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H&S News January 2004
| Title | Comments | Publication |
| Asbestos compliance – not even at the planning stage. | 66% of UK companies still have no plans in place to manage the risks associated with workplace asbestos although the deadline for compliance with the new duty is 21/5/04. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):8 |
| Coroner calls for fork lift modifications. | A Coroner has called for FLT modifications after an accidental death verdict on an FLT driver killed adjusting a 'home made' perspex roof. The engine was running and he may have touched the controls. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):3 |
| Giving employees respect. | Failure to respect workers' statutory rights can lead to employment tribunal claims, H&S prosecutions and civil proceedings for personal injury. (R Mackmurdo) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):12-14,16-17 |
| The noise assessor. | Interview with Peter Wilson, of the Ind Noise & Vib Centre, about identifying noise problems and finding a person competent to deal with them. (N Cook) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):22-26 |
| Humane resources? | Although women workers constitute nearly 50% of the UK workforce, their H&S remains 'invisible'. (E Gates) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):30-35 |
| Workplace transport. | Conducting an RA of vehicles within the workplace. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):38-41 |
| The case for driver education. | The effects of driver education after passing the driving test and whether it prevents road traffic injuries or crashes. (R Bibbings) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2003 33(12):55-56 |
| Raynsford comments on modernisation plans. | More details of the Government's plans to modernise the fire service in England and Wales. | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):3 |
| Government launches procurement strategy. | A UK procurement strategy to help LAs in England and Wales deliver improvements in fire and other public services they provide. | 'Natl procurement strategy for LAs' Internet: www.odpm.gov.uk Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):4 |
| Breach of contract. | Factors influencing the safe management of contractors on major hazard installations. (C Beale) | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):11-13 |
| Wasting away. | Steps organisations can take to prevent fires involving waste materials. (A Lewis) | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):14-20 |
| Going global. | The new UN 'Globally Harmonised System' for classification and labelling of chemicals. (D Waight) | Internet: www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs.html Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):21-23 |
| Ignorance or apathy? | Is industry prepared for the ban on non critical halon fire protection systems in Europe? (G Cranny) | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):24-25 |
| Clouded vision. | The UK situation as the deadline approaches for decommissioning halon fire suppression systems. (B Dale) | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):26-27 |
| Computer logic. | Fire suppression systems which can be used to protect computer rooms following the withdrawal of halon. (B Holland) | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):28-30 |
| The road to recovery. | Development of emergency management for high risk industry and how the principles can be applied elsewhere. (V Feltham) | Fire Prevention 2003 375 (Dec):33-36 |
| Judge warns farmers on safety modifications after manslaughter case. | A Judge has warned of the dangers of modifying farm equipment. Mr P Pell gaoled for manslaughter after a worker was killed on a skid steer vehicle from which all safety measures were removed upon purchase in 1994. No training. Earlier fatality. | HSE Press Release E251:03 22/12/03 |
| Stoney Cove Marine Trials Ltd fined following HSE prosecution. | Fined £7,500 + £40,000 costs following the death of a trainee diver. Inadequate RA and record checking. | HSE Press Release E246:03 23/12/03 |
| Britannia Zinc Ltd | Fined £5,000 under WHSWR 1992. Injured falling through a man grid over a silo. Inadequate RA and maintenance. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000686 (14/10/03) |
| KADD (2002) Ltd | Fined £3,500 under MHSWR 1999. Killed whilst working under a coach body which descended onto him. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000518 (14/10/03) |
| Royal Mail Group Plc | Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured when vehicle battery exploded. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000537 (14/10/03) |
| Dennis Carroll | Fined £200 under HASAWA 1974 s7. Experienced cavity wall insulation technician drilled into a gas appliance flue and a tenant later suffered CO poisoning. Failure to carry out safety check. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000392 (14/10/03) |
| RG Carter Building Ltd | Fined £1,000 under CHSWR 1996. Sub contractor injured falling 2m through an opening in a roof. Cover removed and no fall arrest system. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000232 (14/10/03) |
| Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. 8 year old drowned in a swimming pool. Blindspots created by pool design and insufficient lifeguards on duty. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000327 (15/10/03) |
| Jonathan Enderby | Fined £500 under HASAWA 1974 s7. 8 year old drowned in a swimming pool. Lifeguard distracted and failed to see the boy get into difficulties. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000328 (15/10/03) |
| Stewart Milne Group Ltd | Fined £2,500 under CHSWR 1996. Workers exposed to H&S risks. Inadequate lighting and fall prevention. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000190 (15/10/03) |
| Richard Carter Ltd | Fined £1,500 under PUWER 1998. Injured operating 32 ton unguarded power press. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000551 (16/10/03) |
| O Heap & Son (Derby) Ltd | Fined £2,400 under CAWR 1987 / ALR 1983. Exposed to sprayed asbestos coating whilst drilling ceiling. No system to identify or control exposure to asbestos. Existing asbestos survey not supplied. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000244 (16/10/03) |
| Derbyshire Constabulary Police Authority | Fined £2,400 under MHSWR 1999. Contractors exposed to sprayed asbestos coating whilst drilling ceiling. No system to identify or control exposure to asbestos. Existing asbestos survey not supplied. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000245 (16/10/03) |
| Bob Mills Plumbing & Heating | Fined £2,250 under PUWER 1998. Injured when angle grinder disc shattered. Poor maintenance, no guarding and not suited to task undertaken. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000278 (16/10/03) |
| Sussex Waste Recycling Ltd | Fined £60,000 under MHSWR 1999 / PUWER 1998. Injured during maintenance on a waste screener. No RA, training or prevention of access to dangerous parts. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000409 (17/10/03) |
| White Knight Laundry Services Ltd | Fined £25,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured in in-running nip of laundry conveyor. Poor guarding. Also allowed untrained workers to carry out machinery maintenance. | HSE Prosecution Case F060000397 (17/10/03) |
| Dialin Cladding Systems Ltd | Fined £2,000 under CHSWR 1996. The risk of a fatal fall by those carrying out an inspection of roof repairs. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000417 (17/10/03) |
| S&C Timber Ltd | Fined £27,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured whist using a panel beam saw. Failure to maintain safety device. Earlier similar accidents. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000524 (20/10/03) |
| Plettac NSG Ltd | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Scaffolder injured falling 11m down inside of cooling tower when ladder fell through fragile flooring. Inadequate RA, no planned scaffold erection plan. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000415 (20/10/03) |
| Quality Machining Services Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Two children consumed caustic soda in unsecured unfenced factory yard. Access to other chemical containers. Failure to conduct undertaking to ensure the vulnerable were protected. | HSE Prosecution Case F200000617 (20/10/03) |
| Carillion Construction Ltd | Fined £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Injured whilst loading lengths of scrap rail onto flatbed lorry. Unsafe system of work, no RA, method statement or supervision. | HSE Prosecution Case F220000062 (20/10/03) |
| North Western Insulation Ltd | Fined £7,500 under CAWR 1987. During inspection of asbestos removal on school site. Untrained operatives, poor supervision. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000226 (20/10/03) |
| Nuglas Ltd | Fined £2,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Window installer injured falling through fragile asbestos roof panel whilst sealing a 1st floor window. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000288 (20/10/03) |
| Elring Klinger (GB) Ltd | Fined £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured in in-running nip of a new roller coating line. No RA and dangerous parts left unguarded. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000418 (21/10/03) |
| Gallowfield Ltd | Fined £12,000 under RIDDOR 1995 / PUWER 1998. Injured operating an unguarded machine. Guards inconvenient. Not reported under RIDDOR. | HSE Prosecution Case F060000396 (22/10/03) |
| Merseyside Coatings Ltd | Fined £5,000 under LOLER 1998 / PUWER 1998 / MHSWR 1999. Injured preparing to load steel 'I' beam onto flatbed using overhead crane. No RA. Poorly organised lifting operation. Poorly maintained overhead crane. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000412 (22/10/03) |
| Pitwherry Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. 21 year old worker fell through skylight of fragile roof during pressure washing. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000352 (23/10/03) |
| Douglas Dodgson | Fined £1,000 under HASAWA 1974 s37. Farm manager supervising 21 year old worker who fell through skylight of fragile roof during pressure washing. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000358 (23/10/03) |
