Features

    Happy Meeting MED Istock Credit Delmaine Donson

    A healthy office: how design can boost wellbeing

    Environmental factors such as noise, air quality, temperature and ventilation can all impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of office workers, so it makes sense to address them when designing and running office buildings.

    By Bex Moorhouse, Invigorate Spaces Ltd on 20 September 2023

    Scientist MED Istock Credit Peopleimages

    Microbiological contamination: time to act

    Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and mould can pose a significant risk to the health of workers and the public, so it’s essential that duty holders take appropriate steps to prevent their spread, such as good ventilation and regular testing and analysis to identify and monitor their presence.

    By David R Flower, Institute of Occupational Medicine on 21 September 2023

    Headphones Hearing Office Worker Istock 1208855996 Credit Fizkes

    Listen up: why headphones pose a risk to workers’ hearing

    Workers could be damaging their hearing while wearing headphones for recreational use at work, so it’s vital that employers take action to control the risks.

    By Stephen Wheatley, UK Hearing Conservation Association on 01 March 2023

    Deborah Garlick

    Why it’s important to be a menopause friendly employer

    Creating an environment at work where everyone feels comfortable talking about menopause can make it easier for employees struggling with the symptoms to seek help and support from their managers.

    By Deborah Garlick, Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace on 28 February 2023

    No Smoking Istock 912152264 Altayb Med

    Time to quit – top tips for an effective stop smoking programme at work

    National No Smoking Day on 8 March is a great opportunity to help staff to quit smoking or vaping, but it’s essential to adopt the right tone and approach.

    By John Dicey, Allen Carr’s Easyway on 07 March 2023

    Menopause Istock Nicolasmccomber

    Let’s step up the talk and action on menopause and work

    A third of employers do not feel well equipped to support women going through the menopause, according to an Acas poll. This is by no means an isolated finding – a long tail of research reminds us that the menopause still sits low on the list of workplace priorities.

    By Simone Cheng, Acas on 01 February 2023

    Blood Needle Istock 1056026694 Credit Gilaxia Min

    In the blood

    Inventors are dragging health screening into the 21st century. But should we be excited or worried about these powerful health intelligence tools?

    By Belinda Liversedge on 15 June 2023

    Wind Farm Worker Istock 855256042 Credit Bulentbaris

    Encouraging people into green careers

    With hundreds of thousands of ‘green jobs’ set to be created as the UK seeks to achieve its decarbonisation and environmental goals, IEMA has launched a new careers hub where anybody, from any sector or background, can go for information on how they can play a role in greening the economy.

    By Martin Baxter, IEMA on 05 June 2023

    Bully sad depressed man

    Beating the bullies: why a risk management approach is vital

    Workplace bullying and harassment can have a devastating effect on an employee’s mental and physical wellbeing, but many employers make the mistake of simply reacting to complaints as they arise, rather than focusing on cultural and organisational changes that will prevent bullying in the first place.

    By Nicki Eyre, Conduct Change on 09 October 2023

    Jacqueline O'donovan

    Jacqueline O’Donovan: leading the way in waste and recycling

    Made an OBE this year in recognition for her services to Recycling, Safety and Industry, Jacqueline O’Donovan has been managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd since the age of 19. Safety Management meets her to learn the secrets of her success.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 20 October 2023