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EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to Issue 4. As we find ourselves transitioning into the final months of the year, with winter’s chill creeping in, safety in the workplace and personal well-being becomes more critical than ever. This issue brings together some insightful features and practical guidance that can help us all navigate the challenges—both old and new—that impact our health and safety.
Our cover feature, “Safety Legislation and Communication Through the Years,” takes a deep dive into how safety laws have evolved, and more importantly, how communication has shaped workplace culture. It’s a fascinating look at where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and what still lies ahead in our collective safety journey.
With winter upon us, we know this time of year can bring its own set of challenges, both physical and mental. Our “Winter Safety and Wellness Special” offers advice on staying safe and healthy through these colder, darker months. From practical tips avoid the lurgy, to encouraging support when the days are dark and dreary, we provide resources you can access to make it through the season with a sense of balance and resilience.
In “The Challenge of Habituation in the Workplace,” we examine a phenomenon that can undermine workplace safety: becoming too familiar with hazards. When repetition dulls our awareness, danger becomes normalised. This article explores how to keep safety top-of-mind, even in the most routine tasks.
The Better Workspaces Magazine is printed on material from a sustainable source sourced paper. FSC® Certified, and awarded the EU Ecolabel, the Edixion Offset range is compliant with ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 9706. Once you have finished with your copy please pass it onto a colleague or business partner to read and recycle.
JAINE BOLTON Editor
Signage has long been a universal language of safety, but how might emerging technologies impact this field? Our article on “The Future of Safety Signage and AI” explores how artificial intelligence could revolutionise wayfinding and hazard alerts, making safety guidance even more intuitive and effective.
For those working from home, our feature on “Ergonomics” tackles how to create a more comfortable and productive home office environment, while also keeping musculoskeletal health at the forefront.
And when it comes to keeping safety meetings effective and engaging, don’t miss our guide on how to make “Safety Briefings More Engaging.” Whether you lead these briefings or participate in them, this piece will provide you with fresh ideas to ensure safety communications are not only informative but also memorable. Plus we have a free guide with examples of what others across a selection of industries have implemented.
As always, this issue includes the latest news, an updated directory, and a look ahead at our 2025 training calendar. We hope this collection of articles equips you with the tools and knowledge to stay safe and continue to create Better Workspaces.
The Better Workspaces Magazine is published for Carlin Ltd and is shared with its members and clients free of charge. Both Carlin Ltd and the magazine’s publisher strive for the highest quality standards. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content; however, Carlin Ltd nor the publisher can be held liable for any missing information or errors that may be present. The opinions in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of Carlin Ltd.
GUIDANCE COLD WEATHER TIPS
TEMPERATURE TANTRUMS
Temperature or weather generally in the UK is a conversational national institution. No pun intended but it often used an ice-breaker. You may remember from out Summer Issue how the perception of temperature is so subjective. So, we have the facts on temperature in the workplace and working in cold weather.
As the weather gets colder, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your workers from the potential hazards of low temperatures. While there is no specific law addressing cold stress, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations set out some basic requirements. The Approved Code of Practice suggests that indoor workspaces should normally be at least 16°C, or 13°C if the job involves significant physical effort. That’s your baseline, and applicable for most office environments - but more needs to be done, especially for outdoor work or unheated sites.
First, ensure your heating is up to the task. If your workspace doesn’t have an HVAC system, portable heaters can be used, but be mindful of where they’re placed. We’ve all seen workers putting heaters under their desks to warm their legs—this is both inefficient and a fire risk.
Next, it’s essential to provide appropriate protective clothing. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be suited to the cold environment, including insulated footwear when standing on cold floors for long periods. Additionally, mobile facilities to warm up and regular breaks for hot drinks can make all the difference in maintaining body temperature.
Reviewing risk assessments regularly is another key step, particularly if you notice an increase in cold-related complaints or illnesses. Sometimes, simple adjustments can improve worker safety and comfort.
Finally, educate your team on recognising the early signs of cold stress, such as shivering, fatigue, and confusion. These symptoms can quickly escalate into more severe conditions like hypothermia if not addressed.
BRITISH STANDARDS
• BS EN 511: Protective gloves against cold
• BS EN ISO 13732-3: Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Methods for the assessment of human responses to contact with surfaces
• BS 7915: Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Guide to design and evaluation of working practices in cold indoor environments
• DD ENV ISO 11079: Evaluation of cold environments. Determination of required clothing insulation (IREQ)
• BS EN ISO 15743: Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Cold workplaces. Risk assessment and management
HSE GUIDANCE
• Thermal Comfort Checklist: A tool for assessing thermal comfort in indoor environments.
• Thermal Comfort in the Workplace: Guidance on practical steps employers can take to manage cold environments.
• Risk Management for Cold Stress: Advice on identifying and mitigating risks associated with cold environments.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work: Guidelines on providing the right protective gear for cold weather conditions.
You can access these documents through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.
VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS
UK regulations require employers to ensure that their workplaces are properly ventilated. Under regulation 6 of the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations, every enclosed workspace must be supplied with a sufficient amount of fresh or purified air.
GUIDANCE PREVENTING FLU AND COLDS
As the colder months approach, preventing the spread of cold and flu in the workplace moves up the to do list. With increased risks of illness, it’s essential to create a safe, healthy, and wellventilated environment to protect employees and reduce absenteeism. Here’s how employers can take proactive steps to keep the workplace healthy during flu season.
Fresh Air is Key
Ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining workplace health. It’s not just a matter of comfort; good airflow is directly linked to better overall health, improved concentration, and a more satisfied workforce. Studies also show that well-ventilated spaces result in lower rates of sick leave, better sleep quality, and reduced exposure to airborne pollutants.
There are two primary methods of ventilation:
Natural ventilation which uses windows, doors, vents, or air bricks to circulate air, is effective but must be carefully managed. Relying solely on desk or ceiling fans in poorly ventilated areas won’t suffice, as they don’t bring in fresh air.
Mechanical ventilation uses fans to control air movement in and out of rooms. In smaller spaces, these may be individual units, while larger buildings often utilise a network of ducts and fans to regulate airflow.
