by Iain McIlwee | 17 Apr, 2026 | Health and Safety, Main News Feed
Key outcomes from the FIS Health & Safety Working Group – April Meeting
The April meeting of the FIS Health & Safety Working Group brought together members, specialists and partner organisations to address some of the most pressing health and safety challenges currently facing the finishes and interiors sector. Discussions were frank, practical and firmly rooted in site experience, reflecting the increasing need to bridge the gap between regulatory intent and day‑to‑day delivery.
Falling objects, safe working zones and RIDDOR
A major focus of the meeting was the HSE’s consultation on proposed changes to RIDDOR, particularly the expansion of reporting requirements for unintentional falling objects. Members agreed that many everyday activities in finishes and interiors work—such as drilling, fixing and board installation—carry genuine falling‑object risk, even when traditional “safe working zones” are in place.
The group highlighted that objects rarely fall straight down and can deflect or travel beyond exclusion zones, especially on constrained or high‑rise residential sites. As a result, exclusion zones alone cannot be treated as absolute protection. The consensus was that zones must be dynamic controls, supported by good planning, sequencing, tool and material control, and supervision. FIS will submit a coordinated response to the consultation, supporting clarity, proportionality and a prevention‑led approach.
Limb (b) workers, PPE and RPE
There was significant discussion around the increasing complexity of limb (b) worker status and responsibility for PPE and RPE. Members expressed frustration that legal definitions often fail to reflect how work is actually controlled through RAMS, supervision and works orders.
Particular concern focused on RPE, facial hair, and the growing use of PAPR as a default control. Members were clear that PAPR is often expensive, difficult to manage hygienically, and disproportionate for short‑duration work. While dust exposure is recognised as a serious health risk, the group agreed the industry currently lacks the clear, structured control framework seen with hazards such as asbestos. There was strong agreement on the need for practical FIS guidance to support risk‑based, defensible decision‑making.
Board lifters – suitability, risk and dynamic assessment
The use of board lifters generated one of the most detailed discussions of the meeting. Members consistently reported that board lifters are rarely used in practice, not through resistance, but due to genuine constraints such as space, congestion, board size, ceiling height and set‑up time.
The group highlighted that regulators are increasingly less concerned about whether board lifters are present, and more focused on whether decisions not to use them are supported by a documented, task‑specific dynamic risk assessment. Risks associated with board lifters—including instability, falling boards, fatigue and potential lone‑working—must be balanced against manual handling benefits. A simple pre‑use checklist already used by members will be shared to strengthen FIS guidance.
Innovation and safer ways of working
Members welcomed innovation that better aligns equipment with real site conditions. BRAVI Platforms presented the Solo Gyps attachment, designed to support safer board installation from MEWPs. While innovation was encouraged, members stressed that space, access, sequencing, training and RAMS integration remain critical to determining suitability on site.
New SFS Safe Working Practices Guidance
FIS confirmed completion of new SFS Safe Working Practices Guidance, developed with sector input. The guidance places strong emphasis on falling‑object risk, collective protection, dynamic exclusion zones, and pre‑construction planning under CDM. Members welcomed it as a practical benchmark that also strengthens conversations with principal contractors and clients where access or sequencing is inadequate.
Manual handling training – strong member engagement
There was strong, collective support for the new drylining‑specific manual handling e‑learning course, now approaching launch. A broad cross‑section of members volunteered to assist with final review, helping ensure the training reflects real tasks, constraints and site pressures rather than generic assumptions.
Powered access and IPAF collaboration
IPAF provided a comprehensive update on powered access safety, sharing accident trends, global safety campaigns and new British Standards for MEWPs and mast climbing work platforms. Members welcomed closer collaboration with IPAF, particularly around recovery and rescue planning, data sharing, and alignment of training and standards with site realities.
Pallet handling and materials movement
The group revisited risks created by plasterboard pallet design, particularly where bearers prevent safe pallet‑truck access. A bespoke pallet‑truck concept was presented as a potential solution. Discussion focused on braking requirements, site acceptance, trialling and the importance of engaging manufacturers to address risk at source.
