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H&S News June 2005
| Title | Comments | Publication |
| TUC demands more protection for safety whistleblowers. | Following a report that 1,500 workers were sacked between 1999/04 for raising safety concerns, the TUC is urging Government to strengthen legal protection for workers who report unsafe work practices. | 'In the fire line' Internet: www.hazards.org/safetyreps/rights.htm Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (338):4 |
| HSE reopens door on safety reps' rights. | HSE's worker involvement unit has asked the HSC to consider a project to develop proposals for changes to the law on worker involvement. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hsc/meetings/ 2005/080205/c16.pdf Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (338):5 |
| Freedom of information. | Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the HSC/E have made full disclosure in only 33% of applications. | Centre for Corporate Accountability Tel:020-7490-4494 Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (338):5 |
| What's in a name? The draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill. | Review of the draft Bill for reforming the law on corporate manslaughter. (H Fidderman) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (338):9-14 |
| Hampton and the regulators. | Review of the Hampton Report and what it might mean for the future regulation and enforcement of H&S. (H Fidderman) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (338):15-20 |
| Reassembling building blocks. | HSC proposals to make construction law more effective. (L Ponting) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (338):21-24 |
| Food giant fined £150k for driver's death. | United Biscuits (UK) Ltd fined £150,000. Killed falling out of shunt vehicle cab with defective door lock. Defect reporting procedure not followed. Vehicle overdue for service. | Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (339):2 |
| Third-term Labour gives HSC green light. | Recent survey on what a 3rd term Labour government will mean for employment and H&S indicates the new corporate killing offence may not have as significant an impact on employers as proponents wish. | 'Five year forecast: the IRS third term report' Isbn 1-40570893-X Tel: 020-8662-2000 Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (339):3 |
| Architect faces retrial for manslaughter. | The CPS has announced they will pursue a retrial of Ms G Beckingham, who was responsible for overseeing the maintenance contract for the air conditioning at the Barrow Arts Centre involved in the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease. | Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (339):4 |
| Good riddance to RIDDOR? | The possibility that new HSC proposals herald the end of RIDDOR as currently understood. (H Fidderman) | DDE22 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/disdocs/riddordd.htm Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (339):5-10 |
| The highs and lows of drug and alcohol abuse at work. | Substance abuse and its extent and effects in the workplace. (K Humby) | Health & Safety Bulletin 2005 (339):11-20 |
| Road company ordered to pay £97,000 after worker burned to death. | Colas Ltd fined £75,000 + £22,000 costs. One killed and one injured when a mixture of kerosene, gas oil and diesel ignited during cleaning of tanker's bitumen spraying bar. Poor risk management. | HSE Press Release E072:05 24/5/05 |
| HSE warns motor vehicle repair trade of ramp safety following Peterborough crush near miss. | The HSE has warned motor vehicle repairers to have vehicle lifts and ramps regularly examined by a competent person after a ramp collapsed and a worker was almost crushed. | HSE Press Release E075:05 24/5/05 |
| HSE publishes detailed data on work-related ill health. | New report gives detailed information on the extent of work-related ill health which claimed 29.8m working days in 2003/04. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/swi0304.pdf HSE Press Release E073:05 26/5/05 |
| Waste transfer company fined £100,000 for site death. | World's End Waste (Investments) Ltd fined £100,000. Tipper truck driver killed by bucket of a shovel truck whilst securing the tailgate of his vehicle. Poor system in place to segregate pedestrians and vehicles. No banksman. | HSE Press Release E076:05 31/5/05 |
| Roger Henry Derryman | Guilty under PUWER 1998. Three employees operating all terrain vehicle (ATV) without adequate training. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000744 (21/3/05) |
| Masood Iqbal Khan | Fined £3,500 under HASAWA 1974 s33 / GSIUR 1998. Landlord had no gas safety certificates for a 5 yr tenancy. Non compliance with an Improvement Notice. Fine reduced from £8,000 following appeal. | HSE Prosecution Case F100000598 (21/3/05) |
| Rockwool Ltd | Fined £19,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999 / LOLER 1998. Injured when lifting equipment failed. No inspection. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000840 (21/3/05) |
| Compton Engineering Ltd | Fined £4,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / MHSWR 1999. Injured whilst using emery cloth on a lathe. | HSE Prosecution Case F110000841 (21/3/05) |
| British Engines Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured falling 5m through a fragile roof light whilst closing ventilation windows. No fall prevention. | HSE Prosecution Case F190000463 (22/3/05) |
| Ryeford Engineering Ltd | Fined £2,000 under PUWER 1998. Injured in tools of a tube bending machine. No guarding. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000531 (23/3/05) |
| Elrick Drainage Contractors Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst working in a section of trench which collapsed. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000543 (29/3/05) |
