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H&S News July 2004
| Title | Comments | Publication |
| Child worker mess to be cleared up. | The Children's Minister has announced an overhaul of child employment law, based on recommendations from the Better Regulations Task Force. | 'Regulation of Child Employment' Internet: www.brtf.gov.uk Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (330):3 |
| Treatment for MSDs. | European survey of GPs and patients in 8 countries indicate 50% of the 100 million living with chronic pain from musculoskeletal disorders, may not be receiving adequate medical treatment. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin 2004 33(6):9 |
| Worker's 10m fall to ground cushioned by pile of dust. | RMC Aggregates fined £50,000 + £11,700 costs. Injured falling through elevated walkway which collapsed. No proper examination of the quarry walkway. Previous advice. | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (330):2 |
| Government backs the licensing of gangmasters. | After a slow start, a proposal for statutory registration and licensing of gangmasters is progressing through Parliament. | Internet: www.publications.parliament.uk Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (330):7 |
| COSHH – biological agents. | The latest version of the Approved List which classifies biological agents into one of four hazard groups. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/a-z/d.htm#dangerous_pathogens Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (330):8 |
| Finalising the fire safety order. | The new fire safety regime and employers. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (330):9-14 |
| Standards for stress. | HSE plans for publishing management standards for work-related stress. (C Dyer) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2004 (330):15-19 |
| HSC seeks step change from the Civil Air Transport industry. | Civil air transport industry encouraged to continue working with the HSE and trades unions to reduce the costs of accidents and ill health. | HSC Press Release C024:04 28/6/04 |
| Wicksteed Park fined after narrow gauge railway accident. | Wicksteed Park Ltd fined £15,000 + £2,354 costs. At amusement park, members of the public injured when train carrying 70 derailed. Poor track and train maintenance. Inadequate training. | HSE Press Release E090:04 28/6/04 |
| Grant scheme to drive improvements in health and safety – successful bidders announced. | Sec of State for Work & Pensions announced the 12 winners of the Workers' Safety Adviser Challenge Fund, a grant scheme designed to increase worker involvement. | HSC Press Release C026:04 30/6/04 |
| 'Constructing Better Health' fundraising reaches halfway point. | The occupational health pilot scheme for the construction industry has received major funding from industry and Government and has 50% of the £1.3 million required. | HSC Press Release C027:04 1/7/04 |
| Demolition Contract Services Ltd | Fined £5,000 under CHSWR 1996 / CAWR 1987 / ALR 1983. Demolished internal walls containing asbestos. Not a licence holder. No survey, inadequate supervision and failure to control spread. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000319 (19/4/04) |
| Howarth Timber Group Ltd | Fined £17,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 & s3. Planning Supervisor. No asbestos survey, poor supervision and failure to control spread. Contractor's workers removed asbestos board without a licence. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000320 (19/4/04) |
| Densit Wear Protection UK Ltd | Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured by falling debris. | HSE Prosecution Case F180000416 (20/4/04) |
| Farmhouse Bakery Prod (Canterbury) Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. Injured whilst using a pie depositor. No guard or RA and other safety issues. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000445 (21/4/04) |
| Pentland Construction Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / CHSWR 1996. Children playing on an unfenced construction site. Materials badly stored and other hazards. No supervision or facilities. Cement and tools stored in the only toilet. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000330 (21/4/04) |
| Chelford Properties Ltd | Fined £12,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / CDMR 1994. Principal Contractor. During demolition, asbestos contamination of site and use of contaminated material for fill elsewhere. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000416 (21/4/04) |
| Fibretech Services Ltd | Fined £24,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / CHSWR 1996. Injured falling through unprotected fragile flat roof during demolition. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000352 (22/4/04) |
| Sheldon Ind Holdings Ltd | Fined £10,000 under CLWR 2002. Contractors working regularly in lead battery factory cleaning lead mills. No management control. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000644 (26/4/04) |
