15 Oct October

This month’s newsletter highlights key seasonal and workplace safety risks that employers should be aware of. As darker evenings and wet weather increase the likelihood of slips, trips and falls, the HSE is urging businesses to review lighting, manage wet surfaces, and stay alert to autumn hazards like rainwater and fallen leaves.

We also share new HSE guidance on preventing deaths caused by reversing vehicles, an issue responsible for 16% of all work-related fatalities. Simple improvements such as better traffic management, clear pedestrian routes, and properly maintained reversing aids can significantly reduce risk.

Finally, we explore the importance of managing hand-arm vibration to prevent long-term conditions such as HAVS. Employers must monitor exposure, maintain equipment, and train staff, with the HSE offering a free vibration calculator to support compliance.

The newsletter closes with a round-up of recent HSE prosecutions involving falls from height, structural collapse, and vehicle incidents—highlighting the real-world consequences of unsafe practices