Europe

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Europe
• Year: 2026

The modern professional landscape is undergoing significant transformation, yet one critical issue remains persistently in the shadows: workplace mental health.

While physical health and safety form the backbone of working life, the contemporary workforce battles an invisible crisis. Against a backdrop of staff shortages, an ageing population, and rapidly evolving practices, the psychological toll on employees has reached unprecedented levels. In response, the European Commission launched the Healthy Workplaces campaign this week. This initiative assists employers in preventing, assessing, and managing psychosocial risks, aiming to shatter the pervasive silence surrounding mental health struggles in professional environments.

The true cost of psychosocial risks

The financial and human cost of ignoring occupational well-being is staggering. Across the European Union, millions of professionals navigate intensely stressful environments, often without adequate support. The statistics paint a sobering picture of the current state of affairs:

• Nearly half of all workers (45%) currently face active risks to their mental health whilst on the job, according to data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).

• Approximately 44% of the workforce reports experiencing severe time pressure or facing overwhelming task overload during their daily duties.

• Only 45% of employees state they are actively consulted by management regarding the stressful aspects of their jobs.

• Work-related depression currently costs the European Union more than €100 billion a year, a figure calculated by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) that accounts for absenteeism, reduced productivity, healthcare, and wider social costs.

William Cockburn, the executive director of EU-OSHA, highlights the direct correlation between modern employment demands and psychological strain. “We see psychosocial risks at the workplace, for example, long working hours, highly intense work, emotionally demanding tasks … and we link that to increased impact on workers’ health,” Cockburn said.

Breaking the silence and identifying hazards

Despite the immense burden these conditions place on both personnel and employers, a persistent stigma continues to slow meaningful action. The topic remains largely taboo in many corporate cultures. “Whether we're asking employers or workers, they identify a reluctance to speak openly about mental health issues as the … main obstacle to actually taking action,” he said.

To combat this, experts advocate for a fundamental shift in how psychological well-being is categorised by management. For Cockburn, mental health issues “need to be addressed like physical health issues at work”. The recommended approach is to systematically assess risks first and subsequently adapt whatever is required to minimise potential harm.

“We identify hazards like long working hours, like adverse relationships at work … to an extreme you can go to bullying and harassment, violence or threats of violence,” he added. By treating these factors as tangible occupational hazards, organisations can successfully dismantle the stigma and create safer environments for all staff.

Implementing preventative guardrails

While many still view mental health solely as a private issue, labour advocates argue that responsibility for prevention must centre on the workplace rather than the individual affected. Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), champions this structural approach to employee welfare.

“We don't wait until people have a finger chopped off before we put guardrails in place,” Lynch said. “We do a risk assessment and say what's the risk associated with the way this work is carried out and then we put the guardrails in place”.

Achieving this vital preventative care requires open dialogue, and experts universally agree that workers must be an integral part of the conversation. “Worker participation is a legal obligation under European law, but it's also a key success factor for successful interventions in health and safety at work,” said Cockburn.

A strategic investment in the future

The Healthy Workplaces campaign represents a comprehensive effort to normalise these crucial conversations and equip organisations with tools to protect their staff. Ultimately, prioritising psychological well-being is a sound strategic investment for modern businesses.

Speaking at the campaign’s launch on Tuesday, Roxana Mînzatu, executive vice-president for social rights and jobs, articulated the broad benefits of proactive corporate policies.

“When we invest in building and keeping healthy working environments, we improve not only people's well-being, we reduce sick leave and staff turnover; we improve performance, and we don't put pressure on our health systems,” said Mînzatu. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

• Topic: Security
• Region: Europe
• Date: 5th October 2026
• Year: 2026

European workplace safety legislation is transforming how organisations manage energy-related hazards.

The European Norm (EN) 17975 offers a task-based framework to address 'grey zone' risks during machine and pipeline interventions, enhancing the efficiency of Lockout/Tagout programmes.

Data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work indicates that 10% to 15% of fatal industrial accidents in Europe stem from maintenance operations. These often result from underestimating risks during minor tasks like sensor adjustment, quick cleaning, or machine greasing. Because these are not always classified as maintenance, they remain outside traditional Lockout/Tagout protocols despite the inherent dangers.

