A look ahead to 2022

It’s a new year and, hopefully, one in which we’ll finally learn to master the pandemic. With the promise of things returning closer to normal, here’s what we’re looking forward to in 2022.

Female analysts and four-stage clearance testing – the need for change

Does the asbestos industry have a problem with women? Colette Willoughby’s FAAM talk was a powerful and - frankly - shaming indictment of the everyday sexism and serious incidents that still happen today.

FAAM conference review – useful, compelling, and more thought-provoking than ever

Despite running virtually for the second year running, the FAAM asbestos conference managed to reach new highs - and uncover new lows. Immensely interesting, thought-provoking - and ultimately disturbing - we look at the highlights.

FAAM conference preview – don’t miss it!

This year’s FAAM Conference will - like last year - be fully virtual. But with a two-day programme bristling with quality speakers, it’s still unmissable. Here, Nick picks out his highlights.

Relicensing, and the importance of external audits

Any healthy auditing system should comprise a balance of internal and external audits, but with a limited budget, the HSE is increasingly reliant on audit evidence to back up its electronic licensing system. We look at the importance of audits, and the need for more quality independents to enter the fray.

The Contamination Expo, and the long road to events as normal

We were looking forward to the Contamination Expo, and Nick giving his talk on the four-hour time-weighted average, but Covid had other plans. Here’s our roundup, with another chance to see the virtual presentation.

Probing the subtleties of the new Analysts’ Guide

We’ve already covered many of the big changes in the HSE’s updated Analysts’ Guide, but look long enough and you’ll spot other, subtle changes with surprisingly big effects. Nick Garland continues his analysis.

Moving on from Covid’s darkest days

It’s been a long and difficult 18 months since Covid first appeared. We’re not out of the woods yet, but in this post we look at some of the positives, and anticipate happier, more prosperous times.

Defining the environmental clean

The so-called ‘environmental clean’ has long been open to abuse: too often used as a way to cut corners. But now the HSE’s Asbestos Network Technical Working Group is moving to define the term. Nick Garland examines what’s changing.

The rise of the independent auditor

Enforcing and evidencing the digital licensing regime demands boots on the ground, but Health and Safety Executive is hamstrung by its budget. The conditions are likely to create a new generation of independent auditors - Nick Garland explains how Assure360 can support them.

Enforcement visits – without teeth, can the HSE clamp down on Covid infringements?

Employers need to provide a safe workplace, even during Covid-19. But with the HSE struggling with budgetary constraints, and seemingly reluctant to take strong enforcement action, are employers getting away with risking their workers’ lives?

Assure360 Audit 3.0 – announcing the latest update to the Assure360 system

Assure360 Audit was the beginning of the Assure360 system, and embodies all the experience of our team and our wider health and safety user base. After updates to Incident and Paperless, we’re excited to announce the imminent release of Audit 3.0 - read on for more details.