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H&S News October 2003
| Title | Comments | Publication |
| Improvements to work and fire safety. | Changes to workplace safety and fire regulations are due to come into force on 27 October 2003. | HSE Press Release E172:03 29/9/03 |
| HSE publishes particulate toxicity research report. | The HSE has published a study (by IOM) which examined the pro-inflammatory effects of particles at concentrations that are not high enough to produce gross toxicity. | RR154 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr154.htm HSE Press Release E190:03 25/9/03 |
| New guidance on preventing falls from 'Cherry Pickers' (boom-type mobile elevating work platforms). | A new information sheet on preventing falls from boom-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS), often called 'cherry pickers'. | HSE Information Sheet MISC614 HSE Tel 01787-881165 HSE Press Release E188:03 26/9/03 |
| Cultural influences on health and safety in small businesses. | The main cultural influence on health and safety attitudes and behaviour in small businesses is organisational culture according to a new study by Middlesex Univ Bus School. | RR150 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr150.htm HSE Press Release E182:03 26/9/03 |
| Seminar offers new ideas for cutting edge businesses. | A free seminar at IMechE on Wednesday 8 October aimed at equipping boardroom managers and owners with skills to take their businesses to the next level of cutting edge excellence. | Register Tel 0151-951-5856 HSE Press Release E191:03 26/9/03 |
| Channel Tunnel Safety Authority publishes Annual Report 2002/2003. | CTSA publishes Annual Report for period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003. | Internet www.hse.gov.uk/railways/ctsa.htm HSE Press Release CTSA01:03 30/9/03 |
| Conference considers the developing role of health and safety. | The NWRS of Occ H&S Grp held its 2 day conference and exhibition 30/9 to 1/10. Speakers included HSE, Lancs F&RS, B'pool F&W Hosp NHS Trust. | HSE Press Release E195:03 30/9/03 |
| Ladbroke Grove rail collision: HSE begins its prosecution of Thames Trains Limited. | HSE has now begun prosecution against Thames Trains Ltd. TTL will appear in court on 12 Nov 2003. | HSE Press Release E194:03 1/10/03 |
| New guidance for health services on preventing slips and trips at work. | New Information Sheet giving advice about preventing slips and trips to workers in health services. | 'Slips & trips in the health servs' Health Services Sheet 2 Free, HSE 01787-881165 HSE Press Release E192:03 2/10/03 |
| Updated mesothelioma death statistics. | Updated statistics on work related mesothelioma deaths by geographical area within GB, based on 20yr period 1981-2000. | Factsheet www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/area8100.pdf or EMSU HSE 0151-951-3051/3479. HSE Press Release E189:03 dated 2/10/03 |
| HSC publishes a Consultative Document proposing a new Occupational Exposure Limit Framework. | Proposals to make it easier for firms to comply with their legal duty to control exposure to chemicals. Follows consensus that a new approach was needed and the concept of a single limit system (replacing the current two tier systems) linked to good practice advice. | CD189 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSC Press Release C049:02 2/10/03 |
| Perry Willenhall Steel Service Centres Ltd | Fined £1,250 under PUWER 1998. Finger amputation after accident on a coil slitting machine. Controls not maintained in efficient order or good repair. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000501 (21/7/03) |
| Deritend International Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Burnt when casting mould full of molten metal toppled from inadequately designed supporting stand. Previous occurrences of mould instability not acted upon. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000335 (21/7/03) |
| Governing Body of St Cuthbert's Cath High School | Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Following accident involving Tollens Reagent used in chemistry practical. Insufficient information, risk foreseeable and measures to prevent incident simple. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000394 (21/7/03) |
| Clarcon Ltd | Fined £5,750 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured when using unguarded tool of drilling machine, used again without remedial action. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000484 (23/7/03) |
| Deans Foods Ltd | Fined £18,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured whilst cleaning machine with damaged guard, damaged for up to 14 days. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000419 (24/7/03) |
| Bekaert Fencing Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1074 s2. Finger amputated, others injured, when gloved hand drawn into inrunning nip at unguarded wire guide pulley. Need previously identified. Guards fitted briefly but removed because of damage and not replaced. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000326 (24/7/03) |
| Jonathan Eugene Bygate | Fined £6,500 under HASAWA 1974 s37. Director who was the workshop manager and had his office in the premises where the fatal accident occurred. Company went into voluntary liquidation. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000354 (25/7/03) |
| Gee & Gee Fabrications Ltd | Fined £3,000 under PUWER 1998. During preventative inspection of premise, found unguarded engineering machinery. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000583 (25/7/03) |
