Mike Robinson 3 Med

A false dichotomy: safety regulation vs. economic prosperity

In recent months, political leaders around the world have rallied behind an all too familiar battle cry: seeking to slash “red tape” and unlock promised profits, productivity, and potential. This pledge for regulatory reduction perpetuates a dangerous and false dichotomy - that safety regulations and economic prosperity exist only in opposition to one another. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 02 May 2025

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A risky existence: tackling dangers to the children of migrant construction workers

In India, there are regular reports of young children being killed or injured while living in makeshift houses on construction sites where their parents work long hours as labourers. However, construction companies, schools and NGOs are increasingly working together to provide on-site childcare centres and schools so children can both be kept safe from the dangers and receive an education.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 13 May 2025

Suresh Tanwar Cropped 500 Min

Safety audits: a powerful tool for keeping everyone safe at work

Health and safety audits provide vital insights into the most effective ways of improving an organisation’s safety performance. However, to get the most from the audit process, it is vital a company is open about its safety performance and systems, and happy to hear ideas for improvement, explains Suresh Tanwar, senior head of audit and consultancy at British Safety Council India LLP.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 13 May 2025

News

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London council launches scheme to cut cooking emissions in restaurants in bid to improve air quality

Air pollution caused by frying and grilling food presents a “significant air quality and public health challenge” said a London council as it announced a new scheme to cut cooking emissions.

By Belinda Liversedge on 19 May 2025

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Features

Site Safety Sign MED Istock 184100680 Credit Lucentius

Why good visual management makes for safer construction sites

The hazards and risks on construction sites constantly change as a project progresses, but carefully designed and placed signboards can both communicate crucial safety instructions and reinforce the employer’s expectations in terms of everyday safe behaviour.

By Kevin Rowe, SafetyBuyer on 20 May 2025

Suresh Tanwar Cropped 500 Min

Prosecutions

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Paddleboard company owner jailed after “reckless decision” leads to deaths of four people

The owner of a paddleboard business who caused the deaths of four people in a river in south-west Wales has been jailed for 10 and a half years. The court heard Nerys Lloyd, 39, had been “completely reckless” to take a group of inexperienced paddleboarders into the flooded river and weir in Haverfordwest.

By Belinda Liversedge on 01 May 2025

Opinion

Neil Blacklock Photo

Drones: flying high or greater depths?

Drones are often used to avoid the need for humans to work at height, but they can also be used in certain dangerous confined spaces, such as silos, sewers and tanks, reducing the risk to workers.

By Neil Blacklock, Rainham Industrial Services on 16 May 2025