Features

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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

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

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 2221808454 Credit Elena Alex Photo 500 Min

    A bitter harvest: female sugarcane workers ‘pushed’ into having hysterectomies

    The practice of female sugarcane workers in Maharashtra state undergoing unnecessary hysterectomies, in part driven by a financial need to avoid sick days due to menstrual problems and pregnancy, still persists, allege campaigners, despite a state government-commissioned report in 2019 urging greater action to eradicate it.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 11 August 2025

    Istock 459320361 Credit Claudinevm 500 Wide Min

    Toilet trouble: how India’s working women still lack suitable facilities

    Despite government efforts to construct hundreds of millions of toilets across India in recent years, female workers in informal sectors like street vending, construction and agriculture still struggle to find safe and clean sanitary facilities, restricting their earning power and placing their health at risk.

    By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 11 August 2025

    Freediving Federico Buzzoni (1)

    Freediver, Helena Bourdillon on how trust is the key to productive and happy workplaces

    Helena Bourdillon has survived and triumphed over chronic depression and now freedives to world-beating depths. A star speaker at SHW Live this year in London, her success she says is built on a philosophy of trust, which she nurtures through her five tools. We take a deep dive to explore how this approach can be applied to reducing stress at work.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 31 July 2025

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    Health and safety auditing: friend or foe?

    A company’s management may be sceptical about the value of an external occupational health and safety audit, but done well, they are a great way to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in safety policies, systems and performance.

    By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 06 August 2025

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    How being mobile helps prevent slips, trips and falls at work

    Good physical fitness and mobility can help to reduce the risk of workers suffering slips, trips and falls, so it makes sense to encourage staff to improve their coordination, balance and strength, through simple exercises and activities.

    By Chloe Miller, freelance writer on 06 August 2025

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    2025 UK fire safety regulation updates: a quick guide

    The regulatory landscape covering fire safety arrangements and structural features in domestic and commercial buildings has undergone a number of significant changes in recent years, making it essential for responsible persons to review their approach to keeping residents, workers and the nearby public safe from the risk of fire. 

    By Chloe Miller on 11 July 2025

    Istock 1225370671 Credit Sujay Govindaraj 500 Wide Min

    India’s medical sector – ‘doctors still at risk of violence’

    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

    Istock 636893904 Credit Bartosz Hadyniak 500 Wide Min

    Assam’s tea gardens: the battle for decent working conditions continues

    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

    Sun Safety Photo SC Johnson Professional

    Facing the facts: protecting your outdoor workforce from UV exposure and skin cancer

    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

    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 07 July 2025

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