Features

    Home Worker MED Istock Credit Pixelfit

    Home but not alone

    The post-pandemic shift to home and hybrid working poses challenges for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of workers, but the starting point should always be the careful assessment, discussion and management of risks like home workstations, electrical dangers and mental wellbeing.

    By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 20 September 2023

    Happy Meeting MED Istock Credit Delmaine Donson

    A healthy office: how design can boost wellbeing

    Environmental factors such as noise, air quality, temperature and ventilation can all impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of office workers, so it makes sense to address them when designing and running office buildings.

    By Bex Moorhouse, Invigorate Spaces Ltd on 20 September 2023

    Scientist MED Istock Credit Peopleimages

    Microbiological contamination: time to act

    Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and mould can pose a significant risk to the health of workers and the public, so it’s essential that duty holders take appropriate steps to prevent their spread, such as good ventilation and regular testing and analysis to identify and monitor their presence.

    By David R Flower, Institute of Occupational Medicine on 01 September 2023

    Woman Air Pollution Med Istock Fangxianuo

    Air pollution – but what can you do?

    The dire warnings about air pollution’s impact can leave us feeling scared and stuck. As a systemic problem there are limits to what individuals can do in isolation to protect themselves. But is that the full picture? What is the potential for individuals and businesses to support change?

    By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2023

    Flats tall buildings grenfell

    Progress made and challenges ahead – Grenfell six years on

    On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, 2023 has seen a significant rollout of legislative changes to fire safety in high-rise residential buildings that highlight the progress made and the challenges that yet remain.

    By Aisha Farooq, Fire Protection Association on 08 August 2023

    Neuroscience: how it can support employee health, safety and wellbeing

    Cognitive neuroscientist Javid Farahani will be speaking at the SHW Live exhibition in Farnborough in September on how simple technology can assess the cognitive health and fitness of employees – and provide them and their employers with simple ideas for improving their performance and resilience to stress.

    By Javid Farahani, CogMap on 15 August 2023

    Gore-tex-professional-pyrad-safety-garments

    Getting arc rated PPE procurement right

    Arc rated PPE provides vital protection against electrical arcing for people such as engineers working on electrical installations, but it’s crucial to consider factors like comfort, durability and weather protection when selecting it.

    By Jonas Andersson, GORE-TEX on 15 August 2023

    Gore tex professional rain water test

    The science of wearer comfort and PPE

    Working in hot, cold and wet conditions can have a negative impact on a worker’s performance and comfort levels, so it’s vital to ensure that any protective clothing provides adequate insulation, weather protection and breathability.

    By Anna West, GORE-TEX on 01 August 2023

    Construction workers shaking hands

    Building a safer future

    A new charter and benchmarking scheme aims to encourage all stakeholders in the built environment industry to develop the necessary leadership and culture to put people’s safety first in how we design, build and maintain the built environment.

    By Gary Townsend Vila, Building a Safer Future on 01 September 2023

    Jacqueline O'donovan

    Jacqueline O’Donovan: leading the way in waste and recycling

    Made an OBE this year in recognition for her services to Recycling, Safety and Industry, Jacqueline O’Donovan has been managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd since the age of 19. Safety Management meets her to learn the secrets of her success.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 20 October 2023