| Poultry First Ltd | Fined £1,600 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999 / RIDDOR 1995. 16 yr old burnt when cleaning at poultry hatchery. Instructed not to handle chemicals, PPE not worn, lax supervision. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000479 (25/7/03) |
| St Giles Property Developments Ltd | Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s21. Failure to comply with Improvement Notice to produce a construction health and safety plan. Appealing against sentence. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000221 (24/7/03) |
| Bill Callaghan welcomes Worker Safety Advisor Challenge Fund. | The Fund will help bring improved H&S to SMEs and recognises the benefits that employer / worker partnerships can bring. | HSC Press Release C052:03 2/10/03 |
| Fleet drivers need support over mobile use. | Proposals to ban drivers using hand-held mobile telephones need employer endorsement rather than passive support. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):6 |
| Vibration white finger damages awarded. | Mr J McKenna, a railway worker for 14 yrs, awarded £212,829 damages in the Scottish Courts. Excessive levels of machine vibration throughout his working life as a trackman. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):10 |
| Case notes. | The courts seem more willing to consider sharing blame between different companies and between companies and individuals. (R Mackmurdo) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):12-14 |
| Dangerous substances resource guide. | Guide in line with the campaign theme for the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 13-18 Oct 2003. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):16-20 |
| Managing asbestos risk. | The ramifications of Reg 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regs 2002. (N Cook) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):26-30 |
| Getting back to where you once belonged. | The disparity between the rehabilitation services currently available to armed service personnel, and civilian workers. (E Gates) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):34-38 |
| Fire. | Highlights the main UK fire safety legislation currently in force and practical advice on undertaking a fire RA. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):40-42 |
| Short on detail, long on effect. | RoSPA's response to the HSC's strategic thinking on H&S. (R Bibbings) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(10):54-56 |
| Clear plan for health and safety in the National Health Service. | The HSE and NHS Estates have signed a 'Concordat' that sets out plans to work together to improve the H&S of patients, visitors and staff in England. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices HSE Press Release E180:03 2/10/03 |
| Second national construction blitz found no improvement on falls from height. | During Sept inspectors visited 1,429 construction sites and issued 332 Prohibition Notices and 82 Improvement Notices. | HSE Press Release E193:03 3/10/03 |
| £100,000 fines for fatality at Earls Court Exhibition Centre. | Earls Court Ltd fined £80,000 and Unusual Rigging Ltd fined £20,000 + £12,173 costs each. During refurbishment, worker killed falling 35m through fragile false ceiling tiles whilst dismantling mobile platforms. | HSE Press Release E198:03 3/10/03 |
| Continuing to deliver a safe and healthy paper industry. | An open meeting of the HSC's PABIAC will be held at Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland on 4/11/03 at 10.15am. Free but limited places. | HSE Ms T Stonley Tel:01342-334308 HSC Press Release C053:03 6/10/03 |
| Letchworth diving school partners fined following HSE prosecution. | C Mainprize and I Wilson, partners in Hydroactive Outdoor Pursuits, each fined £3,000 + £7,500 costs. Student died during an open water diving course. No supervisor, diving contractor or diving project plan. | HSE Press Release E199:03 7/10/03 |
| It's easy to get clued up on chemicals. | New guidance and advice for painters, hairdressers, cleaners and beauticians, who may not know that the products they use contain harmful chemicals. | E-COSHH on Internet: www.coshh-essentials.org.uk HSE Press Release E196:03 8/10/03 |
| Strategy sparks new 'cornerstone of a civilised society'. | Des Browne, H&S Minister, called for a debate amongst all with an interest in H&S when he launched the 8 wk consultation of 'A strategy for workplace H&S in GB to 2010 and beyond'. | HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSC Press Release C054:03 8/10/03 |
| HSE publishes new safety passport scheme leaflet. | Safety passports help workers gain minimum levels of H&S knowledge and ensure they are aware of their environmental responsibilities before being allowed workplace access. | INDG381 HSE Tel:01787-881165 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg381.pdf HSE Press Release E197:03 9/10/03 |
| Find out about and have your say on manual handling in the printing industry. | An open meeting of the HSC's Printing Industry Advisory Comm will be held at Leeds Town Hall, on 21/10/03 at 10.30am. Limited places. | HSE Ms W Drammeh Tel:0113-283-4397 HSC Press Release C055:03 9/10/03 |
| Construction health and safety awards night. | As part of the Working Well Together in Construction Campaign, Des Browne will present the awards at the London dinner on 6/11/03. | Tickets £150 ea incl VAT. Ms A Spurling or Ms B Parker Tel:020-7862-0000 HSC Press Release C051:03 10/10/03 |