| Yuasa Automotive Batteries (Europe) Ltd | Fined £12,000 under CLWR 2002. Occupier of lead battery factory where contractor worked regularly in cleaning lead mills. Inadequate policy and no precautions or monitoring. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000645 (26/4/04) |
| Alstom Transport Service Ltd | Fined £17,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst assisting during inspection under LOLER when a mobile elevated work platform overturned. | HSE Prosecution Case F220000070 (26/4/04) |
| Zurich Management Services Ltd | Fined £17,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. During inspection under LOLER, a mobile elevated work platform overturned. | HSE Prosecution Case F220000078 (26/4/04) |
| Westfield Asbestos (UK) Ltd | Fined £5,000 under CAWR 1987. PPE not being worn and no adherence to method statement. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000426 (26/4/04) |
| New report on pushing and pulling heavy loads. | The risks associated with the pushing and pulling of heavy loads. Includes an assessment checklist and criteria guidance for the selection of trolleys and wheeled equipment. | RR228 HSE Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm HSC Newsletter 2004 (155)June:23 |
| HSE's investigation policy 'shift' slammed by critics. | The Centre for Corp Responsibility has criticised the HSE for apparently deciding to stop routine investigation into deaths and injuries to members of the public under HASAWA 1974 s3. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):2 |
| Queen's Awards 05. | The CBI urges businesses from the UK's safety and security sector to consider entering for the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2005. Closing date 31/10/04. | Internet: www.queensawards.org.uk Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):4 |
| Kwik-Fit to pay £43,000 for poor housekeeping. | Kwik-Fit fined £13,000 + £30,000 costs. During inspection various breaches, inadequate training, poor control and housekeeping. Advice given. 1 month later worker injured by car battery falling from 2m. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):8 |
| Designer fined for not complying with CDM. | In the first successful prosecution of an architect, Mr N Vesma was fined £500. During construction of a factory extension, his design required workers to lift 36Kg blocks. He was also ordered to attend an HSE planning supervisor course to increase his awareness of H&S issues. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):10 |
| Four-metre fall from forklift lands firm in court. | Cellecta fined £5,000 + £823 costs. Fabricator injured falling from a cage balanced on the forks of an FLT. No RA. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):12 |
| Expert evidence: the jury decides. | In criminal prosecutions, when interpretation of the facts is disputed, evidence from expert witnesses is often called. (M Appleby) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):12 |
| Guidance on storing and handling drums. | New EA guidance on storage and handling of drums. For those who deal with drums and intermediate bulk containers. | PPG26 Internet: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/ 105385/ppg26feb04_124268.pdf Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):20 |
| Regulation issues. | The deadline has passed for implementing the European amending Directive on temporary work at height and HSE has not resolved the dissatisfaction revealed during consultation. (Dr J Anderson) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):27-28 |
| Under solitary assignment. | The vulnerabilities of working alone and some of the safeguards which can be put in place. (J Walker & H Bradley) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):30-33 |
| Learning from mistakes. | How staff think about 'stupid' accidents and how the information is collected, used and acted upon. (Prof J Davies) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):34-36 |
| Blanket coverage. | DSEAR 2002 and the way it applies to many substances considered dangerous and explosive. (F Hallett) | (Dang Subs & Explosive Atmospheres Regs) Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):38-40 |
| Opening the floodgates. | The impact on civil compensation claims now that employees can sue their employer for a breach of MHSWR 1999 and FPWR 1997. (K Bridges) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2004 22(7):42-44 |
| Rail companies fined for derailment. | Network Rail Infr Ltd fined £30,000 + £12,500 costs and AMEC Rail Ltd fined £40,000 + £17,500 costs. Near West Sutton a train was derailed whilst travelling within permitted line speed of 30mph. Poor track maintenance. | HSE Press Release E080:04 2/7/04 |
