8. Physical hazards at work


Key changes and developments since last year


• The HSE is due to publish a new risk assessment tool for pushing and pulling operations (the RAPP tool) in 2016;


• A new case has established that manual handling operations are "day-to-day activities" under the Equality Act 2010;


• In January 2016, TUC head of health and safety Hugh Robertson warned that insurance companies are trying to make it harder for workers to claim compensation after their hearing has been damaged by work;


• In July 2016, new Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 came into force, implementing the requirements of a European Union (EU) directive on electromagnetic fields (EMFs).