| Cambridgeshire County Council | Fined £35,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Elderly resident killed falling from a 1st floor window. Inadequate control of risk at a range of premises and 2 vulnerable people injured. Previous HSE advice. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000360 (28/7/03) |
| Worcester Packaging Systems Ltd | Fined £4,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Two injured when a 15' top heavy elevator toppled over whilst being lifted by an FLT. Operator untrained and unlicensed. Only general method statement and RA. FLT operator seen previously operating a FLT. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000395 (28/7/03) |
| Robison & Davidson Ltd | Fined £400 under CHSWR 1996. Worker fell >2m from a scaffold. Failure to maintain scaffold in a safe condition. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000001 (28/7/03) |
| JW Hinchliffe (Tanks) Ltd | Fined £3,000 under CHSWR 1996. Explosion during excavation and removal of a petrol tank from a petrol station forecourt in a domestic area. No injuries but potential for harm. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000201 (28/7/03) |
| Lewis & Manley (Engineering) Ltd | Fined £1,500 under LOLER 1998. Failure of overhead gantry crane. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000787 (29/7/03) |
| Tyne & Wear Pallets Ltd | Fined £4,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured by circular saw in a pallet making machine enclosure. Interlock defeated. Firm had not implemented previous advice of their own H&S consultant. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000408 (29/7/03) |
| Aberdeen City Council | Guilty under CHSWR 1996. Workers undertaking construction work on the road in an unsafe manner. Inadequate separation between workers and moving traffic. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000059 (29/7/03) |
| John Parker & Son Ltd | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Two workers injured when their car collided with a length of steel being transported on a sideloader from one part of site to another via a public road. Projecting load not suitably marked. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000413 (30/7/03) |
| Municipal & Commercial Vehicles Ltd (MCV Ltd) | Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Killed whilst working under the unsupported crane arm of a Hookloader. No RA, safe system of work, training, supervision or instruction. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000501 (31/7/03) |
| Hanson Brick UK | Fined £8,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured when a fan assembly rolled over during re-installation. No RA, safe system of work, appropriate equipment or training. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000406 (31/7/03) |
| 2 Sisters Premier Division Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Worker with limited English injured in an automatic cutting machine. Failure to take account of capability to understand instruction. Poor training. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000308 (31/7/03) |
| 2 Sisters Premier Division Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Failure to prevent access to dangerous parts of a crate handling machine. Inadequate remedial action following previous incident 8 days earlier. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000343 (31/7/03) |
| NEF Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2/PUWER 1998. Killed when 2 steel stillages from a stack of 4 (4.92m high) fell over. Probably struck by beam of overhead crane ht 4.76m. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000407 (31/7/03) |
| SJB Steel Ltd | Fined £2,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2/ HSFAR 1981. During roof work on a new farm building no measures to reduce the risk of falls from height. Untied ladder, incorrectly installed and incomplete netting. No trained first aider or adequate provision. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000239 (1/8/03) |
| Safety in the boardroom. | How companies are responding to the HSC advice to direct H&S from the boardroom. (L Ponting) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):23-24 |
| Quarry death companies fined £350,000. | Imerys Minerals Ltd and Aggregate Ind UK Ltd each fined £175,000 + £15,860 costs. Driver of 50 tonne dump truck killed whilst reversing. Truck tipped backwards at top of ramp above quarry falling 20'. | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):2 |
| The end of the road for LAs? | The possibility of centralised enforcement following the continued failure of local authorities to address adequately H&S. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):7-8 |
| Words are not enough. | How the UK's top employers are reporting on their H&S performance. (L Ponting) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):9-10 |
| Work-related ill health 2001/02. | The survey of self-reported work-related illness shows musculoskeletal disorders remain most common but stress related conditions continue to increase. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):11-13 |
| Lessons from Grangemouth. | Review of the investigation into the potentially catastrophic incidents at BP Grangemouth in 2000. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):14-18 |