Shifting to Task-Based Isolation

EN 17975 introduces a task-based risk approach to combat these hazards. Mustafa Ekseri, EMEA Safety Engineer at Brady Corporation, explains the operational advantages:

“Not having to halt an entire production line for every intervention can save valuable time - if it is possible in a safe way. To achieve this, EN 17975 proposes a layered approach based on risks related to specific tasks on specific machines and pipes. These risks are to be highlighted in a risk analysis. In absence of a risk analysis, machine zero energy states remain the safety standard. In that sense, EN 17975 builds on ISO 14118 by providing more options for compliance with European workplace safety legislation. Impacted activities can be defined using EN 17007 and EN 13306 and are also listed in EN 17975.”

Structuring Robust Risk Assessments

Identifying specific intervention risks requires rigorous assessment frameworks. Existing standards, such as ISO 12100 for machinebuilders and ISO 31000 for general risk management, serve as vital navigational tools. Ekseri highlights the thoroughness required:

“EN 17975 proposes 6 steps to analyse the risk in any machine intervention task, starting with the identification of the task, all the way to a feedback loop for continuous improvement. That includes a thorough energy source inventory and identification. The standard also requires a risk analysis update before applying Standard Operating Procedures, and during maintenance activities. In addition, EN 17975 advocates clearly identified degraded situations that may deviate from the standard risk assessment.”

The European Norm categorises four risk control processes, building upon the French norm X60-400:

• Neutralisation: Equipment shuts down through control system design to allow safe task execution.

• Standard isolation: All energies and fluids are locked out using an isolating device.

• Reinforced isolation: Energies are removed via separation or combined isolating and opening devices.

• Specific provisions: Measures allow diagnostics and observation safely while active energies remain present.

Establishing these processes demands meticulous documentation. Ekseri notes, "All 4 risk control processes require an inventory of energies and fluids per machine with their effects on people, property and the environment, a mapping of the isolating devices and an identification sheet of energies, fluids, components and lockout devices."

These isolations follow a nine-step procedure encompassing energy separation, lockout, tagout, and dispersion. Ensuring security involves rigorous testing. Ekseri adds:

“The ‘check’ step in EN17975 is already widely known in the industry as the ‘Tryout’ in Lockout/Tagout/Tryout or LoToTo. It is a vital step to help make sure that measures are implemented correctly and that they are still effective.”

Upgrading Safety Standards

While EN 17975 is not legally mandated, it heavily influences best practices.

“The standard however considerably facilitates compliance with EU workplace safety legislation. It sets a clear expectation for any machine intervention: if no risk analysis for the task is available, a machine zero energy state is required.”

Rethinking traditional safety assumptions is vital. Ekseri cautions against over-reliance on technology without proper assessment:

“Some forms of automated safety may not be sufficient for every task without an underlying risk analysis. Take a safety cage for example, equipped with sensors that deactivate moving machine parts the moment someone enters the cage. Do these nullify any residual energy that may pose a risk? Is gravitational, and other potential energy taken into account? The goal of EN 17975 is to prevent accidents, and to avoid a false sense of safety that does not provide any real protection.”

Get the Brady EN 17975 Lockout/Tagout webinar recording

Go from zero machine energy to zero intervention risk with task based Lockout/Tagout, driven by the European Norm 17975. Get your copy of the EN 17975 webinar from an experienced, worldwide Lockout/Tagout solution provider.

Discover more about:

•         the unique European framework EN 17975 provides to achieve safety and efficiency

•         how EN 17975 focuses on task-based safety, rather than machine zero energy states

•         how EN 17975 can be used to address ‘Grey zone’ risks

•         4 risk-based energy isolation levels presented by EN 17975

•         6 steps to control risks

•         Lockout/Tagout procedure writing

•         Lockout/Tagout device and padlock types

Get the webinar recording now >

• Topic: Industrial
• Date: 22nd September 2026

Oil and gas contractors and industrial field teams will be able to seamlessly sync with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's recordkeeping workflows, thanks to a new mobile-first platform launched by safety documentation software provider, BasinCheck 

The platform ensures custom made templates for audits, job safety analyses and inspections, along with OSHA 300 and 300A log generation from manager-confirmed incident records. There is photo documentation, PDF export capabilities and a full audit trail with timestamps and user attribution. 

