Feature Articles

The number of health and safety queries to our helpline rose this month, with new topics such as policies, fire, and first aid emerging (or, rather, re-emerging). For advice on these or any other health and safety issue, speak with a qualified consultant on 0844 561 8149.

An investigation is currently under way into a serious outbreak of listeria infections in England, which has been traced back to pre-packed chicken sandwiches in hospitals. Vicky Powell looks at the ways in which food businesses can prevent and contain outbreaks of this deadly disease, warning that management failures can be fatal, and have historically resulted in hundreds of deaths and infections around the world.

Caroline Hand looks at what we know about the health impacts of environmental exposure to plastics, and what can be done to mitigate them.

Fire safety legislation places duties on those in control of the premises — but when you outsource your facilities management, do you outsource this responsibility? Mike Sopp explains.

Companies are not required to have a legal register. However, if they are operating in areas in which compliance with a wide range of rules and regulations is necessary, it is difficult to see how they could meet their obligations without a proper system in place. Paul Clarke explains what a legal register is and how it can be a practical tool that improves efficiency and helps to reduce costly mistakes.

Mental health in the workplace as an issue has reached unprecedented levels in terms of discussion, but are we really taking it seriously enough? In this article, Tricia Palmer, HR consultant, considers the importance of good mental health, and the possible impacts of not giving it enough of the right attention.

What is cyberspace and how important it is? Mike Sopp summarises how new threats can affect health and safety professionals, and advises on preventive action.

The UK’s Modern Slavery Act (MSA) came into force in October 2015. Ground-breaking in its scope, it shone a spotlight on the issues of modern slavery in supply chains. Laura King looks at what impact it has had on improving transparency.

10 June 2019 marks the start of Diabetes Week in the UK. This article looks at the condition and how it may affect health and safety in the workplace.

Staff members with certain ailments need time off work for treatment and recovery. How does the process work? Health Assured, the wellbeing services provider, describes the current system of sick notes (or statements of fitness for work) and how employers can obtain them, and outlines what details a sick note should cover.