In many workplaces, a mix of both natural and mechanical ventilation systems is used, depending on the building’s design.
Recognising Poor Ventilation - An example
Even well-meaning ventilation practices can fall short. One company discovered that their meeting rooms were inadequately ventilated after installing CO2 monitors. These monitors indicated that CO2 levels remained high long after meetings had ended, signalling poor air quality. Upon investigation, it was found that windows had been painted shut, and although air bricks were in place, they weren’t sufficient to meet legal ventilation standards. (see page 4)
To address this issue, the company implemented the following measures:
• Scheduled work to reopen the windows.
• Limited meetings to two hours and kept doors open between uses.
• Continued monitoring CO2 levels to ensure the changes made a difference.
• Once the windows were functional, CO2 levels dropped, indicating improved ventilation and compliance with health and safety laws.
Maintaining a Clean Workspace
While good ventilation is essential, maintaining cleanliness is just as important in preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Despite the presence of cleaning staff, encouraging employees to maintain desk hygiene and clean communal areas like kitchens and break rooms can significantly reduce the spread of germs.
This is especially important in environments where hybrid work patterns and hot-desking are common. Shared equipment, such as keyboards and phones, can harbour germs, increasing the risk of illness. Providing staff with cleaning supplies, soap, and hand sanitizers encourages personal responsibility and helps create a cleaner, healthier work environment.
Supporting a Healthier Workplace
To sum up, preventing cold and flu in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach. Ensuring proper ventilation, adhering to legal requirements, and maintaining clean workspaces can significantly reduce the risk of illness. By taking these proactive steps, employers can protect their workforce, boost productivity, and minimise sick leave during flu season.
GUIDANCE
WINTER WELLNESS
HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE THE DREARY DAYS
So here we are again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are colder, and mornings feel like someone pressed the pause button and forgot to hit play.
For some, winter means snuggling up with a blanket, sipping hot chocolate, and looking forward to the twinkling lights of Christmas. But for others, the whole business of cold, dark days and limited outdoor time is about as exciting as watching paint dry—except the paint is wet, and it’s freezing outside. Not surprisingly, when the frost rolls in, Google gets hit with a 500% spike in searches for ‘seasonal affective disorder.’ That’s because many people feel like winter drags down their mood, motivation, and productivity. Only 3% of us get the official “Seasonal Affective Disorder” stamp from the NHS, but the rest of us still feel a bit like we’re wading through treacle—sluggish, tired, and somehow not on top of our game.
So, why does winter make us feel like we’re trapped in a perpetual state of ‘meh’?
The Sun’s on Holiday
As if rolling the clocks back wasn’t enough to throw us off, we’re also saying goodbye to sunshine, which is kind of like breaking up with your morning coffee. Vitamin D comes from sunlight (yes, it’s free!), and it plays a key role in keeping our mood in check by helping our bodies produce serotonin, that fabulous mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Less sun = less serotonin = grumpy, sleepy, and quite possibly Dopey. Vitamin D also nudges melatonin production, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. So, with the sun taking a backseat, no wonder we’re all feeling sluggish, moody, and out of sync with sleep.
Exercise? In This Weather?
We all know that exercise is good for us, but who feels like breaking a sweat when the pavements look like an ice rink and the rain is horizontal? No one’s volunteering for a 5K in this weather, let’s be honest. But here’s the thing: exercise boosts dopamine, which gives us that much-needed mental lift. So while curling up under a blanket sounds blissful, your brain is secretly crying out for a bit of movement to shake off the winter blues.
The Money Pit of Christmas
Let’s not even get started on the financial nightmare that is the festive season. Nearly half of us worry about affording gifts, but apparently, only a fifth of us are brave enough to
say it out loud. Add the cost-of-living crisis and sky-rocketing winter bills, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a financial anxiety soup. Delicious.
Isolation Nation
We’re also spending way more time indoors. While that’s great for Netflix marathons, it’s not so good for human contact. Almost half of adults (yep, 45% to be precise) admit to feeling lonely during winter, according to Campaign to End Loneliness. When you’re huddled indoors, routines out the window, and daylight is more of a myth than a reality, it’s easy to feel isolated.
Right, so what can we do to keep ourselves from going full hibernation mode?
Find the Light
Sunlight may be scarce, but you can still hunt it down like you’re on a mission. Get outside when you can—even if it’s just for 10 minutes of that precious daylight. Open your curtains like you’re welcoming an old friend, shove your desk by the window, and use mirrors and lamps to trick your brain into thinking it’s not permanently nighttime. Research says bright indoor lights can help regulate your sleep and keep your brain feeling alert. So, when life gives you darkness, find a light bulb!
Sleep Like a Pro
It’s tempting to hit the snooze button on those dark mornings and pretend the day doesn’t exist. But too much sleep can leave you feeling as groggy as too little. Aim for a solid 7-9 hours and keep to a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule, even if it feels like you’re getting up in the middle of the night. Sleep quality matters too—watch your caffeine intake, dim the lights, and give your screens a bedtime of their own before yours.
Stay Connected
Winter is the perfect excuse to hide from the world. But isolation can make your brain spiral into all kinds of unhelpful thoughts. Instead of splurging on expensive social outings, why not invite a friend for coffee or go for a brisk walk? Not feeling the in-person thing? Reach out via Zoom or pick up the phone—you know, that thing that also makes calls.
Have a Plan for the Tough Times
The festive season often brings with it a pressure cooker of social events, family gatherings, and forced cheer. For some, this is delightful; for others, it’s more stressful than fun. If you’re one of the latter, plan some self-care strategies to ease the tension. Breathe through it (box breathing works wonders), jot down how you’re feeling, or step out for a breather during those overwhelming moments. Having a game plan makes all the difference.
Don’t Go It Alone
If your mental health is taking a nosedive, you are definitely not alone. In England, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week.
So let’s talk about it.
RESOURCES
Mental Health UK www.mentalhealth-uk.org
Working UK-wide, we deliver both national and local services that enable and empower people to understand and manage their mental health in a person-centred and empathetic way. With our local service delivery and national expertise in supporting people whose lives are affected by mental health problems, we have been able to mark a significant footprint in the areas that deeply challenge our mental health and stability. Samaritans www.samaritans.org
To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.
