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.
Half of workers given safety over-goggles that may affect vision
More than half of staff who wear prescription glasses and need further eye protection at work are given safety over-goggles...
Protective equipment fails to remove risk of pesticide contamination
Research into pesticide exposure among horticultural workers has shown that levels of contamination can take place despite the provision of...
Nine in 10 NHS trusts have asbestos in their hospital buildings
An MP has urged the government to conduct an audit of asbestos at every NHS trust after it emerged nine...
Employers press Theresa May to make mental health first aid mandatory
More than 50 leaders of some of the UK’s biggest employers have signed a letter urging the government to make...
Employees denied ‘toilet dignity’ at work
Unite is demanding that employers take action to ensure that workers are granted toilet dignity in the workplace.
The union...
Drug and alcohol tests: what employers need to know
Barratt Developments recently announced it would introduce randomised drug and alcohol testing for staff to combat increased risks...
Employers urged to review safety practices as new manslaughter sentencing takes effect
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has said employers that cut corners and put workers’ health and safety...
Royal Opera House to appeal against musician’s hearing loss ruling
The Royal Opera House has been granted permission to challenge a landmark High Court ruling in favour of a musician...
Petition calls for compulsory mental health first aiders at work
Mental health campaigners and businesses have delivered a petition to Downing Street calling for it to be compulsory to have...
Three in 10 employees experienced an accident or mistake because of tiredness
Almost half (46%) of employees regularly turn up to their jobs feeling too tired to work, making them more prone...
Only half feel confident enough to offer first aid if needed
Only half of adults would feel confident about offering first aid if they witnessed somebody falling unwell, according to the...
Project to map defibrillators launched to improve heart attack survival rate
The NHS and several other organisations have joined forces to map all of the UK’s defibrillators, which they hope will...
Work-related fatalities and fines increase prompts health and safety warning
Employers have been urged to ensure that the health and safety of their workforce is a priority as fatal work-related...
MPs call for maximum workplace temperature to be set
As the heatwave continues across the UK, MPs have urged the government to introduce a maximum workplace temperature – especially...
The heat is on: six summer employment issues
MPs on the House of Commons environmental audit committee have urged Public Health England to advise employers to allow flexible...
