FIS Guidance: Avoiding knife-cut injuries

FIS Guidance: Avoiding knife-cut injuries

Following an investigation into knife injuries in the sector, the FIS Health and Safety Group has launched new guidance on knives to help businesses assess and plan for risks more effectively and protect workers from potentially life-changing injuries while improving overall project productivity.

Commenting on the launch of the new guidance, David Cant, Chair of the FIS Health and Safety Working Group said:

“Thankfully knife injuries remain rare amongst FIS membership, but through our H&S Working Group we take a proactive approach to reducing accident rates further.  Having investigated all injuries reported in the past three years (through our Annual Health and Safety Survey) and looked at where and how knives are used in the sector, FIS do not advocate that the use of fixed and semi-fixed blade knives is inherently unsafe for operations like scoring plasterboard and recognises that alternatives are not always practical.   However, where the use of such knives is necessary, it is important to risk assess, ensure that usage is limited to trained operatives, that safety protocols are adhered to, the correct tools are used and maintained and to double down on the use of appropriate PPE.  To reinforce these key messages, with the support of our H&S Working Group, FIS has produced guidance that improves awareness, provides practical advice and reinforces the need for refresher training in support of the safe use of knives on-site”.

Most knife injuries occur when a blade slips often striking the worker’s other hand and causing lacerations to the hand or fingers.  Where accidents have occurred they tend to link to a failure to follow PPE protocols. Using blunt tools further increases the risk.  New Guidance from FIS reinforces that knives should only be issued to and carried by workers performing tasks that have been risk-assessed to ensure the right tool is being used, and only where appropriate training has been provided.

This guidance, adapted from advice developed by the Health and Safety Executive and the British Safety Industry Federation, has been contextualised by the FIS Health and Safety Working Group to suit the finishes and interiors sector. It focuses on eight key steps to reduce knife-cut injuries:

  • Reduce or eliminate the need for cutting
  • Specify the right knife for the task
  • Ensure spare knives and blades are available
  • Safe Storage / Sheathing
  • Specify the correct PPE
  • Assess the working environment and cutting techniques
  • Provide adequate training
  • Ensure appropriate first aid is available

The guidance also includes posters and QR codes that can be used on site and provide access to guidance.

To download the Knife-cut Injury Guidance, click here.

More guidance available

FIS has a number of guidance and best practice publications available to FIS members and some available for free to the public.

Latest FIS H&S Survey and Working Group meeting published

Latest FIS H&S Survey and Working Group meeting published

The FIS Health and Safety Working Group, which has been established to support compliance improve health and safety in the sector, held its last meeting on 3 July.

The meeting was opened up by Chair David Cant and began with a review of the results of the FIS Annual H&S Survey. A number of points were drawn out around key concerns, but overall the survey demonstrated a strong performance from the community in terms of accident frequency rates.

On Dust: Joe Marais, Trolex gave an update on dust monitoring and led into a discussion on future monitoring that they will be undertaking on real-time dust monitoring for drylining operations.    Scott McGibbon spoke about the need for renew focus on silica dust and work he has been commissioned by CIOB to do in terms of developing guidance.  The group also discussed RPE options and the need to revisit, through planned FIS work, not just the improved guidance advocated at the last meeting with the BSIF, but to look at legal responsibility of providing expensive equipment to self-employed workers refusing to shave and how employers can manage associated costs and contra charges.

Knife Safety: The group discussed the latest FIS guidance proposed on knife safety, noting a low accident rate with fixed blade knives when used correctly.  This guide will be published w/c 7 July.

Pallet Safety: They inefficiency of current pallet trucks for moving plasterboard and the potential for a new, more suitable design and supporting guidance was discussed.

Manual Handling: FIS updated on e-learning in development with Mike Lordan at Construction People Skills regarding Manual Handling Processes and Davey Snowdon from Pristine spoke about lifting techniques and training options.

AOB raised related to the practicality of board lifters for ceilings, noting challenges with implementation of and suggesting a collaborative approach to improve manual handling practices.

The minutes and actions can be accessed here.

If you are interested in future meetings, email info@thefis.org and we will ensure you are notified.

Access the FIS Health and Safety Toolkit

Working in a Heatwave: Don’t Let Rising Temperatures Damage Your Finish

Working in a Heatwave: Don’t Let Rising Temperatures Damage Your Finish

With the UK currently experiencing a heatwave, FIS is reminding members of the potential risks extreme temperatures pose not just to health and safety, but to the performance of materials on site.

When working in high temperatures, it’s vital to consider how heat affects plasters, compounds, and other materials commonly used in interior systems. FIS strongly advises members to consult material data sheets for temperature guidance and adjust working practices where necessary.