| Fintrade Technologies Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Scalding injury to legs. No RA or suitable control measures. Inadequate emergency shower provision. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000404 (24/10/03) |
| Chelsing Assemblies Ltd | Fined £15,000 under EWR 1989. Killed by electric shock whilst setting up equipment to test printed circuit boards. Unsuitable design of test equipment. Live exposed conductors. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000350 (24/10/03) |
| Test workers for disorders only if there is a risk to others, warns information commissioner. | A new draft code states that drug and alcohol testing should only be used to detect impairment at work and not illegal use of substances in private life. | 'Information about workers' health' Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):4 |
| Longer hours. | A recent survey shows that workers in countries that want to join the EU, work longer hours and face more occupational H&S risks than those in member states. | 'Working conditions in …' Internet: www.eurofound.eu.int/publications/EF0306.htm RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin 2003 32(12):5 |
| Firm fined £250,000 after dangerous substances incident. | Cleansing Services Gp Ltd fined £250,000 + £400,000 costs. Fire and explosions in a hazardous waste storage area. Illegally allowed hazardous waste to be buried and accepted radioactive waste. Lost track of wastes. | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):4 |
| £99,000 fines for Hull building collapse. | Marketing Exchange for Africa (MEFA) fined £79,000 + £20,000 costs. Three workers killed and 1 injured when a parapet wall blew over in high winds. MEFA ignored a Prohibition Notice issued 2 months previously. | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):5 |
| These boots were made for working. | Safeguarding the feet. (D Abbott) | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):13-14 |
| Slippery floors? | Adequate planning can help lessen workplace slip and trip hazards. (C Atkins) | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):16 |
| Back to basics. | How to reduce fuss and work out safe, healthy ways of working. (L Waterman) | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):21 |
| Slips and trips. | 33% of all major injuries are the result of slips and trips. (L Waterman) | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):22 |
| Access for all. | The workplace needs of those who have a long term disability. (P Hughes) | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):24-25 |
| Easy PC. | Neither complicated nor expensive, adaptive technology is key to productivity and inclusivity. (C Saint Freedman) | Health and Safety at Work 2004 26(1):26 |
| Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres: HSE publishes final ACoP. | The final ACoP supporting the DSEAR 2002 with the previous 4 published in Nov 2003. | L138 Isbn 0-7176-2203-7 £15.50 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E250:03 30/12/03 |
| Steelwork design company fined £100,000 following death of 16 year old. | Condor Structures Ltd fined £100,000 + £59,374 costs. 16 year old killed when 2 structural steel columns were blown down by the wind. Bolted at the base but otherwise freestanding. Inadequate design, H&S information and supervision of sub contractors. | HSE Press Release E001:04 6/1/04 |
| Working together – safe farms for the future. | In an effort to prevent agricultural accidents and ill-health, representatives from 70 major stakeholders took part in an Agricultural H&S Summit in Oxford. | HSC Press Release C001:04 8/1/04 |
| Protech Asbestos Removal Ltd | Fined £10,000 under CAWR 1987. Prosecution under Reg 7 and Reg 12. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000220 (27/10/03) |
| Castle Point Borough Council | Fined £500 under CDMR 1994. Failure to prepare an adequate pre tender H&S plan identifying an obvious risk with fragile roofs. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000289 (27/10/03) |
| Clark & Butcher Ltd | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Occupational asthma linked to mill grain and flour dust. Poor long term control. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000370 (28/10/03) |
| Rolls Royce Engineering Plc | Fined £5,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. Injured by falling 40kg steel structure. No RA, inadequately secured. | HSE Prosecution Case F200000619 (28/10/03) |
| Amec Spie Rail (UK) Ltd | Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Look-out killed by a train during ultrasonic rail testing. Qualified and working with same team for 9 months. Team had worked 60 days with only 2 off. Failure to control their working time. | HSE Prosecution Case F220000057 (29/10/03) |
| Primat Recruitment Ltd | Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Look-out killed by a train during ultrasonic rail testing. Qualified and working with same team for 9 months. Team had worked 60 days with only 2 off. Failure to control their working time. | HSE Prosecution Case F220000058 (29/10/03) |
