Features

    Working From Home iStock gpointstudio

    Changes to employment rights – what every employer should know

    The UK Government has announced a number of planned legislative and related measures aimed at making work more flexible, family-friendly and secure, but forward-thinking employers can get started now by taking steps to ensure a good work-life balance and provide ‘good’ work that supports wellbeing, morale and fair conditions.

    By Amy Butterworth, Timewise on 02 December 2024

    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

    Happy Workers in Hard Hats iStock mnbb

    Visible Felt Safety Leadership: because we are stronger together

    To achieve safety excellence, leaders must create an environment where all workers feel the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others is genuinely valued – and there are some simple and low-cost ways of achieving this.

    By Dee Arp, NEBOSH on 02 December 2024

    Recycling Bins Newell Brands

    Why changes to recycling legislation in England are an opportunity, not a burden

    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

    Forklift in Warehouse Mitsubishi

    The growing problem of MSDs in the materials handling industry

    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

    Amresh K. Deshmukh Cropped 500 Min

    Process safety management: the importance of getting it right

    Process safety incidents at major hazard plants, such as chemical and gas leaks, can have catastrophic consequences for workers, local communities and the environment. However, by carefully assessing the risks and establishing suitable policies, systems and procedures, businesses can keep everyone safe, explains Amresh K. Deshmukh, head of process safety management at British Safety Council.  

    By Amresh K. Deshmukh on 10 November 2024

    Istock 1133727887 Credit Abhisheklegit 500 Wide Min

    Road safety in India: could better road safety, vehicle technology and enforcement make driving for work safer?

    India has a poor road safety record, and research shows that commercial vehicles are a major contributor to the problem, with trucks estimated to be the single largest vehicle type involved in impacts leading to fatalities. We look at solutions that could make driving for work and the roads in general safer – from in-vehicle technology that warns truck drivers about unsafe behaviour to improving the design features of major highways.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 10 November 2024

    Man Inspecting Equipment CFTS

    The hidden costs of non-compliant inspections

    Many businesses assume that as long as they get their equipment inspected, they’re covered. But the reality is that cutting corners on safety checks can lead to some serious hidden costs – whether that’s equipment breaking down, workplace accidents, or even large fines.

    By Geoff Martin, CFTS on 08 November 2024

    Forklift Safety Cones AITT

    Accredited training – the key to a safer workplace

    Choosing accredited training means you can trust that your materials handling equipment operators are fully prepared for the job. With regular audits and high standards, accredited providers give businesses confidence that safety is always the priority.

    By Liam Knight, AITT on 08 November 2024

    Two Men Forklift Mentor

    Forklifts: why regular refresher training and monitoring is key to operational safety

    Regular refresher training and ongoing monitoring is crucial for ensuring that forklift operators do not develop unsafe habits or suffer ‘skill fade’, but it’s essential that any refresher and monitoring programme is based on a thorough assessment of a site’s unique transport safety needs and day-to-day challenges.

    By Stuart Taylor, Mentor FLT Training on 07 November 2024