| The trade union effect. | HSC proposals on worker participation in H&S should support TU representation, not be a substitute for it. (D Walter) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2003 (322):19-22 |
| £200,000 penalty for lifting lapses after worker is crushed. | Volker Stevin (formerly Harbour & General Works Ltd) fined £200,000 + £4,740 costs. Killed whilst helping unload 1.5 tonne timbers, 2 of which slipped from the sling. Not trained in lifting and the trained banksman unaware of lift. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):6 |
| Lack of forklift training led to leg crush. | Medway Ltd fined £40,000 + £5,778 costs. Injured after a steel coil fell from an FLT whilst being loaded onto a holder. No first-aider, unsafe procedure. Inadequate FLT training. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):8 |
| Lorry driver loses limb in loading accident. | Cooper Cameron UK fined £10,000 and Freeland Freight fined £3,000. Visiting driver injured when a pipe being loaded onto his lorry rolled off FLT striking another pipe which moved. No safe system of work or appropriate instruction. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):10 |
| Award-winning firm fined for ladder fall fatality. | The Shropshire Group fined £20,000 + £22,838 costs. Killed after slipping from ladder whilst repairing 3.5m high trailer roof. Ladder footed by colleague but during his brief absence slipped during descent. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):12 |
| Have we seen the end of occupational stress claims? | To successfully bring a claim for compensation for occupational stress the hurdle of foreseeability is formidable. (K Bridges) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):12 |
| EMS the standard way. | A standard offering guidance on building up an environmental management system and a recognised method of obtaining full certification to ISO 14001. | BS8555 BSI Tel:020-8996-9001 Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):16 |
| Beyond reach? | Possible strategy flaws in the EC's proposals for the assessment and authorisation of chemicals. (P Reeve) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):24-26 |
| It's a chemical world. | HSE's current programme of work aimed at demystifying the legal duty surrounding dangerous chemicals. (J Thompson) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):28-30 |
| Mind your whole business. | How IOSH is endeavouring to guide health, safety and environment professionals towards a holistic approach to the management of business risks. (L Bamber) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):32-34 |
| Disseminating matters. | A possible solution to the effective communication of the corporate H&S policy. (N Millard) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):37-38 |
| A clinical performance. | Major developments and changes in the revised guidance on working in clinical laboratories. (R Warwick) | 'Safe working … in clinical labs' Isbn 0-7176-2513-3 HSE Safety & Health Practitioner 2003 21(10):40-42 |
| HSE publishes pesticides incident 2002/03 report. | Inspectors investigated 215 incidents, an increase of 48 over the previous year and issued 81 enforcement notices. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/information.htm HSE Press Release E200:03 13/10/03 |
| Safe use of cleaning chemicals in the hospitality industry. | Aimed at those using cleaning chemicals including washing-up liquids, heavy duty drain cleaners, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners and bleaches. | Cat Inf Sheet No 22 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E205:03 13/10/03 |
| Minister launches latex web page to raise real dangers of occupational asthma. | In an effort to combat this cause of occupational asthma, Mr Des Browne launched the website page to raise awareness of the reactions to natural rubber latex. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/latex HSE Press Release E202:03 14/10/03 |
| Isocyanate paints in motor vehicle repair shops moves up front. | Advice aimed at preventing workers getting asthma from isocyanate chemicals in 2-pack paints used in the refinishing or repainting of motor vehicles. | INDG388 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E203:03 14/10/03 |
| HSE launches new studies to help manage the risks of violence to lone workers. | Each year there are 1.3m violent attacks on workers and these case studies offer practical ways to reduce the threat of violence to lone and mobile workers. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/violence HSE Press Release E201:03 15/10/03 |
| Health and Safety Executive issues new guidance for window cleaners. | Information sheets aimed at window cleaning companies, designers, owners and those involved in maintenance of buildings. | MISC611-614 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/fallindx.htm HSE Press Release E207:03 16/10/03 |
| HSE urges industry to control safety risks in organisational change. | How to control safety risks in organisational change. Aimed at employers in the major hazards industries. | CHIS7 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/chis7.pdf HSE Press Release E167:03 16/10/03 |
| New help to tackle infection risks at work. | Intended to clearly explain to employers their legal duties under COSHH, including RA and hazard identification. | 'Infection at work…' Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/danpath.htm HSC Press Release C057:03 16/10/03 |
