Best practice insights for your business

Recent prosecutions: £85,000 fine following fatal forklift truck accident

A company was hit with a substantial fine after failing to enforce seatbelt and vehicle safety rules. Learn to reduce the risks on your site.

Ian Hatherly

April 27, 2024

Dust exposure: How to protect your workers’ lung health

Inhaling sawdust, concrete dust, and other debris can lead to serious long-term health problems. Get expert guidance on proven safety controls.

John Southall

April 27, 2024

Working with contractors: Selection, safeguarding, and management

Bringing on external expertise requires a different level of safety management. Maximise productivity while reducing contractor-related risks.

Ian Hatherly

April 27, 2024

Workplace violence and abuse: How to protect your employees

Violence and abuse against retail staff is increasing. Take vital steps to safeguard and empower your team.

Ian Hatherly

March 26, 2024

Safe chemical handling and storage: Your go-to guide

Understand your responsibilities under COSHH regulations with our quick guide to chemical compliance.

John Southall

March 26, 2024

On-site driver safety: Are you getting the basics right?

Prevent vehicle-related accidents at your builders merchant with six workplace transport fundamentals for every site.

Ian Hatherly

March 26, 2024

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Inspiring Inclusion in the Workplace

Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day with #InspireInclusion. Explore tips for fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Lucy Hay

March 8, 2024

Working at height: Critical training points to protect your team

Working at height is the UK’s number one workplace killer. Get a checklist of key training areas to prevent falls and improve working practices.

John Southall

February 6, 2024

Boosting disability awareness and action across your business

March has two disability-related awareness days. Get prepared with simple starting points to make your business safer for people with disabilities.

Ian Hatherly

February 6, 2024

Recent prosecutions: Company fined £50,000 following electric shock incident

A business received a £50,000 penalty and its director a suspended prison sentence after failing to protect workers from high-voltage hazards.

Ian Hatherly

February 5, 2024

Unlocking Team Potential: How to Engage Employees

Engaging employees is a very important part of a successful business. Having an engaged workforce can make a huge difference in productivity.

Lucy Hay

January 31, 2024

Safety update: preventing crushing risks from swing-up stabilisers

Following several fatal accidents, stricter safety measures are required for powered tilting stabilisers. The Opus team provides life-saving guidance.

Ian Hatherly

January 17, 2024

Company fined over £900,000 following crushing fatality

A business has received a £900,000 fine following a deadly crushing incident. Learn how to prevent catastrophic outcomes in your own workplace.

January 16, 2024

Navigating the Work Christmas Party Circuit: HR Insights for a Festive and Inclusive Celebration

Lucy Hay

December 19, 2023

Opus Safety spreads holiday joy with a heartwarming donation to KidsOut and the Giving Tree campaign.

John Southall

December 15, 2023

Winter safety strategies: protecting your team in cold temperatures

Winter brings a unique set of safety challenges for your business. Our seasonal solutions help you stay compliant through the colder months.

John Southall

December 6, 2023

HSE statistics: your 2022/23 summary

The Health and Safety Executive has shared its annual report on workplace safety. Get the inside story on accidents, ill health, and stress at work.

Ian Hatherly

December 5, 2023

Recent prosecutions: Manufacturing company fined £500,000 for forklift-related fatality

A manufacturer was fined £500,000 following the death of a forklift driver. Learn why mandatory seat belt use could have made all the difference.

John Southall

December 5, 2023

Forklift truck safety: your back-to-basics guide

A rise in lift truck accidents means courts are cracking down on common compliance issues. Get a refresher on the fundamentals of forklift safety.

Ian Hatherly

December 5, 2023

Strategic HR Solutions: Unveiling the Untapped Benefits of Outsourcing HR

Discover the strategic advantages of outsourcing your HR. Save costs, access timely support, and tap into impartial advice and HR support.

Ian Hatherly

November 16, 2023

Supporting employees through menopause: your top five FAQs

Following World Menopause Day, our employer FAQs help you break the stigma and support team members through the transition.

Ian Hatherly

November 4, 2023

Revised rules for securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles

Our quick guide keeps your drivers and deliveries compliant with updated DVSA guidance for safe loading, unloading, and transport.

John Southall

November 4, 2023

Recent prosecutions: furniture maker fined £16,000 for wood dust offences

The HSE continues to crack down on wood dust exposure risks. Prevent five-figure fines with practical advice on safeguarding staff lung health.

