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CSCS card updates

As of the 31st December 2024 it will no longer be possible to renew CSCS Industry Accreditation (IA) Cards from the CITB. These cards were often referred to as the “grandfather rights” cards. Cards which were originally issued to allow experienced workers to gain CSCS competency cards without requiring formal qualifications (such as NVQ’s). Many workers have been renewing these cards every 5 years for some time. From the end of this year, these cards will not be renewed. This…
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A Closer Look at Safety Management in Workplace Accident Investigations

Ensuring Safety: The Critical Importance of Face Fit – Train the Tester Programs

Properly fitted respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is absolutely essential for jobs where workers are exposed to hazardous substances. A poorly fitted mask can expose the wearer to harmful particles, gases, or vapours, potentially leading to serious health issues. This is where Face Fit Testing comes in – a process that ensures RPE provides the necessary level of protection. The question is, who conducts these tests, and how can companies ensure they are done correctly? The answer lies in Face Fit…
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Choosing the Right IOSH Course: Which One is Best for Your Career?

Are you looking to enhance your health and safety knowledge and boost your career prospects? IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) courses are widely recognised as the gold standard in health and safety training. This guide explores the different IOSH courses offered by HCS Safety and helps you determine which one best suits you and your goals. Understanding IOSH Courses IOSH is a leading professional health and safety organisation in the UK. They provide a widely respected range of…
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Navigating SSSTS and SMSTS: Understanding the Key Differences and the Importance of Refresher Courses

The Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) and the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) are key to maintaining construction safety standards.  However, while overlapping, they serve different purposes and are aimed at different levels of responsibility.   Let’s explore their differences and why timely refresher training is essential for either course.   SSSTS: The Foundation of Site Supervision  The SSSTS is a two-day course designed for site supervisors. It covers the fundamentals of health and safety in construction, focusing on:  Legal responsibilities…
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Empowering Leaders: How Managers Can Spot and Support Mental Health in the Workplace

In 2023, HSE reported 875,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety – numbers that remain considerably higher than pre-pandemic levels.    Going above and beyond to support your employees is absolutely fundamental to creating a healthy, happy and productive workplace.  As a manager or supervisor, you’re positioned to create a supportive work environment and proactively identify potential mental health concerns among your team.   Read on to learn how to deliver mental health first aid and ongoing support in your workplace.   Legal…
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Evolving Asbestos Safety: How PPE and Exposure Protocols Have Improved Over Time

The history of asbestos use and its widespread regulation is indicative of how workplace safety evolves over time.   Once hailed as a miracle material for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos has become synonymous with occupational health hazards, from irritable lung conditions to mesothelioma, a devastating form of cancer. Over the decades, our understanding of asbestos risks has grown, hugely improving PPE legislation, exposure protocols and overall asbestos safety measures.  Read on to learn about how asbestos regulation has progressed since its…
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