Christmas is nearly upon us and it can be a demanding time for those working throughout the festive season. The run-up to Christmas can be especially busy for those who work in haulage and distribution. Workers in this industry are vulnerable to the risk of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injuries from hazardous manual handling. This can include: people lifting heavy parcels around warehouses delivery drivers moving products across the country
Our step-by-step guide to manual handling at work should help you minimise these risks.Â
We also have advice for users and suppliers of agency, or temporary workers, as many of these are specifically employed for the festive period. HSE has launched a new MSD body mapping tool The body mapping tool will help workers report and discuss any musculoskeletal aches or pains that may be caused or made worse by work activities. Register to access the tool, along with a guide and posters on how to run a successful body mapping workshop. A wood panelling company has been fined following an incident where a worker suffered a life-changing injury at its factory. The injury was sustained when a pack of waste MDF sheets (weighing around 350kg) fell from a trailer and landed on the worker's left leg, which then had to be amputated below the knee. HSE's investigation found there was no suitable risk assessment or system of work in place specifically relating to the risks associated with the stacking, movement and loading of waste MDF sheets. Read more in our press release: wood panelling firm fined £400,000 after injured worker loses leg. You can visit our news centre for more on recent enforcement cases, which include: £300,000 fine for company after explosion seriously injures 2 workers
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal type of pneumonia, contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing viable legionella bacteria. If you are an employer, or someone in control of a premises (including landlords), you: are responsible for health and safety need to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella
HSE's step guide on Legionnaire's disease outlines what you must do to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella. This includes:
identifying and assessing sources of risk managing any risks preventing or controlling any risks keeping and maintaining the correct records carrying out any other duties you may have
Visit our website for further guidance and resources on Legionella and Legionnairesâ disease.
HSE will continue to deliver a wide range of innovative and relevant training courses and events in 2025. HSE's training is delivered by experts to help organisations comply with the law and keep workforces healthy and safe. Upcoming courses include: Asbestos management in buildings
16 January, HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton NEBOSH HSE certificate in health and safety leadership excellence
23 January, Manchester New: Data-driven health and safety management: understanding why, what and how to measure
25 February, London
Find out more about HSE's training and events.
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