Ian Hatherly

November 4, 2023

How to pass your 2024 HSE metalworking fluid inspection

The HSE will audit businesses using metalworking fluids in their machining processes through March 2024. Our 3-point plan gets you inspection-ready.

Ian Hatherly

October 9, 2023

New fire safety regulations: a run-down of your responsibilities

On 1 October, the government introduced amendments to Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Learn what they mean for your fire safety strategy.

John Southall

October 9, 2023

Seasonal safety: operating cranes in high winds

Strong winds have a serious impact on crane safety. Help your operators stay compliant and in control, even in unpredictable weather.

Ian Hatherly

October 9, 2023

Training, checks, and a strong safety culture - how to stamp out unguarded machinery risks

A five-figure penalty has put machine guard safety back in the HSE spotlight. Cut your risks with regular training and simple tech-led checks.

Ian Hatherly

August 28, 2023

Onsite welfare provision - are you at risk of an improvement notice?

You’re legally required to provide site welfare facilities – but are you doing enough? Build a safe, healthy workplace with our essential checklist.

John Southall

August 28, 2023

Recent prosecutions - business fined £13,000 for fall-from-height incident

A company faces serious financial penalties for failing to protect staff from fall risks. Learn how to prevent the top cause of workplace fatalities.

Ian Hatherly

August 28, 2023

Preventing underage knife sales - your 7-point action plan

Safeguard your community and protect yourself from strict new sentencing laws with practical advice on training, prevention and product security.

Ian Hatherly

July 6, 2023

Opus Compliance Cloud turns one - 12 months of innovation, and counting

We’re celebrating one year of Opus Compliance Cloud software. See how far we’ve come in 12 months – and the exciting road ahead!

John Southall

July 6, 2023

Recent prosecutions - engineering firm fined £200,000 for injuries to new employee

Learn how to prevent injuries from unguarded machinery with expert guidance on maintenance, operation and essential checks.

Ian Hatherly

July 6, 2023

Saving lives in your workplace – the importance of enforcing site rules

Prevent workplace accidents and build a culture of compliance with advice on enforcing site safety rules – including seat belts, hard hats and hi-vis.

Ian Hatherly

June 5, 2023

Recent prosecutions – depot manager killed by reversing HGV

Two transport companies were fined £2.2m after a worker was killed by a reversing HGV. Get expert advice to boost vehicle safety across your branches.

John Southall

June 5, 2023

Mental health in the workplace – maintaining momentum

To keep staff wellness top of mind following Mental Health Awareness Week, we offer practical tips to promote year-round employee self-care.

Ian Hatherly

June 5, 2023

2023 HSE target areas – do your safety controls measure up?

The HSE has released this year's top safety priorities. Learn what inspectors will look for in 2023, plus expert tips to prevent interventions.

Ian Hatherly

Your latest Opus Compliance Cloud upgrades

We’re constantly evolving Opus Compliance Cloud, our work-saving H&S software. See what’s new across the system – and what the changes mean for you.

John Southall

Opus Safety named BMF preferred H&S provider

We’re now the preferred H&S provider for the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF). Find out how to access the benefits of our brand-new partnership.

Ian Hatherly

Recent prosecutions - £20,000 fine for failing to control wood dust exposure

A joinery firm faced a £20,000 penalty for exposing workers to harmful wood dust. Prevent fines with expert tips on protecting employees' lung health.

John Southall

Preventing penalties – how to handle a surprise safety inspection

Are you prepared for an out-of-the-blue safety inspection? We answer your critical questions and explain how the right tech can head off penalties.

John Southall

April 6, 2023

Recent prosecutions – worker loses fingers to unguarded machinery

Inadequate training, supervision and safety controls caused career-limiting injuries for a machine worker – and a £66,000 fine for his employer.

Ian Hatherly

April 6, 2023

The safest possible start – why your new hires need Day Zero training

Day Zero training strengthens new employees’ safety knowledge before they start. Learn how early onboarding could boost compliance across your sites.

Ian Hatherly

April 6, 2023

Reducing delivery risks – a quick guide to crane safety

Lorry-mounted cranes can cause life-threatening injuries. Make sure workers, customers and the public stay safe with expert delivery guidance.

