Health and safety

Contact: Gavin Reese

Health and safety

HSE considers whether DSE Regulations are still relevant

On 1 January 1993, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 came into force, implementing a European Directive from 1990 on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment (DSE), its related ailments included musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and eye problems.

The HSE has now published a research report “Reviewing and updating the evidence base on the hazards and risks for musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and visual problems regulated by the Display Screen Equipment Regulations”, outlining the issues of working with DSE, risks and health problems to determine if the Regulations are necessary, proportionate and remain relevant. It also highlights that most risk exposures of concern pre-1992, eg screen quality and keyboard activation force are no longer issues for DSE and keyboards.

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Health and safety

Silicosis risk to stone worktop engineers in the spotlight

A recent spate of silicosis cases among young workers handling engineered stone worktops has led the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) to call for a ban on the material, following Australia’s example in July 2024. Engineered stone releases harmful crystalline silica dust when cut or ground, which, when inhaled, can cause irreversible lung damage. BOHS advises strict dust controls and medical surveillance in workplaces.

In January 2024, the UK government stated it had no plans to ban the material, trusting the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to regulate exposure. However, with a new Labour government, the issue may be revisited. The HSE is currently inspecting over 1,000 businesses handling engineered stone, with findings expected soon, which could influence future regulations.

Gender bias endangering women's health in the workplace

The HSE warned on International Women's Day that women working in heavy industry are provided with poorly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), after a survey revealed that PPE is based on male body types and this affects over 25% of women.

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) challenged the government's approach to regulating harmful chemicals, highlighting failures to consider gender-specific impacts. The UK established its own REACH (UK Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction on chemicals) following its exit from the European Union, which had its own REACH. 26 chemicals were under consideration due to health concerns. BOHS criticised the rationale used by UK REACH to determine its 2024 priorities. UK REACH doesn't focus on gender-specific effects of chemical exposure in the workplace. Of the 16 chemicals deemed unconcerning, ten are toxic to reproduction and six are likely to have specific health impacts on women.

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