The prosecution

The HSE found that between 2008 and 2025, Cardiff University failed to properly assess and control employee exposure to animal allergens. Both affected workers were left with lifelong health conditions, and one employee was unable to continue in their role. The university pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was also ordered to pay costs.

What are the risks?

Laboratory animal allergens can be found in dander, hair, scales, saliva, urine and other body wastes. These allergens can become airborne and contaminate surfaces and clothing, increasing the risk of sensitisation, allergic reactions and occupational asthma. Once asthma develops, the effects can be permanent and potentially career-ending.

What should employers do?

Where allergen exposure is possible, employers should carry out a suitable COSHH assessment and put effective controls in place. This may include ventilation and filtration, good hygiene and cleaning arrangements, safe systems of work, appropriate PPE, and health surveillance where required. Practical action and regular review are essential.

Good allergen management

As with all risks that may be present in the workplace, it is important to put appropriate control measures in place. Good allergen management will depend on the allergies and allergens present in your workplace and workforce. These could be known allergens in your work activities, or staff members with particular known allergies.

Steps taken will depend on the nature of the allergens and allergies, but could include the implementation of suitable policies, developing sensible procedures, providing appropriate training, ensuring adequate first aid cover, and conducting suitable individual or task-based risk assessments.

We can provide you with practical support and advice to ensure you are managing allergen risks appropriately. If you need help in this area, get in touch with LRB Consulting Ltd today to discuss how we can support you.

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What is the risk?

Silicosis is a serious, irreversible lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, which is created when stone, brick, concrete or engineered stone is cut, ground or polished.

The damage can continue even after exposure stops, and RCS is also linked with COPD and lung cancer. Silicosis is a progressive disease, requiring early diagnosis and treatment. At present, there are no mandatory screening processes in place in the United Kingdom.

Professor Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine said:

“If you’re working in an industry that uses asbestos, you have to have occupational health professionals advise you and do the surveillance. And so we would say, because the kitchen countertop industry is one which exposes people to the risk of a serious illness – silicosis, it’s like asbestos – there should be similar mandates that they must have access to occupational health.”

Who is affected?

Stonemasons are a key at-risk group, but they are not alone. The HSE identifies workers in stone working, constructio

n, quarrying, ceramics, foundries and worktop manufacture/installation as being at risk where silica-containing materials are processed. Concern has grown sharply around younger men working with engineered stone kitchen worktops, with recent UK reporting warning that more cases are likely to be found as awareness improves.

Signs and symptoms

One of the biggest concerns with silicosis is that harmful exposure may cause damage before symptoms appear.

When symptoms do develop, they can often be misdiagnosed. Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• A persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Phlegm and frequent or prolonged chest infections

Recent reporting also highlights concerns that some younger workers have initially been misdiagnosed with sarcoidosis, delaying the correct diagnosis. It is thought that as awareness increases, so too will early diagnosis.

Proposed changes screening

Silicosis in stone working is now on the UK political agenda. In Parliament, ministers previously said HSE was not considering restricting engineered stone and that silicosis was not currently reportable, although reporting requirements were under review. More recently, campaigners, clinicians and MPs have pushed for workforce screening, better reporting, stronger enforcement and a ban on dry-cutting high-silica engineered stone.

In March 2026, Liz Jarvis MP said she would table a Silica Dust (Exposure) Bill calling for prevention, monitoring, reporting and screening. HSE also refreshed its health surveillance guidance in 2025, making clear that worktop manufacturing and installation are high-risk occupations where surveillance must be considered.

Health and safety best practice

Where workers are regularly exposed to hazardous materials and disease could develop, health surveillance is a legal requirement. Silicosis is preventable, but only if controls are applied consistently:

• Assess the risk properly, avoid or reduce dust at source
  • Use water suppression and effective extraction
  • Select lower-silica materials where possible
• Provide suitable RPE for higher-risk tasks
• Maintain good housekeeping
• Review controls regularly

As with the recent HSE inspections at bakeries and within the vehicle repair industry, ensuring workers are protected from occupational hazards should be at the forefront of all business’ priorities. For any support with air quality monitoring, training or occupational health support, reach out to the LRB Consulting Ltd team to find the right support for you.

