Features

    Fire Extinguisher Istock 469052202 Credit Tashi Delek

    The C8 foam ban explained: what it means for you

    From 4 July, the use of fire extinguishers and suppression systems containing the ‘forever chemical’ perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) will be prohibited, meaning duty holders need to move fast to ensure compliance with the law.

    By Laurie Pollard, Firechief® Global on 09 July 2025

    Bike Battery MED Credit Aerogondo

    The hidden risks of lithium-ion batteries

    With UK fire services now tackling at least three Li-ion battery fires a day, it’s clear that stronger regulation and enforcement is urgently required to prevent the sale, use and modification of poor-quality and potentially dangerous batteries used in e-bikes and scooters.

    By Adrian Simmonds, QBE Europe on 01 July 2025

    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

    Auditing Inspections Paperwork Istock 457984115 Credit John Wildgoose

    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

    Hybrid Worker Stretching MED Istock 1311282401

    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

    Tall Building MED Istock 173901079 Credit Richardwatson

    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