One legacy of the financial crisis is a slump in industrial maintenance — its decline poses problems not only for productivity but also for health and safety of employees and others. Pursuing incremental improvements and solutions based on the theory of marginal gains would be a good New Year’s resolution, suggests Jon Herbert. UK manufacturing Read More …
COP21 ended with a hard-won deal on paper. But can it cope with the massive practical task of keeping global temperatures in a safe range to the end of this century and beyond? Despite concerns that too much is expected of renewable technology, a new billionaires club hopes to take up a key role in Read More …
UK energy strategy, says Amber Rudd, is still out of balance. With new gas-fired, nuclear and low-cost offshore wind power, and the death of dirty coal and other far-reaching measures, the Government has a lasting solution, she believes. Jon Herbert details her long-term proposals. In a keynote policy speech mapping out a new strategy for Read More …
Road safety is about much more than simply preventing casualties on the highway, essential though that is. Responsible road use also involves protecting people and the planet from the impacts of climate change. Part of the solution lies in our personal lifestyle choices, explains Jon Herbert. This week is Road Safety Week with a difference Read More …
The environment maketh man … and vice versa. Jon Herbert looks at a fast-changing relationship. There is a theory that, given enough time, dogs and their owners begin to look like each other. Evolution shaped us. However, today, we are tampering with the environment that sustains us. What is the future of this ancient relationship? Read More …
Stress is bad for you, your family and business. Which means that it is equally bad for your employees and colleagues. Fortunately, today there is less stigma and much more understanding about the causes and remedies for stress-related issues at work, in the community and at home, as Jon Herbert explains. Stress may have once Read More …
Seen by many as the call for final orders in the last chance saloon, a successful December COP 21 world climate deal could create a multi-billion pound renewables and energy-efficiency boom to literally stop the world from overheating. But, with just weeks to go, Jon Herbert looks at the immense issues still to be resolved Read More …
The UK’s nuclear power programme appears to be in the slow lane. However, if China comes aboard, the sector could join one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Meanwhile, old questions need new answers. Jon Herbert looks at major infrastructure projects. Nuclear power is a global business. As Britain dips a tentative toe into the Read More …
The largest new gas field in a decade, two new giant offshore wind farms, two new gas-fired power plants, but also 27 new shale oil and gas fracking sites could be part of the Government’s new energy mix. Some see this as confrontational. However, the sea also offers a benign source of mass energy. Jon Read More …
At work or in transit, being a lone worker makes the risk of accidents, injuries or unpleasant incidents more daunting. National Personal Safety Day focuses on mitigating the risks of solitude. Jon Herbert explores how sound health and safety practices can make life very different for many people. Time spent safely alone is often a Read More …