| New research on UK Safety Case Regimes. | A report identifying available evidence on the impact of Safety Case Regimes in the gas, offshore, onshore, major hazards, railway and nuclear industries. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/subject/p/permissioning.htm HSE Press Release E206:03 17/10/03 |
| Channeline Sewer Systems Ltd | Fined £14,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. During visit, no risk or COSHH assessments, inadequate control of flammable liquids, poor welfare and workplace conditions. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000411 (4/8/03) |
| Gower Gas & Water | Fined £2,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / GSIUR 1998. Gas fire spilling CO into lounge of tenanted property. Work carried out by CORGI registered operator prior to occupancy but leak and 2 appliances spilling combustion products within 1 month. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000756 (4/8/03) |
| Nottingham Flexo Ltd | Fined £750 under PUWER 1998. Failure to maintain interlock guard and guard easily by-passed. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000420 (4/8/03) |
| James Cropper Plc | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Following a fatal scalding accident. No set out safe system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F180000402 (4/8/03) |
| Linda Robson | Guilty under HASAWA 1974 s7, conditional discharge. Care assistant placed a resident on a commode containing water >50C resulting in burns. Did not take reasonable care of a person affected by her acts at work. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000389 (4/8/03) |
| Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Sub contractor's worker injured falling 3.3m into excavation whilst creating timber working platform on the edge. Unsafe system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000177 (4/8/03) |
| Total Construction Solutions Ltd | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / CHSWR 1996. Injured falling 3.3m into excavation whilst creating timber working platform on the edge. Unsafe system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000178 (4/8/03) |
| Stewart Anthony Moffatt t/a SM Engineering | Fined £2,000 under PUWER 1998. During inspection, worker found using an unguarded power press that had also not had its daily check. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000416 (5/8/03) |
| Leon's Coach Travel (Stafford) Ltd | Fined £18,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. During vehicle recovery operation, killed when vehicle rolled back. Defective recovery vehicle, unsafe system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000471 (5/8/03) |
| Gray & Adams Ltd | Fined £1,000 under LOLER 1998. Sub-contractor's worker injured when a lifting operation failed. | HSE Prosecution Case F200000603 (5/8/03) |
| Claremont Refurbishment Ltd | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Injured falling 3.7m from roof. Scaffolding lacked internal edge protection. No fall or edge protection provided. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000181 (6/8/03) |
| WW Roofing & Cladding Contractors Ltd | Fined £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured falling 3.7m from roof. Scaffolding lacked internal edge protection. No fall or edge protection provided. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000182 (6/8/03) |
| Stuart Forbes | Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s37. Injured falling 2.62m from roof. No protection. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000222 (6/8/03) |
| Martin Robert Hewitt | Fined £500 under CPR 1986. Whilst spraying field with pesticide, wind condition led to drift onto neighbouring grazing land. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000418 (7/8/03) |
| Conquest Foods Ltd | Fined £1,500 under PUWER 1998. Injured at the delivery of a mashed potato trough mixer. Sliding cover removed, not interlocked. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000341 (7/8/03) |
| Leeds Valve Co Ltd | Fined £4,000 under PUWER 1998 / MHSWR 1999. Injured whilst relocating the coolant nozzle next to the moving tool on a horizontal borer. The nozzle had fallen against the tool bit. No RA. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000535 (8/8/03) |
| Consultation on first aid regulations. | The HSE's first ever review of the effectiveness of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regs 1981. | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):6-8 |
| Executive consults on role of Local Authorities in enforcing safety law. | After radical proposals suggesting that LAs might loose H&S enforcement powers, a Disc Doc on how the organisations can work together more effectively to enforce H&S legislation. | SID02 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/2003.htm Safety Management 2003 (Oct):2 |
| Risk assessment webpage. | A new HSE webpage providing employers and workers with guidance on RA. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/risk/index.htm Safety Management 2003 (Oct):2 |
| Engineering company owner fined for obstructing HSE inspector. | Mr G Moore fined £3,000 + £4,500 costs. After 2 enforcement notices on power presses issued to the owner of a metal fabrication firm. On several occasions obstructed HSE inspectors from entering the premises. | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):5 |
