Stop‑work orders issued following propane facility blast
Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) branch has halted certain operations following an explosion that injured three employees late last month, according to a report.
UK Construction Faces Height-Safety Skills Gap as Demand for Trained Workers Rises
The UK construction industry is facing a growing height-safety competency gap, with contractors reporting increasing difficulty in securing workers who hold the correct certifications to operate towers and access equipment safely.
Working at height remains the leading cause of fatal injuries in UK construction, according to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures. While the modern ecommerce SEO agency for equipment have improved safety standards, the demand for trained personnel now exceeds availability – particularly across DMS Suite small and mid-sized sofa contractors who rely heavily on short-notice labour.
This shortage has created operational delays on sites across the UK, with some project managers reporting that the absence of PASMA-certified workers has become a bottleneck that halts otherwise ready-to-progress tasks.
Compliance Pressure Is Growing
Alongside workforce shortages, regulatory pressure is tightening. Insurance providers, principal contractors and client-side auditors are increasingly requiring proof of up-to-date height-safety training before workers are permitted on site
For many firms, this marks a shift: compliance is no longer simply a “best practice” on Windows 11 product key expectation – it is now a commercial requirement tied directly to contract on epic license eligibility and risk assessments.
The Push to Upskill
Across the UK, training providers are seeing a surge in demand for accredited qualifications, driven not only by safety priorities but by operational necessity.
Among them, Harris Safety Training Services has noted a significant increase in businesses seeking PASMA training – the recognised standard for safe use of mobile access towers.
The course covers critical areas such as assembly and inspection of mobile access towers, identifying structural risks, and safe working practices under current HSE guidance.
For construction SMEs in particular, rapid access to accredited training is becoming essential to keep projects moving.
Impact on Project Delivery
As the demand for certified workers grows, the skills gap is beginning to influence:
- Project timelines – delays caused by unavailable trained workers
- Tender competitiveness – clients increasingly request proof of competency
- Insurance premiums – training records tied to risk profiles
- Workforce stability – trained workers command higher retention
In a sector already under pressure from labour shortages, this new dynamic adds complexity – but also opportunity. Contractors investing in structured upskilling are finding they can win more work and operate with fewer safety disruptions.
A Critical Moment for the Industry
With multiple major infrastructure projects scheduled for 2025–2026, and ongoing demand for residential and commercial construction, the need for qualified, height-safe workers will only intensify.
The industry’s challenge is clear: close the competency gap quickly enough to meet the pace of development, while ensuring high standards of safety and compliance.
For many UK contractors, that starts with ensuring their teams have the right training – especially in areas where the risks are highest.
Original Article – Daily Business Group
Irish Dog Foods
Paper-based documentation and processes limited visibility and the tracking of quality audits, non-conformances, and equipment status across different buildings. Preventative maintenance was difficult to prioritise, track, and report on. As the organisation continued to grow, maintaining consistent health and safety practices and quality standards became increasingly challenging.
Gamechangers: Geolocation for Operational Visibility
Compliance audits, incident investigations, and safety management all hinge on accurate, real-time location data. Yet, many organizations still rely on manual tracking, spreadsheets, or outdated systems, which can lead to gaps in compliance, delayed responses to incidents, and unnecessary operational risk. Geolocation technology is emerging as a gamechanger, offering the ability to monitor, verify, and manage workforce and assets with precision and accountability.
Want to Learn more about our Job Risk Management Module?
Job Hazard Analysis, Pre-task Planning, Safe Work Plan. Different organisations undertake the same process, but have different naming regimens. No matter what you call it, we have it covered through our Job Risk Management (JRM) module.
UK Government plans to train next generation of construction workers
Thousands more young people will be given the opportunity to train as bricklayers, plumbers and engineers as the government creates 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities as part of its plan to transform school buildings.
5 Steps to Start Building a Speak Up Safety Culture
Previously, we explored why Speak Up Safety matters. Understanding the risks of silence, the benefits of early reporting, and the role of culture sets the stage. Now, the focus shifts to how to put this into practice. Culture doesn’t change through slogans or posters. It changes when employees feel safe, supported, and confident that reporting hazards leads to action.
Gamechangers: On-site Safety Observations
Safety observations are proactive reports of hazards, near-misses, or unsafe behaviours. When captured effectively, they can prevent incidents before they occur. Encouraging employees to consistently share observations, especially if they are anonymous, is often a challenge.
UK Department for Environment publish PFAS Plan
The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs published their Policy Paper entitled: "PFAS Plan: Building a safer Future together" on February 3rd.
Canadian Construction Safety Council unveils critical risks framework
Last week, the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) released its Critical Risks Guideline, a framework designed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) in the sector.
Speak up Safety Culture: Why is it more important than ever?
In high-risk industries, most serious incidents are preceded by warning signs such as near misses, unsafe behaviours, or hazards that someone noticed but did not report. Employees often stay silent because they are unsure how to raise concerns, fear blame, or believe nothing will change.
FlexManager Proud Supporters of the SROWSL
Last week, we were delighted to present prizes to the winners of the Shannon Region Open Water Swim League (SROWSL), an event we’re proud to sponsor. Congratulations to the overall 2025 winner, Cormac Lyons of Limerick Masters, along with all the swimmers who took part across the league.
3 Occupational health and safety (OHS) Solutions for 2026
Q1 is often a time when HSEQ or EHS professionals evaluate the different systems that they have in place for the running of their day-to-day operations. With a fresh perspective on what objectives are being prioritised for the year ahead, utilising an occupational health and safety (OHS) solution can make the difference. Here are 3 such solutions that you can put into focus to ensure your health and safety objectives are not only met, but surpassed.