Opinion

    Man on high Platform (IPAF)

    Simplified reporting of falls from height will identify ways to prevent accidents

    With recent statistics showing little improvement in the number of workplace falls from height, the Access Industry Forum (AIF) believes a simplified incident reporting system for falls would allow lessons to be learned about the causes and most effective preventive measures.

    By Peter Bennett OBE, Access Industry Forum (AIF) on 07 February 2024

    EBike Battery iStockMixMedia

    Batteries – an opportunity, but what’s the safety risk?

    As global economies look to achieve their net zero targets, there is an increased focus on the development of non-fossil fuel alternative energy sources, such as battery power. The demand for batteries over the next 20 years is predicted to increase twentyfold. This presents numerous opportunities for those in the battery production supply chain who will need to gear up to meet this increased demand. However, despite the glow of opportunity, it is important that the safety risks posed by batteries are effectively managed.

    By Liam Jagger, Pinsent Masons on 07 February 2024

    Ladder Association 1

    We need UK government action to halt the sale of unsafe ladders on online platforms

    With tests showing that 70 per cent of multi-purpose ladders available to purchase in the UK via online platforms fail to meet minimum safety requirements designed to keep users safe, the Ladder Association is calling for the UK government to close loopholes allowing their sale.

    By David Gray, Ladder Association on 31 January 2024

    Mike Robinson 240X240

    2024: a year of choices for us all

    How are you feeling this New Year? Tense? Worried? Tired? I ask because, according to the pollsters, many of us are suffering from ‘burnout’.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 01 February 2024

    Matthew Sulley

    Managing work-related road risk with vehicle safety technology

    Work-related road safety has been high on the agenda in recent years and, as greater numbers of people have returned to the roads following the end of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in 2021, there has been a corresponding increase in road casualties.

    By Matthew Sulley, Pinsent Masons LLP on 10 November 2022

    Luke Price

    Supporting older workers with long-term health conditions is crucial for recruiting and retaining older talent

    With businesses struggling to recruit, it’s more important than ever that employers expand their search for the best talent. Post-pandemic, we know that businesses are losing the experience and skills of older workers, with more than 330,000 people 50–64 having retired early since the beginning of 2020.

    By Luke Price, Centre for Ageing Better on 13 November 2022

    Stephen Timms MP

    Reducing the danger from asbestos in non-domestic buildings: why the government is falling short

    During such a tumultuous time at the top of politics, it is more important than ever that those of us in Parliament do all we can to ensure that the government does not take its eye off the ball when it comes to the issues that matter to the public.

    By Sir Stephen Timms, Labour MP for East Ham on 14 November 2022

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Time well spent, and a day to remember

    Sometimes, when you spend time at a conference, you come away thinking “well, that was eight hours I simply won’t get back!”

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 20 September 2022

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    How can we avoid this being a winter of discontent?

    We now know the real extent of the rise we can expect in energy prices this autumn. An 80 per cent increase. Just take that in for a moment.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 12 September 2022

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    What a scorcher! How well did we respond to the heatwave?

    So, how was the recent heatwave for you? That is not a flippant question. I ask it in the knowledge that, almost without exception, every person in the UK and a lot in Europe, will have experienced it in one way or another this summer.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 09 August 2022