News and Knowledge

Alarming Gaps Found in Protecting Workers from Excessive Noise

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) exposed “alarming gaps” in noise-damage management, noting that 75% of workplaces lacked employees with the basic knowledge to maintain their hearing protection gear.     The HSE identifies significant failings in the UK The HSE’s campaign identified significant failings across UK workplaces, particularly concerning employee training and equipment management…

Manchester Firm Fined for Asbestos Risk at Eccles Pub

A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited, a Manchester-based construction company, has been fined for exposing workers to asbestos during a project at the former Unicorn Public House.     Asbestos Found and Illegally Removed at Construction Site During a routine inspection on May 16, 2022, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector made a disturbing discovery…

Records Reveal Asbestos Kills 9x More Veterans than Combat

Government records reveal that asbestos has killed nine times more military veterans than British victims of the Taliban during the Afghan campaign.   The deadly material, found in military accommodation, ships, submarines, helicopters, and tanks, is causing an average of 89 new cases of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer, each year. According to the British Occupational…

Hartlepool Business fined £26K After Workers Exposed to Radiation

Mistras Group Limited, a multi-national company initially based in Hartlepool, has been fined £26,000 after a 69-year-old man had received a dose of ionising radiation more than the legal limits.     What is ionising radiation? Ionising radiation plays a vital role in various industries, including energy production, manufacturing, medicine, and research, offering significant benefits…

Leeds Celebrates Armed Forces Day: Gaining legal Support

Leeds invites you to celebrate Armed Forces Month, National Reserves Day, and National Armed Forces Day. Honouring the sacrifices and dedication of the forces and their families, while raising funds for veterans.     Leeds celebrates National Armed Forces Day The Leeds Armed Forces Festival link returns for a second year, featuring themed activities leading up…

Company Fined 40k for Failing to Protect Employees From Wood Dust Exposure

Nat Pal Ltd, a woodworking supplier based in Fakenham, has been fined £40,000 after Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection found serious breaches in protecting workers from hazardous wood dust exposure – a known cause of asthma and nose cancer.     Nat Pal Ltd’s HSE violations explained The inspection revealed major failings in the…

Silicosarcoidosis: New Occupational Lung Disease Linked to Silica Exposure

Researchers at National Jewish Health and partners in Colorado, Illinois, Taiwan, and Israel have added the new term ‘Silicosarcoidosis’ to the medical language.     The term refers to patients showing characteristics of silicosis and sarcoidosis, severe pulmonary diseases. Caused by occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), commonly found in mining, construction, and engineered…

Noise-induced hearing loss and workplace claims – Deaf Awareness Week (5th-11th May)

Deaf Awareness Week 2025 in the UK is centred around the theme ‘Beyond Silence,’ which promotes understanding of the diverse communication methods used by deaf individuals. It calls for improved accessibility, greater inclusivity, and equal opportunities.     One related issue is noise-induced hearing loss, with workplace injuries being a significant external cause. Raising awareness…

Over 300 soldiers suffer hearing loss and damaging effects of vibrations after Ajax trial injuries

The Army’s £5.5 billion investment into the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme 2010 has been delayed due to criticism from the National Audit Office, Defence select committee, and Public Accounts committee.   The delay included problems with the programme’s management as well as the development of excessive vibration and noise, which raises concerns regarding the…

Self-employed contractor sentenced for uncontrolled Asbestos spread, endangering workers and homeowners

A self-employed roofing contractor, Stephen Wilks, has been ordered to conduct unpaid labour following the uncontrolled spread of asbestos in a customer’s back garden, exposing two young employees and nearby homeowners to significant risk.   Video footage from a doorbell camera revealed portions of an old garage roof being disposed of with a lack of…