Blog

Rethinking Risk: How Remote Assessments and Technology Are Transforming Health and Safety

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Why Remote Risk Assessments Are on the Rise

Traditionally, a health and safety consultant would visit your premises in person, walk the floor, and take notes for an assessment. That still works well for many businesses, but it’s no longer the only option. Thanks to smartphones, video tools, and secure file sharing, much of this process can now be handled remotely.

A remote assessment might include:

A video walkthrough of the premises (recorded or live)
Photos and descriptions of specific work areas or equipment
Online consultations with managers and staff
Shared access to documents like floorplans, previous assessments, or incident logs

This method is not only convenient it’s often faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to your business.

The Technology Behind It: Video, AI and Better Communication

Technology is playing a crucial role in making remote assessments viable and robust. For example:

📹 Video walkthroughs

A simple smartphone video can provide an assessor with a clear view of the working environment, from hazards on the floor to PPE use, lighting, and signage. These walkthroughs can be live (via a video call) or pre-recorded, depending on what works best.

🤖 AI assistance

Artificial Intelligence tools can support assessors by reviewing footage or images for hazards. For example, AI might highlight blocked exits, missing safety signage, or even detect incorrect lifting posture. While AI doesn’t replace a trained human assessor, it adds a valuable second layer of review, and it’s improving fast.

🌍 Cross-border and multi-site support

Remote assessments mean companies with multiple locations, hybrid workers or even international teams can be supported equally. What used to be a geographic limitation is now simply a scheduling question.

Remote Doesn’t Mean Lower Quality

One concern some businesses raise is whether a remote assessment is as thorough as an in-person one. The answer lies in the process. A good assessor will still:

Gather detailed information about work activities and hazards
Identify who might be affected (staff, contractors, visitors)
Evaluate the likelihood and severity of risks
Recommend control measures or improvements
Provide written documentation and advice

All of this can be done remotely, with high-quality outcomes, provided there is good communication and clear visuals.

What About Remote Workers?

The rise in hybrid and home working means more people are now based outside traditional offices. Employers still have a legal duty to ensure their staff are working safely, even from home. Remote assessments are an ideal solution for reviewing workstation setups, equipment use, and general wellbeing for remote staff.

It also encourages a more inclusive and modern view of risk, acknowledging that workplace hazards can exist anywhere work happens.

The Future of Health and Safety Is Flexible

Remote assessments are not just a temporary solution, they’re a natural evolution in how we manage risk in a modern workplace. They help save time, reduce disruption, and open up access to expert advice regardless of where your business is based.

Whether you're a small team in a shared office, a warehouse with multiple sites, or a growing business with remote staff across the UK and beyond, remote assessments can help keep your people safe, and your business compliant.

Need a fresh look at your workplace risks? At What No Safety, we carry out fully compliant health and safety and risk assessments - remotely or in person - supported by modern tools and expert advice.

Adapting Your Safety Plan for Climate Change

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

New Weather, New Workplace Risks

As temperatures climb and weather events become more erratic, the risks faced by employees can no longer be managed solely with traditional safety measures.

Extreme heat:

More frequent heatwaves are causing a rise in heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and fatigue. Outdoor workers are particularly at risk, but indoor environments without effective cooling can also become hazardous.

Flooding and water damage:

Heavy rainfall and flooding can damage buildings, equipment, and transport links, disrupting business operations and endangering anyone onsite. Inadequate drainage or older premises are especially vulnerable.

Poor air quality:

Hot, dry weather often contributes to poor air quality and high pollen levels, which can be harmful to employees with respiratory conditions. This can lead to increased absence or discomfort at work.

Infrastructure and supply chain issues:

Climate change is putting pressure on infrastructure. Power outages, delayed deliveries, or impassable roads can all lead to business interruption and increased stress for employees.

Steps Employers Can Take

While we cannot control the weather, we can prepare for its effects. A proactive approach helps protect both people and productivity.

Update Risk Assessments

Review your risk assessments to consider how extreme weather might affect staff, equipment, and the work environment. Ensure climate-related risks are identified and mitigation measures are in place.

Improve Building Resilience

Check your premises for vulnerability to extreme weather. Can flood barriers be installed? Are ventilation and cooling systems sufficient? Regular maintenance and small upgrades can make a big difference.

Adapt Emergency and Continuity Plans

Update emergency response plans to cover heatwaves, floods, and storms. Include procedures for evacuation, remote working, and communication. Business continuity plans should consider supplier disruption and infrastructure failure.

Support Employee Wellbeing

Introduce or review policies that promote flexibility in extreme weather. Allowing remote working during storms or adjusting hours during hot spells can help staff stay safe and comfortable. Ensure water, shade and rest breaks are available to those working in warm conditions.

Communicate and Educate

Help employees understand the risks and what actions to take during extreme weather events. A clear communication plan helps ensure staff are informed quickly and know where to turn for support.

Building a Climate-Resilient Workplace

Climate change presents challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to rethink how we manage workplace safety. Employers who adapt now are more likely to maintain operational continuity, safeguard employee wellbeing, and demonstrate responsible leadership.

By reviewing plans, upgrading infrastructure, and supporting your team in changing conditions, you not only meet your legal obligations – you build a stronger, more resilient business.

Need help assessing your health and safety policies in light of changing risks? Talk to us!

Are You Overlooking Health & Safety in Hybrid Working?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Hidden Risks at Home

Most remote workspaces were never designed for long-term use. Poor posture from makeshift desks, inadequate lighting, and trailing extension cords are just a few of the risks. Mental wellbeing can also suffer without the usual team interaction or clear work-life boundaries.

