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World Menopause Day 18th October 2025

Although women cope differently with menopause, severe menopause symptoms can greatly affect their wellbeing.

The average age of natural menopause is 51 years but can occur much earlier or later. Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is called early menopause and before the age of 40 is premature menopause. Late menopause may also occur but by the age of 54, 80% of women will have stopped having periods.

Generally, women having early or premature menopause are advised to take HRT until approximately the average age of the menopause, for both symptom control and bone protective effect.

Some women are not prepared for the onset of menopause and its symptoms. It would be great to provide further information to employers and employees. Get in touch if you need support.

You might find it helpful to…

  • Find out more about menopause in general
  • Talk to your GP about treatment choices
  • Talk with a manager / HR department you feel comfortable with
  • Use technology where it can help you – setting up reminders on your phone or taking more notes
  • If you have supportive work colleagues talk about your experiences with them, you may find you’re not alone. Humour can help deflect embarrassment and increase your confidence
  • Look into mindfulness techniques you can practice at work and at home
  • Consider lifestyle changes – could you exercise more? Stop smoking or set a revised weight goal?

If you would like to find out more click on the links below:

Menopause in the workplace

The Women and Equalities committee set up an inquiry into menopause in the workplace and the extent to which women with menopausal symptoms suffer discrimination in the workplace.  The recommendations are expected in 2022 and this could lead to changes to the Equality Act 2022.

It may be beneficial, if you haven’t already done so, to subscribe to the HSE news and updates link – HSE: Latest news on health and safety at work

Contact us for further information.

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Staying Safe This Autumn: October Health, Safety & Environmental Priorities

parkOctober marks a critical shift in the year. With darker evenings, cooler temperatures, and seasonal moisture, risks increase—but there’s also a strong opportunity to reinforce company culture and sustainability initiatives.

Key Focus Areas and Relevant UK Campaigns:

1. Seasonal Safety Focus

– Slips, Trips & Falls: Wet leaves and rain heighten outdoor hazard risks. Prioritise cleaning schedules, consider gritting walkways when needed, and reinforce appropriate footwear policies.
– Lighting Assessments: With days getting shorter, audits of external and emergency lighting help prevent accidents and bolster productivity.
– Equipment & Vehicle Checks: Drier and colder conditions can stress machinery and vehicles—proactive servicing reduces downtime and improves safety.

2. Mental Health Awareness

– World Mental Health Day – 10 October: This international observance offers a timely prompt to emphasise that mental wellbeing is integral to workplace safety. Encourage open dialogue, provide stress-related training for managers, and remind staff of available support services.

3. Environmental Responsibility

– Recycle Week 2025 – 14–20 October: Organised by WRAP, the theme “Rescue Me! Recycle” encourages better recycling habits across the UK (https://www.wearedisrupt.co.uk/event/recycle-week-2025). This makes it a perfect opportunity to launch or reinvigorate internal recycling campaigns, educate your team on proper segregation, and share WRAP toolkits and resources.

Why This Matters

October sets the stage for effective year-end HSE performance. Tying seasonal risks to mental health awareness and environmental action creates a compelling, multi-faceted blog that positions you as both proactive and socially responsible.

Contact us to discuss your health and safety requirements.

 

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September Safety Reset: Preparing for Autumn in Health, Safety & Environment

As summer draws to a close and workplaces settle back into routine, September is the ideal time to reset and refocus on health, safety, and environmental priorities. The changing season brings new challenges, from darker mornings to increased workloads, and it’s important to ensure that teams, systems, and sites are prepared.

Back to Routine, Back to Basics

With many employees returning from holidays, September offers an opportunity to reinforce a strong safety culture. Refreshing toolbox talks, reviewing risk assessments, and ensuring staff are fully briefed helps to prevent complacency and sets the tone for the final quarter of the year.

Seasonal Safety Considerations

  • Reduced Daylight: Shorter days mean a higher risk of slips, trips, and falls. Check external lighting, ensure walkways are clear, and review high-visibility PPE where necessary.
  • Fire Safety Checks: As heating systems are reintroduced, it’s a good time to schedule servicing, inspect fire alarms, and run evacuation drills. Prevention is always better than cure.
  • Workplace Transport: School traffic and delivery schedules are often busier in September. Employers should revisit safe vehicle movements, driver awareness, and pedestrian segregation.
  • Manual Handling: Many industries face heavier workloads in the run-up to Christmas. A reminder of safe lifting techniques and task planning can reduce the risk of injuries.

