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
2 April Isocyanate inspections in progress for vehicle repair businesses The HSE has recently reminded us of its programme of targeted inspections of motor vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain, with inspectors visiting workshops to check safe paint spraying practices where isocyanate-containing coatings are used. With around 1,000 inspections planned, this is a clear signal that isocyanate control is a current enforcement priority. Not only … Read More
1 April Asbestos awareness Asbestos awareness week runs from 01 April to 07 April 2026. to raise continued awareness, we have shared a previous blog post below to highlight the risks of asbestos, those at risk, and the first steps of conducting asbestos surveys. Through continued management and vigilance, we can all do our part to keep our workers … Read More
13 March How confident do you feel talking to your staff about mental health? Conversations around mental health are becoming a common feature of many workplaces. Managers, however, are not always trained or equipped with the right tools to approach these discussions with confidence. With the HSE’s 2024/5 figures highlighting that over half of all work-related ill health in the UK was due to stress, depression and anxiety, the … Read More
11 March Fire at Glasgow Central Station highlights risks from lithium-ion batteries A fire broke out at Glasgow Central Station on Sunday 08 March 2026, causing extensive damage. The historic four-storey building suffered a partial collapse and was forced to close to manage the damage across Sunday and Monday. Whilst the incident remains under investigation, it is understood that the fire started in a vape shop attached … Read More
9 March Mental health first aid in the workplace In November 2025, the HSE released their 2024/5 statistics to summarise the key workplace accident and illness figures from the previous year. Stress, anxiety or depression accounted for 52% of all workplace reported ill health, with a further 22.1 million working days were lost as a result with nearly 23 days off work on average. … 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