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The Guardian recently reported

The majority of these fires were reported by the London Fire Brigade (206, bikes and scooters), Nottinghamshire (30 bikes), Greater Manchester (13 ebikes, 13 escooters) and Avon (10). As such, the online market for lithium-ion batteries has been called into question.

These figures follow a recent fire at Glasgow Station, that was also reportedly caused by lithium-ion batteries, and highlight the growing concerns around safe storage and faulty or counterfeit products.

Counterfeit products

The London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign advises that:

“Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.”

The concerns regarding counterfeit products and the online marketplace are echoed by the National Fire Chief’s Council, calling for tighter controls on online sales.

What are the risks?

Lithium-ion batteries have become commonplace in daily life, being used to power smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, ecigarettes, ebikes and escooters. These offer advantages such as fast charging, low maintenance, and prolonged life spans. However, poorly maintained, incorrectly used, or counterfeit batteries pose several key risks:

• Thermal runaway: A battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to a chain reaction of exothermic reactions. This can result in the release of flammable gases, increased pressure, fires or explosions
• Toxic gases: During a fire, batteries can release toxic gases, including carbon monoxide or volatile organic compounds
• Reignition: During thermal runaway, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are incredibly hard to control and extinguish, and can often result in significant damage

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can spread quickly, and can cause significant damage to property, and even loss of life.

Protecting your workforce

Workplaces are also vulnerable to these risks when lithium-ion battery powered equipment is used, or when staff bring their own electrical items into the workplace. Some simple steps that can be taken to protect your workplace:

• Implement a clear  personal electrical items policy. This should prohibit charging of high‑risk items (such as e‑bike batteries and modified electronics), require visual checks for damage, and restrict charging to designated, monitored areas equipped with smoke detection.
• Provide staff training. Employees should understand that “cut‑price” or counterfeit devices pose a real danger to colleagues and property, as well as posing significant risks outside of work. Toolbox talks can be implemented to ensure staff are aware and aligned to the personal electrical items policy.
• Conduct appropriate risk assessments and implement safety strategies: For any work-obtained products containing lithium-ion batteries, ensure these are purchased from reputable suppliers. Conduct a suitable risk assessment, or include in the fire safety risk assessment, and ensure that any precautionary measures are put in place to minimise any damage
• Work equipment: If you are buying any lithium-ion battery powered equipment, ensure this is from a reputable manufacturer and complies with your company’s supplier requirements. Make sure that equipment is maintained in a suitable condition, regularly inspected, and subject to suitable control measures.

Get support

If you require any support with a personal electrical device policy, lithium-ion battery advice or risk assessments, reach out to LRB Consulting Ltd today on 01509 550023 or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk

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What is the risk?

Isocyanates are used in many industrial products, but they are especially common in vehicle refinishing through 2-pack (2K) paints, coatings and lacquers. When sprayed, these products can create a fine, invisible mist that spreads quickly and can reach harmful concentrations in minutes.

The primary concern is occupational asthma. The HSE identifies isocyanates as the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK, and once someone becomes sensitised, even very small exposures can trigger severe attacks, often ending their ability to work with these products. Skin exposure is also a concern, as contact can cause dermatitis and may contribute to respiratory sensitisation. Importantly, this isn’t only a sprayer risk: people working nearby can be exposed if mist escapes the spray area or clearance procedures aren’t followed.

What are the inspectors looking for?

HSE’s campaign highlights three areas where vehicle repair businesses commonly fall short:

• Spray booth/room ventilation (LEV) and containment: booths should have effective extraction and operate under slight negative pressure to prevent mist leaking into the wider workshop.
• Correct respiratory protection: sprayers must use air-fed breathing apparatus; filtering respirators are not considered adequate for isocyanate spray mist and vapours during spraying.
• Safe clearance procedures: clearance times must be measured, displayed, and followed so nobody enters too early or removes RPE too soon

COSHH

Under The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers must not only control exposure but also verify that controls are effective through health surveillance and exposure monitoring. HSE highlights health surveillance for workers at risk of inhalation and skin contact exposure and recommends biological monitoring (urine testing) as a practical way to check whether isocyanate is getting into the body.