The Hub of Hope www.hubofhope.co.uk
The services and support listed on the Hub of Hope are not only for when things become unbearable – a crisis point. They are also for those times when we notice we are starting to struggle, or when we need extra support as we start to emerge from a particularly difficult time.
The Hub of Hope also lists support and services for family members and friends to enable them to find help for themselves, as well as for the person they are supporting. We recognise that the wellbeing of each member of an interconnected family or community is dependent on the wellbeing of all of its members.
Movember www.conversations.movember.com
Movember Conversations is designed to give you the skills to handle tough conversations with the men in your life. Starting conversations with men who are struggling may seem daunting. But getting them to open up can be easier with practice.
Does Your Workplace Have Mental Health First Aiders?
Mental health matters all year round, but especially during those bleak winter months. If your workplace doesn’t have trained Mental Health First Aiders, now’s the time to change that.
I run Mental Health First Aid training courses to equip people with the skills they need to spot the signs and support colleagues who might be struggling. Let’s make workplaces a place of safety and support.
Want to know more? Reach out and let’s get something on the calendar. Stay well, stay warm, and stay connected. You’ve got this.
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Carlin
Director of Learning and Development 01794 330925 natasha.carlin@carlinltd.co.uk
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For details of in-company training and developed tailored courses please call us on 01794 330925
Natasha
ERGONOMICS AND WORKING FROM HOME
BEST PRACTICE AND MYTH-BUSTING
Matt Peacock
Health & Safety Advisor
01794 330925
matt.peacock@carlinltd.co.uk
MYTH: If I work from home occasionally, I don’t need to worry about my workstation setup.
REALITY: Even if you only work from home occasionally, your workstation setup matters. Poor posture or improper equipment use, even for short periods, can still cause discomfort or injury. Small changes—like elevating your laptop to eye level or using a separate keyboard—can help prevent strain.
MYTH: Employers aren’t responsible for my home office setup.
REALITY: Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers are responsible for ensuring that workers who use DSE for long periods have a safe and suitable setup— whether they’re working from home or the office. Employers must carry out a DSE risk assessment and provide necessary equipment, such as ergonomic chairs or external keyboards, free of charge if required.
MYTH: A proper home office setup requires expensive office furniture.
REALITY: While specialised ergonomic furniture can be helpful, it’s not always necessary. Many people can create a comfortable and sustainable workspace using the equipment they already have. For instance, books can elevate a monitor, and a cushion can offer additional back support. The goal is to ensure your posture reduces strain and supports long-term comfort.
MYTH: I don’t need to take breaks as long as I have a good ergonomic setup.
REALITY: Breaks are just as important as an ergonomic setup. Even the best posture can’t protect you from the strain of sitting for long periods. The law requires employers to plan regular breaks or changes in activity for workers using DSE. Standing up, stretching, and moving around every hour helps prevent physical strain and boosts mental well-being.
MYTH: I don’t need a DSE assessment if I’m working from home.
REALITY: If you’re working from home permanently or splitting your time between home and the office, you are entitled to a DSE risk assessment. Employers must ensure your home workstation is safe and ergonomic. Often, this can be done via a self-assessment, but in some cases, a trained assessor might provide advice to help set up your workspace more effectively.
MYTH: Working from the sofa is fine as long as I’m comfortable.
REALITY: While it may seem comfortable, working from the sofa for extended periods can lead to poor posture and long-term strain. Sofas often lack the support needed for your back and legs. It’s best to work from a desk or table where you can ensure proper posture and screen height.
I cannot emphasise enough the importance of creating a comfortable and safe work environment at home. While working from home has its advantages, it also brings challenges—particularly regarding ergonomics and proper use of display screen equipment (DSE). Ensuring a safe and ergonomic home workspace is essential for both productivity and long-term health. Let’s look at best practices for working from home and debunk some common myths about DSE use and home office setups. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations are designed to protect workers who use computers, laptops, or other DSE for long periods—usually an hour or more daily.
These regulations apply if you:
• Work from home full-time or long-term.
• Work in a hybrid setting, splitting time between home and the office.
If you use DSE occasionally or for short durations, the regulations may not apply, but improper setups can still cause discomfort or injury. It’s important to be mindful of how you use your equipment.
The Importance of a DSE Risk Assessment
When DSE regulations apply, employers must conduct a DSE risk assessment to ensure the home workspace is ergonomically sound. This can often be done through a self-assessment, using a checklist provided by the employer. The HSE DSE workstation checklist is a great tool to help ensure your home office setup is safe and comfortable. For those working in both home and office environments, the assessment should cover both locations.
Achieving Proper Posture
One of the key elements of an ergonomic home office setup is maintaining proper posture. Poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal issues over time. However, achieving a sustainable posture doesn’t require expensive furniture. Simple adjustments can make a big difference:
• Keep your screen at eye level to avoid neck strain.
• Use a cushion for lower back support if your chair lacks lumbar support.
• Make sure your feet are flat on the floor or use a footrest.
• Use an external keyboard and mouse when working on a laptop for long periods.
These basic steps can greatly improve comfort.
Managing DSE Risks
Once a risk assessment is done, employers must act on the findings to reduce risks as much as reasonably possible. If additional equipment like an ergonomic chair or external monitor stand is required, employers must provide these items at no cost to the employee. DSE arrangements should be regularly reviewed, especially if workers report discomfort or pain, to prevent long-term health issues.
Work Routine and Breaks
Even with an ideal ergonomic setup, it’s crucial to take regular breaks. Employers are legally required to structure work to include changes in activity or breaks for employees using DSE. Taking short breaks every hour to stand, stretch, or walk around can help prevent strain and promote overall well-being.
By following these guidelines, employees can enjoy the benefits of working from home without compromising their health.
FEATURE SAFETY COMMUNICATION THROUGH THE YEARS
Glen Carlin SHEQ Director
01794 330925
gcarlin@carlinltd.co.uk
Have you ever wondered how the UK became one of the safest places in the world to go to work?
