Safety Sector Rolls Out New Digital Tools and Campaigns to Tackle Workplace Risks
Published on 08/01/2026 at 10:07 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
New digital platforms and awareness campaigns launched this week aim to strengthen workplace compliance and tackle long-term health risks across UK industries. The developments include a workforce competence system for construction and a nationwide drive targeting hidden hazards such as silica dust and occupational stress — areas that continue to claim thousands of lives each year.
Digital Platform Answers Building Safety Requirements
On July 31, 2026, the NOCN Group launched its Workforce Competence Platform, featuring the NOCN Skills Passport. Developed with industry experts, the digital system gives employers and individuals a centralized way to manage training, learning, and compliance records.
The platform responds to requirements introduced under the Building Safety Act, providing a verifiable record of worker competence. Accessible via desktop and mobile devices, it allows for real-time verification of skills on-site. NOCN Group leadership said the system is designed to streamline how the industry proves compliance and manages professional development.
Campaign Targets Hidden Workplace Hazards
The British Safety Council has launched a UK-wide campaign called "Hidden Hazards" to raise awareness of less visible risks in the workplace. The initiative focuses on silicosis, asbestos exposure, air quality, and occupational stress.
Campaign data indicates that approximately 9,000 deaths occur annually due to exposure to silica and asbestos. Separate statistics from the 2024/25 period showed that 964,000 workers reported suffering from work-related stress. The British Safety Council plans to roll out specific measures under the campaign, starting with a focus on silicosis later this year.
Research Exposes Gaps in Silica Dust Knowledge
Research funded by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has highlighted significant knowledge gaps regarding silica dust. Findings showed that 75% of respondents were unaware of specific exposure limits, while 68% did not understand how silica dust is transmitted.
To address these gaps, the ReACT toolkit has been launched to improve training and integrate safety standards into the procurement process. The aim is to close the knowledge divide before more workers are exposed to this serious respiratory hazard.
Safety Training Enters New Era
The transition to updated safety standards continues as the final examination date for the previous NEBOSH General Certificate syllabus approaches on August 6, 2026. An updated syllabus was introduced earlier this year, with instruction beginning in February and the first new examinations taking place in March.
The updated qualification includes renamed units — such as NG1 and IG1 becoming GNC1 and GIC1 — and requires a 60% pass mark for the practical risk assessment component. Candidates can expect results approximately 60 working days after assessment, with certificates issued within eight weeks.
To meet demand for flexible safety education, Astutis launched its Workplace Safety Suite in July 2026. This subscription-based model offers accredited training on topics ranging from manual handling and risk assessment to mental health and fire safety. The service targets medium and large enterprises across construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Enforcement and International Action
Recent legal action in the UK highlights the consequences of failing to meet safety standards. A firm and its director were fined following an incident where a steel beam fell on a worker at a hotel site in 2024. The company was ordered to pay a £12,000 fine plus costs, and the director was sentenced to community service for violations of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
The emphasis on safety culture is also expanding internationally. In Guyana, the Ministry of Labour held a seminar on July 31, 2026, as part of its "Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector" campaign. Ministry officials stressed the need for a stronger safety culture among contractors and workers in Georgetown and surrounding regions. Following this awareness phase, the ministry plans to intensify inspections on construction sites before expanding the program to the mining and agricultural sectors.
For workers maintaining current qualifications, the industry continues to offer specialized refreshers, such as the upcoming CCNSG renewal course scheduled for late August in Chesterfield.
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