BSG News Blog

The reverse burden of proof finds its statutory foundation in Section 40 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This provision establishes that once a breach is alleged, the defendant must prove they did what was “reasonably practicable” to prevent it. The standard differs fundamentally from conventional criminal law, where prosecutors must

Silica dust represents one of the most significant yet frequently underestimated occupational health hazards facing the UK construction industry today. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 500 construction workers are believed to die annually from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), with thousands more suffering debilitating lung conditions. Under the Control of

BSG is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its e-learning portfolio with the introduction of two new mental health training courses, reinforcing the company’s commitment to comprehensive safety and wellbeing provision within the construction industry. Priced at just £25 per person, these accessible courses address the growing recognition that workplace safety extends beyond physical

If your SMSTS certificate has expired, you cannot take the two-day refresher course, your only option is to complete the full five-day SMSTS course again. This strict renewal policy means any lapse results in additional costs, more time away from work, and potentially interrupted site access. Planning your renewal early is the only way to

SSSTS Certificate Validity: The Quick Answer   A CITB Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) certificate is valid for five years from the date of successful completion. To stay certified, every supervisor must complete an SSSTS Refresher course before their current certificate expires. There is no grace period: if you let your certification lapse, you

The Health and Safety Executive’s provisional 2025/26 data reveals 25 construction deaths among 126 total workplace fatalities—a record low compared to the five-year average of 37 deaths. This represents genuine progress and demonstrates that enhanced safety measures deliver results. However, construction remains Great Britain’s deadliest sector in absolute terms, a distinction no industry should hold.

The Building Safety Group (BSG) has identified a 24% increase in noise infringements on construction sites across the UK, based on 6,000 independent inspections conducted during the first half of 2026. Noise breaches between 1st Jan – 30th Jun 2026 While this trend requires attention, it presents a valuable opportunity for forward-thinking construction companies to

Staying certified is crucial for anyone managing building and construction sites. An SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate lasts for five years from the date of completion. You must renew it before expiry by completing an SMSTS refresher course, or you will need to retake the full course again.   What Is an SMSTS

Temporary works are a routine part of construction, but the fact that they are temporary does not make them less important than the permanent structure being built. Scaffolding, excavation support, propping, falsework, working platforms, haul roads, hoardings and temporary support systems can all form part of a project’s temporary works. If these systems are not