| AMEC Services Ltd | Fined £2,500 under RSCWR 1994. Look-out killed by a train during ultrasonic rail testing. Qualified and working with same team for 9 months. Team had worked 60 days with only 2 off. Failure to control their working time. | HSE Prosecution Case F220000059 (29/10/03) |
| Task Build Ltd | Fined £2,500 under CHSWR 1996. Injured by debris timber falling 25m from working platform. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000260 (29/10/03) |
| Paul Davidson | Fined £5,000 under PUWER 1998. Worker injured whilst operating unguarded pallet making machinery. Need for guarding identified in RA but not actioned by MD. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000355 (30/10/03) |
| Crofton Pallets Ltd | Fined £45,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured whilst operating pallet making machinery. No guarding and inadequate instruction. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000359 (30/10/03) |
| Mr JA Healey | Fined £9,000 under CLWR 1980 & 1998. Various breaches indicated from high lead levels in the blood noted at appointed GP. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000605 (31/10/03) |
| Wyman Gordon Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 & s3. Failed to ensure H&S in respect of setting and operating hydraulic press. | HSE Prosecution Case F200000587 (31/10/03) |
| Minister sets out agenda for action on liability insurance. | In the final report of the review of ELCI, proposals that employers pay for NHS treatment or services for staff injured or made ill by work, have been delayed for a year. | 'Rev Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance' Internet: www.dwp.gov.uk Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):3 |
| Gas-fitting handiwork risked huge explosion. | Mr B White fined £1,500 + £800 costs. Linked propane gas cylinders to a hot water boiler via piping laid across an open yard. Not CORGI registered. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):8 |
| Building pair hit by £100K fine after teenager falls to his death. | Nicholas King Homes Plc and Henry Demolition Ltd each fined £50,000. Sub contractor's 17 year old worker killed after derelict floor gave way. No monitoring of access to parts of the demolition site. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):10 |
| Production prioritised over RSI risk. | In one of the first cases of its kind Automotive Interiors Ltd fined £10,000 for failing to control the risks of WRULD. Failed to implement improvements suggested by the HSE. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):12 |
| Judicially reviewing the prosecuting authorities. | When a decision is taken not to prosecute for a workplace fatality, it is not necessarily the end of the matter. (M Appleby) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):12 |
| Integrated Product Policy aims to get industry and consumers to act. | The EC is progressing with its IPP to promote the reduction of environmental impacts from products throughout their life cycle. | Internet: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ipp Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):16 |
| ISO 14001 revised. | Revised draft of BS EN ISO 14001 1996 'Environmental management systems – specification with guidance for use.' | BSI Tel:020-8996-9000 Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):18 |
| Where's the beef? | The thinking behind the HSC's proposed 10 year strategy for H&S. (D Eves) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):23-25 |
| Just when you thought it was safe… | Fatalities in recreational diving and whether current controls are working. (K McDonald) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):26-28 |
| Building on a firm foundation. | Emergency management and the guiding principles which organisations can follow. (B Williams) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):30-32 |
| Calming the office cacophony. | Some of the main solutions to reducing noise in the modern office environment. (D Abbott) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):34-36 |
| Cover your ears. | The Physical Agents (Noise) Dir which comes into force in early 2006 and what it means for employers and practitioners. (T Turney) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):39-40 |
| Beware of overhead power lines. | HSE leaflet 'Safe working near overhead power lines in agriculture' is an attempt to prevent more deaths amongst agricultural workers. | INDG389 free. Video 'Shock horror…' Isbn 0-7176-1973-7 £30+VAT HSE Tel:01787-881165 Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(1):68 |
| Cleaner breaks leg in fall. | Sunley Turriff Construction Ltd fined £8,000. Agency worker injured clearing redundant materials from a building. Moved a sheet of plywood and fell 5m through an opening. Sunley now in administration. | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (Jan/Feb):7 |
| Controlling noise exposure. | The control of exposure to noise and alternative solutions. (N Cook) | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (Jan/Feb):10-11 |
| HIV and the workplace. | 'Positively employed' is a practical guide highlighting the issues surrounding the employment of HIV positive workers in Scotland. | e-mail: public.distribution@hebs.scot.nhs.uk RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (Jan/Feb):13 |
