Occupational Health news

Britain’s £2.8 billion wellness industry has a problem. The evidence says it doesn’t work — and workers are paying with their lungs. Long read  |  8 minutes Someone with a diploma in sports nutrition posted on LinkedIn last month about how to manage respiratory health risks in manufacturing. They have never calibrated a dust monitor. Never conducted a COSHH assessment — the legal evaluation of hazardous substances in a workplace. Couldn’t tell you the workplace exposure limit for flour dust.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a targeted inspection programme at large bakeries across Great Britain, commencing January 2026. Inspectors will assess whether employers are properly protecting workers from the respiratory health risks associated with flour dust and other airborne ingredients such as bread improver enzymes. Why this matters Flour dust remains one of the most common causes of occupational asthma in the UK. Once a worker becomes sensitised, even small exposures can trigger symptoms — and in

The offshore energy sector faces a significant shift. From November 2026, anyone working offshore must weigh under 124kg (19st 7lb) clothed – no exceptions.Why? Simple physics. Helicopter winch systems have absolute limits when evacuating casualties. Add rescuer plus casualty weight together, and 124kg becomes the critical safety threshold.The Numbers That MatterStarting now through November 2026, we’re in transition mode. Workers weighing 115-124kg receive shorter medical certificates – think months, not years. Come November 2026, it’s a hard stop at 124kg.This

We’re pleased to share findings from research conducted by Agnieszka Pietrzak, now working at Oxford University, who investigated the quality of workplace noise survey reports that employers are commissioning across the UK. Her findings have revealed surprising insights that may impact how businesses approach, undertake due diligence  and consider the actual scope of noise assessments before they commission.  The Health and Safety Executive is committed to ensuring duty holders receive high-quality, actionable advice – and we’re now positioned to help achieve this goal. We’ve already begun

If your workplace involves spray painting, baking, welding, or working with cleaning products, occupational asthma could be affecting your employees. The good news? It’s preventable, and early detection can stop long-term damage. What is Occupational Asthma? Occupational asthma is asthma caused by breathing in harmful substances at work. Unlike regular asthma, this type is directly triggered by workplace exposures. Here’s what makes it tricky: workers can be perfectly healthy when they start, but over time their body becomes sensitive to

OH professionals need to recognise that changing social habits – especially people listening to content through headphones at work or while commuting – are “dramatically” changing how occupational noise risk needs to be managed and considered. Clare (Forshaw), founder of the UK Hearing Conservation Association and professional head of health and wellbeing at the Rail Safety and Standards Board, made the call at last week’s joint Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) Occupational Health Nursing Conference.

The 2025 Medical Fitness for Offshore Work Guidance has just been published and lays out the standards that all offshore workers must meet. The major item that both our clients and their offshore staff and contractors will have to comply with is the new weight limit. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀: → From 1 November 2026: no offshore medical certificate will be issued if a worker’s clothed weight (including PPE) exceeds 124kg. Transition period (Feb-Oct 2026): → Workers between 115kg and 120kg may receive

Are you unknowingly adding to Scotland’s GP crisis while leaving your business exposed to costly workplace health risks? Most business owners don’t realise they’re part of the problem. When employees develop work-related conditions – from hearing loss to respiratory issues – the automatic response is “see your GP.” But there’s what most don’t know:  GPs receive virtually no training on workplace health hazards like asbestos exposure, chemical solvents, or occupational skin conditions.  The Hidden Cost to Your Business While your

A 3-Minute Read That Could Save Your Company Published by Hawkes Health – Local Workplace Health Experts The Bottom Line: Protect Your Company or Pay the Price If you employ people in Scotland, you have legal obligations that go beyond basic health and safety. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at £6,000+ HSE penalties, unlimited compensation claims, and productivity losses that can destroy your company. Get it right, and you’ll reduce sick days by 32%, cut staff turnover by 25%,

The Keep Britain Working review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, has revealed significant economic impacts of long-term sickness and disability in the UK workforce: Proposed Solutions The review aims to create a more inclusive workforce by making businesses more accountable for employee health support. Final recommendations are expected later this year, with the goal of reducing economic inactivity and improving labor market productivity.