Information for businesses and those affected by work can be found below, with information on specific topics. You can find further information on the Health and Safety Executive website on the right of this page. Asbestos - the single greatest cause of work-related death in the UK. Information on dangers and management of asbestos in the workplace can be found on the link to the right.
Asthma - breathing in certain dusts, gases, fumes and vapours can cause asthma.
Back pain - advice for employers, workers, health professionals and those living with back pain.
Chemicals - manufacturing, storage, supply carriage and use of chemicals in the workplace.
Confined spaces - how to work safely in a place that is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely). Serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby, such as lack of oxygen.
Electricity - information relating to electrical safety at work.
Equipment - information relating to the use of equipment and machinery at work.
Falls - falls from height represent the most common kind of workplace fatality.
Fire and explosion - people may suffer burns caused by the uncontrolled ignition of the flammable chemicals and other materials they work with.
Gas - information that gas consumers need to know in order to manage gas appliances and equipment safely. Includes; what to do in an emergency, advice for landlords and letting agents, domestic gas FAQs and carbon monoxide awareness. Gas safety Tel: 0800 300 363 - smell gas? Tel: 0800 111 999.
Infections at work - created by exposure to harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. People can be harmed by microorganisms by becoming infected with them, exposed to toxins they produce or by having an allergic reaction to the microorganism or substances it produces.
Legionnaires disease - A form of pneumonia that can affect anybody but mostly those who are susceptible due to age, illness or immunosuppression. In severe cases it can be fatal. The link to the right includes what it is, symptoms and treatment and a case study.
Local exhaust ventilation systems (LEV) - employees contract occupational lung and other diseases because they breathe in too much dust, fume or other airborne contaminants at work. LEV can remove airborne contaminants before people breathe them in. The link to the right, gives information for designers, installers and examiners, employers and employees.
Migrant workers - the law provides protection for overseas workers whether they are working here legally or not. Information for overseas workers and their employers to understand their roles and responsibilities (includes information in many languages).
Moving good safely (lifting and carrying) - a national project to reduce injuries and ill health arising from movement of goods from supplier through hauliers to the recipient and end user.
Noise - exposure to excessive noise levels will put hearing at risk. Information includes the Sound Advice Website, regulations and free email bulletins.
Offices - includes display screens equipment (using computers), home working, repetitive strain injury and upper limb disorders.
Risk management - advices employers on how to look at risks that arise in the workplace and put sensible control measures in place. The link information includes getting started, writing a risk assessment, sensible risk management, FAQs and worked examples of risk assessments.
Occupational skin disorders (dermatitis) - work related skin disease can affect people in many occupations. Includes the 'avoid, protect, check' approach to reduce the chance of suffering painful and dehabilitating skin conditions.
Slips and trips - how to prevent slips and trips in the workplace. Includes cause, how to prevent, footwear and a learning package.
Stress - work-related stress is a major cause of ill health in the UK. Stress is not an illness but if it becomes excessive and/or prolonged, mental and physical illness may develop. Work is generally good for people if it is well designed, but it can also be a great source of pressure.
Workplace temperature - how the temperature of the workplace can affect health and advice on how to manage it.
Temporary and agency workers - employment agencies have a duty to make sure they follow the law to protect these workers.
Workplace transport - how to assess and manage vehicle and driver safety.
Vibration - this can cause long term painful damage to hands and fingers.
Violence - information to the right of the page, includes any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work including verbal as well as physical attacks.
Young people - young people, especially those new to work, will encounter unfamiliar risks from the jobs they do and from the environment.