Embracing and fostering gender diversity in your workplace June 2023 In workspaces with traditional roles, embracing diversity might seem like a challenging task. However, promoting diversity can lead to enhanced employee morale and a competitive edge. At Harwood, we understand the importance of diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace...

Winter safety in the workplace October 2023 As winter approaches, the risk of slips, trips, and accidents in the workplace significantly increases. The combination of reduced daylight, fallen leaves, rainwater, and icy conditions can pose serious threats to both employees and employers. To ensure a safe working environment during the...

Using Risk Assessments to Protect Your Workforce September 2023 In the fast-paced world of business, success isn’t just about financial gains; it’s about ensuring the well-being of your workforce and adhering to safety rules and laws. But how do you strike the perfect balance between business growth and employee well-being?...

Why is fire safety important for small businesses? July 2023 Understanding Fire Incidents Let’s face it—fires happen. As of September 2022, 620,758 incidents were attended by Fire Rescue Services (FRSs) which is the highest it has been for a decade. We’re not trying to scare you, but it’s important to...

What is a Dynamic Risk Assessment? December 2024 In today’s ever-changing work environment, hazards can arise in unpredictable ways, and standard safety protocols may not always be enough. So, what happens when new, unexpected risks emerge on the job? This is where dynamic risk assessment (DRA) becomes essential. But what...

The Vital Role of Incident Investigation May 2024 In the landscape of workplace safety, incident investigation stands as a linchpin for accident prevention. Guided by policies from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers and employees must collaborate to mitigate risks and create safer working environments. With recent statistics indicating...

The Importance of Health and Safety Competency September 2024 Health and safety competency is essential for businesses of all sizes, but it holds particular significance for small businesses in the UK. In smaller operations, where staff often take on multiple roles, the risk of safety oversights can be higher. Ensuring...

The Importance of Audits December 2023 In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and growth strategies of your small business. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, the safety of your employees and the integrity of your workplace cannot be overlooked. At Harwood we...

March 2024 As the cold snap of winter ends and the vibrant colours of spring emerge, it’s not just our homes that deserve a thorough cleaning – our businesses, too, benefit from a revitalising sweep. At Harwood, we understand the intricacies of maintaining a well-oiled organisational machine. Employing the 5...

RIDDOR Reporting Guidelines Update August 2024 We want to inform you about the latest updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)  regarding the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). These updates are intended to streamline the reporting process and make it more straightforward, while the core...

Promoting Earth Day – How Your Business Can Celebrate The Environment April 2023 Earth Day, celebrated on April 22nd each year, is an global and prominent reminder of the importance of environmental conservation. As a small business owner in the UK, you have a unique opportunity to contribute to Earth...

Prioritising Mental Health – a vital responsibility for small business owners May 2023 May’s Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the significance of mental well-being. As a small business owner in the UK, you hold a vital role in nurturing a positive work environment that prioritises the...

Prioritising Incident Reporting for Workplace Safety and Compliance April 2024 Ensuring workplace safety and compliance is crucial for everyone involved, from employers to employees. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website, emphasises the importance of incident reporting for all workplaces, regardless of size. They reported that between 2022/23, 561,000...

Prioritise Health and Safety Guidelines this New Year January 2024   As we step into 2024 with ample opportunities for growth and progress, have you considered the pivotal role that adherence to health and safety guidelines plays in achieving success? As supervisors, managers, and SME business owners, the coming year...

Protecting Your Workforce: The Role of Occupational Health and Eye Care November 2024 When it comes to workplace safety, we often think of hard hats, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility jackets. But occupational health goes far beyond just physical safety measures. It’s about ensuring the overall well-being of your workforce, which...

Mitigating the Risks of Site Vehicle Accidents August 2023 For any workplace utilising site vehicles such as forklifts and lorries, safety should be the number one concern. Accidents involving these vehicles can have severe consequences, impacting both the employees’ well-being and the business’s financial stability. To maintain a safe working...

Improving Safe Driving for Work June 2024 There are over 5000 accidents involving transport in the workplace every year. About 50 of these result in people being killed according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These numbers paint a stark reality: driving for work can pose significant risks to...

Helping your workplace with Hazards, Near Misses, and Incidents February 2024 Maintaining a delicate balance between productivity and safety is a constant challenge. Between 2022-2023 according to the Labour Force Survey, 561,000 working people sustained an injury at work and 60,645 injuries to employees were reported under RIDDOR. Incidents may...

How to Help Workers Thrive on Blue Monday January 2025 Does the third Monday in January feel particularly heavy? Known as Blue Monday, it’s often labeled the most depressing day of the year, with winter blues, post-festivities, financial stress, and gloomy skies weighing on our moods. But what if Blue...

Harness or Steer Clear of AI in Health and Safety? February 2025 Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and health and safety is no exception. From predictive analytics to real-time hazard detection, AI offers opportunities to mitigate risks and improve workplace safety. Yet, without clear regulation in the UK, organisations...

The Manual Handling E-learning course can be found under the ‘Training Courses‘ tab of your Harwood Health and Safety Portal. This course has been written to meet the needs of your business in line with the latest guidance and recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive. October 2024 A reminder...

Breaking the silence on International Men’s Day November 2023 CW: Suicide prevention On Sunday, November 19th, International Men’s Day shone a spotlight on the well-being of men around the globe, emphasising a crucial theme this year: zero male suicide. In a world where societal expectations often pressure men to bottle...

Beat the Heat – handle the hot weather in your workplace Temperatures above 24–26°C are associated with reduced labour productivity. At 33–34°C, a worker operating at moderate work intensity loses 50 per cent of his or her work capacity. Exposure to excessive heat levels can lead to heatstroke, sometimes even...

September 2024 Health and Safety (H&S) accidents can happen to businesses of all shapes and sizes as well as across any industry. Unfortunately, the larger organisations are often all too familiar with the protocol when accidents do happen and will hire internal Health and Safety Directors, Managers and Officers to...