Features

    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

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    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

    Car Submerged in Flood Water iStock Project B

    Turning the dial on climate change adaptation

    Public and private sector organisations should be taking action to adapt to current and future impacts of extreme weather changes caused by climate change, and an IEMA toolkit provides practical advice on getting started.

    By Chloë Fiddy, IEMA on 04 June 2024

    Man With Light Measurement Monitor BRE

    Why good indoor environmental quality can enhance wellbeing

    Research suggests good indoor environmental quality can enhance the health, wellbeing and productivity of a building’s occupants, so it’s essential for building owners to improve areas like indoor air quality, temperature, lighting and acoustics.

    By Dr Andy Dengel, BRE on 10 June 2024

    50th Birthday Cake iStock GMVozd

    A golden era of safety: 50 years of the Health and Safety at Work Act

    As the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 turns 50 on 31 July, the world of work, both now and in the future, looks markedly different to when this ground-breaking piece of legislation was enacted. Yet, the Act has stood the test of time and its principles remain as relevant now as they did in the summer of ’74 – unlike some of the haircuts from that time.

    By Kerry Reals on 27 June 2024