BUSINESS SUPPORT HEALTH & SAFETY
The latest news and updates on health and safety in construction to keep you and your workforce safe on site HEALTH SAFETY &
Tackling microplastics
2025 HSE Science Review: persistent threats
design changes, mechanical aids, and pre-task planning to reduce lifting risks. The review notes falls from height as a persistent issue. Clear guidance and interventions – such as edge protection measures and mobile access platforms — can drastically reduce incidents. HSE’s case studies show that businesses can adopt safer practices with modest investment and training. The emphasis is on ‘proportionality’—
The latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Annual Science Review brings important insights for builders, with a focus on health risks and safety practices in small construction businesses. Occupational lung disease is a critical concern – particularly exposure to construction dust, including respirable crystalline silica and wood dust. HSE reinforces the importance of effective dust control, such as on-tool extraction and water suppression, especially when cutting or sanding materials. Manual handling is a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders among site workers. HSE is promoting practical
The UK construction industry is generating plastic waste at an alarming rate —15 times faster than the European average, according to the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP). Much stems from the use of plastics that are difficult or impossible to recycle, such as PVC and certain composite materials. Products such as Multilayer Composite Pipes (MLCPs), often marketed as eco-friendly, can’t be recycled at all. Microplastics – shed from paints, sealants, insulation and fittings – are being detected in water, soil, and even the food chain, raising environmental and health concerns. The construction sector is the UK’s second-largest source of plastic waste, so action is needed. The industry is being called to transition to recyclable alternatives such as copper, aluminium, and steel, which have recycling rates upwards of 70 per cent. The CuSP recommends early design-stage planning to reduce reliance on plastics and implement waste management strategies. Scan the QR code for the Construction Industry Research and Information
meaning measures that are both effective and realistic for smaller firms. Scan the QR code for the full review.
Government to review lifting regs
Safety Regulations 2000, to adapt to advancements in technology and equipment. For FMB members, this
The government has initiated a comprehensive review of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) to simplify regulatory frameworks across sectors and eliminate outdated regulations that may impede business growth. HSE has been tasked with updating definitions, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). The goal is to streamline incident reporting processes and compliance. HSE will examine older legislation, including the Pressure Systems
review could lead to more practical requirements for lifting operations and equipment use. Simplifying LOLER may reduce compliance burdens while maintaining safety standards. Scan the QR code for the LOLER regulations.
Association’s guidance on microplastics in construction.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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