Safety Forward Ltd

28/10/2026

We’ve got some lovely news to share!

A huge congratulations to our Managing Director, Marisa, who has been awarded IIRSM Fellowship.

We’re incredibly proud of Marisa and everything she puts into Safety Forward, our clients and the health and safety profession.

Anyone who knows Marisa will know how passionate she is about putting people first and making health and safety something that genuinely works for businesses, rather than simply ticking a box.

A very well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Marisa!

You can read more about the news here: https://conta.cc/4BsJ8I8

Safety Forward MD Marisa Firkins has been awarded IIRSM Fellowship in recognition of her mentoring and leadership as Chair of BHSEA.

27/10/2026

Things our consultants hear that make them pause...

“That’s just how we do it here.”

It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

But it usually makes us curious.

Why is it done that way?
Does the procedure match what actually happens?
Has the job changed over time?
And, importantly, what do the people doing it think?

Good health and safety consultancy isn’t just about spotting problems.

Sometimes it’s about asking the right question.

What workplace phrase would make you dig a little deeper?

02/10/2026

Work deadlines, meetings, client demands, family commitments... it doesn't take much for work-life balance to slip down the list.

As part of National Work Life Week, it's worth remembering that supporting wellbeing doesn't always require a big programme or expensive initiative.

Sometimes it's simply encouraging people to take a proper lunch break.

Checking in with a colleague who's had a tough week.

Making sure annual leave is actually being used.

Or creating a culture where switching off at the end of the day is encouraged, not frowned upon.

The small things often make the biggest difference.

What does your organisation do to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance?

21/09/2026

Would you know when it's time to make an occupational health referral?

Many employers are unsure.

Whether it's long-term sickness absence, concerns about fitness for work, or the need for workplace adjustments, knowing when to seek specialist advice can make a significant difference for both the employee and the business.

That's why we've put together a practical guide explaining:
🔹 When to consider a referral
🔹 What information you'll need
🔹 What occupational health can and can't advise on

📖 Read more here: https://conta.cc/47Npb2u

💬 Have you ever had to make an occupational health referral, or wondered whether one was needed?

Learn when to make an occupational health referral, what happens during an occupational health assessment, employer responsibilities and how referrals support employee wellbeing and return-to-work planning.

17/09/2026

Imagine one of our health and safety consultants walked through your workplace today.

What would they spot?

Probably not the obvious hazards.

More often, it's the things people have stopped noticing:

⚠️ The damaged barrier that's been there for weeks
⚠️ The missing sign no one remembers replacing
⚠️ The training that's quietly gone out of date
⚠️ The risk assessment that no longer reflects reality
⚠️ The unsafe shortcut that's become "the way we've always done it"

One of the biggest benefits of an external inspection is a fresh pair of eyes.

When you see the same environment every day, it's easy for risks to become normal.

💬 What's the last issue someone spotted in your workplace that everyone else had overlooked?

📖 Read more here: https://conta.cc/453cYEh

Not sure if you need an external health & safety audit? Learn the legal triggers, benefits, and when UK employers should arrange one.

15/09/2026

Can employers ask staff to pay for their own PPE?

It's a question we're asked surprisingly often.

In most cases, if PPE is needed to protect employees from workplace risks, employers are generally responsible for providing it.

But here's what many businesses don't realise...

Providing PPE is only part of the job.

It also needs to be:

✅ Suitable for the task

✅ Kept in good condition

✅ Replaced when worn or damaged

✅ Used correctly

✅ Supported with the right training

A hard hat, pair of gloves or safety boots won't protect anyone if they're the wrong type, poorly maintained or people haven't been shown how to use them properly.

What's the most common PPE issue or question in your workplace?

Read more here: https://conta.cc/4pSR1zA

Find out when UK employers must provide PPE, who is responsible, and what businesses need to do to stay compliant with health and safety law.

01/09/2026

Would your employees know what to do if something went wrong today?

Many workplace incidents don't happen because procedures are missing.

They happen because people:

• Forget them
• Misunderstand them
• Have never been shown them properly

That's why regular health and safety training is so important.

Whether it's fire safety, manual handling, workplace inductions, toolbox talks, or supervisor training, giving employees the right knowledge can help prevent incidents before they happen.

Training isn't just about compliance. It's about helping people stay safe and confident in their role.

Find out how Health & Safety Training can help protect your employees, improve awareness and support your business. - https://conta.cc/46P8l0L

Accredited health and safety training courses designed to protect employees, prevent accidents, and build a strong workplace safety culture.

27/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined Victoria's Lunch & Learn on Permit to Work Systems!

We had some great engagement during the session and hope everyone found it useful.

Missed it? No problem! The recording is now available, so you can catch up whenever it suits you:

🎥 https://conta.cc/4wIDGND

We've also written a supporting blog that covers the key points from the session, including common mistakes, practical tips, and how to make sure your permit to work system is helping to keep people safe.

📖 https://conta.cc/3UUyvgh

As always, if you have any questions about permit to work systems or health and safety in general, we're happy to help.

Understanding permit-to-work systems is essential for controlling h...

26/08/2026

Who do you turn to when a health & safety issue crops up in your business?

A new employee starts.

You purchase new equipment.

A risk assessment needs updating.

An accident or near miss occurs.

For many businesses, these situations don't happen every day. But when they do, it's important to have access to the right advice.

Many organisations don't need a full-time health and safety manager, but they do need competent health and safety support when it's needed.

A Competent Person can help with compliance, risk assessments, policies, training, audits, and practical day-to-day advice.

The question is: do you have access to that support when you need it most?

Find out how a Competent Person Service could support your business and give you peace of mind.

Read more: https://conta.cc/4lShTOf

Get expert support with our Health and Safety Competent Person package—tailored advice, audits, and compliance help for your business.

24/08/2026

Could your business be overlooking health and safety issues without realising it?

When you're involved in the day-to-day running of a business, it's easy to become familiar with the way things are done.

Sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes to spot:

• Gaps in documentation
• Outdated risk assessments
• Training issues
• Workplace hazards
• Opportunities to improve compliance

The best time to identify a problem is before it leads to an incident, complaint, or inspection.

Find out how an external health and safety audit could help highlight issues and improve your health and safety management.

📖 Read more: https://conta.cc/453cYEh

Not sure if you need an external health & safety audit? Learn the legal triggers, benefits, and when UK employers should arrange one.