Users will no longer have to depend on paper checklists and spreadsheet-based tracking as digital audits, corrective action management, and incident documentation can be accessed with just a tap. 

Safety inspections can be completed on phones, and the crew can determine the next move for failed checklist items from automatically generated solutions. A centralised dashboard helps safety managers to easily track the stages of progress, and hold accountable the person involved in ensuring work delivery. The system can function offline as well in case its a remote site with no cellular service.

"I started BasinCheck because small and mid-size contractors needed serious safety documentation tools, but everything available was either built for enterprise or was just glorified spreadsheet software," said Jacob Szyszka, founder and CEO of BasinCheck.

• Topic: PPE
• Date: 22nd September 2026

Following open calls from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) for public review on safety apparel, there has been a shift from basic vests to fluorescent, reflective safety vests 

These high-visibility shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, rainwear, pants and similar garments are advanced enough to withstand diverse job situations and environment. Manufacturers are leveraging technologies to address heat stress, PPE fit and multiple hazards as innovations keep hitting the industry every other day. 

The latest revisions under ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 comprises updated testing protocols, new sizing requirements while particularly focussing on improvement of nighttime visibility. While visibility is a factor to be considered, it cannot come at the cost of heat dissipation impairment. A heat monitoring device such as wet bulb globe temperature, or WBGT to assess heat exposure can rightly address this issue. A worker can determine the clothing based on an effective WBGT score. Thus an ideal PPE should take into account both heat stress and visibility factors.

The conventional mesh vest has now expanded to suit work-specific visibility situations. Based on ANSI/ISEA 107-20 accreditations, there are three performance classes covering major apparels and Class E bottoms that primarily consider worker hazards and tasks, background complexity, and vehicular traffic and speed. The standard also establishes garment Types based on expected use settings. 

Garment selection should depend on the particulars of the hazards a worker is exposed to. That determines the extent of visibility required while also keeping in mind the heat. 

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Europe
• Date: 10th September 2026
• Year: 2026

Offshore employers are being urged to identify and support workers who could be affected by new industry weight restrictions impacting the UK offshore industry, with a mandatory 124kg clothed weight limit due to come into force on 1 November

From that date, anyone exceeding the limit will not be issued a standard medical certificate and will not be permitted to travel offshore, potentially affecting their ability to work.

This industry-wide Safe Weight Limit Policy has been developed following extensive engagement between OEUK, HM Coastguard, helicopter operators, and member companies and is in place to ensure the safety of all personnel working offshore. It addresses increasing worker weights and the associated challenges for evacuation, rescue, and medical response offshore, as search and rescue helicopter winches have a limited capacity for a single patient. The combined load of the winchman, stretcher and equipment leaves a maximum capacity of 124.7 kg for a patient. Anyone above this weight cannot be guaranteed rescue by search and rescue (SAR) helicopter. The new policy ensures every person can be safely evacuated or rescued, particularly by SAR helicopter winch. The policy applies to all offshore installations operating under accepted Safety Cases as defined in the Offshore Installations (Offshore Safety Directive) (Safety Case etc.) Regulations 2015. It does not apply to marine vessels, which are governed by different regulations.

Employers are encouraged to provide access to weight-management and wellbeing programmes, and pointers to support and advice are given on the OEUK website. Workers affected are advised to take healthy steps to lose weight, such as changing diet, exercising more, and seeking medical advice where required to ensure they can lose weight in a healthy, safe and sustainable manner.

Aberdeen occupational health specialist International Medical Management (IMM) is encouraging companies to act now rather than wait until an employee’s next medical or mobilisation.

Dr Louise Slaney, medical director at IMM, said, “Although November may still seem some way off, employers now have only a relatively short window in which to identify potentially affected workers and put appropriate support in place.

“Waiting until October, an employee’s next offshore medical or the point of mobilisation could leave too little time for weight reduction to be achieved safely and sustainably.

