PPE

    Nick Hardiman MED

    Forge fined £750k after worker fatally entangled in lathe

    A family-run forge in Halesowen, West Midlands, has been fined £750,000 after an employee sustained fatal injuries when he became entangled in a 20-metre long lathe.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 19 February 2026

    Hearing Protection MED Istock Credit Kzenon

    How to mitigate the hearing loss cost escalation tsunami

    Employers need to adopt the latest and most effective noise risk evaluation and management measures, or face rapidly-rising compensation claims for noise-induced hearing loss at work.

    By Peter Wilson, Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC) on 06 February 2026

    Backstage Live Music Hearing Health MED Istock 849422346 Hobo 018

    Tinnitus UK demands national safety standard as live music workers face hearing loss epidemic

    Tinnitus UK is calling for clear, enforceable standards on hearing protection and training after a staggering 93 per cent of live music workers report hearing problems.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 03 February 2026

    Hearing Protection MED Istock Credit Searsie

    Beyond awareness: how companies can support hearing protection behaviour

    Workers often fail to wear hearing protection in noisy environments, but there are some simple steps employers can take to boost wear rates – and prevent devastating hearing damage.

    By Dr Dalia Tsimpida, University of Southampton on 02 February 2026

    Hearing Protection Shutterstock 64364473

    Noise control: what I wish employers knew before making the big spend

    Employers often spend significant sums attempting to reduce noise levels from plant and machinery without first considering lower cost, but often more effective approaches, such as properly maintaining mechanical parts like guards, fans and compressed air systems.

    By Gill Cussons, director and consultant, Noise & Vibration Solutions UK Ltd on 02 February 2026

    Gore tex professional rain water test

    The science of wearer comfort and PPE

    Working in hot, cold and wet conditions can have a negative impact on a worker’s performance and comfort levels, so it’s vital to ensure that any protective clothing provides adequate insulation, weather protection and breathability.

    By Anna West, GORE-TEX on 01 August 2023

    uvex blue gloves bamboo

    Purchasing PPE: why sustainability data is becoming crucial

    With businesses increasingly keen to minimise their carbon footprint by selecting materials and products with the lowest carbon emissions, PPE specialist uvex has started offering data on the amount of greenhouse gases its products generate.

    By Verena Keller, uvex on 09 February 2024