5. The workplace and the working environment


Changes and developments since last year


• The general Unite union has launched a campaign for better toilet facilities, particularly for mobile works;


• The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has published new guidance on working with the menopause;


• The Court of Appeal has ruled that the public smoking ban does not apply to state prisons, overturning the compulsory ban which was set to be rolled out in March 2016;


• As of October 2015, smoking is now banned in any vehicle where a child is present. Offenders could face a fine of £50;


• Welsh government proposals to ban e-cigarettes from places where there is a potential risk to children failed to be approved by the Welsh Assembly and will not now become law;


• The Department for Transport (DfT) has consulted on increasing penalties for using mobile phones while driving;


• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has said it will not issue an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, although it will review the decision in a year’s time; and


• The Offshore Installations (Offshore Safety Directive) (Safety Case etc.) Regulations 2015 (SCR 2015) came into force in July 2015, replacing the Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005.