| Insurers' initiative will recognise good health and safety practice. | The ABI initiative aims to particularly benefit smaller firms with good H&S practices by giving greater access to the Employers' Liability insurance market. | Assoc of Brit Insurers e-mail: marketwork@abi.org.uk Safety Management 2003 (Oct):10 |
| All in the pipeline. | A combination of staff training and involvement in safety has led to improved workplace accident rates at the manufacturer of pipe work used by offshore operations. (F Stones) | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):18-19,21 |
| Chemical exposure risk. | Packhorse Case Co Ltd fined £10,000 + £2,462 costs. Workers at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals during a glue spraying operation. Inadequate measures to prevent exposure to the risk of inhaling dichloromethane. | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):25 |
| Jarvis fined after power line accident. | Jarvis Facilities Ltd fined £4,000 + £32,500 costs. Injured when jib of lorry mounted crane touched a 25,000v power line. No safe system of work. | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):26 |
| Employee struck by reversing lift truck. | JDP Frames Ltd fined £10,000 + £1,048 costs. When pushing a trolley across site yard it stuck and whilst trying to free it, injured when struck by a reversing lift truck. No suitable RA, inadequate vehicle and pedestrian segregation. | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):30 |
| Taking a firm grip. | Each year manual handling injuries at work cause approx 3,000 injuries. Ways that employers can prevent these and make their premises safer. | Safety Management 2003 (Oct):32-34,36,38 |
| HSE work at heights video. | The HSE video is aimed at site managers, workers and safety reps in construction. Includes reconstructions of accidents. | 'Head for heights…' Isbn 0-7176-2217-7 £25 + VAT HSE Tel:01787-881165 Safety Management 2003 (Oct):53 |
| Working time opt out not working. | A recent TUC survey claims that 66% of those who work >48 hrs per week (3m people) have not signed the required opt out from the working time rules. | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):5 |
| New EU regulation on fertilisers set to reinforce product safety requirements. | The aim of the regulation will be to simplify 18 EU directives on fertilisers adopted since 1976 and will affect 14m tons of mineral based products sold in Europe each year. | Internet: www.europarl.eu.int/commonpositions/2003/pdf/ c5-0224-03.part.1_en.pdf Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):6 |
| Should delivery drivers belt up more often? | The Dept for Transport is seeking views on the distance workers making deliveries or collections may travel without seatbelts. Agreed changes will come into force on 5/4/04. | Internet: www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/ documents/page/dft_rdsafety_023621.hcsp Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):8 |
| Teleworking outside the office – your rights protected. | A new code safeguarding the rights of those working from home, including legal requirements and best H&S practice. | Internet: www.dti.gov.uk/er/hot_topics.htm Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):10 |
| £50,000 pay out to passive smoking victim. | Non-smoker Mr M Dunn awarded £50,000 out of court settlement after claiming his asthma was caused by passive smoking during his 14 years working at a casino. | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):11 |
| Mind out for mental health, managers told. | A practical guide to help line managers identify, manage and support mental health at work. | 'Line Managers' Resource' Free Tel:870-443-0930 Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):11 |
| The bigger the better. | The state of industrial relations and H&S practices in the candidate countries due to join the EU in 2004. (C Atkins) | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):12,14 |
| Electricity at work revisited. | How to ensure the H&S of all those exposed to electricity. (P Ellis) | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):16-17 |
| Maintaining electrical appliances. | Portable appliance testing ensures that electrical equipment continues to be safe to use. (S Segaran) | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):18 |
| Get a grip on hand tools. | Engineering and ergonomic solutions and the design of hand tools. (D Abbott) | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):21-23 |
| Risk assessment - a trivial pursuit? | A measured approach to risk management. (P Hughes) | Health and Safety at Work 2003 25(10):30-32 |
| Isle of Wight farmers meet the challenge. | The blitz on 100 IOW farms is being followed by an initiative to help farmers deal with some of the immediate issues. Seven course being run over the next 2 months. | Mr M Legge NFU Tel:01983-522290 HSE Press Release E209:03 17/10/03 |
| New guidance on firearms and weapons used in productions. | Guidance for TV, film and theatre productions on the safe use of firearms, cross-bows, knives and batons. | Ent Inf Sheet 20 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/entindex.htm HSE Press Release E210:03 22/10/03 |
| Biggest single cause of construction accidents is simply getting to the 'workface'. | Research suggests that the biggest single cause of construction accidents is getting to the place on the site where the work is being carried out. Most accidents occur when moving across sites or handling materials. | RR139 Isbn 0-7176-2724-1 HSE £20 RR156 Isbn 0-7176-2749-7 HSE £25 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm HSE Press Release E208:03 23/10/03 |