| HSE consults on proposals to allow the Southern Train Operating companies to run some Mark 1 trains during 2005. | Consultation on a proposed exemption to allow 3 train operating companies to operate some of their remaining Mark 1 rolling stock in 2005. | Responses to Mr M Apostolou HSE Tel:020-7717-6866 HSE Press Release E092:04 5/7/04 |
| Year overshadowed by Morecambe Bay deaths – but longer term analysis shows self employed and family farmers remain key issues. | In 2003/04 there were 51 fatal accidents in agriculture which is 13 more than in 2002/03. The increase being attributed to the deaths of 21 migrant workers at Morecambe Bay. | 'Fatal injuries in farming, forestry and horticulture 2003/04' HSE Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/information.htm#fatal HSE Press Release E086:04 6/7/04 |
| HSE publishes results of research into structural deterioration of ageing tractor safety cabs. | Increased care and preventive maintenance required on tractor safety cabs that have been in service for many years. | RR251 Isbn 0-7176-2873-6 £25 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E091:04 6/7/04 |
| Jarvis fined £400,000 for derailment near Rotherham. | Jarvis Facilities Ltd fined £400,000 + £28,061 costs. Train derailed on section of track which had recently undergone urgent repair work. Track returned to use in an unsafe condition. | HSE Press Release E093:04 6/7/04 |
| Wates Construction Ltd fined £150,000 following worker death. | Wates fined £150,000 + £14,769 costs. Sub-contractor's worker killed falling 11m through fragile roof light. Principal contractor and had prior warning of the roof light. Others on site complained about inadequate protection on the roof. | HSE Press Release E096:04 7/7/04 |
| Timothy Charles Hatton | Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / RIDDOR 1995. Window cleaner injured falling from his ladder when it slipped. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000427 (27/4/04) |
| Junttan O Y | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s6. Employee of Simplex Piling killed when struck by the hammer of piling machine. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000375 (28/4/04) |
| DMC Creative World Ltd | Fined £2,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Failed to ensure employee safety whilst they were working on the mezzanine storage area of the warehouse. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000428 (28/4/04) |
| Ailsa Wood Products | Fined £1,000 under MHSWR 1999. Young worker injured whilst using a pneumatic nail gun. | HSE Prosecution Case F210000448 (28/4/04) |
| Waterers (Landscape) Plc | Fined £17,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. Killed whilst using a ride-on lawn mower on slope inappropriate for the mower. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000411 (29/4/04) |
| William Rowland Ltd | Fined £8,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst stacking nickel plates. Poorly guarded guillotine. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000659 (29/4/04) |
| 4imprint Ltd | Fined £2,700 under MHSWR 1999. Injured when 3 contractor's workers fell through a false ceiling onto a company employee. No precautions. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000435 (29/4/04) |
| SRH Engineering Ltd | Fined £1,000 under PUWER 1998. 16 year old injured whilst operating a mobile elevating work platform. No training. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000353 (29/4/04) |
| B Owen Roofing Contractors | Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / CHSWR 1996 / MHSWR 1999. Injured falling 3m through fragile glazed panel onto member of the public. No fall prevention or protection. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000361 (29/4/04) |
| Lafarge Aggregates Ltd | Fined £200,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 & s3 / QR 1999 / WHSWR 1992. Sub contractor's worker killed falling 30m when part of handrail failed whilst repairing toe boards on conveyor structure. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000420 (30/4/04) |
| Red Bank Manufacturing Co Ltd | Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Worker injured whilst using blockmaking plant. Interlock defeated, inadequate guarding, unsafe system of work, no training or supervision. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000427 (30/4/04) |
| Minister pledges ongoing commitment to health and safety at RoSPA Congress. | The new Min for Work, Jane Kennedy stated that risk management is the key to reducing the number of workplace deaths and injuries. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):2 |
| Building in safety: Euro Agency campaign. | The European Week for H&S runs from 18-22/10/04 and its theme this year is 'building in safety' and the construction industry. | Info pack. Internet: http://ew2004.osha.eu.int/infopack RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):3 |
| Details of working time legislation for UK drivers announced. | New draft regulations will give drivers clear guidance on working conditions and provide the level of protection required, without imposing an unfair burden upon employers. | Internet: www.dft.gov.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):6 |