Furthermore, under updates to the COSHH regulations, it is now a legal requirement for those working with isocyanates to be provided with, and to attend suitable awareness training. Ensuring training is suitable documented and easily accessible are important considerations during an inspection period.

Getting the right support

If your workplace sprays coatings, uses 2K products, or works near spray operations, now is the time to review your controls and competence. LRB Consulting Ltd can help you strengthen compliance through air sampling/monitoring support and isocyanate awareness training, giving you confidence that exposure is controlled, staff understand the risks, and systems stand up to scrutiny.

Get in touch with LRB Consulting Ltd to discuss air sampling options or to book isocyanate awareness training tailored to your team and processes.

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Asbestos risks

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 every year.

Therefore, asbestos awareness and management are critical for ensuring the safety of building occupants and workers.

When disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and inhaled, which in turn can lead to severe health problems. The dangers of asbestos exposure cannot be overstated, as it poses long-term health risks that can be fatal. Even a single asbestos fibre can cause cancer, with symptoms potentially appearing 30 to 40 years after exposure. Ensuring the proper management of asbestos is essential to prevent these risks and protect everyone who may come into contact with it.

Who May Be Affected By Poor Asbestos Management?

Anyone who occupies or works in a building constructed before 2000 could be at risk. This includes:

• Contractors: Those involved in renovation, maintenance, or demolition work.
• Occupiers: Individuals living or working in the building.
• Visitors: Anyone who spends time in the building, either regularly or as a one-off.

Asbestosis in Women: A Historical Perspective

Historically, women have also been significantly affected by asbestosis, particularly those who worked in industries where asbestos was prevalent or lived in environments with high asbestos exposure.

Women often also faced secondary exposure from asbestos fibres brought home on the clothing of family members who worked with asbestos. Putting clothes in a washing machine can exacerbate the risk. When asbestos-contaminated clothing is washed, the fibres can become airborne and spread to other garments, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. Asbestos fibres are durable and difficult to remove, making home washing machines ineffective at eliminating them. Consequently, washing asbestos-contaminated clothes can inadvertently expose individuals to harmful asbestos fibres, potentially leading to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pleural disease.

This exposure has led to serious health issues historically, and we should ensure lessons are learned from this.

Ensuring Legal Compliance When Managing Asbestos

If you occupy or manage a building built before 2000, you are legally required to manage asbestos risks. This involves conducting an asbestos survey, maintaining an asbestos management plan, and ensuring all relevant personnel are aware of the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Compliance with these regulations not only avoids legal repercussions but also ensures the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Peace of Mind

Proper asbestos management provides peace of mind. Knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to identify and mitigate asbestos risks allows you to focus on other aspects of building management without the constant worry of potential health hazards.

Conducting an Asbestos Survey: The First Step

Conducting an asbestos survey is just the first step in managing asbestos risks.

Instruct a professional contractor to carry out this survey. This will help ensure it is thorough and legally compliant.

It is essential to:

• Refer to the survey results regularly. Ensure that all relevant personnel have access to and understand the importance of this information.
• Review and update the asbestos management plan. Regularly update the plan and communicate any changes or findings to all relevant parties.

Additionally, consider the following steps to enhance the process:

• Conduct regular training sessions: Ensure that all staff members are trained on the latest asbestos management practices and understand the importance of adhering to the plan.
• Implement a monitoring system: Set up a system to regularly monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials and promptly address any issues.
• Maintain detailed records: Keep comprehensive records of all surveys, updates, and communications related to asbestos management. This documentation can be crucial for compliance and future reference.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer environment and maintain compliance with legal requirements.

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Why mental health conversations matter

By taking mental health in the workplace seriously, we can foster a positive and supportive culture, in which people feel comfortable having open conversations with colleagues. Reducing the stigma around mental health in this way provides a supportive workplace that signposts access to help.

22.1 million working days were lost in 2024/5 due to mental ill-health, with workers affected by stress, anxiety and depression. As part of World Mental Health Day, Kayleigh Roberts, the HSE’s Work-related Stress Policy Lead stated:

We regularly hear from businesses struggling with rising absence, falling performance, and high staff turnover – often caused by preventable stress at work.