| S&J Fasteners Ltd | Fined £1,000 under MHSWR 1999. During inspection, a Prohibition Notice issued on an unguarded cold heading machine owned by sole trader Mr CA Cook. S&J failed to co-operate with Mr Cook and ensure guarding on the machine. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000596 (11/8/03) |
| Rigidal Industries Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured trapped in unpowered roller at mobile roll form machine. No guarding. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000459 (11/8/03) |
| Rigidal Industries Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured in laminator trap point composite panel line. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000460 (11/8/03) |
| Meadowview Homes | Fined £2,500 under CHSWR 1996. 17 yr old trainee injured falling 3m whilst descending ladder which slipped from under him. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000210 (11/8/03) |
| South Birmingham Mental Health NHS Trust | Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / MHSWR 1999. Events leading to scalding injuries to a person who died 3 days later. Lack of adequate RA. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000479 (12/8/03) |
| Kingfisher Industrial Management Ltd | Fined £3,200 under LOLER 1998 / RIDDOR 1995. Failure of load bearing part of mobile crane. Not reported under RIDDOR. Insufficient examination. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000474 (13/8/03) |
| Worcester Heat Systems Ltd | Fined £1,000 under PUWER 1998. Injured whilst using a tube bending machine. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000482 (13/8/03) |
| PCM Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Sub-contractor injured falling 4m through fragile material. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000257 (13/8/03) |
| Holtwood Farm (Doveridge) Ltd | Fined £1,750 under CHSWR 1996. Injured falling through fragile roof whilst using a pressure washer. No fall prevention and employer aware of activity. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000422 (14/8/03) |
| Priory Hospitals Ltd | Fined £9,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / MHSWR 1999. Patient with known behavioural problems jumped from 1st floor window. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000422 (14/8/03) |
| Traditional Traybakes Ltd | Fined £2,000 under PUWER 1998. Injured whilst using cookie making machine. Earlier failure to repair guard to a dangerous part of the machine. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000523 (15/8/03) |
| Lauder College | Fined £1,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3. College block-release apprentice injured falling from flat roof of college building whilst under supervision of a tutor. No fall prevention. | HSE Prosecution Case F200000583 (15/8/03) |
| Gaia Technologies Plc | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured falling from 10.6m radio tower during maintenance and antennae installation. Free-climbed the tower. Inadequate training, information or instruction. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000780 (18/8/03) |
| Logic Office Furniture Ltd | Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst clearing blockage on panel-sizing edge-bending machine. No guarding, RA or training. Unsafe system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000346 (18/8/03) |
| Lancashire Double Glazing Group | Fined £14,000 under ALR 1983 / CAWR 1987. Window fitter and trainee removed windows from 2 school kitchens exposing asbestos insulating board. Removed dry and broken up, spreading over kitchens, road, skip and vehicles. Work area not restricted. Potential for exposure. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000242 (18/8/03) |
| Fusion Glass Designs Ltd | Fined £1,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured after bottle containing methylated spirits burst and ignited. Used for cutting laminated glass. | HSE Prosecution Case F060000380 (19/8/03) |
| Bodycote Materials Testing Ltd | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst assisting with unloading of tensile testing machines from flat bed trailer. Failure to ensure safety during unloading. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000409 (19/8/03) |
| Bodycote Materials Testing Ltd | Fined £6,000 under COSHH 1999. Investigation of use and management of metal working fluids. Worker with dermatitis which was not reported. Inadequate RA, training, information. No health surveillance. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000410 (19/8/03) |
| Isec Industrial Lining (Contractors) Ltd | Fined £4,000 under MHSWR 1999. Injured whilst operating a scissor lift which overturned after a collision with a FLT during lifting operations. No RA. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000253 (19/8/03) |
| R&R Formings Ltd | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Agency worker injured assisting Calender machine set-up. No guarding during set-up was usual. No RA. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000527 (20/8/03) |
| Taymore Ltd | Fined £1,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured working on fragile roof. Failure to ensure safety. | HSE Prosecution Case F210000425 (20/8/03) |
