8. Physical hazards at work

Changes and developments since last year

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that there was a statistically significantly higher prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders in 2013-14 compared with 2011-12.

• The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) has produced new guidance on preventing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

• A new study by Imperial College London, commissioned by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), recently reported that skin cancers caused by sun exposure at work are killing nearly 50 workers every year.

• The CWU communications’ workers union launched a new Sun Smart-Skin Safe sun safety campaign.

• The HSE has published new editions of the ACoPs and guidance on the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.