| Electrical safety. | Current H&S legislation covering electricity and the workplace and some safeguards which can be adopted. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (Jan/Feb):17 |
| Construction industry 'healthy handling' initiative. | In March there will be another construction site blitz through London, E and SE England concentrating on handling and using tools. | Healthy Handling Helpline Tel:01582-444248 HSE Press Release E002:04 8/1/04 |
| Motor vehicle repair businesses now just one click away from health and safety advice. | The 400,000 businesses involved in the repair or recovery of motor vehicles are encouraged to log onto the HSE's Motor Vehicle Repair website. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/mvr HSE Press Release E002:04 8/1/04 |
| W Corbett & Co (Galvanising) Ltd | Fined £5,000 under RIDDOR 1995. Failure to report accidents under RIDDOR. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000490 (4/11/03) |
| Gary John McKnockiter | Fined £750 under HASAWA 1974 s7. The mate of a vessel injured when caught by a crane grab. In charge of unloading a ship and operating a crane without a banksman. | HSE Prosecution Case F200000614 (5/11/03) |
| Friendship Estates Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / RIDDOR 1995. Injured in conveyor belt nip after instructed by manager to remove build-up of material. Assumed machine safe but restarted by supervisor unaware of the work on the belt. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000543 (6/11/03) |
| Friendship Estates Ltd | Fined £3,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. 14 year old on work experience injured in a hydraulically closed door on a grass baling machine. Machine installed 9 years previously in original condition. Inadequate supervision. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000544 (6/11/03) |
| Spearhead Machinery Ltd | Fined £4,000 under PUWER 1998. Injured whilst using a lathe with unguarded rotating stock bar. No guards provided. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000488 (7/11/03) |
| Nottingham (UK) Ltd | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s6. A 9 year old injured when ejected from orbiter fairground ride. Failure to provide adequate information to those mounting their passenger cars on fairground rides. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000352 (7/11/03) |
| 'Businesses will not be prepared to fund any gap in HSE resources'. | In response to 'A strategy for workplace H&S...' CBI members have stated they will not be prepared to fund gaps in HSC/E resources. | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):5 |
| European safety directives guide. | Updated HSE guide to proposed and current European H&S directives and how they will eventually affect UK law. | 'Euronews' Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/europe/euronews.htm Safety Management 2004 (Jan):4 |
| Road haulage risks leaflet. | How to reduce the risks to road haulage workers, including safe use of work vehicles and working at heights. | INDG379 HSE Tel:01787-881165 Safety Management 2004 (Jan):4 |
| Local authority prosecutions. | List of all UK organisations successfully prosecuted for H&S offences by LAs in 2002/03. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/lau/pdfs/hela0203.pdf Safety Management 2004 (Jan):4 |
| Consultation on work at height. | Review of the Con Doc proposals for new Work at Heights Regs bringing together the existing legal duties to reduce the biggest cause of workplace deaths. | CD192 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm Safety Management 2004 (Jan):6-8 |
| Associated British Ports fined £100,000 for serious fall injury. | ABP fined £100,000 + £5,297 costs. Dock worker injured in ships hold, falling 8m from top of a shipping container whilst directing a crane. No safe system of work, fall arrest or portable access equipment. | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):10 |
| Property developer fined over death. | T Astin fined £30,000 + £10,000 costs. Worker killed by explosion after using a petrol driven saw to cut into a used oil storage tank at a garage being redeveloped. Foreseeable and avoidable. | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):10 |
| Disabled workers risk report. | Some UK companies are confused by what disabilities represent a safety risk at work. | RR167 HSE Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr167.htm Safety Management 2004 (Jan):16 |
| Stage managed. | H&S risk posed by the work activities of a supplier and installer of presentation stage and lighting for large events. (M Whitby) | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):18-19 |
| Safety manager fined £300. | Mr R Warne, Safety Manager of Travis Perkins Group fined £300 + £250 costs. Failed to answer written questions about procedures from a LA EHO. High Court overturned a previous decision by a District Judge regarding written questions and questioning in person. | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):25 |
| Potential for harm. | Steps to prevent exposure to the inappropriate use, storage and handling of hazardous substances in the workplace. | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):30-34,36 |