| Sonacase UK Ltd | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s33. Non compliance with Improvement Notice requiring a review of quality assurance procedures for manufacturing fairground rides. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000438 (30/3/05) |
| Monty Hammond | Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s37. Managing director. Non compliance with Improvement Notice requiring a review of quality assurance procedures for manufacturing fairground rides. | HSE Prosecution Case F030000464 (30/3/05) |
| Business loses 4.9 million days a year to work-related back pain – HSE launches campaign to make bad backs 'Better Backs'. | HSE has launched its 'Better Back' campaign offering practical tips on avoiding back related injuries in the workplace. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/betterbacks/index.htm HSE Press Release E077:05 2/6/05 |
| Worst year for rail track worker deaths since 1991. | The latest annual safety performance report shows there were 8 deaths and 124 major injuries to track workers during 2004, an increase from 2003. | RSSB 2004 Internet: www.rssb.co.uk/aspr.asp Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):6 |
| Real support lacking in sickness absence policies. | Results of a survey on workplace absenteeism in which 33 organisations employing 41,575 workers responded. | 'In sickness and in health' Internet: www.workingfamilies.org.uk Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):7 |
| Safety 'demoted' at DWP. | A government reshuffle has seen responsibility for H&S pass to Lord Hunt of Kings Heath in the Lords and Anne McGuire in the Commons. Lord Hunt is the 6th incumbent in 5 years. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):8 |
| Construction blitz set to tackle steep rise in Irish deaths. | Following a 40% rise in construction fatalities since 2003 the Irish H&S Authority is starting a construction campaign on 13/6/05. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):10 |
| Optical Radiation Directive rubber-stamped by EU. | A new Directive will come into force over the next 4 years to protect workers handling lasers, electrical welders, glass and steel workers and tanning salon staff. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):10 |
| Shell could pay off 'massive' fine in less than an hour. | Shell UK Ltd fined £900,000 which is the highest fine for an oil company operating in the North Sea. Two killed on the Brent Bravo platform when they were overcome by hydrocarbon gas. However, fine represents less than 1 hour of profits. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):13 |
| Construction firm criticised for allowing workers to operate in unsafe building. | Riverside Construction fined £35,000. Employee of another company killed whilst salvaging Victorian fittings from a building which had been burned and remained exposed since 1998. 5th floor collapsed during a lunch break. Company did not implement its own H&S procedures. No structural survey. | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):18 |
| All in good order. | Even if it is impossible to anticipate if a worker is injured by equipment, as a result of a fault or lack of maintenance, the employer will be deemed responsible. (K Bridges) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):21 |
| Bonus questions. | Rewards and recognition systems and positive effect on safety performance. The different types of incentive schemes and those which are the most effective. (P Smith) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):36-38 |
| The link in the strain. | Integrated 6 point approach to limit the occurrence of both work related stress and musculoskeletal disorders. (Dr J Devereux) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):41-44 |
| Secret lives. | Following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act, employers also have to address 'hidden' disabilities such as cognitive impairment. (D Abbott) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):46-48 |
| Action speaks louder. | Effective management of occupational voice hazards – from telemarketing to teaching. (K Duignan) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):50-53 |
| Hang tough. | Industrial rope access and working at height. (R Dymott) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):55-56 |
| Above and beyond. | Following the introduction of the Work at Height Regs 2005 an outline of the new and amended duties on those who are engaged in such work. (M Holden) | Safety & Health Practitioner 2005 23(6):58-60 |
| Tawny Logistics | Fined £12,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured by a vending machine which was being taken down stairs using a stairwalker. No safe system of work. Poor training. | HSE Prosecution Case F130000485 (31/3/05) |
| Date set for introduction of revised major accident hazards Regs. | HSC has announced that amendments to the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regs 1999 (COMAH) will come into force on 30/6/05. | SI 2005/1088 Internet: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051088.htm HSC Press Release C014:05 13/6/05 |
| Declining health of shift workers. | New HSE report confirms that shift workers are more likely to suffer from serious illnesses because of their irregular working hours. | RR318 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrthm/rr318.htm Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):5 |
| MEPs back EU Agency reforms. | MEPs have approved revised terms of reference for the EU Safety & Health Agency, giving it the powers and means to analyse factors behind industrial accidents and diseases. | Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):6 |
| Teamwork. | The changing role of the occupational health team. (C Davis) | Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):13-14 |
