27 October Workplace noise: HSE find gaps in workplace protection Hearing loss caused by excessive noise at work can be permanent, but with the right health and safety measures, it is preventable. Some industries where noise exposure is commonly found include manufacturing, mechanics, construction and events settings. The Labor Force Survey from 2021/22 to 2023/24 estimated that the number of workers with work-related hearing problems … Read More
20 August Asbestos: Raising mesothelioma awareness Despite its ban in 1999, the legacy of asbestos exposure continues to affect thousands on lives in the UK. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a long-latency disease, taking anywhere from 15-60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. … Read More
29 July New Restrictions on AFFF Foam Extinguishers Do you have foam fire extinguishers on site? The rules have changed – are you still compliant? From 04 July 2025, the use of some foam extinguishers (AFFF containing C8 chemicals) have been banned due to environmental effects related to the presence of ‘forever chemicals’. Not all foam extinguishers are affected, but those containing PFOA … Read More
28 July Prosecution: Joiners fined for failing to protect workers The importance of understanding risks and keeping workers safe is highlighted in a recent breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act et Act 1974, in which wood dust and electrical risks were uncovered during a surprise inspection. Ensuring risk assessments are in place to identify hazards and ensure the control measures in place … Read More
1 April Understanding and Managing Asbestos Risks Why Managing Asbestos Risks is Important Asbestos remains a significant health risk, particularly in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000. Despite its widespread use in the past, asbestos is now known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is still the biggest workplace killer in Britain, causing around 5,000 deaths … Read More