| Thermal spraying. | Exposure to airborne dusts in the thermal spraying process which provides an abrasion resistant finish to metal components. (A Ackerman) | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):39-41 |
| Computer solutions. | Staff welfare facilities at the European HQ of Computer Assoc Int include on-site childcare and a gym. (F Stones) | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):42 |
| A very risky business. | Dynamic risk management techniques for firefighters. Effective risk judgements of complex and uncertain hazards reduce dangers in emergency rescues. (J Ash) | Safety Management 2004 (Jan):44-46 |
| Asbestos catalogue. | New HSE catalogue listing the range of guidance on controlling the risks posed by asbestos at work. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/asbestoscatalogue.pdf Safety Management 2004 (Jan):51 |
| Working together for health services. | The HSE and Gen Medical Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding codifying their commitment to work together in the interests of patients and those delivering health services. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/framework/mou/gmc-mou.pdf HSE Press Release E007:04 15/1/04 |
| 'Constructing better health' service provider and fundholder announced. | Sypol have been chosen as the preferred provider for the new construction industry OH support pilot scheme and B&CE Benefit Schemes will act as the administrative body. | HSC Press Release C002:04 15/1/04 |
| Nishimatsu Construction Company Ltd faces £1 million bill after docklands light railway tunnel blow-out. | Fined £700,000 + £145,766 costs. During construction of the Dockland LR extension, a compressed air pressurisation test was undertaken. A blow out occurred creating a 22m crater with debris over a 150m area. No calculations done into the ability of the tunnel cover to withstand the pressure. | HSE Press Release E009:04 19/1/04 |
| Rail safety watchdog must be independent, says safety chief. | The Chair of the HSC has said that railway H&S must be truly independent, after the Sec of State's statement about railway regulation. | HSC Press Release C003:04 19/1/04 |
| Lighter seed bags to reduce agricultural handling problems. | To help reduce the number of bad backs in agriculture, seed suppliers have agreed to stop using 50Kg bags by late 2007. | HSC Press Release C004:04 20/1/04 |
| Poster and leaflet campaign aims to prevent falls in the classroom. | Teachers and assistants from schools in Sheffield, Trafford and Glasgow are starting a safety campaign to reduce deaths and injuries caused by classroom falls. | 'Falls from Height Priority Programme' Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/falls HSE Press Release E008:04 21/1/04 |
| Manufacturer ordered to pay £16,000 for failure to classify pigment. | European Colour (Pigments) Ltd fined £5,000 + £11,200 costs. Boxes of pigment started self heating whilst stored in a trailer in a retail parking area. Consigned dangerous good without identifying the hazards, failed to mark and label correctly or provide information. | HSE Press Release E011:04 22/1/04 |
| Free HM Railway Inspectorate seminars on reducing slip and trip injuries at railway premises. | Free seminars aimed at station designers, managers and others with interest in reducing slip and trip injuries on railway premises. | HMRI Ms J Moore Tel:0161-952-8358 HSE Press Release E012:04 22/1/04 |
| Machines still kill. | The HSE has issued a warning to all industries of the dangers of cleaning machinery blockages or carrying out running repairs without proper isolation or interlocking. | HSE Press Release E004:04 22/1/04 |
| National scheme for 'Thorough Examination' of trucks. | The FLTA and BITA national scheme for FLT 'Thorough Examination'. More stringent than a car MOT, the user will be responsible for ensuring the truck has a valid document. | Internet: www.bita.org.uk or www.fork-truck.org.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):7 |
| The HSE and ELI. | Research for the HSE into whether last year's increase in ELI premiums led to an increase in workplace insurance dodging. | To participate: Ms S Marsden e-mail: sara.marsden@greenstreet.co.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):7 |
| The case for the prosecution. Pt 1 | Coverage of HSE's guidance to inspectors on prosecuting individuals. (R Mackmurdo) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):12-15 |
| Preventing falls from height. | What inspection authorities and the courts have been doing to address the issue of falls from height. (J Steemson) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):16-22 |
| Lone working. | Undertaking a RA for those people who work alone. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):24-26,28 |
| Stress prevention. | The effects of work related stress on individuals and a review of the HSE report 'Beacons of excellence in stress prevention'. (N Cook) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):30-34 |
| Advantage ergonomics. | Rather than the work fitting the worker, it is more often the worker who has to fit the work. (E Gates) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):38-42 |
