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
Problems with the fit of some disposal filtering facepiece respirators across the variety of face shapes and facial features found in the workforce, means those who fall outside of the standard facial dimensions may not be getting full protection from respiratory risks. This has prompted one leading RPE manufacturer to develop a new design that provides a good fit for a wider range of different face shapes and sizes, keeping more people safe in the workplace.
By Ian Kelsall, Draeger Safety UK on 01 September 2024
Although instances of children being employed in hazardous activities continue to hit the headlines, campaigners say a successful programme to end the practice of child employment in mines in Jharkhand provides a model template for eradicating child labour in India.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 08 August 2024
Reports that IT companies are pressurising the Karnataka government to extend the sector’s legal maximum working day from 12 to 14 hours have provoked a furious reaction, with unions and IT workers warning it will lead to a major deterioration in staff wellbeing.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 08 August 2024
Worker fatigue could potentially pose a serious risk to the safe running of London’s public transport and strategic road network, but Transport for London has a comprehensive set of measures in place to minimise the chance of tiredness affecting workers’ ability to perform safely.
By Chris Jones, Transport for London on 01 August 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers huge potential for improving the performance, functionality and fit of personal protective equipment (PPE). Material science company W. L. Gore and Associates is already working with stakeholders like apparel and footwear manufacturing partners to explore how the technology can ensure the most effective use of materials, create inclusive PPE that fits all genders and body shapes, and incorporate smart technology with enhanced safety and comfort functionality into garments and more.
By Leonard Schlichting, W. L. Gore and Associates, and Reza Jamshidi-Azad, GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics on 01 August 2024
Migraine can have a debilitating effect on an individual’s performance at work, so it’s vital employers take steps to reduce the triggers for an attack and provide adequate support.
By Andrea Quinn, The Migraine Trust on 01 August 2024
Many employers are keen to support the psychological health of their workforce through the provision of different forms of training and employee support services, but it’s vital there’s genuine evidence of the effectiveness of the training and support provided, otherwise the investment will be wasted.
By Professor Neil Greenberg and Georgina Godden, March on Stress on 01 August 2024
The recent tragic deaths of 46 Indian migrant workers in a fire in an unsafe accommodation block in Kuwait has reignited concerns the Indian government is failing to exert sufficient pressure on overseas governments and businesses to protect the safety and labour rights of Indians employed overseas in unskilled and semi-skilled work.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 July 2024
Although many Indian businesses celebrate the annual Pride Month aimed at encouraging support for the country’s LGBTQ+ community, there is much work to be done before all Indian workplaces become inclusive spaces where people can be open about their sexuality and gender identity without fear of discrimination.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 July 2024
With India predicted to face longer and more intensive heatwaves driven by climate change, experts say the country must begin planning how to better protect workers from the health impacts of searing heat and humidity.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 10 June 2024
