Safety Management Services Europe Ltd

11/03/2026

🚨 New Fire Safety Law Coming – Residential Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) 🚨

From 6 April 2026, new legislation will require Responsible Persons in certain residential buildings to take additional steps to support residents who may need assistance to evacuate in the event of a fire.
This includes identifying residents who may struggle to self-evacuate due to mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments and developing a person-centred evacuation plan.

🏢 Who does this apply to? The new requirements apply to
buildings that are 18 metres or more in height, or seven or more storeys. Buildings that are more than 11 metres in height and operate a simultaneous evacuation strategy

👤 Who is responsible? The law places duties on Responsible Persons, such as:
• Building owners
• Managing agents
• Housing providers
• Landlords responsible for common areas

📄 Access for firefighters: Information about residents who may require assistance and the agreed evacuation arrangements must be recorded and stored in the building’s Secure Information Box (SIB) so firefighters can access it quickly during an emergency.

💬 Residents: If you live in a high-rise residential building and believe you may need assistance to evacuate during a fire, you should speak to your building owner or manager .If you are unsure, you can also contact your local Fire and Rescue Service for advice.

These changes aim to ensure everyone can evacuate safely and that firefighters have the information they need to help those most at risk.

09/03/2026

SMSE Newsletter March 2026 -

No Falls Week, a powerful height safety campaign from the No Falls Foundation, returns in 2026 for a third year running - and we’re urging you to get involved to help us raise awareness about the importance of safe working at height.

13/02/2026

SMSE Safety Alert -

UKHSA and MHRA are urging the public not to use 4 specified non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products due to the risk of infection associated with their use.

10/02/2026

SMSE Newsletter February 2026 -

A manufacturer of paper packaging has been fined after a worker suffered a severe skull fracture and permanent injuries when a 4.5-ton machine fell on him.

30/01/2026

Understanding the impact of stress at work

Work-related stress is a serious issue that affects both individuals and businesses. In 2024/25, 964,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, leading to 22.1 million working days lost.

What is work-related stress?
HSE defines stress as “a harmful reaction that people have to undue pressures and demands placed on them at work.”

Stress can affect both mental and physical health and impact performance at work. Everyone experiences stress differently, and factors such as skills, experience, age, or disability can all influence how stress affects someone.

Employer responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work. This means you must:

Assess stress risks: Identify potential stressors and who may be affected.
Take action to reduce risks: Implement practical measures, such as adjusting workloads, improving communication, or offering additional support.

Employer responsibilities -
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work. This means you must:

Assess stress risks: Identify potential stressors and who may be affected.
Take action to reduce risks: Implement practical measures, such as adjusting workloads, improving communication, or offering additional support.

How to manage stress in the workplace
Carry out a risk assessment
All employers must assess the risk of stress at work. Use our Stress Risk Assessment template to identify causes of stress and plan actions to reduce them.
Make practical changes
Once stress risks are identified, take prompt action. Simple changes like clearer roles, manageable workloads, better communication, job design adjustments, and flexible working, can make a significant difference.
Promote open conversations
Use our Stress Talking Toolkit to start conversations about work-related stress. Encourage workers to discuss their concerns and ensure they know what support and resources are available to them.
Monitor and review
Regularly check in with workers and review your actions to ensure they’re working effectively. Keeping stress prevention as part of everyday management will help create a healthier, more productive workplace.

Remember: Work-related stress is manageable.

16/01/2026

SMSE Newsletter January 2026 -

Businesses and waste operators are being reminded of the importance of checking commercial waste bins, particularly during winter, following a fatal incident in which a man seeking shelter was killed after entering a recycling container.

17/12/2025

16/10/2025

Risk assessment at the Tower of London today......