Dust control and occupational health
Under Any Other Business, members discussed increasing enforcement attention on dust control, including the growing move away from dry sweeping towards vacuum‑based solutions. While practical challenges remain, the group acknowledged the direction of travel and reinforced the need for better planning, segregation and extraction. Members also noted increasing client and insurer demands for occupational health evidence relating to dust, HAVS and noise.
Get Involved – Help Shape Practical Guidance for the Sector
What’s Next?
Following the April meeting, the FIS Health & Safety Working Group has established a number of task and finish groups to turn discussion into practical guidance and tools for members:
- RIDDOR Consultation – Falling Objects and Safe Working Zones
Developing a coordinated FIS response focused on proportionality, prevention and real‑world working conditions.
- Limb (b) Workers, PPE and RPE (including PAPR)
Producing practical guidance on responsibility, RAMS ownership and defensible, risk‑based approaches to PPE and RPE.
- Board Lifters – Dynamic Risk Assessment and Guidance Review
Strengthening guidance on suitability, limitations and dynamic, task‑specific decision‑making.
- Board Lifter Innovation and Mechanisation
Exploring longer‑term solutions, including powered and platform‑integrated lifting systems.
- Manual Handling – Drylining‑Specific E‑Learning Review
Finalising sector‑relevant training with strong member involvement before launch.
- Construction Dust – Planning, Control and Monitoring
Supporting better planning, control hierarchy application and client engagement on dust risk.
- Plasterboard Pallet Handling and Pallet Trucks
Investigating safer handling solutions and potential manufacturer engagement.
- Annual FIS Health & Safety Survey
Reviewing and refining survey questions to ensure data continues to drive meaningful improvement.
Members are encouraged to get involved—participation ensures FIS guidance remains practical, proportionate and grounded in real site experience. To find out more, contact the FIS team.
Members can download full (draft) minutes of the meeting here
You can access the FIS H&S Toolkit here
by Iain McIlwee | 12 Apr, 2026 | Health and Safety
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued a safety reminder advising that four specified non‑sterile alcohol‑free wipe products must not be used under any circumstances.
These products have been linked to an ongoing risk of Burkholderia stabilis infection, and continued use may pose a serious risk to health. There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis linked to these products, identified through a UK outbreak spanning January 2018 to 3 February 2026. A small number of cases continue to be detected. Several cases involved serious infections requiring hospital treatment, and one death has been attributed to Burkholderia stabilis infection.
These four products should not be used under any circumstances:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (testing revealed contamination with a Burkholderia strain not related to the
outbreak cases)
Key Actions Required
- Immediately stop using the affected alcohol‑free wipe products if they are present in your workplace, service, or care setting.
- Remove and isolate any remaining stock to prevent accidental use.
- Do not use the products for skin cleansing, medical procedures, wound care, or environmental cleaning.
- Follow local procedures for safe disposal or return of affected products once further instructions are issued.
- Report immediately to your manager or infection control lead if you believe an affected product has been used.
What to Use Instead
- Use only approved, sterile or appropriately validated alternatives that meet current infection prevention and control requirements.
- Ensure replacement products are sourced through approved suppliers and are used in line with manufacturer instructions and local guidance.
Further Information
This guidance will be updated if additional information, product details, or disposal instructions are issued by UKHSA or MHRA.
If you are unsure whether a product is affected, do not use it and seek advice before proceeding.
For further information on non-sterile alcohol-free wipes from UKHSA click here
To visit the FIS H&S Toolkit click here
by Iain McIlwee | 8 Apr, 2026 | Health and Safety, Main News Feed
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is planning a shake up of the The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). Prior to implementing change, HSE is inviting businesses, employers, health practitioners and industry stakeholders to help shape the future of workplace incident reporting in Great Britain.
What are the proposed changes?
Specifically on legislative change, HSE is consulting on clarifying definitions within RIDDOR where existing terminology is percieved to be unclear or ambiguous.
