Gig Economy Illustration iStock monkeybusinessimages

Working in precarious times: the gig economy and zero-hours contracts

Insecure work, whether through zero-hour contracts or through platforms operating within the gig economy, has come under fire in some quarters for driving high levels of worker stress and anxiety. But others point to the flexibility it provides to workers – particularly if they are students or have caring responsibilities – as well as to employers in sectors with fluctuating demand.

By Kerry Reals on 02 December 2024

Mike Robinson 3 Med

How can we support our people better in a changing world?

At the end of November, I had the privilege of presenting top-performing organisations with our prestigious Sword, Globe and Shield of Honour awards, recognising their achievements in health, safety, environmental and wellbeing management. It’s something I relish doing every year, and this time was no exception.

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 04 December 2024

Stone cutting iStock cagkansayin

Stonemason fined for exposing workers to silica dust as HSE updates advice for stone worktop installers

A stonemasonry firm has received a fine of almost £20,000 for failing to protect workers from silica dust, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued new advice for stone worktop installers amid continued calls for engineered stone to be banned over its links to silicosis.

By Kerry Reals on 10 January 2025

News

Stone cutting iStock cagkansayin

Stonemason fined for exposing workers to silica dust as HSE updates advice for stone worktop installers

A stonemasonry firm has received a fine of almost £20,000 for failing to protect workers from silica dust, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued new advice for stone worktop installers amid continued calls for engineered stone to be banned over its links to silicosis.

By Kerry Reals on 10 January 2025

Istock 536015879 Credit Danielrao

Features

Evacuation Chair In Use 500 Wide Min

Emergency evacuation for people with mobility issues: why we must do better

With research revealing poor understanding among many businesses of their duty to have arrangements in place to safely evacuate mobility-impaired people, it’s time for the government to educate building owners about their obligations and mandate the provision of evacuation equipment, to ensure a safe evacuation for everyone.

By Gerard Wallace, Evac+Chair International on 01 August 2023

Prosecutions

Amber Precast Victim HSE

Concrete firm fined after steel pallet crushes worker’s legs

A concrete products manufacturer has been fined £60,000 after an 800kg steel pallet fell on a worker and crushed his legs, one of which had to be amputated.

By Kerry Reals on 15 January 2025

Opinion

Acas winter blues iStock monkeybusinessimages

Winter blues – how to support employee mental health

The winter period can have a negative impact on employee mental health for a variety of reasons, but employers can support staff through these challenges by having ongoing open communication and honest conversations on how best to support their wellbeing.

By Ruhel Ahmed, Acas on 10 January 2025