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A golden era of safety: 50 years of the Health and Safety at Work Act

As the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 turns 50 on 31 July, the world of work, both now and in the future, looks markedly different to when this ground-breaking piece of legislation was enacted. Yet, the Act has stood the test of time and its principles remain as relevant now as they did in the summer of ’74 – unlike some of the haircuts from that time.

By Kerry Reals on 27 June 2024

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In these times, how can we be safe, well and happy?

Last month, I mentioned two big moments – the General Election and the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) on 31 July. The lack of attention given to health, safety, or even wellbeing by most political parties in their election manifestos, while not entirely unexpected, was disappointing. And it doesn’t reflect the real concerns of workers and leaders here and around the world.

By Mike Robinson FCA on 01 July 2024

UK General Election iStock Adam Webb

UK election: Hopes run high for change as Labour wins in landslide

Sir Keir Starmer enters 10 Downing Street as the UK’s new Prime Minister with a heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders to deliver on his promise for change, following the Labour Party’s landslide general election win.

By Kerry Reals on 05 July 2024

News

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Unfilled Indian railway vacancies prompt concerns over train driver fatigue risks

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 July 2024

Features

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Asbestos management: time to improve the skills base

Ongoing failures to prevent exposure to asbestos suggest much more needs to be done to build the skills, knowledge and competence of those with day-to-day responsibility for preventing exposure in UK buildings.

By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited & National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants (NORAC) on 01 April 2023

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Prosecutions

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Livestock auctioneer fined after cow escapes and tramples man to death

A company has been fined £75,000 after a cow broke free from Whitland Livestock Market in Wales and killed a 75-year-old man who was crossing a nearby street.

By Kerry Reals on 21 June 2024

Opinion

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Film and TV industry: entertainment must not be pursued at the expense of safety

Recent prosecutions of entertainment companies for health and safety failings are a reminder that the duty to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees and others applies to all workplaces, organisations and workers in whatever sector or business.

By Laura White, Pinsent Masons on 04 July 2024