Supporting Wellbeing

September is also recognised for World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), which highlights the importance of workplace wellbeing. Employers can take this as an opportunity to review mental health support, signpost resources, and promote open conversations. A healthy, supported workforce is also a safer one.

Environmental Focus for Autumn

  • Energy Efficiency: As temperatures drop, review energy use. Simple measures such as checking insulation, servicing heating systems, and encouraging switch-off policies can reduce costs and carbon impact.
  • Sustainable Transport: With World Car Free Day (22nd September), businesses can encourage alternative travel methods such as cycling, car sharing, or public transport to reduce emissions.
  • Waste & Grounds Maintenance: Autumn often brings seasonal waste from groundskeeping and stock turnover. Safe handling, correct disposal, and recycling opportunities should be prioritised.

A Time to Reset

September is more than just the start of autumn — it’s a natural checkpoint for businesses to ensure they are on track with health, safety, and environmental goals. By refreshing policies, preparing for seasonal risks, and supporting employee wellbeing, organisations can step into the final months of the year with confidence.

Contact us if you wish to discuss your health and safety requirements.

 

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Welbeing September 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to put our own wellbeing at the bottom of the list. We push through busy schedules, endless responsibilities, and the constant noise of modern life—often without stopping to think about how we truly feel. Yet, our wellbeing is the foundation for everything else we do.

When we take care of ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we’re not only healthier, but also more resilient, focused, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Investing in wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that helps us thrive rather than simply survive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact us if you wish to find out more.

 

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Give a Little, Gain a Lot: Volunteer with Telford & Wrekin’s Litter‑Picking and Snow Warden Schemes

At Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we believe in giving back to the community we’re proud to call home. Supporting Telford & Wrekin Council’s volunteering schemes—including Street Champions and Snow Wardens—is a fantastic way to make a visible impact, strengthen community bonds, and boost your wellbeing.

But it’s not just for individuals. Businesses, too, can sign up as Street Champions and become local leaders in community pride.

Street Champions: Litter‑Picking for a Cleaner Telford

Whether you’re a resident, a family, or a local business, you can become a Street Champion and help keep Telford & Wrekin clean and litter-free.

By signing up, your business or organisation can take ownership of a street, park, or local space and receive equipment and support to organise clean‑ups.

What’s provided:
– Free kit for each volunteer: high‑vis vest, gloves, litter picker, hoop, waste sacks
– Insurance cover while volunteering
– Support from the Council for collecting rubbish after your clean-ups
– Option to take part in wider campaigns like the Great British Spring Clean

Why your business should join:
– Boost your CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) profile
– Show commitment to your local environment
– Great team-building opportunity
– Gain positive local publicity
– Build relationships with the community

Sign up: Telford & Wrekin Council | Street Champions

Email: pride.officer@telford.gov.uk | Phone: 01952 380455

Snow Wardens: Helping Neighbours in Winter

Snow Wardens are volunteers who help keep public footpaths and pavements safe during icy and snowy weather. This is particularly valuable in helping elderly or vulnerable residents stay safe and mobile.

Your business can encourage team members to sign up individually—or adopt areas near your premises to clear as part of your winter preparedness and community support.

What’s provided:
– High-vis vest, gloves, shovel, rock salt
– Support and updates during adverse weather
– Council insurance while volunteering

Sign up: Telford & Wrekin Council | Snow wardens

Email:  snowwardens@telford.gov.uk | Phone: 01952 380455

The Social Side: Why It’s Fun, Not Just Functional

Volunteering isn’t just about the task—it’s about the people you meet and the sense of pride you gain. Whether you’re picking litter with your team, helping during the snow, or joining a borough-wide event like the Great British Spring Clean, you’ll:

– Meet like-minded people
– Boost morale and well-being
– Make a real difference in your neighbourhood
– Get a bit of exercise and fresh air in the process!

Local Business Champions: Leading by Example

More and more businesses are stepping up to show pride in their communities. Becoming a Street Champion business is a fantastic way to lead by example, engage your team, and contribute to the place you trade, work, and live.

Imagine the benefits:
– Featuring your team’s efforts on your social media and website
– Receiving recognition in community newsletters
– Strengthening your brand’s reputation for environmental and social responsibility

You could even sponsor a regular clean-up, adopt a local green space, or partner with a local school or care home for a joint event.

How to Get Involved

Whether you’re picking up litter, clearing snow, or just spreading the word, your contribution matters. Businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way—so why not register today and show your community spirit?

At Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we’ll be joining in—and we hope to see you out there with us!

Contact us if you would like further information, or want to invite us along.