| TUC pack on reducing at work driving deaths. | The 'Work related road safety' pack encourages employers to take more seriously their responsibilities for employees on the road. | Internet: www.tuc.org.uk/extras/roadsafety.pdf RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):6 |
| Fit for work guidance. | 33% of manufacturers state long term sickness absence is increasing but managers feel poorly equipped to deal with helping sick staff get back to work. | 'Fit for work' Isbn 1-903461-37-5 EEF Internet: www.eef.org.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):10 |
| Employers ignorant about assessing risks to pregnant employees. | Usdaw states that >66% of pregnant workers are exposed to danger in the workplace because employers ignore a legal duty to carry out an RA. | 'Maternity and Parental Rights Pack' Internet: www.usdaw.org.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):10 |
| Accident/incident recording and reporting. | Legal duties on employers for both accident/incident recording and reporting and whether they are actually recording and reporting work related accidents and ill heath. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):12-14 |
| Back to the floor. | Report on recent research into director involvement in workplace H&S. (Dr S Lumley) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):20-21 |
| Recovery positions. | What happens to people after an accident at work. A case of ever worsening pain after a workplace accident 6 years ago. (E Gates) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):22-25 |
| Ticket prices. | The abuse and pressure faced by traffic wardens and how stress at work and in personal life can bring about a total breakdown. (N Cook) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2004 34(7):30-33 |
| Property developer fined £49,000. | Crest Nicholson (SE) Ltd fined £49,000. During inspection, no safe system of work. Failure to prevent unauthorised access to construction site and to comply with Improvement Notice requiring segregation of traffic and pedestrians. | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (July/Aug):4 |
| HAV training package. | A new training package to reduce hand arm vibration risks (HAV) from the use of power tools. It uses a traffic light system of colour coding. | HAV Training Pack Constr Ind Publ Tel:0121-722-8200 RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (July/Aug):8 |
| Radiation protection. | The radiation protection adviser and the certification which is required by the end of Dec 2004. (N Cook) | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (July/Aug):10-11 |
| Payout for latex allergy nurse. | Ms A Dugmore awarded £240,000 after being forced to give up nursing when she suffered a series of anaphylactic attacks as a result of using latex gloves. | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (July/Aug):13 |
| Ergonomics in the workplace. | Some ergonomic principles that should be employed when trying to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the workplace. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Safety Express 2004 (July/Aug):17 |
| Waste management industry initiative to reduce accidents and ill health supported by the Health & Safety Commission and Executive. | The ESA has launched its Accident Reduction Charter for the waste management industry, aiming to reduce RIDDOR reportable accidents by 10% pa until 2007 and eliminate fatalities by then. | Environmental Services Assoc HSC Press Release C028:04 8/7/04 |
| HSE publishes new guidance on accident investigation. | The new guidance, aimed at SMEs, introduces firms to the benefits of carrying out investigations, including methods, recording and how the findings should be acted upon. | HSG245 Isbn 0-7176-2827-2 £9.50 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E094:04 8/7/04 |
| Laundry fined £325,000 following fatality. | Sunlight Services Group Ltd fined £325,000 + £16,665 costs. Killed attempting to clear a blockage in a large industrial washing machine. Crawled into the internal workings and became trapped. No safe system of work. | HSE Press Release E095:04 8/7/04 |
| HSC responds to DTI consultation on draft EC Services Directive. | Chairman Bill Callaghan has commented that whilst he welcomed the overall aim, there were concerns regarding the undermining of H&S standards. | EC Dir of Services in the Internal Market. Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/dtiservices.htm HSC Press Release C029:04 9/7/04 |
| Construction health and safety showing signs of improvement. | During the FaTaL Risks Campaign blitz in June 2004 inspectors issued Prohibition Notices to 1 in 5 sites which is some improvement to the blitz in Sept 2003 when it was 1 in 4 sites. | Tables of results by region. HSE Press Release E097:04 9/7/04 |
