Features

    Istock 2185041333 Credit Chris Bucanac 600 Min

    Avoidable deaths, endless excuses: how can India improve its workplace safety culture?

    A recent series of high-profile workplace tragedies that claimed multiple lives across India have stoked public debate about the poor safety record of many of the country’s highest-risk industries. Trade unions argue that greater enforcement of safety laws is required to change business behaviour, while other commentators say many businesses require a huge internal cultural shift to safety excellence that must be led by directors and senior managers.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 17 September 2026

    Istock 498169795 Credit Johnnygreig 600 Min (1)

    Fatal falls in India: why are the numbers not declining?

    Despite widespread awareness of safe working procedures and equipment, falls from hieght remain one of the leading causes of workplace death and serious injury in India. Critics say problems such as time pressures and inadequate training lie at the root of many of these incidents, but others are hopeful that the new Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code will herald a reduction in falls by driving improvements in training, competence and supervision more widely.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 17 September 2026

    COVER IMAGE GSR 2026 600 Wide Min

    Why contact with electricity is this year’s leading powered access safety challenge

    Electrocutions and electric shocks were the leading cause of reported fatal and major incidents involving powered access equipment worldwide in 2025, so it’s vital that those operating such equipment ensure they have suitable procedures, training and supervision in place to ensure safe work near overhead powerlines and other electrical infrastructure.

    By Brian Parker, IPAF on 14 September 2026

    Istock 2187628967 Credit Ivanko Brnjakovic 600 Min

    Learning velocity: the new measure of safety maturity

    Safety training has often been delivered on a time-based cycle, such as annual courses and refreshers, but with new hazards and risks emerging at an ever-growing rate, it is essential that employers continuously monitor for changing risks, provide updated training, and check the new knowledge taught is actually making work safer.

    By Dr Julie Riggs, British Safety Council on 13 September 2026

    Istock 931051580 Credit Sturti 600 Wide Min

    What half a century of data has taught us about preventing falls in scaffolding operations

    Decades of effort by the NASC and its member contractors have succeeded in driving down scaffolding accidents, but it’s essential that businesses hiring scaffold contractors only select those who work in accordance with NASC’s official guidelines if these safety improvements are to be sustained in the long-term.

    By NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) on 11 September 2026

    Istock 1477043858 Credit Shapecharge 500 Wide Min

    Safety talk: what is your safety system really saying?

    We tell workers we want them to speak up when things go wrong, but the words, numbers and models we use in safety management can quietly tell them to stay silent. Choosing our language and symbols with care can rebuild the trust that makes honest conversations about safety possible.

    By Grant Tickle, British Safety Council on 08 September 2026

    Istock 667878716 Credit Charliechesvick 600 Min

    Falls from height: progress made, but risks remain

    Despite the UK having one of the best health and safety records in the world, falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace deaths in the nation. Although improvements in training, equipment and ongoing educational campaigns have helped to drive down the number of fall injuries in recent years, further work is required to ensure these efforts translate into continuous reductions in the accident rate.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 08 September 2026

    OFFICIAL Warehouse 20227850 600 Wide Min

    The Unipart Way: our journey to Zero Harm

    Achieving safety excellence involves creating an environment where every single employee feels a genuine sense of ownership – both for the safety of themselves and all their colleagues.

    By Kirsty Summerby, Unipart on 08 September 2026

    Istock 1442790662 Credit Catlane 600 Wide Min

    Bridging competence: strengthening fire risk assessment capability

    With the UK Government confirming that mandatory competence requirements for fire risk assessors will be introduced, and independently verified by UKAS-accredited certification bodies, it is vital that fire risk assessors and those commissioning assessments begin pursuing the relevant qualifications and certifications now.

    By Jess Mullis, Fire Protection Association on 01 September 2026

    Istock 1189899486 Credit Ridofranz 500 Min

    Competence expectations – now for organisational management of individual competence

    The new building safety regime aims to improve the competence of everyone working in the built environment, and two new guidance documents seek to support this by setting out how organisations such as construction contractors can demonstrate their staff and supply chain are competent to deliver the work the organisation is appointed to do.

    By Sofie Hooper, Association for Project Safety & Anthony Taylor, Resolve Risk Ltd on 31 August 2026