Category

Legislation

Allergen swabs 09/05/2023
, , , ,

Allergen Testing: Why is it vital for Food Businesses?

Food businesses have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent allergic reactions and protect customer health with allergen testing. The responsibility also lies throughout the supply chain from companies storing raw ingredients, manufacturing, labelling and packaging, and transportation. It involves providing accurate allergen information and following best practice for handling allergens. Failure to do so can result in fines, legal action, loss of reputation and customer trust. Food allergies are a serious health issue that affects millions of people around the world. According to the Food Standards Agency, there are... Read More

small sun icon over red background to illustrate hot temperatures 26/07/2022
, ,

Working in Hot Conditions: A Quick Guide

As the UK tops 40°C for the first time ever on record, more and more people are searching how extreme heat may impact their work life and safety.  Unsurprisingly, the average monthly volume for search terms like ‘working in hot conditions’ and ‘hot weather work’ has increased by over 1,000% (three-month change).  According to Science Focus, extreme weather will become more common in the future due to climate change, with heatwaves becoming hotter and longer. From workplace legislation to top tips for keeping cool, we’ve put together a practical guide... Read More

snowflake over blue background with red stripe 20/05/2022
, ,

Cold Stress at Work: Causes, Signs & Prevention

Whether you work in a chiller unit or in construction, you must familiarise yourself with the concept of cold stress, its symptoms, and how to effectively prevent it.  We’ve put together this comprehensive guide with practical tips, information on legal requirements from the HSE, and more, to help you navigate the risks of working in low-temperature conditions.  What is Cold Stress? “Stress” can be defined as the pressure or strain which results from facing demanding or adverse circumstances. Cold stress, in particular, occurs when the skin’s temperature – and eventually... Read More

,

‘Brexit’ – How will this affect H&S?

So, with the UK having opted to leave the EU; how will this affect health and safety (H&S) laws within the UK?  Well, the truth is, as with everything else surrounding ‘Brexit’, nobody quite knows – yet. For the past four decades EU legislation and directives have, in one way or another, had a major influence over our regulations. Most of our H&S rules and regulations are directly or indirectly imposed by the EU, with UK statutory bodies creating legislation to, as a minimum, comply with these EU Directives. In... Read More

,

Changes to accident reporting…

From 6 April 2012, subject to Parliamentary approval, RIDDOR’s over three day injury reporting requirement will change. From then the trigger point will increase from over three days’ to over seven days’ incapacitation (not counting the day on which the accident happened). Incapacitation means that the worker is absent or is unable to do work that they would reasonably be expected to do as part of their normal work. Employers and others with responsibilities under RIDDOR must still keep a record of all over three day injuries – if the... Read More