| HSE investigating triple fatality in Norfolk. | The HSE is taking the lead in a joint investigation with the police into the deaths of 3 men in an effluent tank on agricultural land in Norfolk. | HSE Press Release E099:04 12/7/04 |
| HSC consults on amended major accident hazards regulations. | On-line Con Doc containing proposals to implement the EC Dir amending the scope of major accident hazards Dir 96/82/EC (Seveso II Dir). | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/ HSC Press Release C031:04 12/7/04 |
| The Department for Transport's (DFT) rail review: Response from the Health & Safety Commission and Health & Safety Executive. | The Sec of State for Transport has announced the transfer of responsibility for railway safety regulation from HSC/E to the new Office of Rail Regulation. Both Bill Callaghan (HSC) and Tim Walker (HSE) have expressed disappointment. | HSC Press Release C032:04 15/7/04 |
| Mr Kevin Attwood | Fined £800 under CPR 1986. During inspection, pesticide containers were found to have been left outside between 23/7/03-13/8/03. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000446 (4/5/04) |
| Mr Michael Attwood | Fined £1,000 under CPR 1986. During inspection, pesticide containers were found to have been left outside between 23/7/03-13/8/03. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000447 (4/5/04) |
| Abraxas Corrosion and Engineering Ltd | Fined £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2, s3 & s33. Poor storage of LPG cylinders. Risk to both employees and the public. Non compliance with Improvement Notice. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000344 (4/5/04) |
| Fielding Construction Ltd | Fined £4,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Injured when mini piling rig collapsed into excavation. Ground not compacted, support plates slipped and no shoring for 1.7m depth. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000159 (5/5/04) |
| Roger Bullivant Ltd | Fined £6,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Subcontractor's worker injured when mini piling rig collapsed into excavation. Ground not compacted, support plates slipped and no shoring for 1.7m depth. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000160 (4/5/04) |
| Trevor Bailey | Fined £500 under ELCIR 1998. Following a 'Notice to Produce' and despite repeated verbal and written requests, unable to produce a certificate of ELI. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000429 (5/5/04) |
| Trevor Bailey | Fined £500 under ELCIR 1998. No certificate or copy of ELI on display at workplace. Noticed by inspector during visit to discuss failure to respond to a 'Notice to Produce.' | HSE Prosecution Case F090000430 (5/5/04) |
| Mr Richard Thomas | Fined £1,000 under PUWER 1998. Injured whilst using an unguarded Grimme 3 Bed Windrow machine. Machine back in use the following day. History of similar accidents at the farm. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000423 (5/5/04) |
| Grimme UK Ltd | Fined £8,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / PUWER 1998. Farm worker injured whilst using a prototype Grimme 3 Bed Windrow machine. Unguarded roller assembly at rear. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000424 (5/5/04) |
| Ricor Ltd | Fined £3,500 under PUWER 1998. Injured whilst using a drilling machine. Gloves entangled in unguarded spindle. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000662 (6/5/04) |
| A Clarke & Co (Smethwick) Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. (Case approved by Band 2.) | HSE Prosecution Case F100000664 (6/5/04) |
| New Downland Housing Association | Fined £3,000 under GSIUR 1998. Investigation into non-fatal CO incident. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000436 (7/5/04) |
| HSC Annual Report reflects on year of achievement. | HSC Annual report 2003/04 shows progress against published plans in the HSC Business Plan, how the HSE is managed, H&S in the HSE, output, performance measures and legislative timetables. | Internet: www.gov.uk/aboutus/reports/0304.htm HSC Press Release C033:04 15/7/04 |
| Worker rehabilitation consultation. | DWP discussion paper on a Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation to help employers understand and deliver rehabilitation so that more people who have an illness, injury or disability are able to return to work. | 'ELCI – Dev a framework for vocational
rehabilitation' Internet: www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/ policy_strategy.asp Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):2 |
| HSE: Why we need to make a step change with large organisations. | An HSE paper to help HSC develop its relationships with large organisations indicates that changes are needed if targets are to be achieved. | 'Strategy for H&S in GB' Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):3 |