Numerous pieces of legislation have been introduced over more than 200 years, covering a wide array of different industries, but their shared aim has been to ensure that workers can go home to their families safe and healthy at the end of each day.
As I sat down to reflect on the evolution of health and safety law in the UK, I found myself drawn into the meticulously researched work of David Eves, “A Brief History of the Origins, Development and Implementation of Health and Safety Law in the United Kingdom, 1802–2014.” Eves, with his years of expertise as a former Chief Inspector of Factories, takes us on a fascinating journey that traces the roots of workplace protection from its humble beginnings in the early 19th century to the complex and sophisticated regulatory environment we know today. The path to this legislation was not straightforward but was shaped by a series of events—often tragic—that forced the nation to act.
In the early 19th century, the industrial revolution was in full swing. Factories were popping up across the UK, and with them came horrific working conditions. It was the passage of the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act 1802 that marked the first step towards safeguarding workers. The Act, aimed at protecting young apprentices, set basic standards for cleanliness and ventilation in textile mills. But let’s be honest—it was far from adequate and it wasn’t until later that more robust measures began to emerge.
Once the largest woollen mill in the world, Armley Mills is now a museum. The giant machines on display there were once constantly at work, with very few safety measures in place for workers, like guards or covers on the machines. Bobbins and shuttles would come loose and hurtle through the air towards the women working the machines. More serious accidents also happened. In 1822, 13-year-old George Dyson, lost his life at Armley Mills, while working on the large carding machine.
At this time Armley Mills would have been very damp, with floors slippery with the grease from the wool. The dust and woollen fibres floating in the air would have been breathed in by workers, giving many respiratory problems.
One of the turning points, was the introduction of the Factory Act in 1833. This was a landmark moment as it marked the first time the government appointed inspectors to ensure that factory owners complied with the law. The act primarily focused on child
labour—limiting the working hours of children and requiring factory owners to provide basic schooling for young workers. While it wasn’t comprehensive, it was a step in the right direction. For the first time, there was real recognition of the state’s responsibility to intervene in the workplace.
But it wasn’t just legislation that was shaping the future of health and safety. The notorious case of the Matchgirls’ Strike of 1888 put the dangerous and exploitative working conditions in the spotlight. It’s impossible not to mention the impact of phosphorus poisoning, which afflicted many of these workers, causing severe health issues. Public outcry and media attention from events like this played a critical role in accelerating legislative reforms.
As the 20th century rolled in, the focus shifted to broader workplace issues. The 1901 Factory and Workshop Act extended protections to a wider group of workers, addressing hours of work, sanitation, and injury reporting. This was the era in which the government began to realise that occupational safety wasn’t just about mitigating immediate physical dangers but also long-term health impacts like exposure to toxic substances and industrial diseases.
World War II was another catalyst for change. The demands of wartime production led to a national
A child worker in a cotton mill 1909
A child worker in a cotton mill 1909
Carding machine at Armley Mills (now an industrial heritage museum) in Leeds. © Leeds Museums & Galleries
SAFETY COMMUNICATION THROUGH THE YEARS (CONT.)
conversation about the efficiency of labour, with safety being an integral part of maintaining a strong workforce. This culminated in the 1947 publication of the “Gowers Report,” which reviewed the effectiveness of health and safety provisions across industries. The report paved the way for major reforms and the eventual implementation of the Factories Act 1961, which consolidated much of the existing legislation into a more comprehensive framework. But the most transformative piece of legislation came in the 1970s. As Eves so aptly details, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 revolutionised workplace safety in the UK. It shifted the paradigm, placing the onus not just on employers, but on everyone in the workplace—employers, employees, and even the self-employed—to ensure that the environment was safe. It also established the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), giving a formal body the power to oversee, investigate, and enforce safety standards.
There were many further developments post-1974, where the focus expanded to specific industries, such as offshore oil and construction, and how international standards influenced UK policy. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations 2002, for example, were a direct result of growing awareness about the dangers posed by chemicals and other hazardous materials in the workplace. His analysis covers everything right up until the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which brought accountability to companies who failed in their duty to prevent workplace fatalities.
By the time we arrive in 2014, we’re looking at a sophisticated legal framework that aims to balance protection with practicality. Health and safety is now woven into the fabric of every workplace, from construction sites to offices, and it’s easy to forget just how far we’ve come. But as Eves points out, the work is never finished. It’s a living system that must evolve with new risks and challenges, from the mental health of workers to the rapidly changing nature of digital and remote work environments.
And here we are, a decade on from David Eves’ final reflections, standing at another crucial point in the journey of health and safety law.
In the last ten years, the UK has witnessed several major events that have dramatically reshaped the conversation around workplace safety, particularly when it comes to the communication and enforcement of these vital regulations. As we look to the future, safety cannot be taken for granted, and the systems we put in place to protect workers and the public must be rigorously maintained, enforced, and adapted to meet emerging challenges.
The UK’s health and safety legislation has been built on the backs of those who suffered in unsafe conditions. Their stories may be tragic, but they catalysed the policies that now protect millions of workers. Eves’ work is a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how vigilance is needed to ensure we don’t lose sight of the ultimate goal: to make sure everyone returns home safe and sound at the end of the day.
You can explore David Eves’ full work for a deeper dive into this important history on the History of Occupational Safety and Health’s website: https://www.historyofosh.org. uk/index.html
Safety Communication Through the Years: The Evolution of Accident Prevention Messaging in the UK
Over the last century, safety communication has played a pivotal role in reducing workplace accidents and promoting health and safety standards across the UK.
One organisation that has been at the forefront of these efforts is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Established in 1916, RoSPA has pioneered innovative ways to communicate safety messages, and its iconic use of posters remains one of the most memorable and effective methods.
The Power of Posters in the Early 20th Century
At the beginning of the 20th century, the use of visual material to communicate safety was a groundbreaking approach. In an era when literacy rates were not as high as they are today, images provided a universal language that could quickly convey important messages. RoSPA recognised the power of visuals early on and developed a comprehensive poster programme that would shape safety communication for decades to come.
