Features

    Cutting stone iStock photovs

    Silica dust: a hidden danger

    Exposure to silica dust during tasks like cutting and sanding concrete, rock and stone can cause debilitating and often fatal lung diseases – making it vital employers prevent or reduce exposure.

    By Kevin Harris, Arco Professional Safety Services on 03 April 2023

    uvex blue gloves bamboo

    Purchasing PPE: why sustainability data is becoming crucial

    With businesses increasingly keen to minimise their carbon footprint by selecting materials and products with the lowest carbon emissions, PPE specialist uvex has started offering data on the amount of greenhouse gases its products generate.

    By Verena Keller, uvex on 09 February 2024

    Nail in Shoe

    Running into problems with safety footwear

    Tests show a significant amount of safety footwear on the UK market does not perform as advertised, potentially putting workers at risk of serious injury, but there is a quick way to check the products you purchase meet the required standard.

    By Alan Murray, BSIF on 20 February 2024

    Epilepsy Purple Squiggles iStock ThitareeSarmkasat

    Employing people with epilepsy: nothing to fear

    Although businesses may be fearful about employing someone with epilepsy due to concerns about safety risks if they experience a seizure, the risks can often be managed through approaches like adjustments to working patterns and ensuring colleagues know what to do if a worker has a seizure.

    By Grace Wood, Epilepsy Action on 29 February 2024

    Heatwave Sunset Drought iStock mycola

    Bracing for impact: businesses urged to prepare for effects of climate change

    Climate change is already affecting businesses around the world and will continue to hit bottom lines, disrupt supply chains, and impact workers’ health and wellbeing for decades to come – even if global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are successful. It is vital, therefore, that companies prioritise climate change adaptation measures alongside their mitigation strategies.

    By Kerry Reals on 30 May 2024

    Tap Dripping on Hand iStock liulolo

    Saving for a sunny day – why water efficiency is key

    With future droughts and population growth expected to place huge pressure on public water demand in the UK, businesses have a vital role to play in protecting future supplies by improving their water efficiency.

    By Jo Osborn, Waterwise, and Liz D'Arcy, MOSL on 30 May 2024

    Worker Applying Sunscreen SC Johnson Professional

    Outdoor workers and UV: your responsibilities as an employer

    Employers have a legal duty to protect outdoor workers from the harmful effects of sun exposure, and should begin by educating staff about the dangers.

    By SC Johnson Professional on 30 May 2024

    Diabetes Hypo Kit

    The five business risks of the Type 2 diabetes epidemic

    Diabetes can pose significant risks to health and safety and the health of those with the condition, so it’s essential to create a supportive working environment that allows staff to properly manage their diabetes without fear their work performance will be questioned.

    By Kate Walker, The Diabetes Safety Organisation on 30 May 2024

    Ella Roberta

    The simple steps we can take to stem the hidden danger of indoor air pollution

    It’s a simple, obvious truth: the cleaner the air we breathe, the healthier we are. Yet, most of us are inhaling pollution out in the streets as well as in the safety of our homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other buildings – without realising the damage it is causing to our health, nor that there are quick, easy solutions to clean the air and strengthen the health of our communities.

    By Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE, Ella Roberta Foundation on 30 May 2024

    Hand Holding sustainability Graphic iStock Khanchit Khirisutchalual

    Sustainable procurement: a win-win for business and the environment

    Implementing sustainable procurement not only protects the environment by conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with the production, use and end-of-life of the product or service, it can also reap financial and reputational benefits for the purchasing company.

    By Dr Keith Whitehead C.Env on 04 June 2024