August 26, 2026
Product Recall: Bull and Cygnus Fire Alarm Detection System (FADS)
A product recall has been issued for certain Bull and Cygnus wireless Fire Alarm Detection Systems (FADS) after a manufacturing defect was identified that could affect the performance of fire alarm control equipment. The recall was announced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) on 12 August 2026. [gov.uk], [fia.uk.com] The issue relates
August 26, 2026
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Successfully Prosecutes HMO Owner
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) has successfully prosecuted the owner of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Brighton after a series of serious fire safety failings were identified and left unresolved despite repeated warnings and enforcement action. [fia.uk.com], [thefpa.co.uk] Markandayar Gowrikaran, who had control of the HMO at 20A St James Street,
August 26, 2026
Floor Safety Awareness Month launches this September
A new Floor Safety Awareness Month campaign will run throughout September, encouraging employers and employees to tackle workplace risks caused by leaks, drips, spills and wet surfaces. The initiative has been launched by New Pig Europe to help organisations improve floor safety and reduce the likelihood of slips, trips and falls. The campaign comes amid
August 26, 2026
Bricklayer hospitalised after roof collapse fall
An Oldham-based construction company has been fined after a 25-year-old bricklayer suffered serious injuries when the floor he was working on collapsed at a house-building site on Lynn Street, Oldham, in June 2024. The worker fell through the structure along with concrete blocks that had been stored on the upper floor. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hsmsearch.com] The bricklayer
August 26, 2026
Suicide prevention training launched for construction workers
A new free digital suicide prevention training programme has been launched to help tackle the mental health crisis facing construction workers, particularly sole traders and the self-employed who can be harder to reach through traditional workplace support schemes. The initiative has been introduced ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. [scottishco…ionnow.com], [hsmsearch.com] Developed
August 26, 2026
Telehandler driver sentenced over death of colleague
A self-employed telehandler driver has been sentenced after reversing over and fatally injuring a colleague on a construction site in Cheshire. James Connolly, 49, a lift supervisor, died after being struck by the vehicle at a site in Ince, Ellesmere Port, in June 2023. [press.hse.gov.uk], [thebusinessdesk.com] A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that
August 17, 2026
Call for Safety Focus as Solar Panel Fire Numbers Increase
A renewed emphasis on installation quality, regular maintenance and system inspections is being called for as the number of solar panel fire incidents continues to climb alongside the rapid expansion of renewable energy technology. Fire and safety specialists say that while solar power remains a safe and effective energy source, poorly installed equipment, faulty components
August 17, 2026
Safety notice: GEC VMX High Voltage Switchgear
HSE has published a safety notice following the failure of a GEC VMX high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, which resulted in electrical arcing and fire within a substation. HSE’s investigation identified partial discharge activity as the most likely cause, with previous warning signs having been detected but not acted upon. The notice applies to GEC
August 12, 2026
Company and director prosecuted after worker injury
A company and its director have been prosecuted after a worker suffered life-changing injuries during the dismantling of a steel frame structure in Surrey. The incident occurred when a steel beam weighing more than 100kg fell after a ratchet strap, not designed for lifting operations, failed. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hse-network.com] The worker sustained multiple fractures to the
August 12, 2026
Network Rail fined £1.2m over wall collapse
Network Rail has been fined £1.2 million after a boundary wall at Rugby railway station collapsed and seriously injured 81-year-old Edward Hanlon in September 2022. Investigators found the wall had been omitted from inspection records after boundary changes were incorrectly documented, meaning its deteriorating condition went unnoticed. [orr.gov.uk], [yahoo.com] The incident left Mr Hanlon with
August 10, 2026
Father and Son Sentenced Over Illegal Gas Work
A father and son have been sentenced after carrying out illegal gas work that resulted in a dangerous gas leak at a rental property in Stoke-on-Trent, putting tenants, including a young baby, at risk. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of using only qualified and Gas Safe registered engineers for gas
August 10, 2026
Ebulletin
In the last year, 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain. HSE’s annual data release covers the period from April 2025 to March 2026. This year the regular annual update is complemented by new analysis, comparing the level and trend of fatal injuries to workers in Great Britain with a selection of 35 other