During the Second World War, RoSPA’s safety posters became particularly vital. With Britain’s industrial workforce rapidly expanding to meet the demands of the war effort, many workers were new to factory environments. RoSPA’s accident prevention posters, commissioned by the Ministry of Labour under Ernest Bevin, were crucial in educating this new workforce about workplace safety. Under severe financial and time constraints, these posters were distributed through the “Industrial Service” package, which included pamphlets and educational notes. Factories subscribed to this service, ensuring a steady flow of safety materials into the workplace.
Safety Structures and Worker Engagement
RoSPA recognised that posters alone wouldn’t be enough to transform safety culture in factories and workshops. To make these visual communications effective, they encouraged firms to implement structured safety protocols.
One key recommendation was the appointment of safety representatives who could guide new workers through safety induction processes. This initiation would involve not only a tour of the factory but also demonstrations and talks in designated “classrooms” where permanent poster displays could reinforce safety messages.
Additionally, RoSPA suggested that safety messages be displayed not just in workspaces but in social areas as well, with a regularly updated series of posters to keep workers engaged. This holistic approach – combining visual communication with on-the-ground safety practices – was essential in embedding safety into the daily lives of workers.
Extending Safety Messages Beyond the Workplace
RoSPA didn’t limit its communication to posters alone. They cleverly integrated safety messages into everyday objects such as milk bottle tops, handkerchiefs, and even wrapping paper, extending their reach into the homes and daily routines of workers and their families. These items ensured that accident prevention remained front of mind both inside and outside the workplace.
Rediscovering the Legacy of Safety Posters
Many of RoSPA’s iconic posters were thought to have been lost over time. However, in 2011, a treasure trove of hundreds of posters, designs, and artwork from the 1930s to the 1970s was rediscovered in an old warehouse in Hockley, Birmingham. These posters, now housed in the Library of Birmingham’s Archives & Collections, serve as a testament to the rich history of safety communication in the UK.
The posters are not only clever and beautifully designed but also timeless in their messages. Some of the foremost
designers of the time, including Tom Eckersley, Abram Games, Arnold Rothholz, Leonard Cusden, and the cartoonist George Smith (also known as Gus), contributed to the creation of these artworks. Their designs were often witty and eye-catching, making safety messages more engaging and accessible to a broad audience.
The Legacy of Safety Communication
RoSPA’s approach to safety communication was far ahead of its time, blending art, psychology, and practicality to deliver messages that would resonate with workers for generations. Their use of posters and other everyday items for safety messaging laid the groundwork for modern health and safety campaigns.
Today, safety communication has evolved with technology, but the lessons from RoSPA’s early work remain relevant. Visual communication, worker engagement, and the integration of safety into everyday life continue to be critical elements of accident prevention. RoSPA’s legacy serves as a reminder that effective safety messaging is not just about delivering information but about creating a culture where safety is a priority for everyone.
As workplace safety continues to evolve in the UK, looking back at the history of safety communication offers valuable insights into how we can improve and adapt our strategies for the future. RoSPA’s century-long dedication to accident prevention remains an inspiring example of how thoughtful and creative communication can save lives.
GUIDANCE SAFETY SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
ISO 7010, a universal visual language designed to save lives and prevent accidents.
Imagine you’re in a workplace thousands of miles from home, surrounded by unfamiliar machines and people. Suddenly, you spot a sign: a blazing flame within a red triangle or a simple human figure sprinting toward a door. You instantly know what they mean—fire hazard and emergency exit, respectively.
That’s the power of ISO 7010, the global standard for safety signage, offering a universal visual language designed to save lives and prevent accidents.
ISO 7010 prescribes safety signs covering everything from accident prevention and fire protection to health hazards and emergency evacuations. It’s a system built on simple shapes and bold colours, in line with ISO 3864 1 for shape and colour, and ISO 3864 3 for symbol design. Whether you’re in a factory, office, or warehouse, these symbols keep us all on the same page when it comes to safety.
The Importance of Standardised Safety Signs
Without standardised safety signs, a simple misunderstanding could lead to an accident or something worse. ISO 7010 eliminates confusion by using consistent symbols globally. These signs are meant to be intuitive, speaking directly to the brain through universally recognised shapes and colours. They aren’t just about ticking off a box in a safety checklist—they actively reduce risk and protect human lives.
ISO 7010 provides a systematic approach to hazard communication that transcends language and cultural barriers, ensuring safety anywhere on the planet and features a set of core symbols, each with a specific purpose. These signs are adaptable, allowing them to be scaled and placed on various surfaces without losing their clarity or effectiveness.
COMPLIANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION TIPS
To ensure compliance, businesses must conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify where safety signs are needed.
Here’s what the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says on the matter:
“Employers must provide safety signs if there is a significant risk that can’t be avoided or controlled in any other way, such as through safe systems of work or engineering controls.”
There is no need to provide safety signs if they don’t help reduce the risk or if the risk isn’t significant. This applies to all places and activities where people are employed.
EMPLOYERS MUST, WHERE NECESSARY
• use road traffic signs in workplaces to regulate road traffic
• maintain the safety signs they provide
• explain unfamiliar signs to their employees and tell them what they need to do when they see safety signs
GET MORE RESOURCES
You can download a FREE Copy of the HSE’s Safety signs and signals. The Health and Safety Regulations 1996. Guidance on Regulations via this link: The guidance is for employers and dutyholders, and others who have responsibility for the control of work sites and premises, or operating equipment requiring verbal and/or non-verbal communications.
This third edition provides practical advice on how to comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
It also updates references to legislation and standards and has been amended to accommodate the changes relating to the labelling and packaging of chemicals made by the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (Amendments to Secondary Legislation) Regulations 2015.
The Future of Safety Signage and AI-Generated Visuals INSIGHT THE FUTURE OF SAFETY SIGNAGE
The future holds exciting possibilities for safety signage. With advancements in AI, signs could evolve beyond static images. AI-generated visuals could even tailor themselves in real-time to specific environments or individuals. Imagine signs that adjust their brightness, colour, or even language based on the viewer’s location or stress levels.
