“If it ain’t Boeing, I ain’t going”. It’s a phrase that has followed the American aircraft manufacturer through decades of dominance, both at home and abroad. Not without reason, either: while competitors such as McDonnell Douglas struggled to overcome high-profile accidents – most notably with its DC-10 aircraft – Boeing was long considered the gold… Read More
We’ve harped on enough about the ongoing risks of asbestos. Thousands of tonnes of asbestos were imported into the UK, and most of it hasn’t left. Instead, it litters old properties and brownfield sites, slowly degrading and waiting to be dealt with. It’s a mess that someone will have to clean up eventually, but nobody… Read More
WARNING: minor spoilers for Season 1 of Fallout below! War never changes, and neither does the need for these health and safety hit pieces. Five minutes in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout should make it clear that health and safety is, at best, a loose consideration. Yet amidst all the bullet wounds and tetanus, there… Read More
MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS: Why is this an important month? Our mental health is so important, providing First Aid for Mental Health is a vital part of any business these days. Almost 50% of work-related ill health is due to stress, anxiety or depression. As an employer there is a legal duty of care to ensure… Read More
Almost two years after we wrote about a seemingly imminent ban, it’s finally happened: the United States has ended the last uses of asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a complete ban on the import or use of chrysotile asbestos, with a rapid end to its applications in vehicles, and a phased removal… Read More
As it’s my last day, I’ve been thinking back on all my experiences at SAMS. And as in any job I’m sure, there’s been ups, downs and moments I wouldn’t change for the world. I received a call from SAMS towards the end of lockdown saying I had got the job, which gave me the… Read More
The news that a major construction scheme intends to enforce properly-fitted PPE for women on its sites has been warmly received within the industry. It’s a topic we’ve written about before, and a change that’s not before time. The issue is a substantial one, and a hidden scourge that both commonly contravenes safety regulations, and… Read More
If you think about the substance asbestos, you probably see it as an old construction material that’s highly dangerous and therefore monitored and always controlled. You’re most certainly not thinking of it as something that’s currently a present threat. Asbestos can still be found in everyday products, and recent lawsuits reflect this (See Johnson &… Read More
Smartwatches have evolved beyond mere fitness trackers and timekeeping devices. They are now proving to be beneficial for workers’ health and safety, especially within the construction industry. As health and safety should be one of the most paramount concerns, it is essential to recognize as many health and safety hazards as possible and understand what… Read More
Accidents and emergencies rarely have the courtesy to strike when we expect them. In the workplace, being prepared to handle these situations means acting immediately, and with the knowledge necessary to provide triage and support. With the most serious emergencies needing to be resolved before paramedics can even reach a site, this early intervention can… Read More