Lois Communicate

Red Weather Warnings: What Employers Need to Know

by

Published: July 2026Reading Time: 5–7 minutesSuitable for: Employers, Managers and EmployeesTopics: Weather Safety, Occupational Health, Risk Assessment, Emergency Planning At a glance Remember these key points: A Red Weather Warning indicates dangerous weather with a potential risk to life. Businesses do not automatically have to close, but work should be reviewed carefully. Consider whether work … Read more

Managing Work-Related Stress

by

Published: June 2026Reading Time: 7–9 minutesSuitable for: Employers, Managers and EmployeesTopics: Occupational Health, Wellbeing, Mental Health, Management At a glance Remember these key points: Pressure can be positive, but excessive or prolonged pressure can lead to work-related stress Stress can affect both physical and mental health The HSE identifies six key areas that influence workplace … Read more

Occupational Safety: Managing Allergies

by

Published: May 2026Reading Time: 6–8 minutesSuitable for: All employers and employeesTopics: Occupational Health, COSHH, Wellbeing, Risk Assessment At a glance Remember these five principles: Not every allergy is work-related, but work can make allergies worse Seasonal allergies may require simple workplace adjustments Occupational dermatitis is one of the UK’s most common work-related diseases Some hazardous … Read more

Ask an Expert: Do I Need Trained First Aiders?

by

Published: April 2026 Reading time: 6 minutes Suitable for: Business Owners, Managers and Supervisors Topics: Health Surveillance | First Aid | Risk Assessment | Occupational Health Ask Harwood One of the questions most businesses will ask is: “Do I legally need a trained first aider? Is an online first aid course enough? Here’s a recent … Read more

Safety Responsibilities: Who Is Responsible for Health and Safety?

by

Published: March 2026 Reading time: 5 minutes Suitable for: Employers, Managers, Supervisors and Employees Topics: Health & Safety | Legal Responsibilities | Safety Culture | Employee Engagement At a glance Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Employers should: Provide safe workplaces Assess risks Deliver training Supply suitable equipment Monitor and improve safety Employees should: Follow … Read more

Lone Working: Are More of Your Employees Lone Workers Than You Think?

by

Published: February 2026 Reading time: 6 minutes Suitable for: Employers, Managers, Supervisors and Employees Topics: Lone Working | Risk Assessment | Employee Safety | Working Alone At a glance A lone worker is someone who: Works without close or direct supervision. May work at a fixed workplace, on the road, from home or at another … Read more

Toolbox Talks: Small Conversations That Make a Big Difference

by

Published: January 2026 Reading time: 5 minutes Suitable for: Employers, Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders Topics: Toolbox Talks | Safety Communication | Training | Employee Engagement At a glance Effective Toolbox Talks should be: Short. Relevant. Interactive. Practical. Regular. Focused on one topic. Remember: The goal isn’t to deliver a perfect presentation—it’s to start a … Read more

Celebrating Safety: Recognising the People Who Make a Difference

by

Published: December 2025 Reading time: 6 minutes Suitable for: Employers, Managers, Supervisors and Employees Topics: Safety Culture | Continuous Improvement | Employee Engagement | Leadership At a glance A positive safety culture encourages organisations to: Recognise good practice. Learn from incidents and near misses. Encourage employee involvement. Celebrate improvements. Continuously review and improve safety arrangements. … Read more

What is a Permit to Work?

by

Published: November 2025 Reading time: 6 minutes Suitable for: Employers, Managers, Supervisors and Employees Topics: Permit to Work | High-Risk Activities | Risk Assessment | Safe Systems of Work At a glance A Permit to Work: Controls higher-risk work Does not replace a risk assessment Confirms safety controls are in place Improves communication Requires competent … Read more