| DIY giant B&Q prosecuted after woman killed by fork-lift truck. | B&Q convicted, awaiting sentence. Member of the public killed whilst in the builders' yard talking to a member of staff. Struck by a reversing FLT. Failure to control movements of FLTs and no banksman. | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):5 |
| HSE launches back pain guidance webpage. | New HSE webpage for employers containing advice on preventing staff developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/msd/backpain/index.htm Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):5 |
| HSC issues draft stress standards. | Report on the revised draft management standards designed to help employers measure how effectively they are tackling the causes of work-related stress. (D Axbey) | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):6-8 |
| Rail Standards Board publishes annual safety performance report. | In 2003/4 there were no deaths as a result of train accidents but an increase in major injuries to 201 from 191 the previous year. | RSSB 'Annual safety perf 2003' Internet: www.rssb.co.uk/spreports.asp Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):11 |
| RFU Twickenham. | How the RFU ensure the safety of staff and visitors to the stadium which hosts >20 rugby matches each year. (L Thomas) | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):18-20 |
| Council worker injured. | Kent CC fined £4,000 + £11,397 costs. School groundsman injured whilst helping to drill holes for a goalpost. Clothing became caught in unguarded tractor PTO shaft. | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):29 |
| Biffa Waste fined after death of child. | Biffa Waste Services Ltd fined £2,500 + £57,000 costs. 11 year old killed falling 60' after gaining access to a landfill quarry. The 2km perimeter fence was damaged in 28 places allowing possible access. | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):30 |
| Managing office safety - searching for a safe office. | Although not as dangerous as some other workplaces, offices have a wide range of hazards, from upper limb disorder to manual handling. | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):32-34,36,38,40,42 |
| Managing office safety – sudden cardiac arrest. | Each year 150,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. How automated external defibrillators (AED) work and the training needed to operate them. (S Piper) | Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):44-45 |
| Gender equality. | EA fact sheet highlights the gender issues that can arise when carrying out an H&S RA. Instead of a gender neutral assessment it is vital that the differences between men and women are examined. | Internet: http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/ reports/209/en/index.htm Safety Management 2004 (July/Aug):54-56 |
| HSE reminds the fibre reinforced plastics industry to be alert to fire. | Actions the industry should take to reduce the risk of fire and explosion incidents and how to assess and control workers' exposure to styrene. | Plastics Proc Shts No 14 & 15 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/pps14.pdf and ...pps15.pdf HSE Press Release E084:04 16/7/04 |
| Contractors reminded to keep sites safe from children. | After a recent incident involving a 3 year old, the HSE has reminded contractors that it is their responsibility to keep children off construction sites and to store materials and plant safely. | HSG151 Isbn 0-7176-1148-5 £7.95 HSE Tel:01787-881165 HSE Press Release E100:04 16/7/04 |
| Business leaders urged to give views on stress. | The HSC Chairman has urged the leaders of the top 350 companies to give their views on how to prevent sickness absence caused by work-related stress. | Revised draft Management Standards. Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/stress/issues.htm HSC Press Release C030:04 19/7/04 |
| HSE Kerbs Forum – progress meeting in London. | On 15/7/04 over 80 stakeholders reviewed progress on changes from laying kerb by hand to systems using machines. | HSE Press Release E0103:04 19/7/04 |
| HSE's drive for safer farming in Wales. | In Wales the agricultural industry claimed 6 lives in 2003/04, 2 more than the previous year. Of these 5 occurred during the use or repair of vehicles. | 'Fatal injuries in farming… 2003/04' HSE Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/information.htm#fatal HSE Press Release E101:04 20/7/04 |
| Mr Lewis Rupert Wratten | Fined £1,500 under HASAWA 1974 s42. Court Order required erection of fencing around all land where it bordered other privately owned or public land. Failure to comply. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000811 (10/5/04) |
| AES Drax Power Ltd | Fined £25,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Contractor's worker injured by steam and falling whilst removing a flanged drain pot from a steam line. | HSE Prosecution Case F150000542 (10/5/04) |