Imagine the signage and wayfinding possibilities for large, complex venues like airports, hospitals and stadiums, especially in emergencies.
Here are some key points on how AI could enhance these systems:
Dynamic and Real-Time Content Adaptation
AI-powered signage that can adjust content based on real-time data such as crowd density, traffic flow, or environmental factors like weather. In an emergency, such signs can dynamically display evacuation routes, direct people away from danger, or update information as conditions change.
This adaptability is critical in large venues where situations evolve rapidly.
Intelligent Wayfinding
AI-driven wayfinding systems could guide people efficiently in complex environments providing personalised directions, adjusting them based on an individual’s location or even specific needs, like guiding families to babychanging facilities or helping people with disabilities find accessible routes. Making navigating large venues more intuitive and safer.
Interactivity and Engagement
AI signage is not passive. It can interact with users through touch screens, voice commands, or even facial recognition. In emergency scenarios, these interactive systems could quickly gather data on how people are reacting, helping refine evacuation strategies or providing tailored instructions based on real-time crowd behaviour.
Predictive Analytics for Safety
By analysing historical data, AI systems could predict crowd movements and potential bottlenecks during busy events, allowing venues to pro-actively manage safety and crowd control. In emergencies, predictive systems could suggest the safest exits or guide people away from congested areas.
Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT)
AI-enhanced signage can integrate with IoT systems for real-time monitoring of conditions like air quality or temperature. In emergencies, these sensors can trigger alerts on nearby digital signs, providing immediate, relevant safety instructions.
AI’s integration into safety signage and wayfinding could bring new levels of
responsiveness and personalisation, ensuring greater safety in large, dynamic environments. This approach could not only improve normal dayto-day navigation but also becomes a critical tool during emergencies, enhancing both the speed and precision of deploying safety measures.
Hopefully this article highlights that through standards and signage for safety are not just a matter of compliance, but is an evolving field where innovation continues to protect human lives.
Source: AIScreen https://www.aiscreen.io/blog/ digital-signage/ai-digital-signage/
GUIDANCE SAFETY BRIEFINGS
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING SAFETY BRIEFINGS
Imagine a workplace where everyone moves confidently, knowing they’re safe. This isn’t a distant dream—it’s a reality that begins with one powerful tool: the safety briefing.
A well-delivered briefing is not just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a moment to inspire, to awaken that deep sense of responsibility within every individual. When we gather to share safety messages, we’re not just communicating procedures, we’re safeguarding lives, and each person plays a vital role in that story. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made it clear: effective communication is key to preventing accidents. Yet, many briefings fall flat, becoming mere background noise. But imagine if, instead, these briefings captivated your attention. Picture yourself leaning in, hearing not just instructions but a story—your story— where you become the lead character who makes the right choices, who keeps colleagues safe, who ensures everyone returns home unharmed.
The size and type of your business doesn’t matter when it comes to delivering the safety briefing and don’t assume that the big corporates are doing it better than the small business. Balfour Beatty are one recent example; A 62-year-old worker fell 10 metres to the ground and died during the construction of a new facility at the University of Birmingham. The HSE investigation found the incident could have been prevented had Balfour Beatty implemented better controls and put in place better communication between contractors. When safety briefings engage the mind and the heart, they become unforgettable. A well-crafted briefing taps into that part of the brain responsible for action. Stories unlock attention, and they also stir emotion—triggering the release of oxytocin, the trust hormone that bonds us to others and reinforces why safety is not just a task, but a shared responsibility.
Now, imagine walking into your next briefing, ready to listen, ready to absorb every word, because you know that what you’re hearing could save a life. You are no longer a passive recipient of information, but an active participant in creating a safer workplace. Engaging safety briefings, driven by stories, don’t just inform—they transform. They transform how we see our roles, how we take action, and how we protect one another. Isn’t it time we all step into this story, a story where safety comes first, always?
This may sound complicated and time consuming and there is the question of resource and cost to create and deliver impactful safety briefings. However, with the average cost of an employee being off work for at least a week with a workrelated injury or illness costing £8,300 or a fatal employee accident costing on average £111,500 – can you afford not to?
HOW TO MAKE SAFETY BRIEFINGS MORE ENGAGING
Effective safety briefings are more than just presentations— they are critical opportunities to connect with your audience and ensure that vital safety messages resonate deeply. To truly engage participants and encourage active learning, it’s essential to adopt a more dynamic approach.
Here’s how you can transform your safety briefings into interactive, memorable experiences.
INTERACTIVE TECHNIQUES AND AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT
One of the most effective ways to engage your audience is through interactivity. Rather than simply talking at attendees, encourage active participation. Use techniques such as:
• Q&A sessions where employees can ask questions or share their insights on safety procedures.
• Group discussions or breakout sessions, where smaller teams can discuss specific safety scenarios and present solutions.
• Live demonstrations or hands-on practice, especially for high-risk tasks, to reinforce learning by doing.
Engaging participants with these methods ensures they are mentally and physically involved, making the briefing far more memorable and impactful.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY IN SAFETY BRIEFINGS
Technology can also play a pivotal role in making safety briefings more engaging.
• Interactive polls and quizzes can be used during briefings to check understanding in real time, giving immediate feedback and making learning more dynamic.
• Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) tools can immerse employees in simulated high-risk environments, allowing them to experience potential hazards and practice safe responses without any realworld danger.
• Short, engaging videos that showcase specific risks or procedures can break up longer briefings and make complex safety concepts easier to grasp.
Using these tools, you can create a more stimulating and interactive environment, transforming safety briefings into engaging learning experiences that captivate the audience.
Incorporating these strategies into your safety briefings will not only enhance engagement but also improve retention, helping to support the overall workplace culture.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT - SOME EXAMPLES
We’ve provided some summaries to the right of how businesses of different sizes, budgets and industry specific challenges have tackled making their safety briefings more engaging and ultimately their businesses more productive and safer places to work.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL EXAMPLES
Visit our website and download the Guide to Making Safety Briefings More Engaging including full examples of approaches you can implement.