Common issues include:

Musculoskeletal strain due to poor ergonomics
Fatigue and stress from extended screen time
Feelings of isolation or difficulty “switching off”
Increased trip or fire hazards in home setups

What Employers Can Do

You don’t need to micromanage your staff’s homes — but there are practical, supportive ways to protect their wellbeing:

Encourage home risk assessments
Provide or recommend proper equipment
Offer flexible hours and promote regular breaks
Stay connected with regular check-ins
Support mental health with resources and a listening culture

Moving Forward

The shift to hybrid work is a positive one for many teams, but only when health, safety, and wellbeing are part of the picture. It’s time to treat remote workers with the same level of care we apply in-office — because safe, supported teams are productive teams.

👀 Curious if your hybrid setup is working as well as it could be? Reach out to us for practical advice or support.

Is Your Workplace Allergy-Safe?

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Why Allergens Matter in the Workplace

Allergies can lead to anything from mild discomfort to severe, even life-threatening, reactions. Businesses have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH regulations to manage these risks and protect their people.

Common Workplace Allergens

Food: Nuts, dairy, gluten, and more in communal areas.
Chemicals: Cleaning products and solvents.
Airborne: Pollen, dust mites, mould.
Materials: Latex in gloves or medical supplies.

What Employers Can Do

Assess the Risks: Understand what allergens exist in your environment and which employees may be affected.

Adjust Policies: Use hypoallergenic cleaning products, manage food allergen risks, and avoid latex or fragranced products where possible.

Raise Awareness: Encourage open conversations about allergies. Provide training so all staff know how to respond to allergic reactions.

Keep the Environment Healthy: Good ventilation, regular cleaning, and damp prevention can reduce airborne allergens.

Creating a Safer, More Inclusive Workplace

Allergy sufferers often experience anxiety about potential exposure, which can affect concentration, morale, and job satisfaction. By creating a culture of understanding and support, businesses not only meet their legal obligations but also show employees that their wellbeing is a genuine priority.

Small changes - like clear signage, substitution of cleaning agents, or even a simple conversation - can make a big difference in making the workplace safer and more inclusive.

Allergy awareness isn’t just about meeting legal obligations - it’s about creating a respectful, supportive culture. Small adjustments can make a big difference to affected employees.

If you’d like help reviewing your workplace policies or identifying allergen risks, What No Safety is here to support you.

Revisiting Manual Handling: Are You Doing Enough?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Are You Overlooking the Basics?

Manual handling injuries can result from lifting heavy items, repetitive movements, or poor workplace design. While initial training is often provided, refresher training and ongoing reinforcement are frequently overlooked.

Ask yourself:

When was the last time your team received manual handling refresher training?
Are you providing tools and equipment to reduce strain?
Are back pain-related absences on the rise?

If any of these questions raise concerns, it might be time to review your approach.

How to Improve Manual Handling Safety

Here are a few ways businesses can better manage manual handling risks:

Refresh Training Regularly Training should not be a one-off. Ensure your team understands best practices, how to use equipment properly, and how to assess risk.

Carry Out Risk Assessments Identify high-risk tasks and put measures in place to reduce the strain on workers, including mechanical aids and better layout planning.

Promote a Culture of Safety Encourage staff to report concerns and speak up if they need help. Supervisors should model safe behaviours and check that policies are being followed.

Invest in Equipment Tools like trolleys, hoists, or adjustable workstations can dramatically reduce injury risks and improve efficiency.

Why It Matters

Employers have a legal duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to manage these risks. More importantly, failing to act can lead to serious injuries, lost productivity, and reputational damage.

Manual handling might seem like a straightforward task, but without regular focus, the risks grow. Reviewing your training and practices now can help avoid preventable injuries in the future.

Need help with manual handling assessments or training? Get in touch with What No Safety today.

Where Does AI Fit into Workplace Health & Safety?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Smarter Risk Assessments & Monitoring

AI can analyse real-time data to predict hazards before they happen. Machine learning identifies patterns in workplace incidents, enabling proactive interventions. AI-powered cameras and sensors detect unsafe behaviours, ensuring quicker responses and reducing workplace risks.

Wearable tech, such as smart helmets and biometric trackers, is also making an impact. These devices monitor fatigue, posture, and exposure to hazardous conditions, alerting workers and employers before issues escalate. By preventing accidents before they happen, AI is reshaping traditional approaches to workplace safety.

AI for Equipment Safety & Predictive Maintenance

AI is also being used in predictive maintenance, identifying potential equipment failures before they become safety hazards. By analysing performance data, AI can flag warning signs of mechanical issues, allowing businesses to schedule repairs proactively. This reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by faulty machinery and minimises costly downtime.

Challenges & Ethical Considerations

Despite its benefits, AI presents challenges such as data privacy concerns, algorithm bias, and worker acceptance. Businesses must ensure transparency in how AI-driven safety solutions are implemented and prioritise ethical considerations to foster trust and engagement among employees.

Training and education are also key — employees need to understand AI’s role in safety and how to use new technology effectively.

What’s Next?

AI’s potential in workplace safety is growing, but businesses must explore its use responsibly. As technology evolves, AI could become an essential tool in preventing accidents and improving workplace well-being.

At What No Safety, we’re always interested in how new tech supports safer working environments. Have you seen AI in action? Share your thoughts!