As workloads shift with the seasons, so do the risks we face. Now is a perfect time to reinforce safe manual handling practices and prevent musculoskeletal injuries across your team.
Whether you’re lifting, shifting, pushing, pulling, or simply standing for long hours—strains and sprains are the most common workplace injury in the UK. The good news? They’re also among the most preventable.
🤕 The Cost of “Just a Twinge”
We’ve all heard it: “It’s just a sore back—I’ll shake it off.” But injuries like:
Many of these injuries result from poor lifting techniques, rushing tasks, or using the wrong equipment.
🛠️ 5 Manual Handling Tips to Share with Your Team
📋 Don’t Forget: Employer & Employee Responsibilities
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must:
Employees must:
✅ What Can You Do This Week?
👀 Remember: Good habits save backs, joints and time.
Small changes in how we lift, carry, and move can make a huge difference in injury prevention. Let’s keep sprains and strains off the sick list this summer.
Here is a toolbox talk to provide to staff – Click here Toolbox_Talk_Manual_Handling.
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Contact us if you wish to discuss your health and safety requirements 🙂
Health and Safety Consultants | Telford, Shropshire, West Midlands
Next week (9–15 June) is Men’s Health Week, and it’s a great opportunity for us to take a moment to reflect on how we look after ourselves and each other—physically and mentally.
Men’s health is often overlooked or quietly pushed aside, but it’s something we all need to take seriously. This year’s theme encourages small steps toward better health—whether that’s getting more active, checking in on stress, or just having open conversations.
Companies should consider sharing a few useful tips and resources around their departments:
It’s not about big changes—just small actions that make a real difference.
Let’s keep the conversation going. If anyone has ideas or wants to share resources or activities during the week, feel free to get involved!
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As we move into summer, June brings rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity, especially in industries such as construction, agriculture, logistics, and grounds maintenance. While the sun may boost morale, it also presents serious health and safety risks. Heat stress, dehydration, and UV exposure can all affect employee health and performance—and if not managed properly, can lead to serious incidents.
This month, we explore how employers can effectively manage hot weather risks to keep staff safe, comfortable, and productive.
Key Risks of Working in Hot Weather
Employer Responsibilities
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must provide a working environment that is safe and without risk to health—including managing environmental risks like heat.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require employers to assess risks (such as heat stress) and take appropriate control measures.
Practical Tips for Employers
Industry Example – Telford-Based Outdoor Workforces
Local Telford businesses—such as those in grounds keeping, road works, and warehousing with outdoor exposure—can benefit from proactive planning. Companies are well-placed to lead by example, demonstrating how to integrate weather-related risk assessments into daily briefings and RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements).
Conclusion
Heat is more than just a comfort issue—it’s a serious safety concern. By planning ahead, engaging staff, and adapting working practices, employers can meet legal obligations and protect their teams from the risks of summer work.
June is the perfect time to review your heat management plans and ensure everyone stays safe under the sun.
If you would like further information, please contact us.
Health and safety isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about behaviour, culture, and consistency. Every time someone chooses not to wear PPE, skips a safety check, or “takes a shortcut,” they’re not just bending the rules—they’re putting themselves and others at risk.
Complacency in the workplace is a silent threat. It often shows itself in phrases like:
But as any experienced professional knows, it only takes one moment of carelessness to cause an incident.
The Cost of Complacency
When people stop taking health and safety seriously, it can lead to:
Real-world incidents have shown that a relaxed or reckless attitude can result in anything from minor cuts to life-changing injuries—or worse. And while some may dismiss safety protocols as over-the-top, the consequences of not complying are very real.
What the Law Says
UK health and safety law outlines the responsibilities of both employers and employees:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Common Examples of Complacency and Carelessness
Fostering a Culture of Compliance
The solution isn’t simply more rules—it’s about reinforcing why safety matters and creating a workplace where:
Final Thoughts
Complacency and careless behaviour are often the root causes of serious incidents. Remember: compliance saves lives; complacency puts them at risk.
What may seem like an easy shortcut or minor rule-bend could have life-changing consequences. Let’s stay vigilant and responsible—not reckless.
Take Action Today
Think smart. Act safe. Stay compliant.
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