| Holding the baby. | What employers are required to do to protect new and expectant mothers in the workplace. (R Bunn) | Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):16 |
| Covering the unexpected. | Employers' Liability Insurance – what it is and how it works. (L Bamber) | Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):23-24,26 |
| Returning to work. | The value of rehabilitation and return to work schemes. (T Humphreys) | Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):28 |
| Back to basics – people with disabilities. | The fair treatment of all workers - the adjustments which might have to be introduced. (L Waterman) | Internet: www.disability.gov.uk Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):29-30 |
| Accident costs. | The use of accident costs as a safety improvement tool. (J Gilbertson) | Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):31-33 |
| Future trends. | How respiratory protection design is responding to 21st century hazards. (N Holmes) | Internet: www.scottint.com Health and Safety at Work 2005 27(6):40 |
| Dulux backs the fall guys. | New joint report by HSE and Dulux show that falls from height by professional painters and decorators account for 250,000 lost working days per year and cost tradesmen £30 million. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/falls or www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):2 |
| Right plaice, wrong fryer. | Caterquip (UK) fined £10,000. Shop owners exposed to CO poisoning following the installation of a reconditioned fryer and range in a fish shop. Leaking oil, wiring work not carried out and workmen not CORGI registered. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):7 |
| BSI Fire Risk Assessment guidelines. | A 9-step approach and documentation for conducting and recording significant findings in fire risk assessment in buildings and parts of buildings to which workplace fire precautions legislation applies. | PAS79 Ms S Phipps, BSI Business Inf Tel:020-8996-7940 RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):8 |
| Radiological emergency response advice. | New NRPB advice on protecting workers on site who are not involved in any mitigation measures after any accident involving radiation. | Internet: www.hpa.org.uk/publications/documents_of_nrpb /abstracts/absd16-1.htm RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):10 |
| Healthcare staff survey reports no let up in bullying and violence. | The 2nd national NHS survey indicates that the levels of violence and harassment to staff remain at similar levels to those in the 2003 survey. | Internet: www.healthcarecommission.org.uk RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):12 |
| Giving fitness a sporting chance. | Problems associated with both physical activity and inactivity. (E Gates) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):16-20 |
| Controlling infection. | The control of infection in hospitals. (N Cook) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):26-29 |
| Hearing protection. | Hearing protection for those exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace. (P Ellis) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):32-34 |
| Revaluing our Health and Safety Groups. | The role of the local H&S group in the current Government climate. (R Bibbings) | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Journal 2005 35(6):46-47 |
| HSE's 'Electrical safety in quarries' web pages go live. | The new web page explains risks posed by electricity in quarries and gives guidance on equipment, installation, cable management, isolation, inspections and test and examinations. The Approved Code of Practice (COP 35) is withdrawn with immediate effect. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/quarries/electricity.htm HSE Press Release E078:05 6/6/05 |
| HSE urges safer systems for unpacking large sheets of glass. | Following a recent incident in which a person was injured, the HSE has reminded those involved in the glazing and cladding industries of the importance of conducting an RA and having safe system of work for packing and unpacking large glass sheets. | HSE Press Release E079:05 8/6/05 |
| Change of address for notification of ammonium nitrate inventories. | Following the closure of HID Help, HSE has announced new contact details for ammonium nitrate notifications. | Further information e-mail: ANNIHHS.Notifications@hse.gsi.gov.uk Tel:02476-698350 HSE Press Release E080:05 9/6/05 |
| 'Better Backs' for the waste and recycling industry. | HSE has appealed to waste management and recycling industries to visit its recently launched web pages offering advice on avoiding back-related injuries in the workplace. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/betterbacks/index.htm Tel:0845-3450055 HSE Press Release E081:05 13/6/05 |
| Imperial Demolition Ltd | Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Skip loading dumper overturned. Driver untrained. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000602 (4/4/05) |
| Amcor Flexibles Winterbourne Ltd | Fined £6,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 / PUWER 1998. Injured in in-running nip of unguarded printing machine. Inadequate RA, information, training and system of work. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000766 (5/4/05) |
| Bifrangi UK Ltd | Fined £7,500 under CAWR 2002. Demolished buildings containing asbestos cement sheets. Contaminant left on site and no attempt to prevent spread. | HSE Prosecution Case F140000390 (5/4/05) |
| Leicester Engineering Services Ltd | Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s11(1). [We believe this should read 2(1)] Injured by linishing belt whilst clearing blockage. Machine turned off but not stationary. | HSE Prosecution Case F090000440 (6/4/05) |