“From November 1, someone arriving at the heliport weighing more than 124kg fully clothed will not be able to travel offshore. For the individual, that could mean being unable to go to work; for the employer, it could create an unexpected gap in the crew at the point of mobilisation.”

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Europe
• Date: 25th June 2026
• Year: 2026

The Cyprus presidency of the Council of the European Union has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on updated rules designed to strengthen protection for workers exposed to hazardous substances that may cause serious illnesses, including cancer and asthma

The agreement relates to the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD), which updates EU occupational health and safety legislation by introducing stricter measures against workplace exposure to dangerous substances.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to ensuring a high level of protection for workers against serious occupational health risks. By introducing new occupational exposure limit values, we are ensuring that the Union’s legislative framework keeps pace with the latest scientific evidence and technological developments. This outcome will help create safer working environments for millions of workers across Europe and further strengthen the prevention of work-related illnesses,” said Marinos Moushouttas, Minister for Labour and Social Insurance, Republic of Cyprus.

The revised rules are expected to prevent approximately 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 other work-related illnesses over the next 40 years.

Under the proposed revision, the directive will introduce new occupational exposure limit values (OELs) for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 1,4-dioxane. It will also add welding fumes to the list of substances, mixtures and processes covered under Annex I of the directive.

As part of the provisional agreement, the Council and Parliament agreed to expand the scope of the directive by introducing an OEL for isoprene. The agreement also extends the transitional period for applying the new OEL for PAHs to seven years and expands the sectors eligible for this transition period to include all carbon and graphite manufacturers.

The revised framework will also introduce requirements for regular breaks for workers using personal protective equipment (PPE) and clarify rules governing PPE use in relation to existing legislation.

In addition, the agreement updates the definitions of 'carcinogen', 'mutagen' and 'reprotoxic substance' to reflect the inclusion of welding fumes in Annex I, recognising their potential reprotoxic effects. It also highlights the need for further guidance on welding fumes and notes that establishing occupational exposure limits alone does not completely remove risks to workers’ health and safety.

The provisional agreement must now receive formal approval from both the Council and the European Parliament. Once adopted, the legislation will enter into force following legal and linguistic review.

The CMRD establishes measures to prevent and control risks arising from exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances in workplaces across the EU. The directive requires the introduction of occupational exposure limits wherever possible.

Following an evaluation of EU occupational safety and health legislation in 2017, the CMRD has undergone several updates, with five revisions already adopted addressing more than 40 hazardous substances. The European Commission presented its proposal for the sixth revision on 18 July 2025.

To read detailed information please click here: https://www.consilium.europa.eu

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: Europe
• Date: 16th June 2026
• Year: 2026

Europe is facing a growing climate-driven threat landscape marked by record-breaking temperatures, severe floods, prolonged droughts and increasingly destructive wildfires

In response, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has published three new climate resilience products aimed at strengthening the ability of decision-makers, communities and citizens to understand, anticipate and respond to escalating climate risks.

The new releases come at a time when Europe is warming at twice the global average rate since the 1980s, with climate and weather extremes placing a significant burden on societies and economies. According to EEA data, the European Union has recorded approximately €822 billion in total economic losses between 1980 and 2024 due to extreme weather and climate-related events. Alarmingly, around 25% of these losses occurred between 2021 and 2024, indicating a sharp intensification of impacts. These events have also resulted in more than 441,000 fatalities across the region.

Despite ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the EEA warns that climate impacts will continue to intensify in the coming decades. This reinforces the urgent need for both climate mitigation and adaptation measures to protect people, infrastructure and economic systems.

Central to the new publications is the EEA report, Climate resilience in Europe, 2025 — progress and challenges, which provides a comprehensive assessment of national adaptation policies and actions across 32 EEA member countries. Based on the latest reporting under the EU Governance Regulation, the report finds that while all member countries now have national adaptation policies in place, significant gaps remain between policy design and practical implementation.

The assessment highlights uneven progress in monitoring and evaluating adaptation effectiveness, with many countries lacking robust data systems to determine whether risk reduction measures are working. It also notes that coordination challenges across governance levels, unclear risk ownership and variable institutional capacity continue to hinder policy coherence, particularly at regional and local levels. Social vulnerability and equity considerations are also not yet systematically integrated into national adaptation planning.

