Martyn’s Law: What It Means for Your Business
In response to increasing threats of terrorism and the urgent need to enhance public safety, the UK government is introducing the Terrorism (Protection Of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law. Named in honour of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, this legislation will require persons with control of certain premises […]
Silica Dust: A Growing Workplace Hazard and How to Protect Workers
Silica is a naturally occurring substance found in most rocks, sand, and clay. Its concentration varies—sandstone contains over 70% silica, while granite has around 15-30%. Silica is also a key component of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete, and mortar. When these materials are cut, drilled, ground, or polished, they release a fine, invisible […]
Will Employment Tribunal and EAT fees be introduced as expected?
Back in February this year, the previous Conservative Government launched a public consultation on its proposal to re-introduce Employment Tribunal (ET) and Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) fees. This announcement was significant, because fees had previously been in place until a Supreme Court ruling in 2017 deemed them to be unlawful because they prevented access to […]
UK Health and Safety Statistics: Key Figures from the HSE Annual Report
Each year in November, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) releases its annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries, and this month, they have published the latest trends and figures. For the year 2023/24, key facts and figures published include: 1.7 million workers reported work related in health, a decrease on the previous […]
50 Years of the Health and Safety at Work Act
2024 is the 50th year of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSAWA). It is the principle piece of legislation for occupational health and safety in Great Britain and operates alongside other health and safety Acts of law. It was introduced following Lord Robens commissioned report into safety and health at work which […]
No Falls Week
According to statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) it has been identified that tragically, between 2022 and 2023, the main cause of fatalities at work was due to falls from a height. This resulted in 40 workers losing their lives. Launching the first No Falls Week This year, the first ever No Falls Week will run […]
Whistleblowing in the workplace
The recent allegations against Russell Brand in the mainstream media have highlighted the importance of workplace safety, an employer’s duty of care and the need for strong whistleblowing policies for businesses. Whistleblowing is the colloquial term commonly used to describe the disclosure by a worker of some wrongdoing (such as fraud, misleading the public or […]
Health and Safety Update December 2020
Covid-19 Secure Spot Checks HSE is continuing to conduct spot checks and inspections to ensure workplaces are Covid-19 secure. Their inspections will enable businesses to seek further advice on how to manage the risks, protect workers, customers, and visitors. Participation in the spot checks is critical, and so where there is failure to do so, could […]
Health & Safety News: increase in companies being prosecuted due to crush injuries
In recent months there has been an increase in crush injuries that have taken place in companies that span an array of different industries with the following just a brief example of some of the cases that have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): A company, which manufactures adhesive tape, has been […]
New Health, Safety and Environment Division for HR Solutions
HR Solutions is a leading firm of HR consultants and advisors; and we have recently made a key appointment to launch our new Health, Safety and Environment division, called HSE Solutions. Based in Kettering, we operate in a variety of industries and have a client list ranging from small care agencies to multinational technology firms. To […]
Waste company director banned after repeated health and safety failings
In a recent case, relating to health and safety, the director of a waste transfer company has been banned from being a company director after being found guilty of exposing employees to unsafe working conditions. Preston Crown Court heard evidence that in November 2018, Mr Mohammed allowed his workers to continue to use a poorly […]
