Feature Articles

It was made illegal to smoke in the workplace in England in July 2007. Martin Hodgson looks at what the law requires and how it benefits staff health, safety and welfare.

Understanding who the client is and the outputs expected from an agreement are not necessarily straightforward in any built environment contract. Alan Field helps to understand the complexities.

In this feature article, Caroline Raine provides an introduction to the transport regulations, explaining the different modes and some of the relaxations available.

The Fire Safety Act 2021, expected to come into force in spring/summer 2022, amends and clarifies the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as it applies to residential properties. Mike Sopp explores the requirements of the Act and how the responsible person can ensure they are compliant with their fire safety responsibilities.

Sometimes being alone is great. At other times it is painful and debilitating. The Mental Health Foundation’s “Mental Health Awareness Week” from 9–15 May 2022 will stripe away feelings of shame, depression and defeat … with everyone invited to take part. Jon Herbert reports.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, Roland Finch explores what improvements can be made in the construction industry after the virus.

It is unfortunate that the chances of new employees having an accident in their first six months at a workplace are equal to those during the rest of their working lives. Jon Herbert highlights why it is crucial that young workers receive the right training and supervision needed as they come face-to-face with unfamiliar risks.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to control the risks to safety from fire, explosions and substances corrosive to metals. Caroline Raine provides an overview of the DSEAR Regulations in this feature article.

Barrister Robert Spicer looks at the importance of risk assessments as a competent attempt to identify risks to safety so that reasonable steps to reduce risks can be taken.

To commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, there will be changes to bank holidays in 2022. The late May Bank Holiday, which would have fallen on Monday 30 May 2022 will be moved to Thursday 2 June 2022 and there will be an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June 2022. The adjustment will take effect in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.