| Dial 0870-099-0099 for workplace transport safety advice from new HSE/FTA centre. | The new HSE and Freight Transport Assoc advice centre for vehicle operators, drivers and those responsible for site safety. | HSE Press Release E213:03 29/10/03 |
| Museum blaze destroys vintage motorcycle collection. | The National Motor Cycle Museum fire destroyed 650 motor cycles and was probably started by a cigarette discarded into boxes outside the building. Built in the 80's there was no sprinkler system fitted. | Fire Prevention 2003 373 (Oct):5 |
| Human resources. | At a HUBFIN meeting, academics, designers and engineers discussed how to better co-ordinate research on human behaviour in a fire. | Human Behaviour in Fire Network Internet: www.engj.ulst.ac.uk/hubfin Fire Prevention 2003 373 (Oct):19-21 |
| Hazard spotting. | How BAA Plc is using hazard and operability techniques to quantify fire risk in its airport terminals and other buildings. (R Timpson) | Fire Prevention 2003 373 (Oct):23-26 |
| All at sea. | Ensuring that fire brigades can respond effectively to fires on ships around the UK coast. (M Kettle) | Fire Prevention 2003 373 (Oct):35-37 |
| Road rules. | Plans to introduce a new Directive covering safety in tunnels on the European road network. Structural and technical standards, operation, traffic rules and user information. | Internet: www.europa.eu.int/comm/transport/themes/ land/english/lt_7_en.html Fire Prevention 2003 373 (Oct):46-47 |
| GlaxoSmithKline packing line found to be satisfactory. | Following allegations on a TV programme, the HSE inspection found present conditions at the factory were generally satisfactory. | HSC Newsletter 2003 (151)Oct:5 |
| Research news - HSC/E's mainstream research programme 2002/3. | During 2002/3 the HSE spent approx £16m on research. Summary of the programme with examples of current and recently completed work. | HSC Newsletter 2003 (151)Oct:7-18 |
| New COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) information pack. | The 2nd edition explains the background to COSHH, how to use the pack and includes 70 new control guidance sheets. | Internet: www.coshh-essentials.org.uk HSC Newsletter 2003 (151)Oct:20-1 |
| Asian audiences targeted with new HSE 'Worksmart' series. | From Nov for 6 months, a new TV series will bring H&S communication to Asian viewers. | HSE Press Release E214:03 27/10/03 |
| HSC publishes railway safety discussion document. | 'Safety on the railway…' is aimed at those who work in the rail industry and those interested in its safety performance. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm HSC Press Release C059:03 27/10/03 |
| Train protection and warning system: HSE grants exemption. | The exemption to the Railway Safety Regs 1999 means that Network Rail need not fit TPWS at certain sites. | HSE Press Release E204:03 29/10/03 |
| Occupational asthma research – a question of questionnaires. | Research to develop a questionnaire to better identify work related asthma. | RR164 Isbn 0-7176-2759-4 £15 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E215:03 29/10/03 |
| Minister welcomes practical help to tackle stress at work. | Guidance pack to enable employers and employees to develop solutions to workplace stress problems. | 'Real solutions…' HSE £20 Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E211:03 30/10/03 |
| Redbay Projects Ltd | Fined £4,500 under CHSWR 1996. Injured falling 4m after a section of overhead walkway decking gave way. Steel fixings slackened to facilitate movement allowed a section of support work to open, dislodging a loosely fixed floor plate. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000405 (21/8/03) |
HSE Prosecutions Database (4 Feb 2007)
After a gap of around a year, HSE is now posting prosecutions again. We have started inputting cases with hearing dates after 1-Nov-2006 and will update new cases weekly as they are reported. In view of the volume of prosecutions now posted, we are not inputting previous cases. There will therefore be a gap in our database from a hearing date of 24 January 2006 until November 1st. Anyone not finding a case which may have been heard between January and November 2006, should therefore try searching the HSE Prosecutions database.
When the HSE relaunched the Prosecution database in January 2007, after a break of around a year, they appear to have changed the format of the case numbers. Therefore, for all entries with a hearing date before the 24 January 2006 you should search the HSE database using the defendants name instead of the case number we have quoted if you wish to check details for yourself.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that H & S News entries are an accurate summary of the source data, at the time of publication on the HASTAM website, HASTAM cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in transcription. Further, HASTAM cannot accept any responsibility for the content of the information to be found in the source materials.
HASTAM cannot accept any liability for any events arising from the use of this information. We strongly recommend that, if any information from any H & S News entry is to be used for any specific purpose, the original source is checked to confirm accuracy and to enable the user to take account of the full information. This is particularly important in the case of HSE Prosecutions where the HSE may have withdrawn a specific entry subsequent to its publication in H & S News. Entries can be checked using the search facility on www.hse-databases.co.uk/prosecutions
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