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What is an LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) Commissioning report?

When you have LEV installed, you must then have a report from the installer which summarises how the installation has met successfully with the design criteria set for the LEV.  Both of these tasks are always carried out by competent engineers experienced in the design and validation of LEV, often a qualification issued by BOHS…
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Engineered stone dust inhalation, the dangers of respirable crystalline silica (RCS)

Dry cutting of stone and stone-like materials can give rise to high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), and this can lead to severe health problems for employees.  Don’t be fooled; even wet cutting cannot control dust levels – you will always need a face-fitted FFP3 mask.  You might not be able to see the…
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Metal Fabrication Company Fined After Seven Workers Develop Vibration-Related Illness

HAVS can be a difficult hazard to manage. If you need help and support, consider joining the hundreds of businesses already using our competent person support service, Safety~net.  Contact us or request a call back for more information. A metal fabrication company operating at Immingham Docks has been fined after seven workers developed vibration-related health conditions…
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Forge fined £750,000 after worker dragged into lathe and killed

Before we look at this tragic accident, please make yourself aware of the standards which should be applied to ensure this doesn’t happen in your workplace. The HSE is clear that emery cloth must never be applied by hand to a rotating workpiece. Contact with moving parts can lead to rapid entanglement and fatal injuries. …
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Maintenance Company Fined £400,000 After Worker Dies from Toxic Glue Exposure

This accident illustrates the breadth of hazards which a competent health and safety professional must consider. Skin exposure to solvents, the potential for flammable atmospheres, the possible narcotic effects of inhalation of solvent vapours (perhaps leading to a serious road traffic accident), the potential for fire and explosion, the knowledge and approach of a competent…
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New HSE Video Series: How to Control Metalworking-Fluid (MWF) Mist During CNC Machining

HSE has released a practical four-part video series focusing on how to control exposure to metalworking-fluid (MWF) mist during CNC machining. The films demonstrate how effective local exhaust ventilation (LEV), visualisation techniques and straightforward monitoring tools can significantly reduce respiratory and skin risks for operators. Metalworking fluids are essential for cooling and lubricating cutting operations,…
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Sector-Specific Insights & Recommendations from HSE’s Latest Statistics

Construction Key Data & Risks In 2024/25, the construction sector recorded 35 worker fatalities, the highest of any sector. From HSE’s Labour Force Survey data, construction also has one of the highest self-reported rates of non-fatal injury: 2,388 per 100,000 workers. In terms of illness, the construction sector’s rate of self-reported work-related ill health is…
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HSE Workplace Health & Safety Statistics for 2024/25: What You Need to Know

The Health and Safety Executive has published the latest annual statistics covering work-related ill health, injury, and fatalities in Great Britain for 2024/25. HSE Workplace Statistics 2024/25. These figures serve as a vital barometer for the overall health of workplaces across industries — and they underline several key areas that businesses, large and small, must…
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Safe Storage of Lithium-Ion Batteries: Critical Guidance for Workplace Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere — powering forklifts, mobile devices, e-bikes, energy storage systems and more. Despite their benefits, they pose a serious fire and explosion hazard when improperly stored or handled. As safety professionals and business owners, we must treat them with the same respect as other hazardous items. This post outlines what you need…
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P50 service-free fire extinguishers, could they be the right choice for your business?

P50 service‑free fire extinguishers — what they are and whether they’re right for your site Service‑free extinguishers are becoming a popular option across UK sites — and the P50 family (manufactured in Great Britain) is one of the better‑known ranges. They’re marketed as lightweight, corrosion‑proof composite extinguishers that are service‑free for the first 10 years,…
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