Positive changes to improve personal safety in the DCU

Colette Willoughby’s powerful talk on the safety of female analysts stunned many of us who heard it. I’m pleased to see that it continues to make an impact, and that our industry is beginning to make the changes that our female colleagues demand and deserve.

The Work and Pensions Committee asbestos report: five key recommendations

The Work and Pensions Committee has published its report on how the HSE manages asbestos in the UK. It’s full of well-balanced recommendations - here we look at the details, and focus in on five recommendations that could transform UK asbestos management for the better.

When to visual in the four-stage clearance

The Analysts’ Guide clearly states that analysts shouldn’t enter a ‘live’ enclosure, but this sensible instruction is leading to misunderstandings with big cost and program repercussions. While it may seem confusing on the surface, Nick Garland explains what it actually says, and why.

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 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.

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.

“It’s only an asbestos enclosure” – why temporary works are a problem

Everything a licensed asbestos contractor builds or installs comes under the temporary works guidance, but there’s little understanding of what this means in practice. Nick Garland explains how to keep within the rules.

Stay safer with Assure Incident 2.0

Construction is a dangerous business, but accidents rarely come entirely without warning. The trick is to identify the trends and blind spots that precede them, and act before someone gets hurt. Here’s how Assure360 can help.

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.

FAAM conference report – more than a virtual success

2020: Covid, change, and cause for optimism

Few will mourn 2020, but as 2021 beckons, the changes brought about by Covid will help to drive newer, better ways of working for everyone. Nick Garland looks back on a challenging year, and discovers how a very old-fashioned industry has been propelled into a paperless future

Living and working in Covid times

The pandemic will be with us for a while yet. But amid the misery of second-wave lockdowns, some of the changes forced on businesses will pay off in the long term. Nick Garland reviews the latest advice on safe working, and explains why some short-term fixes will give way to lasting change.