| HSC/E: the vision thing. | Outline of RoSPA's reaction to the HSC '2010 Strategy' Con Doc. (R Bibbings) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(1):54-56 |
| HSC drops harmonised safety reps regs. | HSC plans to harmonise regulations covering employee involvement in workplace H&S have been abandoned in favour of a voluntary strategy. | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (325):2 |
| Securing health reloaded. | Overview of the suggestions for the development of the HSC's 10 year occupational health strategy. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (325):9-12 |
| Worker Safety Advisers are go. | Results from the trial advice scheme for SMEs and HSE's future plans. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (325):13-17 |
| Health and safety: the state of play. | Table reviewing all HSC/E activity between 14/6/03 – 10/12/03. | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (325):18-26 |
| Serco Ltd | Fined £25,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Workers exposed to asbestos fibre whilst stripping boiler house lagging. Told no asbestos present but no adequate survey undertaken. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000095 (10/11/03) |
| Sovereign Consultancy Services Ltd | Fined £25,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Workers exposed to asbestos fibre whilst stripping boiler house lagging. Sovereign held asbestos register and said none present. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000096 (10/11/03) |
| Hodson Developments Ltd | Fined £39,500 under CDMR 1994 / HASAWA 1974 s3. Asbestos disturbed at 2 demolition sites and an unplanned collapse at one. No asbestos survey or appointment of a Planning Supervisor or Principal Contractor. Incompetent sub-contractors. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000203 (10/11/03) |
| Chelford Properties Ltd | Fined £4,000 under CHSWR 1996. Failure to provide suitable welfare facilities. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000273 (10/11/03) |
| Simpson Springs & Pressings Ltd | Fined £20,000 under PUWER 1998 / MHSWR 1999. Injured whilst using a hand operated mechanical bench press. No guarding. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000517 (11/11/03) |
| Aled Hughes | Guilty under PACAR 1998. 3 year old riding on an agricultural tractor during operation. Fully enclosed cab with a 'seat' near door. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000799 (11/11/03) |
| FOCSA Services (UK) Ltd | Fined £35,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Untrained agency worker injured by reversing vehicle. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000398 (11/11/03) |
| Lucky Foods | Fined £1,500 under PUWER 1998 / RIDDOR 1995. Injured by the paddle of a floor standing mixing bowl whilst scraping the inside. No safety device, a smaller bowl in the same condition. Not reported under RIDDOR within 10 days. | HSE Prosecution Case F060000389 (13/11/03) |
| RW Askew | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Inspectors saw a worker operating a chain saw whilst lifted in an excavator bucket. Untrained and no PPE. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000440 (13/11/03) |
| Keith Dickens t/a Bucamb Finishings | Fined £9,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / CSR 1997. Overcome by trichloroethylene vapour whilst cleaning a degreasing tank. No PPE, extraction, safe system of work, information, instruction or training. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000377 (13/11/03) |
| Ron Dickens t/a Bucamb Finishings | Fined £9,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / CSR 1997. Worker overcome by trichloroethylene vapour whilst cleaning a degreasing tank. No PPE, extraction, safe system of work, information, instruction or training. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000378 (13/11/03) |
| Joyce Dickens t/a Bucamb Finishings | Fined £9,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / CSR 1997. Worker overcome by trichloroethylene vapour whilst cleaning a degreasing tank. No PPE, extraction, safe system of work, information, instruction or training. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000379 (13/11/03) |
| EP Moulding Ltd | Fined £22,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. Killed setting the tools of a thermoforming machine. No RA or safe system of work. Inadequate guarding. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000403 (13/11/03) |
| D Evans (Electrical) Ltd | Fined £2,000 under MHSWR 1999 / PUWER 1998. Injured whilst clearing blockage from a cutting machine. No RA or prevention of access to dangerous machine parts. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000404 (13/11/03) |
| Harwich Dock Co Ltd | Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Worker injured falling from stack of steal whilst loading a trailer. Poor system of work. Worker injured after vehicles collided in ships hold. Insufficient medical checking of workers. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000393 (14/11/03) |
