On Wednesday 11 March 2026, the UK marks No Smoking Day! — an annual campaign encouraging people to quit smoking and take a positive step for their health.
For employers, this isn’t just a public health message. It’s an opportunity to reflect on workplace culture, fire risk management, legal compliance, and how we support our teams in making healthier choices.
Why This Matters to Employers
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness in the UK. In many of the sectors we support — engineering, waste management, care, laundry, manufacturing and mechanical services — smoking can have wider implications:
No Smoking Day gives businesses a timely reason to review whether policies are clear, fair and supportive.
The Legal Position: What Employers Must Know
Workplace smoking legislation in England is primarily governed by the Health Act 2006, supported by the Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006.
In simple terms:
Beyond smoking legislation, employers also have duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees.
This includes:
What About Vaping?
Vaping is not covered by smoke-free legislation in the same way as tobacco. However, employers are entitled — and encouraged — to set clear workplace policies around e-cigarettes.
A lack of clarity often causes tension between staff.
Questions to consider:
Clarity prevents conflict.
Fire Risk and Site Safety
In higher-risk environments — particularly waste sites, workshops, warehouses and care settings — smoking can significantly increase ignition risks.
Consider:
A small housekeeping failure can become a serious incident.
Supportive Approaches — Not Just Enforcement
While enforcement is important, No Smoking Day is a reminder that culture matters.
Supportive employers can:
If any of your team are considering stopping smoking, supportive guidance is available through the NHS and local stop-smoking services.
If you would like guidance on how to support employees in quitting — while maintaining clear workplace boundaries — please contact us. We are happy to point you in the right direction.
A Quick Workplace Checklist
This week, ask yourself:
✔ Is our smoking policy up to date?
✔ Does it clearly cover vaping?
✔ Are designated smoking areas safe and suitable?
✔ Are cigarette bins provided and maintained?
✔ Is our fire risk assessment reflective of real behaviour on site?
✔ Are staff aware of available support if they wish to quit?
If you are unsure about any of the above, it may be time for a policy review.
Let’s Work Together
If you would like your smoking and vaping policies reviewed, your fire risk assessment refreshed, or your managers supported in handling workplace issues fairly and confidently — contact us.
We believe good health and safety is not about catching people out. It’s about setting clear expectations, managing risk sensibly, and supporting people to make better choices.
Guest Blog Opportunity
We are always keen to collaborate with like-minded professionals.
If you would like to guest blog for us on a health, safety or wellbeing topic, please get in touch. Sharing practical insight helps raise standards across all sectors.
No Smoking Day is about positive change.
As employers, we have the opportunity to lead that change in a way that is compliant, practical and supportive.
If you would like help reviewing your approach — or guidance on supportive ways to help your team stop smoking — contact us.
Workers are as likely to have an accident in their first 6 months at work as during the whole of the rest of their working life.
This increased risk is because of:
This means workers new to a workplace may:
Assess the new starter’s capabilities. This might include:
Don’t forget to assess cultural issues and grasp of English where relevant – you may need to use visual, non-verbal methods like pictures, signs or videos.
Provide an induction. Plan it carefully, including photos of hazards where possible, and use plain, simple language.
Take time to walk around the workplace or site with new workers and show them where the main hazards are, like falls and slips.
Make sure control measures to protect against risk are up to date. Check they are being properly used and maintained by:
Provide relevant information, instruction and training about the risks new workers may be exposed to and the precautions they will need to take to avoid them.
Provide adequate supervision. Make sure workers know how to raise concerns. Supervisors should be aware that workers may find it difficult to raise concerns because of unfamiliarity and inexperience.
Check workers have understood the information, instruction and training they need to work safely, and are acting on it. This is important during the vital first days and weeks at work.
Make sure workers know:
Young people may lack the experience and maturity of their colleagues. You need to consider the risk to young people at work.
Migrant workers are another group that may be particularly at risk when starting work. Advice for employers of migrant
Contact us if you have any questions.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to my readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, cold weather brings real risks for workers both indoors and outdoors. From chilled warehouses to construction sites and delivery routes, being cold isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be unsafe. Th
Why Cold Weather Matters for Health & Safety
Cold weather affects both the body and the workplace. When working in low temperatures, people may experience stiff muscles, reduced manual dexterity, slower reaction times, and, in extreme cases, cold-related illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite. Exposure over time also increases the risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces and diminished concentration — all of which can lead to accidents.
