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
21 November Seasonal stress considerations in warehouse settings As Black Friday and the festive season approach, warehouse operatives face intense pressure to meet increased demand nationwide. High quotas, repetitive tasks, and cramped workspaces can quickly lead to stress, fatigue, and even injury. Addressing these challenges is important to maintaining wellbeing and fostering a positive health and safety culture. As part of National Stress … Read More
5 November Celebrating 25 years of LRB Consulting Ltd! Friday 07 November 2025 marks the 25-year anniversary of LRB Consulting Ltd. To mark the occasion, we spoke to our Director, Michael Ellerby to ask him about his health and safety journey, leading to this milestone. What inspired you to start your own health and safety consultancy? There were two complementary factors: some rigidity in … 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
24 September Prosecution: Construction company fined after exposing workers to asbestos risks Asbestos was banned in 1999, however when construction works take place on older buildings, the presence of asbestos can pose an occupational hazard to workers. We recently highlighted the mesothelioma risks associated with asbestos, which are further evidenced in the HSE prosecution below. HSE prosecution In August 2025, a Manchester-based construction firm, A1 Property Maintenance … Read More