22 July Silica dust: HSE enforcement updates The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has significantly increased its focus on respirable crystalline silica (RCS), one of the UK’s most serious occupational health hazards. Found in materials such as concrete, brick, stone, ceramics, and engineered stone, silica dust can be generated during cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing activities. Exposure can lead to life-changing illnesses … Read More
17 July HSE 2025/26 fatality statistics The latest figures published by the HSE show that 126 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain during 2025/26. While workplace fatality rates have reduced significantly over the long term, fatal accidents continue to occur across a range of industries and working environments. The statistics remain consistent with previous years, highlighting the sectors … Read More
25 June Hand-arm vibration syndrome: Moving beyond compliance to protect your workforce Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a persistent occupational hygiene risk in UK industries such as construction, manufacturing and utilities. Despite clear guidance from the HSE, many organisations still approach HAVS as a compliance exercise rather than a serious long-term health issue. The challenge is no longer just about meeting legal limits, but about preventing harm … Read More
3 June Air sampling in the workplace As we move towards the halfway mark for the year, we have seen the HSE place a strong emphasis on the risks associated with dust and airborne contaminants in the workplace, with targeted inspection campaigns and enforcement action across multiple sectors. Recent cases highlight the consequences of poor control, including a prosecution involving occupational asthma … 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 January Weather readiness: Driving in poor weather conditions When the temperatures drop, the roads can become icy, making driving more dangerous. Ensuring your vehicle is prepared for cold weather can make the difference between a safe and a hazardous journey. As an employer, you must manage health and safety risks to workers who drive a vehicle on the road as part of their … Read More
17 December Meet the team: What inspires our health and safety consultants Following the 25th anniversary of LRB Consulting Ltd, we asked some of our consultants what motivated them to work in health and safety. At LRB Consulting Ltd, the team shares a passion for shaping a positive safety culture, going above and beyond to help others improve workplace safety. Read on to hear our consultant’s responses. … Read More