Looking ahead, the report identifies heatwaves and rising temperatures as the most significant future hazards across all countries, followed closely by floods and droughts. It calls for a more integrated adaptation policy cycle that better connects risk identification, anticipatory action, monitoring and shared learning, alongside stronger legal and institutional frameworks at EU level.

Complementing the report, the EEA briefing Small but mighty — climate resilience in Europe’s small municipalities examines climate adaptation efforts in smaller communities, which are home to over 40% of the EU population. While many small municipalities are already taking action on climate risks, only 16% have formal adaptation plans compared to 28% of larger cities. Key barriers include limited resources, restricted access to technical expertise and unclear governance responsibilities.

The EEA has also launched a new interactive platform consolidating its evidence base on extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires. The platform provides data, projections and case studies to support resilience planning at national, regional and local levels. It reinforces the scale of the challenge, noting that climate-related extremes have caused €822 billion in losses in the EU since 1980, with recent years among the costliest on record.

Together, these initiatives underline the urgent need for coordinated climate adaptation efforts to strengthen resilience across Europe’s societies, economies and workplaces.

Read the full European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment on climate resilience, extreme weather impacts and adaptation challenges across Europe: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/news/extreme-weather-and-uneven-climate-adaptation-challenge-europes-resilience

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Europe
• Date: 3rd June 2026
• Year: 2026

The modern workplace is no longer merely threatened by heavy machinery or precarious scaffolding. Today, the most formidable hazards facing our workforce are invisible illnesses, algorithmic bosses, and record-breaking heatwaves

While traditional hazards once dominated safety concerns, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that the next decade will be defined by these 'invisible killers'. During a pivotal public hearing before the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the ILO emphasised the urgent need for a robust, modernised EU strategic framework on health and safety at work for the post-2027 period.

The silent crisis

Although Europe has achieved remarkable success in driving down fatal workplace accidents, a quieter, deadlier crisis is taking a severe toll. Currently, occupational diseases are responsible for more than 98 per cent of all work-related deaths across the European Union. Nearly half of these fatalities are linked to occupational cancers, with circulatory and respiratory illnesses remaining major causes of mortality.

Priorities for the future

Addressing this defining challenge of the coming decade, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, Chief of the ILO Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment Branch, highlighted future prevention priorities to the European Parliament. He stated: “The prevention of occupational diseases should remain a central priority of the post-2027 framework, including continued action on carcinogens, hazardous substances and disease recognition.” He further noted: “Strong national OSH systems, effective labour inspection and reliable data remain essential to realizing the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment.”

Emerging global threats

The ILO also cautions that digitalisation and climate change are fundamentally reshaping global occupational safety:

Digitalisation and psychosocial risks: Psychosocial risks contribute to over 840,000 deaths annually worldwide. Furthermore, artificial intelligence introduces complex challenges regarding algorithmic management, intense surveillance, and work intensification.

Climate change: Shifting weather patterns increasingly endanger staff. Europe has endured the fastest global rise in occupational heat exposure over the last two decades, leading to a spike in workplace injuries and chronic illnesses.

Consequently, the ILO strongly advocates for climate adaptation, extreme weather preparedness, and AI oversight to feature prominently in the forthcoming EU Strategic Framework. Following the 2022 recognition of a safe and healthy working environment as a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work, the ILO believes Europe holds the potential to shape the global safety agenda for years to come.

• Topic: Industrial, HSE
• Region: Europe
• Date: 22nd April 2026
• Year: 2026

Trade unions across Europe are calling for stronger EU legislation to protect workers from extreme heat, warning that rising temperatures linked to climate change are creating growing risks in workplaces across the continent

The appeal comes ahead of International Workers Memorial Day, when the labour movement honours people who have lost their lives at work.

The message will be delivered to representatives of the European Commission during a conference in Brussels organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI). Worker representatives are expected to present evidence supporting the need for binding rules requiring employers to work with unions on practical protections such as drinking water, access to shade and rest breaks during high temperatures.

