Features

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    Migrant workers: Goa fire tragedy reignites debate on poor safety protections

    A deadly fire at a nightclub in Goa that claimed the lives of 20 migrant workers from across India made global headlines – and triggered fresh demands for government agencies to step up efforts to ensure the safety of low-paid workers in environments such as bars, nightclubs and hotels.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 13 February 2026

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    India’s 10-minute delivery model: why working conditions could be about to improve

    India’s ‘10-minute’ quick-commerce home delivery model has been criticised for allegedly encouraging reckless riding by delivery workers, but the Government has now reportedly stepped in to urge the app platforms to abandon the time-bound delivery promise and do more to ensure the safety of the sector’s workers.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 13 February 2026

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    Financial stress: why and how it affects workplace safety

    Financial worries can lead to cognitive impairment that increases the risk of workplace accidents, so it’s essential employers provide financial education and confidential support for workers who may be struggling with problems like debt and unexpected living expenses.

    By Chloe Miller, freelance writer on 06 February 2026

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    How to mitigate the hearing loss cost escalation tsunami

    Employers need to adopt the latest and most effective noise risk evaluation and management measures, or face rapidly-rising compensation claims for noise-induced hearing loss at work.

    By Peter Wilson, Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC) on 06 February 2026

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    What to watch in workplace safety in 2026

    From the growing use of AI and connected technology in the UK’s fast-expanding clean energy industry, to a greater focus on ‘traditional’ safety issues like fire safety and respiratory hazards, Dräger highlights some of the key OSH trends to look out for in 2026.

    By Adam Pope, Draeger Safety UK on 02 February 2026

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    Breaking the Silence: Why every workplace needs the new suicide awareness standard

    One in 13 people have attempted suicide, but in workplaces the issue is often masked by stigma. We explore how a new landmark standard is moving suicide awareness out of the shadows of ‘hushed conversations’ and into the light of clear, actionable guidance.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 02 February 2026

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    Risky business – how to future-proof your organisation and get ahead

    Forward-thinking organisations regularly update their plans for responding to events posing major business disruption, and existing emergency procedures for challenges, such as fire, provide a useful template for an effective business continuity strategy.

    By Ian Cooke, British Safety Council on 02 February 2026

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    Beyond awareness: how companies can support hearing protection behaviour

    Workers often fail to wear hearing protection in noisy environments, but there are some simple steps employers can take to boost wear rates – and prevent devastating hearing damage.

    By Dr Dalia Tsimpida, University of Southampton on 02 February 2026

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    Noise control: what I wish employers knew before making the big spend

    Employers often spend significant sums attempting to reduce noise levels from plant and machinery without first considering lower cost, but often more effective approaches, such as properly maintaining mechanical parts like guards, fans and compressed air systems.

    By Gill Cussons, UK Hearing Conservation Association (UKHCA) on 02 February 2026

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    AI-powered wearables: transforming workplace health and safety

    Wearable technology powered by AI analysis is now regularly deployed to prevent safety problems like musculoskeletal injuries and collisions between forklifts and pedestrians, and future developments mean the technology looks set to make it easier to manage other safety challenges, like site evacuations.

    By Graham Sharp, Stanley on 08 December 2025