Housekeeping: Do’s and Don’ts

Published: October 2026 Reading Time: 5–7 minutes Suitable for: Employers, Managers and Employees Topics: Workplace Safety, Housekeeping, Slips and Trips, Workplace Maintenance At a glance Why this matters Good housekeeping is one of the simplest ways to make a workplace safer — but it is also one of the easiest things to overlook. A box … Read more

How to Use a Template Risk Assessment

Published: September 2026Reading Time: 5–7 minutesSuitable for: Employers, Managers and EmployeesTopics: Risk Assessment, Risk Management, Health and Safety At a glance Remember these key points: A template is a starting point, not a finished risk assessment. Look at the work as it is actually carried out. Identify hazards and who could be harmed. Record the … Read more

Can Employees Refuse to Wear PPE During Hot Weather?

Published: August 2026Reading Time: 6–8 minutesSuitable for: Employers, Managers and EmployeesTopics: PPE, Heat Stress, Occupational Health, Risk Assessment At a glance Remember these key points: PPE is often the last line of defence against workplace hazards Employees should not remove required PPE simply because it is uncomfortable Employers should consider alternative ways to reduce heat … Read more

Red Weather Warnings: What Employers Need to Know

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

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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