| North East Lincolnshire Council | Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 & s3. Amosite asbestos tiles broken up by caretaker and pupils at LA school. Failure to prevent exposure. No safe system of work, storage or disposal. Poor labelling. Management of asbestos in building inadequate. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000312 (14/11/03) |
| Centek Ltd | Fined £4,500 under PUWER 1998. Young inexperienced worker injured when gloved hand drawn into rollers of a bending machine. Inadequate information, instruction, training and supervision. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000670 (17/11/03) |
| Hampshire County Council | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Elderly resident in LA home injured falling against unprotected hot pipes. Issue raised by staff. Previous similar incident and HSE advice. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000345 (17/11/03) |
| Hampshire County Council | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Elderly resident in LA home injured by hot surface. Failure to control the risk of burns. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000521 (17/11/03) |
| Clive Wreathall | Fined £1,800 under CPR 1986. During a farm visit an inspector saw full and part used pesticide containers left unattended and empties stored on the back of a trailer in the yard. Failure to store properly. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000424 (17/11/03) |
| Andrew Wreathall | Fined £1,800 under CPR 1986. During a farm visit an inspector saw full and part used pesticide containers left unattended and empties stored on the back of a trailer in the yard. Failure to store properly. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000425 (17/11/03) |
| Grampian Country Food Group Ltd | Fined £80,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst high level cleaning using a defective step ladder. Poor access and training. Failure to maintain ladders. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000406 (17/11/03) |
| Swindon Pressings Ltd | Fined £3,400 under PUWER 1998. Injured whist using a flypress when press and table fell over. Press bolted to table but table not bolted to floor. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000603 (17/11/03) |
| A Stanaway Ltd | Fined £300 under HASAWA 1974 s21. Non compliance with Improvement Notice requiring thermostatic controls on showers at nursing home. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000413 (17/11/03) |
| Anson Ltd | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst pressure testing assemblies. No safe system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000413 (17/11/03) |
| David Evans | Fined £500 under CHSWR 1996. Dutyholder and employee working off tower scaffold at eaves level. No hand rails attached although on site. Failure to take suitable measures to prevent falls from height. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000305 (17/11/03) |
| R Forster | Fined £1,000 under CAWR 1987. Asbestos board not subject to controlled removal prior to demolition of a former care home. Demolition contractor. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000270 (18/11/03) |
| St Martin's Care Ltd | Fined £9,000 under CDMR 1994. Failure to appoint a Planning Supervisor or ensure a H&S plan. Asbestos board demolished by contractor, exposing workers. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000271 (18/11/03) |
| Silverline Office Equipment Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured by press tools whilst moving a switch. Rear guard not interlocked, secured with unlocked padlock. No examination of guards. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000429 (19/11/03) |
| Anthony Latham | Fined £500 under PUWER 1998. Worker injured whilst hedge trimming using a chain saw. Poor state of repair, defective anti-kickback device. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000456 (19/11/03) |
| Morris Environmental Services Ltd | Fined £2,000 under CHSWR 1996. During visit, saw employee working on wall plate 4.8m above ground without edge protection. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000298 (19/11/03) |
| Kerry Ingredients (UK) Ltd | Fined £7,200 under WHSWR 1992. Struck by falling roller shutter door. Lack of maintenance, no device to prevent it falling back on mechanical failure. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000447 (20/11/03) |
| Duchy Travel Ltd | Fined £50,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Following a death. Use of inappropriate work equipment. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000673 (21/11/03) |
| Youngs Bluecrest Seafood Ltd | Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. 16 year old agency worker injured in conveyor. Identical accident 3 months earlier. Unsuitable guarding. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000356 (21/11/03) |
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HSE Prosecutions Database
The HSE did not post prosecutions for about a year from January until November 2006. There is therefore be a gap in our database from a hearing date of 24 January 2006 until 1 November 2006. 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.
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