Features

    Building Safety In 3D MED Istock Credit Dinn

    A year on – what have been the developments in competence management and the golden thread?

    Last July the authors published an article in Safety Management where we looked at the expectations for those responsible for managing competence and those creating and managing the golden thread. In this edition we provide an update on both these key requirements of the Building Safety Act/Fire Safety Act’s ‘new regulatory regime’ including for higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

    By Sofie Hooper, Association for Project Safety and Anthony Taylor, Resolve Risk Ltd on 03 July 2025

    Safety Prof AI Photo By Notify Technology

    The AI safety revolution: augmentation, not elimination

    Artificial Intelligence looks set to vastly reduce the amount of time and effort required to record, create and analyse occupational safety and ESG data, procedures and performance, while automatically providing insight into areas for improvement and areas of excellence.

    By Alex Nichol, Notify Technology on 16 June 2025

    Safety Technology Intelex Blog Highres

    How digital transformation is changing EHSQ operations

    Environment, health and safety (EHS) software is a highly effective way of improving the management of EHS risks, by making it much easier to digitally record, analyse, share, update and act on all types of data and information. EHS software experts from Intelex Technologies tell Matt Burtney, senior content strategist at Interlex, how adopting digital EHS tools reaps productivity, reputational and ESG benefits for a business.

    By Scott Gaddis and Charlie Knapp, Intelex on 04 June 2025

    Istock 2166551077 Credit Lemon Tm

    Can AI be trusted with worker safety?

    Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance the management of occupational safety by analysing vast amounts of both internal and external industry safety data. This data can be continuously updated, integrating lessons learned to support real-time improvements in worker safety.

    By Emma Bundy, Yokogawa RAP on 03 June 2025

    Amazon Book Cover 25 03 25

    Celebrating 50 years of The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

    Upon its introduction half a century ago, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ushered in a new regulatory system, philosophy and regulator for managing occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in Britain. To mark this landmark anniversary, four former senior Health and Safety Executive staff have published a book exploring how the system which underpins Britain’s OSH performance has survived for so long and weathered various challenges along the way.

    By David Ashton, Kevin Myers, David Eves and David Snowball on 03 June 2025

    Indian Female Worker Sexual Harassment MED Istock 1368550127 Credit Peopleimages

    Now is the right time to address workplace sexual harassment

    Employers now have a specific legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect employees from sexual harassment at work, making it essential for businesses to proactively anticipate when sexual harassment may occur and implement practical and appropriate measures to prevent it.

    By Nicole Vazquez, Worthwhile Training on 06 June 2025

    US Flag Against Dark Background MED Istock 1365529691 Credit Dmitriy83

    Stars, stripes and safety

    It seems like America today is rarely out of the news, particularly since President Trump won his second term. Our ‘special relationship’ with America has continued, with the country a strong pipeline for inspiration, products and trends.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 02 July 2025

    Bike Battery MED Credit Aerogondo

    The hidden risks of lithium-ion batteries

    With UK fire services now tackling at least three Li-ion battery fires a day, it’s clear that stronger regulation and enforcement is urgently required to prevent the sale, use and modification of poor-quality and potentially dangerous batteries used in e-bikes and scooters.

    By Adrian Simmonds, QBE Europe on 01 July 2025

    Maps Paper Fingers Planning MED Istock Credit Peopleimages

    Not leaving it to the Fates: the Golden Thread unspun?

    Workplace and facilities management professionals play a vital role in creating and maintaining a ‘Golden Thread’ of digital information to ensure the ongoing safety of occupied higher-risk residential buildings. Now, new tools and guidance have been published to ensure everyone adopts a standardised approach when drawing together the required data and information.

    By Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) on 01 July 2025

    Tall Building Cladding MED Istock Travel Motion

    Behind the façade – what is really happening with cladding remediation?

    Eight years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK continues to grapple with the complex and emotionally charged challenge of cladding remediation, with around half of affected residential buildings still yet to begin the process.

    By George Edwardes, Fire Protection Association (FPA) on 01 July 2025