The Power of Story Telling to Convey Safety Messages
Storytelling is a powerful tool for communicating safety messages, as it engages both emotions and logic. Utilising Freytag’s Pyramid, a classic narrative structure, safety messages can be crafted with a clear exposition, rising tension, and a resolution—helping the audience connect emotionally with the risks and solutions. This framework holds attention and ensures that key points resonate deeply.
Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” approach further enhances storytelling by aligning safety protocols with a purpose or vision, making it easier for people to see why safety matters. This fosters buy-in from employees and stakeholders, as they connect to the underlying mission rather than simply following rules.
The Identifiable Victim Effect demonstrates how people are more moved to act when safety is presented through the story of a single, relatable individual rather than abstract statistics. Highlighting a real-life incident, for example, can personalise risks, making the message more compelling and memorable.
On a neurological level, good stories trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with empathy. This brain chemistry shift creates a sense of trust and emotional engagement, making the audience more receptive to adopting safe practices.
By crafting safety messages through stories, organisations can achieve both intellectual understanding and emotional impact, leading to safer behaviours in the workplace.
NATIONAL CARE HOME
A care home provider had multiple locations, staff working tirelessly, and safety briefings falling flat. The challenge? Delivering engaging, time-efficient safety messages that resonate deeply across all teams. By introducing scenariobased discussions, role-playing exercises, and digital tools like video briefings and online quizzes, they ignited a new level of engagement.
The result? A workforce more connected to safety protocols, reduced incidents, and a culture of care that now thrives across all locations.
A small, time-pressed garage with just five employees had safety briefings that were rushed and uninspiring. With tight schedules, how could they ensure staff stayed engaged and alert to safety risks? By adopting brief, interactive toolbox talks, real-life examples, and quick mobile quizzes, this garage transformed their safety culture.
The result? Short, focused discussions and hands-on demonstrations made the team more engaged and mindful of workplace hazards, leading to fewer incidents and a stronger commitment to safety.
At a bustling garden centre safety briefings were just routine—but now they spark attention, engagement, and action. By introducing quick, interactive Q&A sessions, small group discussions, and real-life incident stories, this garden centre brought safety to life for its staff. The team used hands-on demonstrations and short video clips to drive home the importance of safe practices.
The result? Improved awareness and a noticeable drop in workplace incidents.
A civil engineering site, knew safety was paramount but their briefings were losing impact, but that all changed when they revamped their approach. By incorporating group discussions, live demonstrations, and immersive VR simulations, they turned safety briefings into engaging, hands-on experiences.
The result? A more alert, informed workforce, with a significant drop in accidents on-site.
WAREHOUSE
At a busy warehouse safety briefings were routine and uninspiring. That changed when they introduced group discussions, hands-on safety demos, and engaging VR simulations. The warehouse turned their briefings into dynamic, memorable experiences.
The result? A more engaged workforce, fewer accidents, and a stronger safety culture.
Employees were juggling multiple hazards daily, but safety briefings were falling flat. The marina introduced hands-on demonstrations, and technology-driven tools like short safety videos and quick mobile quizzes. These new methods not only captured attention but also made safety protocols more practical and memorable.
The result? Engaged employees, fewer incidents, and a safer working environment.
SMALL LOCAL GARAGE
GARDEN
MARINA
INSIGHT HABITUATION IN THE WORKPLACE
THE SAME OLD
It’s Friday you walk into work, just like you do every day. You hear the familiar hum of the machines, feel the warmth of the heating system, and see the bright safety signs plastered on the walls. It’s all the same as it was yesterday. And the day before. So, what do you do?
You tune it out. You stop noticing. Your brain, always striving to be efficient, decides it’s seen enough of that safety message, and it shifts focus to something else. Your mind wanders, your hands move without much thought. But here’s the problem: those signs are there for a reason. That hum could become a alarm warning. And the safety measures you’ve grown numb to? Well, they could save your life or as a minimum prevent an injury.
This phenomenon has a name— habituation—and it’s one of the sneakiest threats to workplace health and safety. The more we’re exposed to a stimulus, the less we react to it. It’s the reason we stop hearing the ticking clock on the wall or the buzzing of the overhead lights. But in a workplace filled with potential hazards, this mental autopilot can have devastating consequences.
Let’s talk about why this happens—and more importantly, what we can do about it.
Understanding Habituation and the Risks
First, let’s understand what habituation is. Psychologists define it as the process in which our response to a repeated stimulus decreases over time. Basically, the more we encounter something, the more likely we are to ignore it. It’s a survival mechanism designed to help us focus on new or immediate threats.
In a workplace environment, habituation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps us from being overwhelmed by constant sensory input. On the other, it can lead to a deadly type of complacency. Workers stop noticing safety warnings. They cut corners. They rely on muscle memory instead of mindfulness.
A classic example? A factory worker who’s been operating the same piece of machinery for years might no longer notice the loud warning alarm that signals overheating. Why? Because they’ve heard that alarm go off a hundred times without anything serious happening. The problem is, one day, it might be different—and if they’re not paying attention, that’s when accidents happen.
Now, imagine this happening across your whole team. People start assuming that safety measures are “just there,” not really paying attention, and then seemingly “out of the blue” an accidents are increasing. In fact, studies have shown that when employees become desensitised to safety procedures, the rate of workplace injuries sky-rockets.
This is why habituation is a silent but serious threat.
Strategies to Keep Safety Warnings Fresh and Effective
So, how do we snap people out of this
mental slumber? How do we keep safety front and centre when our brains want to tune it out?
The answer isn’t to shout louder or plaster more signs on the walls. No.
To break through habituation, you have to disrupt the patterns.
CHANGE IT UP
Regularly update the format and placement of safety messages. Use unexpected visuals, swap out posters for digital displays, or even try incorporating sound or video. The goal is to jolt your workers’ attention back to the warnings they’ve grown used to. Make the familiar unfamiliar again.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRAINING
Boring, one-size-fits-all safety trainings are an instant recipe for disengagement. Instead, create hands-on experiences that require workers to actively participate. Think about virtual reality simulations or live-action drills. The more engaging and immersive the experience, the more likely workers are to stay present and alert.