According to figures cited by the unions, heat-related workplace fatalities in the EU have risen by 42% since 2000, the fastest increase of any world region. The number of people exposed to heatwaves while working has also increased by 60% over the last two decades. Nearly 47% of workers say they have felt too hot at work, while only 15% say action has been taken to protect them.

The unions also note that when temperatures rise above 30°C, the risk of workplace accidents increases by 5% to 7%. When temperatures exceed 38°C, accidents become 10% to 15% more likely.

In 2023, the European Commission issued guidance outlining employers’ responsibilities toward workers exposed to high temperatures. However, trade union research says many employers have shown reluctance to introduce preventive measures or include heat-specific protections in collective bargaining agreements.

The ETUC said this contributed to a number of preventable deaths during the previous summer, including an agricultural worker in Spain who died after harvesting fruit in temperatures above 40°C, two construction workers who collapsed from heat stroke, and a 50-year-old employee in France whose body temperature rose to 42.9°C while working in a distribution centre.

As a result, the ETUC is urging the EU to include legislation on maximum working temperatures in the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act.

Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the ETUC, said, "Deaths from heat at work are not accidents - they are predictable and preventable, yet too many employers are still failing to take the risk seriously. For many years now, our affiliates have been reporting tragic cases of workers dying as a result of exposure to extreme heat. These deaths are occurring across a wide range of sectors, including street cleaning, forestry, agriculture, construction, and even in indoor environments such as industry. Their loss underlines the urgent need to act."

“While the European Commission has taken steps in recent years, including issuing guidance, the reality on the ground is clear: guidance alone is not enough. As our members systematically report us, every summer, workers continue to fall ill, suffer accidents, and in the worst cases, lose their lives. This situation calls for urgent legislative action.”

Giulio Romani, ETUC Confederal Secretary, added, "Occupational heat is no longer an emerging issue - it is already a daily reality for millions of workers across Europe. As we have heard, this is not only about discomfort; it is about health, safety, and, increasingly, loss of life. There is, importantly, a window of opportunity. The ongoing work on the Quality Jobs Act provides a political space to integrate stronger protections for workers facing extreme weather conditions. This could be a key avenue to ensure that climate resilience becomes an integral part of quality employment in Europe."

Understanding when fires occur is as critical as knowing where they happen, with timing data revealing clear patterns linked to daily routines, seasonal behaviour and environmental conditions. New analysis by UK-based passive fire protection specialist System Building Services Limited (SBS Limited) highlights specific hours, months and locations where fire risk is significantly higher.

SBS Limited analysed national Fire and Rescue Service incident data from 2024/2025 across England to identify temporal and seasonal trends. The study examined three key variables: time of day, month of the year and type of location, aggregating incidents and calculating their proportion of total fires to support more targeted fire prevention strategies.

The analysis shows that fire incidents peak during the early evening. The single highest-risk hour is between 19:00 and 20:00, accounting for 8.99% of all incidents, closely followed by 18:00–19:00 at 8.95% and 17:00–18:00 at 8.40%. Combined, the three-hour window between 17:00 and 20:00 represents more than a quarter of all fires recorded nationally.

Fire risk continues to remain elevated until late evening, with the period from 16:00 to 22:00 accounting for the majority of daily incidents. In contrast, early afternoon hours see significantly fewer fires, with incidents between 13:00 and 14:00 accounting for just 4.47% of the total.

“The evening spike in fire incidents aligns closely with when most people return home from work and begin cooking, using heating systems, and engaging in other routine activities,” said Brian Michie, Managing Director at SBS Limited.

“This time period combines multiple risk factors: increased use of cooking equipment, heating appliances being switched on as temperatures drop, and more people present in buildings. Understanding these patterns allows both individuals and organisations to heighten their awareness during peak risk hours.”

Seasonal analysis reveals that August records the highest number of fires of any month, with 16,679 incidents, representing 11.71% of the annual total. Other summer months also feature prominently, with June and July together contributing nearly 20% of incidents. Overall, the three summer months account for more than 31% of all fires recorded during the year.

