Opinion

    Blue AI Figures iStock XH4D

    The impact of AI on health and safety prosecutions and sentencing

    From undertaking hazardous activities, to identifying and predicting risk, to continuous monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to bring about significant change in workplace health and safety, but not without associated implications for prosecution and sentencing.

    By Laura White and Sasha Jackson, Pinsent Masons on 12 June 2024

    Happy Worker Wearing Helmet iStock miniseries

    In these times, how can we be safe, well and happy?

    Last month, I mentioned two big moments – the General Election and the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) on 31 July. The lack of attention given to health, safety, or even wellbeing by most political parties in their election manifestos, while not entirely unexpected, was disappointing. And it doesn’t reflect the real concerns of workers and leaders here and around the world.

    By Mike Robinson FCA on 01 July 2024

    TV Lighting iStock webclipmaker

    Film and TV industry: entertainment must not be pursued at the expense of safety

    Recent prosecutions of entertainment companies for health and safety failings are a reminder that the duty to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees and others applies to all workplaces, organisations and workers in whatever sector or business.

    By Laura White, Pinsent Masons on 04 July 2024

    Statue with Sword and Scales iStock _ultraforma_

    Sentencing for health and safety offences: how the level of fines is rising

    The Sentencing Council Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety & Hygiene Offences Definitive Guideline (‘the Guidelines’) came into force nearly 10 years ago. The Guidelines sought to implement a proportionate approach to sentencing, ensuring that the levels of fines imposed are proportionate to the means of the offender and reflect the seriousness of the offence committed. This article will explore the sentencing process, provide an update on sentencing over the years and will explore some recent cases.

    By Polly Geddes and Hannah Burton, Pinsent Masons on 29 July 2024

    ULEZ iStock/Alena Kravchenko

    A big, brave change with bold results. Who knew?!

    Cast your mind back to summer last year. Do you recall the almighty row about expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the whole of Greater London? You may also remember just how vociferous, and political, the arguments became.

    By Mike Robinson FCA on 31 July 2024

    Heat Stress Man MED Istock 1308386875 Credit Juyochi

    Heat at work: a silent killer

    Workers across the world are increasingly being exposed to excessive heat with serious implications for their safety and health. It is therefore vital that governments, employers and workers’ organisations develop, share and implement practical and low-cost strategies and measures for effectively reducing the risk from heat stress at work.

    By Halshka Graczyk and Lacye Groening, ILO on 07 April 2025

    Professor Robbie Mcdonald

    Government is off-track to meet its legally binding commitments to protect and improve the environment and must act urgently, says the OEP

    The Office for Environmental Protection is an independent body set up to hold government and public authorities to account for their environmental commitments. A key part of its remit is to annually assess how government is progressing against its legally binding environmental targets and goals in its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). The EIP is regarded as government’s roadmap on how it will restore England’s environment.

    By Professor Robbie McDonald, Office for Environmental Protection on 17 March 2026

    Shubhi Sharma

    The problem with PFAS: how can the UK address the ‘forever chemicals’ pollution crisis?

    PFAS pollution is a rapidly growing concern in the UK. PFAS are widespread in the UK’s environment, wildlife, and people and research shows that the cost of cleaning up PFAS in the UK is astronomical. The question is, what is the government currently doing to address these issues, and is it enough?

    By Dr Shubhi Sharma, CHEMTrust on 15 April 2026

    PPE That Fits Image

    Ill-fitting PPE is more than uncomfortable – it’s unsafe

    For years, workers across several industries have relied on PPE which was never designed to fit them properly, putting both their comfort and their safety at risk. The CIOB’s #PPEThatFits campaign and a new British Standard are now driving a long-overdue shift towards inclusive protective equipment.

    By CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) and #PPEThatFits campaign on 08 May 2026