The HSE campaign ‘Working Minds’ addresses stress and mental health as a critical focus area for organisations. It encourages employers to build a structured and comfortable conversations about mental health using the 5Rs framework: Reach out, Recognise, Respond, Reflect, and Make it Routine. By following this framework, organisations can help helps managers approach mental health proactively rather than reactively.

Building confidence through mental health first aid training

To support the 5Rs framework, providing mental health awareness or first aid training become valuable considerations for all employers. Mental health first aid training equips staff with the skills to notice early signs of mental ill-health, provide a supportive work culture to have conversations about mental health struggles, and to signpost colleagues to professional help.

With the ongoing HSE focus on stress and mental health support, being practice in the support your workplace provides helps to reduce stigma and fosters a positive, supportive workplace culture.

Fostering a positive mental health culture

As with physical safety, embedding conversations about mental health into the everyday work environment is critical. Simple steps such as checking in regularly with staff, reviewing workloads or working patterns, and using HSE’s Talking Toolkit can be the first step to making a positive difference.

By combining the HSE’s resources with dedicated mental health awareness or first aid training, employers can build their confidence, managers’ confidence and employees’ confidence. Discussing mental health at work creates a supportive environment where all workers feel more confident and open.

To arrange mental health first aid or awareness training, reach out to us on 01509 550 023 or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk

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Whilst the incident remains under investigation, it is understood that the fire started in a vape shop attached to the station. The incident serves as a reminder about the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries.

Of the incident, Vicki Swayne, Technical Director for the IFSM said:

“The incident highlights growing concerns about lithium-ion battery hazards. Vaping devices, like many modern electronic products, contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which can present a significant fire risk if damaged, poorly stored, incorrectly charged, or involved in thermal runaway.”

Lithium-ion batteries and personal safety

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in e-cigarettes (vapes), e-bikes, scooters and power banks and other rechargeable items. For personal safety, the London Fire Brigade’s recent #ChargeSafe campaign highlights the warning signs of damaged or defective batteries:

• Heat: Batteries can generate some heat when in use or charging. If a battery does feel unusually hot, this should be unplugged
• Bulging: If a battery is looking misshapen or swollen, is lumpy or leaking, you immediately stop using it, as it may be defective
• Noise: Batteries can occasionally make crackling or hissing noises at the point of failure
• Smell: If the battery or deice has a strong, unusual smell, this can be an indication that there is a defect
• Performance: Batteries that are slow to charge or unable to charge fully may be faulty or beginning to fail
• Smoke: If smoke is coming from the battery or a fire has started, call 999 and get help from the emergency services

Workplace advice

If lithium-ion batteries or devices containing them are present within your workplace, steps should be taken to ensure suitable arrangements are in place.

Consideration should be given to arranging a workplace risk assessment (can be part of the fire risk assessment), implementing suitable safety policies and ensuring that these are understood within the workplace.

LRB Consulting Ltd can support with risk assessment, fire safety support and can provide training around lithium-ion batteries.

Reach out to us on 01509 550 023 or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk

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The UK charity, Mind, also provides further statistics, highlighting that in England:

• 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year
• 1 in 5 people report experiencing a common mental health condition (like anxiety and depression) in any given week
• About 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 have a probable mental health condition

What does this mean for the workplace?

Whilst there is currently no legal requirement to train mental health first aiders in the workplace, the HSE’s first aid needs assessment recognises that poor mental health is a growing concern in the workplace, and issues guidance on this topic:

“You should consider ways to manage mental ill health in your workplace which are appropriate for your business, such as providing information or training for managers and employees, employing occupational health professionals, appointing mental health trained first aiders and implementing employee support programmes.”

With a growing focus on mental health campaigns from the HSE, more and more companies are beginning to prioritise employee wellbeing and make sure workers have access to mental health support, or mental health first aiders in the workplace. As growing incidents of stress, depression and anxiety are being reported, more workplaces are focussing on mental health support for their employees. Many companies are now seeing the benefits of proactively providing managers and employees with information, instruction and training in mental health matters, as part of their approach to occupational health and safety.

