Health and safety
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees.
This duty extends to health and safety matters such as the maintenance of plant; systems of work; the arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances; information and training; and access routes.
Police service discriminated against man with moustache
A police constable has won a sex discrimination claim after an industrial tribunal found that the Police Service of Northern...
Cleaning staff need better protection against dangerous substances, says health body
Cleaning firms need to do more to reduce workers’ risk of exposure to dangerous substances, the European Agency for Safety...
Major construction projects help drive up health standards, study finds
Major construction projects can help develop “universally high” health management standards throughout the supply chain, a study has concluded.
A...
Silica dust exposure register launched to assist future claims
Workers who believe they have been exposed to silica dust are being urged to sign a register that will help...
Railways urged to end zero-hours contracts after fatality
The death of a likely-fatigued rail maintenance worker has prompted call for widespread change in the industry
MPs to investigate impact of silicosis on workers
A parliamentary inquiry investigating the impact that silicosis has on construction workers has been launched.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on...
Asbestos fatality figures highlight need for continued precautions
Deaths from mesothelioma reached 2,523 in 2017, largely as a consequence of occupational asbestos exposure before the risks were known,...
City trading floor bans alcohol
The London Metal Exchange (LME) has banned dealers on its trading floor from working under the influence of alcohol.
Outdoor workers ‘overlooked’ in the air quality debate, researchers claim
Urgent action is needed to protect outdoor workers from air pollution, campaigners have said, after a study found a London...
Amazon investors told to press for better working conditions
Investors have been urged to put pressure on Amazon to improve working conditions at its UK warehouses, following reports that...
‘Overtime culture’ is causing employees to drive while tired, insurer claims
Almost one in 10 staff who drive for work have fallen asleep or nearly fallen asleep at the wheel as...
Third of outdoor workers don’t use sunscreen
Employers of outdoor workers have been urged to provide staff with high-protection sun cream, after a survey revealed a third...
Employers ‘failing to take pregnant workers’ health seriously’
Employers need to do “far more” to protect the health and wellbeing of pregnant staff, with travel commitments and irregular...
Employers need ‘sun safety strategies’ to protect outdoor workers
Nine in 10 skin cancer deaths could be prevented if employers and employees took precautions to avoid sun damage –...
Pollution, carcinogens and second-hand smoke blamed for rising rates of non-smoker lung cancer
Around 6,000 people who have never smoked die of lung cancer every year, often because they have been exposed to...
