HSE reiterates guidance on mental health awareness
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged employers to go beyond raising awareness and take practical steps to prevent work-related stress. In 2023/24, approximately half of all self-reported cases of work-related ill health in Great Britain—whether new or ongoing—were linked to stress, depression, or anxiety, according to data from the Labour Force Survey and […]
November 2025 is Incident Reporting Month on Health & Safety Briefing – Here’s how to get involved!
Each month on Health & Safety Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the sector – and in November we’ll be focussing on Incident Reporting. It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help health & safety buyers find the best products and services available today. So, if you’re a supplier […]
FIRST AID MONTH: How scenario-based learning improves first aid confidence and retention
First aid training has historically followed a familiar pattern: classroom instruction, demonstration, and practice on a manikin. While effective in teaching core techniques, traditional methods often struggle to replicate the stress, unpredictability, and split-second decision-making of real emergencies. That’s changing. A growing number of organisations are turning to scenario-based learning and immersive technology to build […]
VRA launches white paper on vehicle logistics compliance
A new white paper on ensuring compliance and safety (for drivers and the public) when transporting cars and vans has been launched by the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA). Called “Light Vehicle Transport Operations for Remarketing Businesses”, it has been written by Gary Xuereb, managing director at DMN Fleet Services and VRA board member. The 12-page […]
The mental cost of running an SME
The evidence shows that small business owners are disproportionately affected by mental health issues compared to the wider population. Largely driven by the stresses of owning and operating a business, SME owners are susceptible to a range of mental health problems. A study from SimplyBusiness found that 80% of small business owners have suffered with poor mental […]
FIRE SAFETY MONTH: Learning From Incidents – How data, post-fire investigations and benchmarking drive continuous improvement
For occupational health and safety leaders attending the Forum, fire safety remains a critical responsibility. While compliance frameworks and prevention protocols are well established, the most resilient organisations go further. This involves treating every incident and near miss as a learning opportunity. As such, data-driven post-fire investigations and sector benchmarking are becoming essential tools for […]
Firms not grasping employee health and wellbeing needs
Research from Towergate Employee Benefits indicates that only 14% of employers strongly agree that they have a good understanding of their employees’ needs across all four pillars of health and wellbeing: physical, mental, social and financial. The good news is that employers are working towards having a better understanding by asking employees about their needs. Indeed, 86% ask their employees […]
Older disabled workers face ‘double prejudice’, says research
Disabled older workers are almost twice as likely to experience negative treatment when applying for jobs or promotions than their non-disabled peers. That’s according to research from the Centre for Ageing Better that shows more than two in five (44%) disabled people aged between 50 and 66 years old felt they had experienced negative treatment […]
October 2025 is First Aid Supplies Month on Health & Safety Briefing – Here’s how to get involved!
Each month on Health & Safety Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the sector – and in October we’ll be focussing on First Aid Supplies. It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help health & safety buyers find the best products and services available today. So, if you’re a […]
5 tips to help neurodivergent workers thrive
According to the CIPD one in five Brits are neurodivergent, meaning their brain works in ways that differ from the typical standard, affecting how they process information, communicate, and engage with the world. Several successful high-profile businesspeople have openly stated they are neurodivergent, including Steven Bartlett, Sir Richard Branson and Bill Gates, often citing their condition as a reason […]