To support our members, FIS has produced a dedicated factsheet: Materials Performance of Plasters and Compounds in Extreme Heat. This guidance focuses on risks to finishes and performance, particularly when working in conditions exceeding 25°C.

Download our factsheet (member access only).

In addition, we encourage all members to review the FIS Health and Safety Toolkit, which includes links to helpful HSE advice on managing workplace conditions during hot weather: H&S Toolkit.

Let’s keep quality and safety at the forefront this summer.

New Guidance Supports Contractors on Building Safety Compliance Ahead of CAS Deadline

New Guidance Supports Contractors on Building Safety Compliance Ahead of CAS Deadline

We have been working with a panel of industry experts to address organisational competence amongst contractors. This group has been instrumental in helping us produce building safety policy guidance for those who are accredited on a pre-qualification (PQQ) scheme equivalent to the Build UK Common Assessment Standard (CAS). This guidance should be a timely and meaningful intervention with the June deadline rapidly approaching for the Building Safety section of the CAS becoming mandatory.

It is vital members get on top of this because, whilst companies can currently opt out of the new questions and maintain accreditation, we have been advised the additional questions related to work in scope of the Building Safety Act will become mandatory from as early as the 9th June 2025. Added to this, they provide a good framework for challenging your internal processes.  FIS team ran through the questions with a group of members in early May and whilst most should be straightforward, we can provide additional advise based on this discussion and support. If you need any advice in the process, please call FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org and we will direct you to the appropriate member of our team. If you have comments on the questions, FIS has been invited to join the drafting panel for future editions of the Common Assessment Standard, so please direct comments to jamesparlour@thefis.org.

As a final point FIS is always willing to follow-up requests for specific PQQ schemes as the Common Assessment Standard is designed to support interoperability and remove the need for duplication of accreditation efforts across multiple schemes (this is part of our Responsible No Campaign)                 

 The draft policy document can be found here

FIS Supports Call for EU-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Conformity Assessment

FIS Supports Call for EU-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Conformity Assessment

FIS welcomes and supports the joint call by industry groups across the EU and UK for a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on conformity assessment. The position paper, co-signed by Construction Products Europe and the Construction Products Association (CPA), outlines a clear and pragmatic case for reducing technical barriers to trade between the two regions.

The proposed MRA would allow products certified in either the UK or EU to be recognised in both markets, avoiding the need for costly and duplicative assessments. This is especially critical for manufacturers and suppliers in the finishes and interiors sector, many of whom are SMEs already facing increased regulatory and financial pressures.

Key benefits of the MRA include:

  • Lower compliance costs, supporting export growth

  • Improved market access and regulatory certainty

  • Greater capacity and competition among conformity assessment bodies

As discussions continue ahead of the EU-UK Summit on 19 May, FIS echoes the call for this agreement to be prioritised. It represents a practical step toward rebuilding frictionless trade and strengthening economic ties between the UK and EU construction sectors.

FIS will continue to work closely with CPA and other stakeholders to champion sensible solutions that benefit our members and the wider industry.

FIS Supports No Falls Week: Promoting Safe Working at Height

FIS Supports No Falls Week: Promoting Safe Working at Height

FIS is proud to support No Falls Week, taking place from 12–16 May 2025 — a vital campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with working at height and promoting best practices across the construction industry.

Launched in 2024, No Falls Week serves as a rallying call to reduce the number of preventable incidents caused by falls, which remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. According to the latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 40 people lost their lives to falls from height in 2022–23, accounting for 30% of all workplace deaths.

Whether you’re a contractor, supplier, or site manager, No Falls Week provides an opportunity to reflect on current practices and ensure robust safety procedures are in place. The campaign aims to equip everyone working at height with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to make safer choices — because every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.

How You Can Get Involved:

  • Raise Awareness: Share safety reminders and key messages with your teams throughout the week.

  • Review Procedures: Use this opportunity to revisit your working at height policies and risk assessments.

  • Host a Toolbox Talk: Organise a session to discuss best practices, common risks, and how to prevent falls.

  • Share Your Story: Highlight what your company is doing to improve height safety — tag FIS and use #NoFallsWeek to spread the message.

FIS will be supporting the campaign by sharing resources and encouraging members to actively engage with the initiative. Let’s work together to build a safer industry, one where no fall is inevitable.

For more information and resources, visit the No Falls Week website or contact the FIS team.

Health and Safety in the Finishes and Interiors Sector

It is a core objective of FIS to help reduce risk and create a healthier and safer construction environment for all.