willy wonka and the chocolate factory

The worst safety issues in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

When a ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ themed attraction went horribly wrong last year, it made headlines around the world. Yet little can compare to the disaster that inspired it, as immortalised in the 1971 documentary Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The behind-the-scenes footage of a chocolate factory tour is a terrifying glimpse into… Read More

things needed for good mental health

How SAMS is marking World Mental Health Day

Today, on this World Mental Health day, many of us will be wearing yellow, bringing in cakes to share with our colleagues and possibly displaying the odd poster about the place to try and raise awareness of the importance of mental health in the Workplace. Mental health is something that is with us all of… Read More

high rise flats

What the Grenfell report tells us about fire safety

Almost seven years on from the Grenfell Tower fire—and more than four years since the first revelations from the Grenfell enquiry—the full report has been released, and its conclusions are universally damning. Failures at every level meant that the risks were either missed or ignored, and even actively concealed to help sell dangerous products. Although… Read More

artificial stone worktops in kitchen

Why do experts want to ban artificial stone worktops?

The cost-of-living crisis hasn’t dented the popularity of home renovations, but it has changed the type of work that’s being done. When it comes to kitchens, this means reining in plans for elaborate kitchen islands and marble sinks, and getting as much bang for your buck as possible. Cost-conscious kitchen planners will likely have heard… Read More

digger outside construction site

Why SSSTS training is more important than ever

Construction is an industry in high demand and high flux. The combination of a growing population and ‘net zero’ pledges have led to a huge spike in new developments and refurbishments. At the same time, the industry is trying to grapple with the staffing demands this has created, and the emergence of new technologies on… Read More

residential high rise buildings in london

Why are cladding fires still happening in 2024?

When the news of a fire in a London tower block broke recently, most people’s minds would have gone to Grenfell Tower, and the worst case scenario that might unfold. Thankfully, the fire was extinguished successfully, with everyone successfully evacuated from the building. Nevertheless, the fact that such a fire could take place so long… Read More

skyline in indian city

The growing issue of asbestos in India

India, the world’s most populous nation, is also its largest importer of asbestos. The deadly substance is linked to a range of devastating respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Yet despite this, asbestos continues to be used widely across the country, with no obvious end in sight. While the appeal of asbestos is… Read More

self care isn't selfish slogan

Why is the UK’s Mental Health Act being reformed?

This year’s King’s Speech made a number of eye-catching policy proposals on behalf of the new Labour government. For us, one of the stand-outs was a promise to reform the Mental Health Act. While not a surprise, the decision to feature it in the speech shows that it will be a focus for Labour, and… Read More

man using power tool at work

‘Section 6’: how a safety law helped change product design

The Health and Safety at Work Act revolutionised workplace safety in the UK (it’s kinda what our campaign is about). However, the law also had unheralded impacts outside of the workplace. Perhaps the most evident, far-reaching and long-lasting was Section 6, and the impact it had on the way products and equipment were designed and… Read More

robot worker in a warehouse

What does the future of health and safety look like?

The 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act is an opportunity to look back, and see how far safety has advanced in 50 years. It’s difficult to imagine a time in living memory when there were no health and safety protections for workers in many industries, and where there was little liability… Read More