We’re Hiring! Part-Time Office Administrator & Training Coordinator Ardent Safety | Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Hours: Part-time, flexible over 2–3 days per weekLocation: Barrow-in-Furness About Ardent Safety Ardent Safety is a health and safety training and consultancy company, helping businesses create safer working environments through professional training, practical advice and expert support. We’re looking for an organised, […]

Is it a legal requirement for schools to have a first aider? Schools must make adequate and appropriate first-aid provision for employees under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. The number and type of trained first aiders required depends on the school's individual circumstances and needs assessment. How many first aiders should a school […]

Where should school first aid kits be kept? Here's another common mistake we see when it comes to first aid kits in schools: Having one first-aid box in the school office and assuming you're covered. In a large or spread-out school, that may not be practical. First-aid equipment should be readily accessible and appropriate to […]

There isn't one qualification that automatically suits every member of school staff. Depending on your needs assessment and the nature of the role, you may consider qualifications such as: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) EFAW provides basic first-aid training and can be appropriate for some workplace situations. First Aid at Work (FAW) FAW is […]

This is probably the question we hear most often. And unfortunately, the answer isn't: “One first aider for every 50 pupils.” There is no single legal ratio for schools. Instead, the number of first aiders you need should come from your first-aid needs assessment. When carrying out that assessment, consider the following. A small primary […]

A Practical Guide for UK Schools Someone falls on the playground. A pupil cuts their finger in D&T. A member of staff feels unwell. A sports injury happens on the playing field. When something goes wrong at school, everyone needs to know what happens next. That's where your school's first-aid arrangements come in. Do schools […]

Fire safety is a critical responsibility for every organisation. While fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting and evacuation plans are all essential, effective fire safety depends heavily on having the right knowledge within the organisation. Having someone who has achieved the NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate can provide an organisation with a strong foundation of fire safety […]

Schools should have suitable arrangements for recording accidents and incidents involving pupils and staff. But recording an accident involving pupils doesn't automatically mean that it needs to be reported to the HSE. This is where RIDDOR comes in. When does a school need to report an accident under RIDDOR? The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and […]

Schools play a vital role in keeping children safe. For pupils who have serious allergies, that responsibility needs to include having clear procedures, trained staff and the right emergency equipment on hand. That's exactly why Benedicts Law has been introduced. It comes into effect from September 2026. The new guidance is named in memory of […]

There's no denying that we're getting hotter summers. And higher-temperature working environments can lead to some serious health risks. Whether someone works outdoors, in a warehouse, commercial kitchen, construction site… heat can quickly affect our concentration, wellbeing and physical performance. Knowing how to spot the signs of heat stress is vital because it can help […]

If you’re considering a career in health and safety, you might be asking yourself whether the NEBOSH certificate is really worth it. In short, YES! It can open the door to a wide range of opportunities and give you a strong foundation to build on. First of all, the NEBOSH National General Certificate is widely […]

Lithium‑ion batteries power a huge percentage of the tech that we rely on daily. This can be smartphones and laptops to e‑bikes, power tools and even some household appliances too. The ability of these batteries to store a large amount of energy in a compact, lightweight form is what makes modern life more convenient. BUT […]

The latest HSE figures have just released. And they reveal that in 2025, just under a million workers in the UK were suffering from work-related stress. That’s a huge number. And it’s also a super clear sign that stress isn’t just a personal issue - it’s a workplace one too. Knowing how to handle stress […]

It’s a question we hear a lot here at Ardent: does my workplace need a fire warden? Some companies we speak to assume it’s only an issue for large sites or high-risk environments. In reality though, most workplaces need someone with clear responsibility for fire safety, no matter their size or what sector they're in. […]

The festive season brings different risks to the workplace. As the end of the year approaches, people are juggling deadlines, social events, travel and family commitments. All of this has the potential to affect concentration and increase the chance of accidents. Keeping an eye on safety at work this festive season isn’t about dampening the […]

Why the festive period increases fire risks The run-up to Christmas often means decorations, electric heaters, and a busier and more excitable workplace. It’s all part of the fun, but it also can create extra fire risks. That’s why companies need to make sure that fire safety in the festive season doesn't slip off the […]

Winter fire safety checklist - Is your workplace ready for new challenges as the seasons change? As temperatures drop and our workplaces begin to adapt to winter conditions, fire safety can become an overlooked priority. Cold weather can bring unique risks. Heaters, festive decorations, and increased electrical load can all raise the chance of fire […]

It may seem super obvious but what are the actual benefits to your business of bringing in safety measures and staff training? When we ask, 'Why is safety at work important?' It's because no one wants accidents or injuries right? BUT beyond the obvious, there are deeper, tangible benefits to your business when you take […]

The top 5 fire hazards in the workplace: are you putting your team at risk by ignoring these? When it comes to the workplace, some fire hazards can be overlooked - until it’s too late. In the UK, thousands of workplace fires occur every year, and many of these could have been prevented with simple […]

How can NEBOSH help your career? Let's decode the NEBOSH General Certificate If you’ve ever looked into health and safety roles, chances are you’ve come across the NEBOSH General Certificate. But what is it really, and how can NEBOSH help your career? Let’s break it down. What is NEBOSH? NEBOSH stands for the National Examination […]

How to carry out a COSHH risk assessment Hazardous substances are found in more workplaces than you might think. It’s not just mysterious scientific laboratories or chemical plants! Cleaning products in schools, paint in workshops, dust at construction sites and even printer toner in offices... these things all count. A COSHH risk assessment is a […]

Workplace fire risks in autumn - and how to stop them: Autumn definitely changes how we use our workplaces. The heating goes on, lights are used for longer, and staff can bring in damp coats and muddy boots. These small shifts can end up adding up to bigger dangers if they’re not managed properly. Whether […]

Asbestos awareness: What is it? Where is it? How should you deal with it? What is asbestos? You will definitely have heard of it - but what actually is it? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials. That was because it’s strong, heat-resistant, and doesn’t corrode easily. It […]

Fire safety changes for 2025 - what your business NEEDS to know Why fire safety is changing Fire safety laws in the UK are evolving in 2025, and it’s not just a box ticking exercise. These updates are genuinely designed to protect lives, improve building safety, and respond to lessons learned from past tragedies like […]

What does a fire warden do? (and why every business needs one) Fire safety in the workplace isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It really can save lives. But many businesses aren’t clear about one simple question: What does a fire warden actually do? You could answer it this way: a fire warden is the person […]

The law on working in hot temperatures (when is it too hot to clock in?) It doesn't happen often, let's face it, it's Cumbria after all... But when the sun does come out, your employees might ask: Is there a legal maximum temperature for working in hot temperatures? It's a common question, especially if you […]

Fire safety is much, much more than having an extinguisher on the wall or a sign above the exit. In reality it’s about understanding the risks, planning ahead, and making sure everyone in your company knows what to do if the worst does happen. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines clear steps to help […]

Ever just assume that someone else is handling health and safety? It’s time to clear that up. In this blog we're answering the question: exactly who is in charge of health and safety? In the news A recent case reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought this issue into razor sharp focus. A […]

Every fire starts the same way - with three simple ingredients. Knowing what these are, and how they work together can help you prevent fires before they begin and act fast if one breaks out. That’s where understanding the fire triangle comes in to play. Making sure your staff are aware of the fire triangle […]

Health and safety for new starters - reducing the risk in the first 6 months Starting a new job is exciting, but it’s also when people are most at risk of injury. Research shows that new employees - and that's including temps, agency staff and gig workers too - are significantly more likely to have […]