Features

    Istock 458093369 Credit Jeremyrichards 500 Wide Min

    India’s waste pickers: indispensable but invisible

    India’s huge army of informal waste collectors play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of the country’s vast waste mountain, but fears are growing that the expanding involvement of private firms in waste management threatens both the waste pickers’ livelihoods and wider efforts to improve their working and living conditions.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 February 2025

    Istock 1280697755 Credit Naturecreator 500 Min

    Occupational cancer: a ticking timebomb in construction

    India’s construction workforce faces a heightened risk of occupational cancer due to poor control of exposure to carcinogens like asbestos, silica and UV radiation from the sun. And with the sector expected to expand rapidly in the coming years, campaigners are calling for immediate action from government and employers to prevent further increases in harmful exposure though better regulation and control of work tasks and sites.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 February 2025

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    How Building Information Modelling can improve the management and delivery of occupational safety and health

    Building Information Modelling has traditionally been used to develop and share digital information, plans and 3D models for the efficient design and construction of buildings and other physical assets, but it also holds huge promise for ensuring the safety of construction projects, from the design phase through to the management of the build itself.

    By Manuel Tender, Digital4OSH on 07 February 2025

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    Supporting wellbeing across the flexible extended workplace: why we need a different approach

    Flexible working has been shown to offer numerous benefits, from improved employee wellbeing to greater productivity. But the rapidly changing nature of work in a digital age means employers need to take a strategic, joined-up approach when implementing flexible working practices, if they are to fully realise the benefits.

    By Andy Lake, Flexibility.co.uk on 05 February 2025

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    Adaptability, ergonomics and wellbeing: building blocks for the workplace in 2025

    Employee expectations around the nature and organisation of office, home and hybrid working have changed significantly in recent years, making it more important than ever for employers to rethink and update their approaches to flexible working, ergonomics and workplace design, to better support employee wellbeing, motivation and job satisfaction.

    By Guy Osmond, Osmond Ergonomics and Alex Reffell, Osmond Inclusive Wellbeing Services on 05 February 2025

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    The customer is not always (al)right: the alarming rise of abuse and violence against public-facing workers

    Incidents of abuse and violence against workers who deal with the public are on the rise. What is causing this spike in inappropriate behaviour, and what can employers and the Government do to make the workplace safer for public-facing employees?

    By Kerry Reals on 03 February 2025

    Draeger Hire Equipment

    Gas detection and monitoring: safety as a service

    Renting, rather than purchasing, safety equipment like gas detectors and respirators can, in certain situations, offer safety, environmental and productivity benefits, including immediate access to the most up-to-date technology and the ability to save on ongoing maintenance costs.

    By Neil Shepherd, Dräger Hire on 03 February 2025

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    A green and bright workplace: how biophilic design boosts employee wellbeing

    Incorporating elements of nature, greenery and natural lighting into the workplace has been shown to have a positive impact on employee mental and physical wellbeing, creativity and productivity, and there are some simple and low-cost ways of achieving this, even in the most built-up areas.

    By Dr Keith Whitehead, British Safety Council on 03 February 2025

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    Supporting wellbeing when working from home: some key tips

    Home and hybrid working are now firmly established as regular working patterns for significant numbers of people, so it’s a good time for employers to revisit their arrangements for supporting the wellbeing of home workers – from ensuring good ergonomic workstation set-ups to encouraging regular rest breaks.

    By Nigel Oseland, Workplace Unlimited on 03 February 2025

    Wind Turbines Draeger

    The energy transition: why the safety risks must be managed

    The move to clean power, such as renewables and hydrogen, is rapidly gathering pace. If the industry is to meet the UK Government’s target for decarbonisation, and to acquire the investment needed to achieve this goal, it’s essential that safety is prioritised as part of the development, rollout and use of these new technologies.

    By Megan Hine, Draeger Safety UK on 10 December 2024