Ian Hatherly

March 9, 2023

A double acquisition for Opus Safety - expanding our services across occupational health and training

Opus recently welcomed Agility Risk and Compliance and Three Spires Safety to our group, broadening our portfolio of health and safety services.

John Southall

March 9, 2023

Scaling up safety – when to consider additional compliance support

Building your business brings new H&S challenges. Learn about targeted support and consultancy to take you safely to the next level.

Ian Hatherly

March 9, 2023

The safest way to secure stock in high winds

Stacked pallets, timber and building materials present serious safety risks, especially in extreme weather. Get clear guidance for all conditions.

Ian Hatherly

February 8, 2023

Recent prosecutions – businesses fined after driver fractures neck

Safe deliveries are a team effort between employers, drivers and customers. Avoid accidents and legal action with simple workplace transport controls.

Ian Hatherly

February 5, 2023

Worker safety – help your team beat the chill through winter

Cold weather working can affect your employees’ health, safety and productivity. Our targeted tips ensure you’re providing all the right protection.

Ian Hatherly

January 5, 2023

Recent prosecutions – plant hire company fined for poor work at height and welfare practices

Hefty penalties can be levied even in the absence of an accident. Get specialist advice to reduce your risk of harm and prevent falls from height.

John Southall

January 4, 2023

Recent prosecutions – transport company fined £400,000 after fatal vehicle crane accident

A driver died following an incident involving a remote-control crane. Learn how better training and risk assessment could have prevented the accident.

Ian Hatherly

December 8, 2022

Winter safety solutions – establish your snow and ice procedure in advance

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to focus on cold weather compliance. Get advance planning guidance to avoid slips, trips and fire risks.

John Southall

November 3, 2022

Wood dust safety in your workplace - expert tips to protect your team

Wood dust is generated by machines that eject fine particulate dust into the atmosphere. Learn how to protect your staff from long-term health risks.

John Southall

November 2, 2022

Recent prosecutions – waste company fined over vehicle crushing incident

A waste management company has been fined over £185,000 after an accident involving a worker and a reversing vehicle.

John Southall

October 31, 2022

CDM-compliant shop refurbishments – how to control your contractors

Prevent accidents, injuries and HSE fines with our quick guide to CDM Regulations and responsible contractor management.

John Southall

September 28, 2022

Recent prosecutions – school and contractor fined for asbestos exposure risks

A school and its maintenance contractor were fined thousands for disturbing asbestos during routine refurbishment work.

John Southall

September 28, 2022

Avoid the hazards of autumn and winter. Sign up for our 26 October webinar

Get a sneak preview of our 26 October webinar – from avoiding firework hazards to preventing slips and trips in icy weather.

John Southall

September 28, 2022

Preventing slips and trips in the post-summer rush

Slips and trips are the top cause of accidents in builders merchants year on year. Manage the risks with a simple monitoring and maintenance plan.

John Southall

September 2, 2022

Recent prosecutions – employee seriously injured by unguarded machinery

An export services company was slapped with a £21,000 fine following an unguarded machinery accident.

John Southall

September 2, 2022

Recent prosecutions – worker dies after fall from shipping container

A transport company was forced to pay £200,000 following a fatal fall from height incident.

John Southall

August 4, 2022

Falls from height – step in to keep customers safe

Falls from height can happen at any time, but the summer months present a particular problem.

John Southall

July 25, 2022

Summer safety - review your transport risks

Summer brings new compliance concerns to your yard, including workplace transport issues you may not have considered.

John Southall

July 1, 2022

Recent prosecutions - employee killed by reversing vehicle

A farming company prosecution underlines the importance of workplace transport compliance in every industry – from agriculture to the merchant sector.

John Southall

July 1, 2022

Summer safety essentials – protect your team from hot weather hazards

Summer sparks a boom in building work – which means hot shifts for your yard workers. Hours outdoors presents a series of health and safety hazards.

John Southall

May 26, 2022

Eye on the industry - company fined after unguarded machinery accident

A soft furnishings company was fined £13,600 and ordered to pay costs of £17,260 after an employee suffered severe hand injuries.

John Southall

May 26, 2022

Seasonal safety – quick compliance tips to avoid accidents this winter

Stay a step ahead of incidents heading into the holidays with expert tips to deal with your branch’s top three seasonal safety issues.

John Southall