Lithium-ion Batteries – the Fastest Growing Fire Risk

Following a range of recent incidents, there are further updates on products containing Lithium-ion batteries which clients need to consider. These items are now considered a significant fire risk and all clients should consider how they are managed – or whether they are even allowed on site.

A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is characterized by higher specific energy and energy density, which allows it to be more energy efficient and have a longer life, but crucially has proven to be far more prone to combust spontaneously.

HSE Annual Work-related Ill Health and Injury Statistics For 2023/24

Here are the key points from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) annual report on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2023/24 with a focus on the Education Sector

1.7 million workers reported work-related ill health in 2023/24, similar to 1.8 million in 2022/23;

Rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels (2018/19); and

Approximately 776,000 cases (46%) were related to stress, depression, or anxiety.

This is a decline from 910,000 cases in 2022/23 but still above pre-pandemic level.

Deliberate fires remain a serious concern in the UK, with nearly 1,100 arson incidents reported last year across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, industrial, retail, and education.

The CheckFire publication, The State of Arson 2024, presents exclusive analysis of Home Office data, revealing the alarming frequency and extensive consequences of arson on public safety, essential services, and business operations.

CheckFire Report on Assessing the Impact of Arson on Key UK Sectors

REMINDERS

In the hustle and bustle of other responsibilities, you may have overlooked some articles from Compliance Matters Issue 49. Below are some of the things making the news in the world of compliance in early 2025.

Supporting Hearing Impaired Staff and Students

In a survey in summer 2024, 2 out of every 3 of people with hearing difficulties stated they have experienced discrimination or negative attitudes from the general public.

In England, approximately nine million people experience hearing loss, with over four million of them being of working age. This represents a substantial group of individuals who are both capable and eager to work. However, hearing loss often affects their employment prospects, leading to job loss and challenges in securing new positions.

People with hearing loss frequently encounter feelings of isolation in the workplace. This can hinder their ability to reach their full potential and, in some cases, compel them to leave their jobs. Such outcomes not only impact the individuals but also affect businesses, which risk losing talented employees and incurring the costs associated with recruiting and training replacements.

The Tragic Case of Sara Sharif

Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were found guilty of murdering Sara Sharif after a ten-week trial. The jury heard how Sara endured a “campaign of abuse” before her death. At the Central Criminal Court today, Sharif received a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years, while Batool was sentenced to a minimum of 33 years.

The prosecution argued that Sara was deliberately killed by her father and stepmother, with Malik complicit in enabling the circumstances leading to her death. Evidence presented to the jury revealed that Sara had been subjected to sustained physical abuse over weeks, resulting in injuries such as fractures, burns, bruises, and a severe head injury. The postmortem concluded that Sara’s death resulted from complications of multiple injuries and neglect, although no singular cause of death could be determined.

Used items should be replaced immediately to ensure your kit is always ready for emergencies. Additionally, some items in your first aid kit may have expiry dates. Expired products should be disposed of and replaced, as they may lose effectiveness or degrade, potentially becoming unsafe.

We recommend regularly checking expiry dates on your first aid supplies, recording these dates, and setting reminders in your calendar. To simplify this process, download our checklist for tracking.

All St John Ambulance-branded kits come with a minimum shelf life of one year. The expiry date on the label indicates the earliest expiry date of any item in the kit

Ensuring Your First Aid Kit Is Well-Stocked and Up-to-Date

TO READ THE ARTICLES, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ISSUE 49