Four-day working weeks have hit the headlines again, with a second UK-wide pilot set to begin in November. While there is debate around whether shortening the work week is the answer, attitudes towards more flexible ways of working are changing and employers who fail to recognise this risk being left behind.
By Kerry Reals on 01 November 2024
From March 2025, many businesses in England will have to begin separating their recyclable and food waste from general waste prior to collection, but the changes will bring wider business benefits, such as reduced waste disposal costs and improved sustainability credentials.
By Adriana Olaya Rodriguez, Newell Brands on 12 November 2024
When most people think of injuries in the materials handling industry, they picture serious incidents – severe trauma or even fatalities. However, a silent issue affects far more workers every day: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
By Kirsty Cunningham, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks on 11 November 2024
Slip-resistant footwear is a vital tool in preventing slips at work, but it’s important to consider factors like wearer comfort to ensure it provides the most effective protection.
By Simon Ash, HAIX on 11 July 2023
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Organisations with under 500 staff employ just over 60 per cent of people working in the private sector in the UK.
By Mike Robinson, British Safety Council on 14 July 2023
For neurodivergent workers, loud and brightly lit offices can cause sensory overload, anxiety and fatigue, so it’s essential to consider approaches such as providing adjustable workspaces, quiet zones and flexible working so they can perform at their best.
By Guy Osmond, Osmond Ergonomics on 20 September 2023
Migraine can have a detrimental impact on people’s working lives, but employers can significantly reduce the impact through approaches like allowing staff to work flexible hours to cope with the symptoms and providing quiet areas where workers can recover from a migraine attack.
By Steph Weatherley, the Migraine Trust on 01 September 2023
The post-pandemic shift to home and hybrid working poses challenges for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of workers, but the starting point should always be the careful assessment, discussion and management of risks like home workstations, electrical dangers and mental wellbeing.
By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 20 September 2023
Environmental factors such as noise, air quality, temperature and ventilation can all impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of office workers, so it makes sense to address them when designing and running office buildings.
By Bex Moorhouse, Invigorate Spaces Ltd on 20 September 2023
Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and mould can pose a significant risk to the health of workers and the public, so it’s essential that duty holders take appropriate steps to prevent their spread, such as good ventilation and regular testing and analysis to identify and monitor their presence.
By David R Flower, Institute of Occupational Medicine on 01 September 2023
The dire warnings about air pollution’s impact can leave us feeling scared and stuck. As a systemic problem there are limits to what individuals can do in isolation to protect themselves. But is that the full picture? What is the potential for individuals and businesses to support change?
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2023
On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, 2023 has seen a significant rollout of legislative changes to fire safety in high-rise residential buildings that highlight the progress made and the challenges that yet remain.
By Aisha Farooq, Fire Protection Association on 08 August 2023
The golden thread topic has no doubt featured many times before. With it being summer 2023, the registration of higher-risk buildings is in full swing, and the policy on the golden thread of information is being finalised with secondary legislation enshrining it expected in various waves soon.
By Sofie Hooper, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management on 16 August 2023
