Men face considerable health risks that are often compounded by a mixture of being unaware, uninformed, inhibited, intrinsically stubborn or simply too scared to talk about and act on their problems. Jon Herbert considers the example of diabetes as highlighted by Men’s Health Week. This year, 11–17 June is not only Men’s Health Week, but   Read More …

Health and safety laws must never be used to compromise the employment of disabled workers. Quite the opposite. The support available to employers and employees can help to create both an efficient working environment and rewarding employment opportunities, argues Jon Herbert. There are currently some 13.9 million disabled people in the UK, according to a   Read More …

Daily and holiday travel can still be a nightmare experience. However, major investments are being made into all aspects of the UK transport system, including the introduction of digital technologies designed to improve safety while also increasing punctuality, reliability and comfort. Jon Herbert reports. With summer suddenly not far ahead after a long winter of   Read More …

Renewable energy and the building and construction sector impact each other in several ways. The industry is both a consumer that is being urged to cut its carbon footprint and a provider of the new green power generating infrastructure where technical developments are racing ahead. Jon Herbert reports. As substantial energy users, building and construction   Read More …

At a time of tight budgets, the development of smart infrastructure and assets requiring greatly reduced maintenance includes some very clever solutions designed to tackle minor damage before it causes major problems, finds Jon Herbert. Winter road damage that almost magically repairs itself long before becoming a pothole hazard for vehicles has obvious appeal in   Read More …

On dark wintery nights, bright spring mornings and all conditions in between, workplace transport safety and constant vigilance matter, says Jon Herbert, with key responsibilities for employers, employees, contractors and the self-employed. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics show that on average more than 50 people are killed every year in 5000 UK workplace   Read More …

Dark morning and nights means many of us feel increasingly tired during the working week. Jon Herbert describes how taking time out to develop better sleeping habits has important benefits and employers must take steps to protect employees, especially shift workers, from fatigue. It’s the time of year when sleep can beckon more seductively than   Read More …

Personal preparation for cold winter working is always a priority, then considering the wider winter working environment is an important further step. Jon Herbert runs through the checklist for employers. Like many other aspects of hands-on management, good winter health and safety practice at work is often based on well-applied common sense. However, common sense   Read More …

Despite disappointing recent quarterly performance figures, the Government has finalised a construction sector deal to add billions to the economy while planning for a highly skilled and technically competent future workforce with links to the new T-level technical qualifications. Jon Herbert reports. From the construction industry’s perspective, one key outcome of the Government’s new Industrial   Read More …

Accidents and incidents can happen at any time, including the season of the year when thoughts turn to entertainment and festive celebrations. The law, however, requires employers to be constantly vigilant, explains Jon Herbert. When workplace injuries or illnesses occur unexpectedly, which by default they normally do, failing to provide first aid can, in extreme   Read More …