Beyond physical hazards, cold temperatures can reduce productivity and raise the likelihood of errors, especially when workers are forced to rush or cut corners just to keep warm.
What the Law Says
Under UK law, employers must protect the health and safety of workers — and this includes managing temperature risks.
There’s no legal temperature threshold for outdoor work, but employers must still assess risks and take sensible precautions when cold weather could affect safety or health.
Assessing the Risk of Cold Weather
A cold weather risk assessment should form part of your wider health and safety planning. This means organising your workplace and work activities to reduce exposure to cold and considering factors such as:
If your assessment shows that cold may pose a risk, you must put controls in place. These might include providing breaks in heated shelters, adjusting work schedules, or changing how tasks are performed.
Practical Measures to Keep People Safe
Here are key steps that can make a big difference:
❄️ 1. Provide Appropriate Clothing and PPE
Warm, layered clothing helps workers maintain body heat. If tools or machinery must be handled in cold environments, consider insulated gloves and footwear to protect against cold stress.
☕ 2. Facilitate Regular Warm-Up Breaks
Offer access to heated rest areas and warm drinks so workers can recover from exposure. Frequent breaks in warmth help prevent hypothermia and maintain performance.
🧑🤝🧑 3. Plan Activities With Weather in Mind
Timing tasks for warmer parts of the day or rearranging workloads can reduce exposure. If conditions are severe, consider delaying non-urgent work.
🧠 4. Educate Workers on Symptoms
Make sure workers know signs of cold stress, such as persistent shivering, fatigue, confusion or numb extremities, so they can seek help early.
Cold Weather Outside the Workplace
Cold affects more than just work conditions. UK Government guidance encourages individuals and organisations to support vulnerable people — such as older adults or those with health conditions — during prolonged cold spells. This includes awareness of Cold-Health Alerts, preparation plans and communication of health risks to those at risk.
This broader advice, while focused on general health, reinforces the importance of preparedness and risk awareness during adverse cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather safety isn’t about making work cosy — it’s about protecting health, reducing risk, and ensuring safe, productive operations through the winter months. By understanding your legal obligations, assessing cold hazards, and putting sensible controls in place, employers can look after their teams and create safer, more resilient workplaces.
A proactive approach to cold weather is good for people, performance and compliance — and it sends a strong message that health and safety really does matter.
Guest Blogging
If you feel that you could contribute to this blog then please feel free to send me a proposal of your guest blogging ideas and we can discuss these further info@walkersafety.co.uk . Please note any proposals must be of benefit to our readers from individuals with knowledge of their subject matter.
Contact us if you require further information.
If you work in health, safety, or environmental management, BHSEA (Birmingham Health, Safety & Environment Association) is a fantastic resource for learning, networking, and professional development. We have been members for nearly four years, and it’s been invaluable.
About BHSEA
Founded in 1930, BHSEA is a charity that brings together professionals across industries to share knowledge, best practice, and lessons learned. The group is run by volunteers and supported by a part-time administrator, keeping it grounded in real-world experience.
Meetings & Events
Membership Costs
Why Join?
Try It First
Curious to see if it’s right for you? You can attend your first meeting as a guest and experience the value of BHSEA first hand. Once you meet the people and see the benefits, joining usually feels like a no-brainer!
Past newsletters from the meetings – Click here
Contact us if you would like to attend.
Here at Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we have researched (from various websites) and identified a number of statistics on workplace injuries and health and safety in Great Britain. Upon reflection, it is evident that the number of injuries remains high, underscoring the importance of prioritising workplace safety. The stats show that when health and safety rules are overlooked, it reveals what can go wrong.
It is essential that workers, employers, and managers all play their part in creating a safe and secure workplace. Following health and safety rules is crucial for protecting employees from harm, ensuring legal compliance, boosting productivity, and enhancing business reputation.
This shouldn’t be seen as a burden as it offers significant benefits – reduced costs, reduced risks, lower absences from employees, and lessened threat of legal action.
Health and safety with the workplace statistics for 2025:
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: Estimates based on self-reports from the Labour Force Survey for people who worked in the last 12 months
Source: Counts from death certificates and estimates from epidemiological information
Source: Counts from death certificates and estimates from epidemiological information
Source: RIDDOR
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Source: Estimates based on HSE Cost Model
Source: Estimates based on HSE Cost Model
Contact us if you feel you require assistance with your health and safety requirements.
