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Screwfix has proudly funded over 50 trade apprentices through its partnership with flexi-job apprenticeship agency, TrAC. The milestone reflects the omni-channel retailers’ commitment to help tackle the skills shortage and encourage more people to pursue a career in the trade. Since launching in 2022, Screwfix has funded the apprentices across a wide range of skilled …
New analysis from ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) shows the electrical skills gap is growing nationwide, with a 5.5 per cent drop in electrical apprenticeship starts, putting government ambitions and economic growth at risk. The UK’s electrical skills gap is widening, across the country, at the very moment demand for skilled electricians is accelerating, according to …
FireAngel, one of the leading fire and carbon monoxide safety technology manufacturers in the UK, is driving its on-going dedication to sustainability throughout 2026 with its tree planting initiative as part of its partnership with UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRS). FireAngel has launched a tree-planting initiative that aligns environmental action with its ongoing work …
What are Psychosocial Risk (PSR) factors? Several psychosocial risk (PSR) factors have been identified by researchers at Simon Fraser University “based on extensive research and review of empirical data from national and international best practices. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/mh/mentalhealth_risk.html.
What does a construction worker do? Construction is an industry that requires working at ever-changing locations and work environments. This profile refers to general construction workers. Others at a construction site include electricians, carpenters and plumbers. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/occup_workplace/construction_worker.pdf.
Traffic management is one way to minimize the risk of an incident by creating controls to ensure everyone’s safety. When planning for traffic management, be sure to consult with the health and safety committee or representative, forklift operators, and workers (including pedestrians) who have tasks in the area. After controls are in place, they must …
This publication outlines the basic concept of JSA and provides a step-by-step procedure for performing a JSA according to two simple techniques: change analysis and the energy-barrier approach (see the flow chart on the next page). Examples of job safety analysis for some common jobs are presented. These examples are intended to illustrate the application …
Noise is one of the most common workplace health hazards. In heavy industrial and manufacturing environments, as well as in farms, cafeterias, permanent hearing loss is the main health concern. Annoyance, stress and interference with speech communication are the main concerns in noisy offices, schools and computer rooms. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/topics/hazards/physical/noise.
What is meant by working alone? A person is "alone" at work when they are on their own; when they cannot be seen or heard by another person. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/alone/workingalone.html.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing occupational health and safety information and advice. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/occup_workplace?wbdisable=false.
It is important to consider all situations carefully. Working alone includes all workers who may go for a period of time where they do not have direct contact with a co-worker. For example, the receptionist in a large office building may be considered a “lone” worker if their station is located away from others. Alternatively, …
What is Legionnaires’ disease? The name "Legionnaires’ disease" was first used in 1976 after an outbreak of a type of pneumonia that affected many delegates attending a American Legion Convention in Pennsylvania. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/legion.html.
What type of PPE is available when welding? The chart below summarizes the types of personal protective equipment that can be used when welding. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/welding/ppe.htm.
What are the occupational exposure limits for workplace noise? Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for noise are typically given as the maximum duration of exposure permitted for various noise levels. Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/noise/exposure_can.html.
Lead-containing material can accumulate on hands, clothing and hair. From there, it can be disturbed, re-suspended in air, and then inhaled or ingested. Workers should be able to wash and shower at the end of each shift. For all work involving lead exposure, there should be no smoking, eating, drinking or chewing in contaminated areas. …
What does a plumber do? A plumber is a person who installs, repairs and maintains plumbing fixtures or systems in businesses, industries or residences.
What does a plumber do? A plumber is a person who installs, repairs and maintains plumbing fixtures or systems in businesses, industries or residences. CLICK HERE to read the FULL CCOHS: Plumber article. Why do plumbers make terrible poker players? Because they always fold under pressure. What’s a plumber’s favorite vegetable? A leek. Why did …
Electricians and welders named the UK’s best trades to enter through apprenticeships As the UK marks National Apprenticeship Week, new research from Yorkshire-based steelwork manufacturing and coded welding specialist Tadweld reveals the best trades to enter through apprenticeships in 2026, with electricians and welders once again leading the rankings. The research highlights a growing divide …
Plumbing and heating profession warns skills shortages and public safety risks will grow without reform Plumbing and heating businesses are being priced out of apprenticeships, putting jobs, public safety and the delivery of Scotland’s housing and low-carbon heating ambitions at risk, says the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF) in its 2026 Scottish election manifesto. Supporting …
Tool theft is one of the biggest ongoing issues in construction, continuing to impact thousands of UK tradespeople everyday. The loss equates to millions of pounds and continues to have a significant impact on tradespeople’s livelihoods. On The Tools, the UK’s largest construction community, asked tradespeople one simple question of their social media community. “What …
Scolmore Group is delighted to announce the opening of its new visitor centre in the heart of Canary Wharf, London. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to supporting its growing customer base in the South of England. Located in one of London’s most accessible and vibrant business districts, the new …
CEF is thrilled to announce that along with our dedicated supporters, we have delivered on our commitment to raise over £1 million for Macmillan Cancer Support – a remarkable achievement since our fundraising efforts began in 2020. As at the end of December, we have raised £1,006,938.01. This achievement is more than a number, it’s …
Recolight has announced new CO2 emission reports to help lighting producers, and their customers to monitor and reduce the carbon footprint associated with their waste lamp and luminaire collections. This initiative provides the lighting industry with detailed assessments of the carbon emissions associated with every lighting waste collection managed by Recolight. To deliver these reports, …
Over half say the presence of an EV charger would positively influence their decision to purchase a property 50 per cent believe it is essential that a home charger is aesthetically pleasing on the outside of their home Over 82 per cent of younger drivers now consider pre-installed charging a key factor in property selection …