Hazards, number 171/172, double issue, spring, 2026
FEATURES
Stone deaf Thousands could be dying each year from conditions caused by exposure to silica at work. But Hazards editor Rory O’Neill reveals only a tiny fraction are recognised officially. And he warns the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is ignoring devastating evidence of this emerging tragedy. more
Fire storm If you had to pick a job placing workers at daily risk of potentially deadly diseases, ranging from lung conditions, to heart problems and cancer, firefighter has to be near the top of the list. So, asks Hazards editor Rory O’Neill, why do the UK authorities not recognise this? more
Class act Safety reps save lives. Training them is a critical component of any coherent national safety policy. But, warns organising expert Dave Smith, the dangerous impact of a dramatic long-term reduction in government support for union safety courses is now being amplified by funding devolution. more
HSE is broke If the performance-related pay of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leadership was based on improving the health of the workforce, they would all be broke. Hazards editor Rory O’Neill reveals instead of upping their game, bosses at the cash-strapped regulator are dramatically reducing enforcement and intend to weaken key safety rules. more
Flushed with success Train drivers will finally have access to toilets at work, in a big win for their union ASLEF. more
Saving Wales The government in Wales is promising action on workplace health and safety. Labour standards experts David Walters and Eva Makri outline how unions set out to examine the plan and ensure it is properly informed by engaged trade unions and look at lessons for Wales and beyond. more
Justice gap Victims of sexual harassment at work have been failed twice after the HSE refused again to take an enforcement role. Rory O’Neill reports that the safety regulator is now facing unprecedented flak for a stance that means there is no justice for the nearly 10 million women harassed at work each year. more
Suicide crisis Who benefits when regulators and the courts pursue bosses whose brutal employment practices drive workers to the brink of suicide or to actually kill themselves? Well, says Hazards editor Rory O’Neill, new studies suggest we all do, as it leads to ‘significant’ and widespread safety improvements. more
CENTREPAGES
Dead end jobs Anxiety, depression and heart disease. Even suicide. The occupational diseases of the 21st century workplace are now outstripping the maladies caused by traditional dirty, difficult and dangerous work. Hazards editor Rory O’Neill says new evidence proves unions are the best antidote to psychosocial hazards at work and boost the economy. more
POSTER
Psychokiller Stronger unions are ‘vital’ to beating psychosocial hazards at work. A Hazards poster to pin up at work more
ELSEWHERE IN HAZARDS
Biohazards. 20-21 News in brief 22-25. Mental health. 38-39 Violence. 40-41 Work and health. 42-43 Climate and work. 44-45 Hazardous substances. 48-49 Asbestos. 50-51 Deadly business. 52-55 International news. 56-59
