World mental health day - 10 October

Around half of work-related ill health is down to stress, depression or anxiety, with each person suffering taking an average of 19.6 days off work per year

Why prioritise good mental health and prevent work-related stress? Because it's:

• the law
• good for business
• the right thing to do

The law requires all employers to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health in the workplace by doing a risk assessment and acting on it.

Failing to manage stress at work can cost employers in reduced productivity, sickness absence, or even losing a valued member of the team.

HSE’s Working Minds campaign can help. Find out how to support your workers to thrive:

• register for our free online learning for step-by-step guidance
• download a risk assessment template
• see the Talking Toolkit for help structuring your conversations  
• sign up to our monthly e-newsletter 
  
  

Crown Censure issued following death of soldier

HSE has issued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with a Crown Censure following the death of a reservist soldier 

The Censure was issued following a fatal incident where the solider was killed after the Jackal vehicle he was driving rolled multiple times down a steep hill at a training area.

HSE's investigation found that:

• the training course involved hazardous activities, which gave rise to the potential for the vehicle to roll, meaning those taking part in the training were exposed to risk
• the course programme devised progressed too quickly and prevented trainees from developing the necessary expertise and skills
• risk assessments were not suitable and sufficient and standing orders and directions had not been properly followed

For further details and information read our press release.

You can visit our news centre for more on recent enforcement cases which include a:

• £360,000 fine for nationwide bakery after a worker loses finger
• chemicals firm fined following an explosion
  
  
  

New guidance on using nitrous oxide in maternity units

HSE has published new guidance on using nitrous oxide (gas and air) safely in maternity units

This guidance is aimed at those in maternity units who are responsible for preventing harm from high levels of exposure to nitrous oxide. It covers:

• levels of exposure
• control measures
• monitoring exposure
• management systems

Visit our website guidance on: Using nitrous oxide (gas and air) safely in maternity units

Latest job vacancies at HSE

Investigating accidents and incidents (HSG245)

HSE's workbook gives organisations the opportunity to find out what went wrong and identify risks they can easily avoid.

It offers a step-by-step guide, to help organisations carry out their own health and safety investigations.

Download a free copy from our website