March ranks as the second-highest month for fire incidents, while November also shows elevated figures, creating secondary peaks during seasonal transitions. Winter months record the lowest incident rates overall, despite increased use of heating systems.

“The summer spike can be attributed to several factors: dry weather conditions increasing outdoor fire risk, more people using barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment, and longer daylight hours meaning more outdoor activity,” Michie explained.

“The March peak likely reflects the transition from winter heating systems, combined with spring weather patterns that can create dry conditions. November's elevated numbers coincide with Bonfire Night and the start of increased heating use as temperatures drop.”

Location data highlights that refuse-related fires dominate national statistics. Fires involving refuse containers, refuse sites and waste storage account for more than 31% of all incidents, significantly exceeding any other single category. Dwellings account for 17.78% of fires, while grassland, woodland and crop fires represent 15.32%.

When combined, outdoor and secondary fires account for nearly 59% of all incidents, compared with just over 18% occurring in residential properties.

“The high incidence of refuse-related fires highlights a significant but often overlooked risk area,” said Michie. “Many of these fires are preventable through proper waste management, secure storage of flammable materials, and regular clearance of combustible waste.”

Summarising the findings, Michie said the data provides clear guidance for targeted prevention efforts.

“These patterns reveal that fire risk follows predictable rhythms tied to how we live and interact with our environment. What this data provides is actionable intelligence for fire prevention, allowing awareness and resources to be focused where they can have the greatest impact.”

Polish occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals are increasingly expected to combine traditional safety duties with environmental protection skills, according to a new study published in Nature.

The research analysed the evolving requirements of the labour market for OHS service employees in Poland, with a particular focus on competencies in environmental protection and sustainable development.

The study used a combination of literature review, job offer analysis, and an anonymous survey of 428 OHS employees across 18 industries, including mining, construction, and manufacturing.

Researchers found a clear disconnect between employer expectations and the tasks actually performed by OHS professionals. While strategic EU frameworks, such as the 2021–2027 OSH Strategic Framework and the European Green Deal, emphasise integrating health and safety with environmental and sustainability goals, Polish OHS employees reported only occasional engagement with environmental tasks.

Survey results revealed that over 71% of respondents did not handle waste management duties, and more than 73% considered their positions too responsible to combine with environmental protection work. Even in mining, where safety risks are particularly high, fewer than 27% of employees reported involvement in environmental reporting or compliance. Responses indicated that additional responsibilities, including fire protection, administration, and occupational medicine, were often assigned without adjusting workloads.

The research highlights a generational and organisational gap: employees with less than a year of experience were more open to combining OHS and environmental duties, while acceptance declined with seniority. Smaller workplaces also showed slightly higher willingness to integrate these responsibilities.

Based on these findings, the authors recommend expanding environmental education and training for OHS professionals, raising awareness of sustainable development across all employees, and introducing clearer legal frameworks defining the scope of combined OHS and environmental duties. They argue that aligning occupational safety with environmental protection is crucial not only for regulatory compliance but also for improving worker well-being and organisational sustainability.

The study represents the first empirical analysis of OHS and environmental competency integration in Poland, filling a research gap and providing a foundation for future legislative and policy developments. Researchers suggest extending comparative studies across EU countries to better understand the international scope of these challenges and to inform strategies for combining occupational safety and environmental responsibilities effectively.

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)'s new report analyses the physical and psychosocial demands placed upon home carer, which it reported as one of the lowest-paid occupations in the European Union

William Cockburn, EU-OSHA's executive director, introduced the report. "Home care workers are the invisible backbone of our care systems. They support our most vulnerable citizens, yet they often do so under precarious working conditions.

"This report shows that with the right preventive strategies and initiatives, we can make home care work safer and healthier."

Common health problems reported as particularly common among home care workers included musculoskeletal disorders, often attributed to lifting and awkward postures required while at work, and mental health issues like stress and isolation.

The report is part of EU-OSHA's wider 'Health and social care and OSH' project, which is conducting research across the home care sector to spotlight the risk assessment and prevention gaps that have become commonplace.

EU-OSHA also commented on the sector's reliance on migrant workers, with this particular demographic at even greater of risk due to their often precarious employment and migration status.