Available training

At LRB Consulting Ltd, we provide both a one-day mental health awareness training course and two-day mental health first aid training. These courses can be delivered at our Loughborough offices, or can be delivered at your site.

If you are interested in booking a course with us, or have any questions on the subject, please reach out to us on 01509 550023, or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk  

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Fine after a lathe accident left employee with amputated finger

One notable case involved a machine manufacturing company in Middleton, where an employee lost a finger after their glove became caught in a metalworking lathe. HSE investigators found that the company had not properly assessed the risks and lacked an adequate safe system of work. Crucially, HSE guidance states that emery cloth should never be applied directly by hand when using such machinery, underlining the need for clear procedures and operator training.

Fine after employer’s fingers severed in printing machine

In another February prosecution, a South Kirby wooden cable drum manufacturer was fined after an employee’s fingers were partially severed when they were drawn into unguarded rollers during cleaning operations. The investigation revealed that dangerous parts of the machine had not been effectively guarded, placing the worker at risk during normal tasks. The HSE inspector said:

“An employee was tasked with cleaning the printer without provision of suitable information, instruction or training, particularly in relation to the safety devices intended to protect them.”

Ensuring machinery safety

These cases reinforce a consistent message that employers must ensure machinery is:

• Safely isolated
• Properly guarded
• Supported by thorough risk assessments
• Not used until suitable training has been provided
• Actively monitored against safety standards

Regular training, supervision and adherence to HSE guidance are essential in preventing avoidable injuries. By learning from recent prosecutions, organisations can strengthen their safety culture and safeguard their workforce against similar incidents.

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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 respiratory risks including occupational asthma and respiratory sensitisation.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)

The HSE state that employers must follow the COSHH hierarchy of controls, and will assess bakeries on whether they have suitably managed their risks by:

• Elimination: Removal of dusty processes (e.g. using non-stick belts instead of flour dusting)
• Substitution: Replacing dusty ingredients with low-dust alternatives (e.g. with gel-based ingredients or low-dust flour or wet flour)
• Ventilation: Consider local exhaust ventilation or engineering controls
• Last resort: Implementing respiratory protection (RPE) as a last resort if the above measures cannot fully eliminate risk

Health surveillance

Employers of large bakeries should also ensure that health surveillance is in place for workers in high-risk environments for occupational asthma and respiratory sensitisation. Further information on the health surveillance required can be found in the COSHH Essentials General Guidance.

What can you do to prepare for inspection?

Alongside adhering to the COSHH hierarchy of controls outlined and ensuring heath surveillance is in place, bakeries can prepare for HSE inspections using the steps below to ensure bast practice is maintained throughout the workplace.

• Engineer effective controls: Install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at sources such as ingredient tipping points, sifters, weigh stations, mixers, and dough handling area. These should be inspected daily to ensure they are working properly, and regular maintenance should be scheduled
• Ensure good cleaning practices: The HSE advise that four should never be cleared by sweeping or using compressed air, as this increases the risk of exposure. Using wet cleaning methods or industrial vacuum cleaners (minimum M class) should be used to safely clear dust. Employers should ensure that cleaning SOPs are clear, and that staff are trained appropriately. Good cleaning practices should be monitored and enforced by supervisors
• Standardise dust‑minimising work practices: Review workplace practices and ensure all workers are trained to avoid creating dust clouds during tipping, sieving, weighing and dough dusting. Introduce and reinforce controlled tipping techniques, enclosed transfer points, and measured dosing to prevent over‑application
• Review and prepare documentation: Ensure all appropriate documentation has been collated for ease of review. This should include, but is not limited to: COSHH assessments, risk assessments, LEV maintenance records, training records, exposure monitoring reports, health surveillance information and workplace policies or SOPs
• Prepare workers for upcoming inspections: Ensure all workers are prepared for a potential upcoming HSE inspection. Ensure best practices are upheld, and inspectors are able to complete their reviews without delay.

Reducing occupational exposure

Ultimately, HSE’s message is simple: preventing exposure prevents disease. By prioritising elimination, substitution, and robust control measures, bakeries can protect their workforce and promote good working practices.

If you have any questions about occupational dust exposure or dust monitoring, contact us at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk, or call us on 01509 55 00 23

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