Although Assam’s state government recently announced a pay rise for workers in state-run tea plantations, trade unions say the industry’s workforce still faces poor working and living conditions, despite years of protests and demands for improvements.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 14 July 2025
Almost a year after the rape and murder of a young female doctor at a Kolkata hospital horrified the nation, commentators say progress has been painfully slow in improving the safety and security of many hospitals and doctors’ living accommodation.
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 14 July 2025
With outdoor workers at significant risk of skin damage, ageing and cancer due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, it’s essential that employers in sectors like construction and agriculture create a working environment where sun safety precautions become the norm, rather than the exception.
By SC Johnson Professional on 11 July 2025
This July, HSE prosecuted two cases in which two workers were killed by reversing HGVs. They shared striking similarities.
By Belinda Liversedge on 04 September 2025
A group of asbestos management organisations have developed a methodology that can more accurately identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It presents the information in simple form so building owners have a better understanding of the risk the ACMs pose. The move would also allow asbestos removal strategies to be targeted at buildings with the riskiest ACMs and the most vulnerable occupants.
By Campaign team, Asbestos Information CIC on 03 September 2025
With recent HSE research concluding that asbestos site surveys from UKAS-accredited companies and surveyors consistently deliver higher quality results than their non-accredited counterparts, the time has arrived for the Government and HSE to introduce mandatory UKAS accreditation for all organisations providing asbestos surveying services.
By Robert Southall, Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 04 September 2025
Despite the 1999 ban on the importation and use of asbestos in the UK, the substance remains present in major quantities in a huge variety and number of buildings, meaning careful management is vital to reduce the potentially devastating exposure risks.
By Chris Ivey, UKATA on 04 September 2025
There are growing calls for mandatory UKAS accreditation for organisations that offer asbestos surveying services, but there are strong arguments both in favour and against the move.
By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 04 September 2025
If tight-fitting respiratory facepieces are required to protect against inhalation of hazardous substances, wearers must undergo a fit test by a competent person. However, it’s essential employers understand the benefits and shortcomings of the available test methods.
By Paul Salisbury, Fire Safe International Ltd on 04 September 2025
The key ISO management standards setting out best practice frameworks for effectively managing occupational health and safety, environmental and quality risks and opportunities are undergoing major revision, so it’s essential businesses start planning now to meet the new requirements in order to maintain their certifications under the relevant standards.
By Dr Keith Whitehead, British Safety Council on 08 August 2025
Mobile and fixed gas detectors have long been a crucial tool for alerting workers to the presence of asphyxiating or explosive gases, but developments in smart and connected technology are making it much easier to monitor entire networks of detectors and respond immediately to alarms and emergencies that could pose a risk to life or site safety.
By Becca Dodds, Draeger Safety UK on 26 August 2025
Those responsible for business premises should provide assistive equipment to ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of people with mobility impairments. However, it is crucial that this equipment is regularly maintained and that staff are thoroughly trained in its use – otherwise, confusion and potentially fatal delays can arise in an emergency.
By Evac+Chair on 07 August 2025
Safety footwear can prevent slip, trip and fall injuries, but it’s essential to consider other factors that could positively or negatively affect wearer comfort, such as breathable materials, waterproof qualities and boot weight.
By Simon Ash, HAIX on 06 August 2025