| Realty Estates Ltd | Fined £8,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Subcontractor's workers exposed to asbestos during removal of overhead railing. Failure to identify asbestos containing materials when concerns were raised. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000389 (10/5/04) |
| R Winterburn | Fined £400 under CAWR 1987. Failure to prevent spread of asbestos and inadequate method statement. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000390 (10/5/04) |
| Leslie Hamer | Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s7. Subcontractor's workers exposed to asbestos during removal of overhead railing. Failure to identify asbestos containing materials when concerns were raised with Mr Hamer. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000391 (10/5/04) |
| Kevin Clarke & Co Ltd | Fined £1,500 under PUWER 1998 / MHSWR 1999. Young person injured using plastic food tray making machine. Unguarded chain and sprocket drive. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000530 (12/5/04) |
| Robert Rogers Architects | Fined £3,000 under CDMR 1994. Failed to inform client of CDM duties and to identify asbestos in area to be demolished. Builders exposed to asbestos. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000367 (12/5/04) |
| AW Mayhew Farms Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. 15 year old injured falling from side of FLT. Driver untrained and unauthorised. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000462 (13/5/04) |
| Mr HF George | Fined £400 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Worker seen working at height from the bucket of a telescopic materials handler. No edge protection. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000534 (14/5/04) |
| Mr Alan George | Fined £200 under HASAWA 1974 s7. A trained FLT operator seen lifting worker to height in the bucket of a telescopic material handler. No edge protection. Aware there was a cage available. | HSE Prosecution Case F020000535 (14/5/04) |
| Lee Grundy | Fined £1,000 under HASAWA 1974 s7. Employee of another company killed by FLT. Failure to take reasonable care whilst driving an FLT. | HSE Prosecution Case F160000401 (14/5/04) |
| HSC/E publishes statistics of fatal injuries for 2003/04. | The HSE statistics for 2003/04 show that 235 people were killed which is up from 227 in 2002/03. In one incident 21 died. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/fatl0304.pdf HSC Press Release C038:04 29/7/04 |
| BMA warning on flight risks. | The 2 billion passengers each year who travel by air are not protected by regulated standards of medical treatment, with no international rules on airlines' arrangements. | 'Impact of flying on passenger health' Internet: www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Flying RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin 2004 33(7):1-2 |
| Trapped arm. | Bong UK Ltd fined £3,500 + £1,326 costs. Injured whilst cleaning ink rollers. No guards in place. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin 2004 33(7):6 |
| Arson attacks. | Research indicates that arson incidents have risen dramatically from 1,129 in 1963 to 52,818 in 2000/01. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin 2004 33(7):9 |
| Dangers of shift work. | Research indicates that fire fighters and shift working public sector workers are more prone to car accidents and depression than those working more sociable hours. | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):5 |
| Trade position. | The forthcoming Fire Safety Order and the views of the Assoc for Specialist Fire Protection. (G Ellicott) | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):6-7 |
| Ready to respond. | UK fire and rescue services have taken delivery of a fleet of incident response units designed for response to terrorist attack. | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):19-21 |
| IPDS – role play. | A role-based system being implemented in the UK fire services should enable staff to develop their skills and careers. (E Barclay) | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):28-29 |
| Is IPDS ready? | Discussions at the recent UK/USA Symposium showed doubts remain about the way the Integrated Personal Development System is being implemented. | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):30 |
| Commercial security. | Undertaking security planning and design in the absence of security codes for commercial premises. (W Adams & D Somers) | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):33-35 |
| Structured thinking. | The UK's new approach to emergency response highlights the importance of structural protection in commercial buildings. (D Evans) | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):38-39 |
| Risky business. | H&S and risk management and reasons to continue to employ experts. (S Rose) | Fire Prevention 2004 382 (July):41-42 |
| HSE supports IMECHE Seminar on Permissioning Regimes. | The HSE/IMECHE seminar on 21/9/04 will examine the benefits of regulating H&S in the explosives, chemical, railway and oil and gas industries through the use of permissioning regimes. | Contact: Ms Georgina Shaw Tel:020-7973-1291 HSE Press Release E104:04 23/7/04 |