HSE is also proposing to revise both the list of dangerous occurrences, to better reflect modern workplace risks, and the list of reportable occupational diseases, reintroducing some conditions previously removed from the list and adding new ones to ensure serious instances of work-related ill health are properly captured.
A further proposal from the regulator would broaden who could formally diagnose a reportable occupational disease. Currently, diagnosis must be made by a doctor registered with and holding a licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC). HSE is proposing to extend this to other registered health practitioners, reflecting the wider range of professionals involved in occupational health.
On the non-legislative side, HSE is seeking views on simplifying the online RIDDOR reporting form to improve usability and tackle both under-reporting and over-reporting, that they have described as a longstanding challenge for the regulator and for businesses alike.
Rachael Radway, Deputy Director of Regulation at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “RIDDOR reporting is central to how we identify emerging risk, target regulatory activity and contribute to the evidence base for workplace health and safety. This consultation allows those who will be affected by the changes to have their say as we look to improve standards and reduce the burden on business.
“The consultation is relevant across all sectors and industries. Duty holders, self-employed workers and those in control of work premises are particularly encouraged to respond. We are also encouraging healthcare practitioners involved in diagnosing and managing work-related conditions to engage as the proposed changes may impact their ways of working in the future.”
The consultation closes on 30 June 2026.
The full consultation document — including detailed proposals, background information and guidance on how to submit a response — is available on the HSE website.
FIS will be discussing these changes and the needs respond on behalf of our membership at the FIS H&S Working Group meeting which will take place online at 2pm on the 16th April.
You can secure you space at this meeting here.
by Clair Mooney | 25 Sep, 2025 | Health and Safety, Main News Feed
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has today published a consultation on its mental health project. The CLC’s Health Safety and Wellbeing Summit on 1 July set out mental health as one of its priority focus areas (as part of its wider Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy), with the aim to create an environment that fosters better mental health for the people that work in the UK construction industry.
The CLC held a series of focus groups across England, in partnership with Mates in Mind and the University of Warwick, to identify the primary root causes for poor mental health in construction. Today’s consultation which is open until 5 November 2025, details those causes and invites stakeholders across the industry for their views on what can be done to eliminate or reduce them.
The importance of this work is illustrated by the fact the suicide rate in UK construction is four times the national average which is unacceptable.
Whilst we know there are lots of factors that affect a person’s mental health, with some work related and some not, these are not numbers. They are husbands, wives, dads, mums, children and friends. The time for systemic change is now. We all have a responsibility to our workforce to improve the health and wellbeing of our people.
Today’s consultation focuses on the measures that the UK construction industry can take to reduce the future likelihood of poor mental health in the sector.
We want to hear your views and ambitions for how we can collectively come together to reduce or eliminate the challenges colleagues and friends are experiencing across the sector. Change is needed.
We will then analyse the consultation results, before agreeing and publishing, in Spring 2026, an action plan with supporting guidance with industry leaders, and key stakeholders on what we can jointly do to address the root causes.
Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council said:
“As leaders in the built environment and construction sector, we have a collective responsibility to our workforce to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.
By working in partnership and being ambitious, we can drive improvements in mental health across the sector, ensuring a positive working environment for our current and future workforce.
Today’s consultation is a vital step in that journey, enabling us to bring together the views of industry in this space to inform our public Spring 2026 action plan. I would encourage you to respond and give us your views”.
Feed your response into the consultation here
by Oscar Venus | 29 Aug, 2025 | Events, Health and Safety
Learning for Everyone
The Lighthouse Wellbeing Academy provides a flexible, accessible approach to learning designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the construction industry.
Their Courses include self-paced eLearning, live online Wellbeing Exclusives led by expert tutors, and accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses.
Whether you’re a site operative, project manager, or office-based professional, there’s a course tailored to your needs. From soft skills development to industry-recognised MHFA qualifications, the Academy will support your journey toward better mental health.
Best of all, most of the training is completely free, because positive cultural change starts with accessible education.
For more information, please see the link below or contact Marie Flinter at FIS:
Wellbeing Academy – Lighthouse Charity