GAMIFY SAFETY
Who says safety has to be serious all the time? Introducing gamification—where employees earn points, rewards, or recognition for practising safe behaviours—can inject a bit of fun into the process. When workers are incentivised to be mindful of safety, they’re more likely to stay vigilant.
PERSONAL STORIES
Numbers and stats may fall flat, but real stories have power. Share examples of workplace accidents and near-misses. Use these narratives to remind employees that behind every warning sign is a person who got injured or didn’t make it home. Stories create emotional engagement, and emotion is the antidote to complacency.
The Role of Leadership in Maintaining Safety Vigilance
Let’s be honest - leadership is everything when it comes to creating a culture of safety. Your team will follow your lead. If you’re just going through the motions, they will too. But if you’re committed to keeping safety a priority, you can help counteract the effects of habituation.
So, how do leaders make sure safety stays top of mind?
Walk the Talk: Leaders who actively participate in safety drills, wear protective gear, and demonstrate safe behaviours set the standard for everyone else. Remember, your team is watching you, whether you realise it or not.
Constant Reinforcement: One memo about safety isn’t going to cut it. Leaders need to weave safety reminders into daily conversations. Think daily check-ins, team huddles, or even casual conversations on the floor. By making safety a constant part of the dialogue, you prevent it from fading into the background.
Empower Your People: One of the best ways to prevent habituation is to make workers feel like they have a say. Encourage them to voice concerns and suggest improvements to safety procedures. When people feel ownership, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
Long-Term Solutions for Preventing Habituation
Finally, it’s crucial to think about long-term strategies to keep safety awareness alive. This is about more than quick fixes or one-time initiatives. It’s about creating a culture where safety is a value, not just a check-box.
Rotating Responsibilities: Keep things fresh by rotating safety roles. When different team members are responsible for leading safety checks or presenting during safety meetings, it keeps the process from becoming monotonous. It also helps workers stay engaged when they know they’ll be the ones in the spotlight next.
Regular Audits: Periodically review and audit your safety procedures. Bring in external health and safety consultants who can offer a fresh perspective. These audits not only identify areas for improvement but also signal to employees that safety is a top priority.
Ongoing Education: Safety isn’t something you learn once and forget. Continual education and training are essential for maintaining vigilance. Invest in new learning materials, offer refresher courses, and keep workers updated on the latest best practices and technologies.
Make Safety Unforgettable
Habituation is sneaky—it’s the slow fade from alertness to autopilot. But we don’t have to let it win. By actively disrupting patterns, engaging employees with creative strategies, and encouraging a culture of safety, we can push back against the risks of complacency.
Because the truth is: safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. The challenge of habituation isn’t something to be taken lightly—it’s an ongoing challenge that every workplace faces. But with the right mindset, leaders, and strategies, we can keep safety front and centre, where it belongs. And that’s where the difference is made.
NEWS
Highlighting Glen’s dedication to advancing health, safety, and training within his organisation and the broader OSH community.
Glen Carlin achieves Chartered Fellow Status with IOSH
We are delighted to announce that our founder, Glen Carlin, has been awarded Chartered Fellow status by the prestigious Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This significant recognition marks Glen’s exemplary dedication and leadership in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH).
Chartered Fellowship is the highest level of professional membership within IOSH, reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the profession and act as role models for their peers, organisations, and communities.
To achieve this distinguished status, Glen was required to have held Chartered Membership
for a minimum of five years and possess at least five years of senior-level leadership experience in OSH, reflecting a proven track record of responsibility in the industry.
The Fellowship process involved a rigorous 12-month assessment, during which Glen submitted a comprehensive portfolio of evidence through the IOSH Blueprint platform.
His application was reviewed by three independent assessors and evaluated against seven key criteria:
• Chartered membership
• Integrity
• Leadership and experience
• Commitment to the OSH profession
• Influencing the OSH profession
• Contribution to the OSH profession
• Future contribution as a Chartered Fellow
In addition to meeting these high standards, Glen successfully completed the IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning module and passed the associated assessment, further demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in his work.
This achievement highlights Glen Carlin’s dedication to advancing health, safety, and training within his organisation and the broader OSH community.
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2025 TRAINING CALENDAR
Course Summaries
This one-day, in-person Emergency First Aid course is designed to equip participants with essential first aid skills to handle workplace emergencies effectively. Ideal for low-risk environments, such as small offices, this course covers emergency first aid protocols for adult casualties only, ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations.
This one-day First Aid for Mental Health course provides essential knowledge and skills to help you support mental well-being in the workplace. Over the course of 6 hours, participants will learn to identify signs of mental health conditions and offer practical advice and support, while understanding their limits as non-medical professionals.
Our Supervising Mental Health two-day classroom course equips learners with the skills to recognise a wide range of mental health conditions and understand how to provide the right level of support. Over 12 hours, participants will learn how to initiate supportive conversations, signpost individuals to appropriate professional resources, and create a positive mental health culture in the workplace.
The CITB Site Managers’ Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a comprehensive five-day course designed for those responsible for managing construction sites. It provides an in-depth understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues that impact site management. Ideal for site managers, project managers, and supervisors, this course equips learners with the skills and knowledge to manage site safety efficiently and in compliance with legal regulations.
The Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a CITBaccredited course designed for those who have or are about to assume supervisory responsibilities in the construction industry. This two-day training is essential for supervisors to gain a solid understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues, and the legal duties that impact their role. The course emphasises that safety is a critical element of effective site supervision. Endorsed by the UK Contractors Group, the SSSTS is recognised as the industry standard for supervisors working on UKCG sites.
The IOSH Managing Safely® course provides essential knowledge for those in supervisory or managerial roles, equipping them to identify, evaluate, and control workplace risks effectively. This three-day classroom course gives participants a comprehensive understanding of health and safety responsibilities, helping them implement effective safety systems in their organisation. An IOSH Managing Safely® certificate is a highly regarded accreditation that supports continuous professional development and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards.
The Working at Height training course is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work safely at height. This half-day course is particularly suited for those working in construction or other industries where working at height is required. The course covers essential safety practices, risk management, and the proper use of safety harnesses, ensuring that participants understand the risks and protective measures involved.