| Work and Pensions Committee report on the work of the Health & Safety Commission and Executive. | Bill Callaghan, Chairman of the HSC, has welcomed the report of the committee. | HSC Press Release C035:04 25/7/04 |
| Top new appointment at Health & Safety Executive. | Jonathan Rees has been appointed as Deputy Dir Gen of the HSE succeeding Kate Timms who retires in Sept 2004. | HSE Press Release E102:04 26/7/04 |
| Commuters asked for views on work stress. | At Liverpool St Stn, stress policy experts lobbied rush hour commuters for their views on work related stress. They distributed 10,000 CD-Roms outlining the consultation process. | HSC Press Release C034:04 27/7/04 |
| HSE warns the textile industry to be aware of fire and explosion risks. | Following a prosecution, the HSE has issued a reminder to the textile industry, particularly those working with flock or other dusty materials, to be aware of the risk of fire or explosion. | Information. Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/textiles/index.htm HSE Press Release E107:04 28/7/04 |
| 235 work deaths last year. | The HSC's Chairman has called for action from all industry after publication of statistics which show a 4% increase in the number of deaths at work. | HSC Press Release C037:04 29/7/04 |
| HSC publishes statistics of inspection and enforcement in local authority enforced sectors for 2002/03. | The latest detailed statistics on inspection and enforcement action in Local Authority enforced sectors in 2002/03. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/index.htm#la HSC Press Release C036:04 29/7/04 |
| HSE warns – confined spaces kill. | Following a triple death the HSE has issued a warning to the manufacturing industry that entering confined spaces is extremely dangerous. | HSE Press Release E109:04 29/7/04 |
| Cherren III fined £75,000 following worker death. | Cherren III fined £75,000 + £25,000 costs. Heating engineer died falling 2.4m from a platform. No RA or edge protection. | HSE Press Release E110:04 29/7/04 |
| Offshore Advisory Committee to hold open sessions in Aberdeen. | The OIAC 5th annual open session will be held at Oldmeldrum on 4/8/04. | Contact Ms Tonia Mason Tel:020-7717-6707 HSE Press Release E108:04 30/7/04 |
| Karl Cook | Fined £1,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Self employed. Failure to ensure a safe place and safe system of work for roof work. No fall prevention measures. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000360 (17/5/04) |
| Nodor International Ltd | Fined £12,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Failure to control a contractor and ensure a safe place and safe system of work for roof work. No fall prevention measures. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000359 (17/5/04) |
| Cotswold Spa Retirement Hotels Ltd | Fined £13,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Nursing home resident died trapped in bed rails. Incorrectly fitted rails. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000442 (17/5/04) |
| Premier Sheet Metal Coventry Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured whilst cutting timber on a bench saw. No push stick or riving knife. Inadequate RA. No refresher training. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000642 (17/5/04) |
| Grasslands Ltd | Fined £3,500 under PUWER 1998. Seen during a visit by inspectors, 2 unguarded PTOs in use and a trailed appliance with defective brakes. Not in use at time of visit, a slurry tanker with inadequately guarded PTO. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000442 (17/5/04) |
| Antony Parker | Fined £500 under HASAWA 1974 s42. Failure to comply with Court Order requiring thorough examination of 3 four post lifts. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000706 (17/5/04) |
| Julian S Morgan | Fined £4,500 under MHSWR 1999 / PUWER 1998. Injured whilst using a vertical spindle moulder. No protection, instruction or training. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000510 (18/5/04) |
| Longslow Food Group Ltd | Fined £3,000 under COSHH 1999. Injured after tripping whilst carrying an open bucket of caustic soda. No eye or arm protection. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000821 (18/5/04) |
| Burman Farms Ltd | Fined £1,500 under MHSWR 1999 / PUWER 1998. Injured using a tractor driven circular saw. No RA. Failure to prevent access to dangerous parts of the machine. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000431 (19/5/04) |
| Seaborne Container Services & Supplies Ltd | Fined £12,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured when an empty container handling truck overturned. Poor site layout and condition of yard. | HSE Prosecution Case F070000466 (21/5/04) |
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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