Opinion

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    A false dichotomy: safety regulation vs. economic prosperity

    In recent months, political leaders around the world have rallied behind an all too familiar battle cry: seeking to slash “red tape” and unlock promised profits, productivity, and potential. This pledge for regulatory reduction perpetuates a dangerous and false dichotomy - that safety regulations and economic prosperity exist only in opposition to one another. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 02 May 2025

    Ladder Association Image Min

    Ladder Association embarks on latest phase of market surveillance

    Research by the Ladder Association has repeatedly revealed serious concerns about the safety and quality of telescopic ladders sold in the UK via online marketplaces. Now, the Association is expanding its market surveillance, research and testing programme to cover ladders sold by physical stores, to both root out non-compliant ladders and identify those that are good quality and safe to use.

    By Peter Bennett OBE, Ladder Association on 01 May 2025

    4 Paulbw

    Work at height: never disregard the dangers

    I suffered devastating injuries in a totally preventable fall from height at work, and I’m passionate in encouraging all employers to do more to educate workers about the dangers of taking short-cuts with safety.

    By Paul Blanchard, Life After an Accident on 01 May 2025

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Making good work the foundation

    In 2024, for the first time, the UK dropped out of the list of the top 20 happiest countries: according to the World Happiness Index. This year, the UK rests in 23rd place, slightly ahead of the US and behind the Nordic countries, Germany, the UAE and others.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 07 April 2025

    M4L RCJ 9208 Credit Mums For Lungs Crispin Hughes

    The air we share: why tackling pollution protects us all

    Air pollution is often invisible; its impact is anything but. Whether you’re a parent worried about your child’s lungs, a construction worker breathing exhaust fumes, or a commuter passing through busy streets, polluted air is everyone’s problem.

    By Scott Paul, Mums for Lungs on 04 April 2025

    Tushar Nair Photo 2

    Why electric cooking is the future we need

    The way we cook is more than just a matter of taste and convenience – it’s a critical climate, health, safety, and economic issue. Despite the growing momentum toward building electrification, cooking remains one of the last strongholds of fossil fuel reliance in our homes and commercial kitchens.

    By Tushar Nair, Global Cooksafe Coalition on 01 April 2025

    Gill 04

    Beyond compliance: why noise control must evolve beyond PPE

    Engineering solutions for noise control on plant, machinery and tools are often straightforward, low-cost and bring financial savings themselves, so it’s time employers moved away from the default position of purchasing and issuing personal hearing protection to workers.

    By Gill Cussons, Noise & Vibration Solutions on 13 March 2025

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Navigating a changing world

    Human history has hung on a timeline of change and every generation has been asked to answer the same call, to adapt and evolve. From the printing press to the PC, change has continuously re-defined both the work we do and how we do it. Where the future differs from the past is the pace at which change will impact society.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 03 March 2025

    Workers in Hearing Protection iStock miniseries

    Noise-induced hearing loss: time to make it personal?

    This year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone in its long-standing mission to protect lives and improve workplace safety. 2025 is also the 20th anniversary of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005). It’s also now a year since I wrote an opinion piece for Safety Management arguing that we need to harness new technology to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).¹ So, what has happened in the meantime?

    By Neal Hill, UKHCA on 28 February 2025

    Older Female Worker iStock VioletaStoimenova

    An age diverse workforce – some key health and safety considerations

    As the proportion of older people in the workforce grows, it is vital employers take steps to assess and mitigate risks to the health, safety and wellbeing of older employees, such as a possible higher chance of musculoskeletal injury.

    By Liam Jagger, Pinsent Masons on 06 February 2025