Features

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Aligning organisational culture with sustainability: a win, win for the environment and business

The culture of an organisation is crucial in determining how successfully it implements, integrates and achieves its sustainability and environmental goals and practices. However, there are a number of simple ways of ensuring a positive organisational culture where everyone is fully committed to achieving excellent sustainability performance.

By Dr Keith Whitehead, British Safety Council on 04 April 2025

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Why quality data is essential when using AI for occupational safety and health management

Artificial intelligence-powered models, systems and technology have the potential to significantly improve the management of occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, but it is vital that OSH practitioners understand the limitations and dangers of using AI to protect people at work.

By Dr Bob Rajan-Sithamparanadarajah. Safety Groups UK (SGUK) on 01 April 2025

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Sustainable aviation fuels: how do we put the SAFety in SAF?

Sustainable aviation fuel is seen as having great potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation. However, as with other emerging renewable energy sources, the safety risks arising from the production, processing and storage of these biofuels can be accompanied by new risks and will require careful management from the safety industry as utilisation increases to meet the Government’s mandatory targets.

By Megan Hine, Draeger Safety UK on 01 April 2025

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    Kerala landslides: a tale of overdevelopment?

    Recent landslides in Kerala that left over 400 people dead, including many tea plantation workers, have prompted calls for stricter enforcement of laws designed to prevent deforestation, quarrying and development that experts say have exacerbated the risk of fatal landslides and flooding.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 09 September 2024

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    Violence to medical staff: murder of doctor prompts demands for action

    The rape and murder of a female doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata triggered country-wide strikes and protests by medical staff – and reignited demands for better security in healthcare premises and tougher sentences for the perpetrators of violent and sexual crimes.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 09 September 2024

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    Stars of the show: what goes on behind the scenes to keep people safe on TV and film sets

    Ruth Denyer has spent almost three decades working as a health and safety professional in the entertainment industry, starting out in theatre before spending 17 years at ITV and then joining global streaming service Netflix. Safety Management sat down with Ruth to discuss a range of issues, from the realities of keeping people safe on set without dampening creativity, to her role as co-president of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) – which, alongside Ruth, will celebrate its 50th birthday next year.

    By Kerry Reals on 01 September 2024

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    Why the UK needs a National Asbestos Register

    Although the previous Conservative government rejected widespread demands for a national register of asbestos in non-domestic premises, a new online platform aims to create a register of existing surveys that can be quickly and freely accessed by those who need to carry out work that could disturb the deadly material.

    By Andrew Paten, UK National Asbestos Register (UKNAR) on 01 September 2024

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    Mesothelioma caused by asbestos in UK schools and hospitals: an ongoing risk to public health

    There are growing concerns about the heightened risk of asbestos exposure in schools and hospitals, but the UK is falling behind Europe in tackling the problem of asbestos in non-domestic buildings.

    By Mesothelioma UK and University of Sheffield on 01 September 2024

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    RPE: the significance of inclusivity in respiratory protection

    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

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    Child labour in India: glimmers of hope emerging

    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

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    India’s IT sector: plan for longer working hours prompts backlash

    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

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    Managing the risk of fatigue: the Transport for London approach

    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

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    The use of AI to improve PPE design: how the GORE-TEX brand is seeking to lead the way

    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