| WJ Betts Ltd | Fined £500 under CHWR 1966. Unsafe re-roofing work being undertaken on a domestic property. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000563 (6/4/05) |
| IMI Yorkshire Copper Tube Ltd | Fined £5,000 under MHSWR 1999 / PUWER 1998. Operator injured whilst lubricating tubing being drawn into a Schumag machine. Poor guarding and no suitable and sufficient RA. | HSE Prosecution Case F170000435 (7/4/05) |
| Perry Morrallee | Fined £1,000 under CHSWR 1996. Unsafe use of mobile tower and work on a pitched roof. No injury. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000576 (7/4/05) |
| PJ Musgrave Electrical Services Ltd | Fined £15,000 under MHSWR 1999 / PUWER 1998. During cable pulling operations cable from drum located on motorway bridge fell onto carriageway and became entangled with an HGV which pulled the drum over the bridge onto the motorway. Minor injuries and damage to vehicles. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000614 (7/4/05) |
| Michael Thorne Construction Ltd | Fined £2,000 under CHSWR 1996. Breach of Reg 6(1). | HSE Prosecution Case F230000622 (7/4/05) |
| Dairyborn Foods Ltd | Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Injured whilst using a bowl chopper. Failure to ensure safety of employee. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000404 (8/4/05) |
| Graves Construction Ltd | Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 / RIDDOR 1995. Injured falling from 1st floor joists whilst fixing flooring. No fall protection. Accident not reported but came to HSE's attention over a year later. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000558 (8/4/05) |
| Noise and vibration regulations hit the road. | Launch of a joint HSE / EEF roadshow on noise and vibration which will run during Sept and Oct 2005. | HSE Infoline Tel:0845-3450055 HSE Press Release E083:05 14/6/05 |
| HSC undertakes review of RIDDOR. | On-line discussion document as part of the review of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regs 1995. | Comment by 30/6/05 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/disdocs/riddordd.htm HSC Newsletter 2005 (161)June:2 |
| European safety directives guide. | Updated HSE guide to proposed and current European H&S Directives. | 'Euronews' HSC Newsletter 2005 (161)June:7-18 |
| Noise toolbox talk pack. | Aimed at helping employers explain to their employees how to protect their hearing at work. | Includes CD HSE Books Tel:01787-881165 £10 HSC Newsletter 2005 (161)June:19 |
| Manufacture and storage of explosives. | HSE ACoP and guidance for the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regs 2005 which came into force on 26/4/05. | L139 Isbn 0-7176-2816-7 £20.95 HSE Books Tel:01787-881165 HSC Newsletter 2005 (161)June:21 |
| Worker engagement. | New case studies in the HSE's 3 year Worker Engagement Initiative which aims to achieve a change in the H&S culture of the construction industry. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/engagement/index.htm HSC Newsletter 2005 (161)June:24 |
| Effects of thermal environments on manual handling risks. | Risk factors associated with manual handling in hot and cold environments were identified as a gap in the HSE's programme for musculoskeletal disorders. | RR337 £25 HSE Books Tel:01787-881165 HSC Newsletter 2005 (161)June:24 |
| Modern times. | Safety and fire - concerns related to modern methods of construction and building design. (M Gale & P Brierly) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):20-23 |
| Eastern solutions. | Some fire engineering projects being undertaken in China. (Dr Mingchun Luo et al) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):29-31 |
| Rising to the challenge. | Call for better fire protection strategies in tall buildings. (M Wood) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):32-33 |
| Quality control. | Different construction processes and how they impact on the quality of fire protection systems. (G Ellicott) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):34-35 |
| Down the wire. | The fire risks posed by communication cable installations. (S Prescott) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):36-38 |
| State of the Union. | Assessment of the use of fire sprinklers across the EU. (A Brinson) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):39-41 |
| Island changes. | Reshaping the fire and rescue services in New Zealand. | Internet: www.dia.govt.nz Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):47-49 |
| Defence mechanism. | Singapore's Civil Defence Force and how it responds to the global terrorist threat. (Capt Lim Siew Lian) | Fire Prevention 2005 393 (June):50-51 |
| Quarterly statement of incidents at nuclear installations. | There was one incident in the period 1/1/05-31/3/05. | NSDI Tel:0151-951-4103 HSE Press Release E082:05 16/6/05 |
| St Albans School | Fined £14,000 under CAWR 1987 & 2002. Employees exposed to the risk of asbestos fibres. Failure to identify types and degree of potential exposure. Failure to take steps to prevent or reduce exposure. | HSE Prosecution Case F080000394 (13/4/05) |
| Lakeland 2000 Ltd | Fined £4,000 under DSEAR 2002. Four injured when LPG vapours from a tanker-barrel were ignited by nearby welding. Tanker not subjected to 'gas free' check prior to admittance to hot workshop. | HSE Prosecution Case F120000532 (13/4/05) |
| Falmouth Boat Construction Ltd | Fined £2,000 under WHSWR 1992. Injured falling >2m from the deck of a lifeboat in dry dock. Inadequate fall prevention. | HSE Prosecution Case F010000745 (14/4/05) |
| Gordon Logan | Fined £12,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Worker injured falling through fibre cement roof whilst removing roofing sheets. Under the direct supervision of the MD. | HSE Prosecution Case F230000562 (15/4/05) |
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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