H&S News July 2008

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Comment, by Judith Hackitt, Chair of the HSE, on the 20th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster where 167 people lost their lives in a major offshore explosion.

The Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) replaced the Notification of New Substances Regulations (NONS) on 1st June.

The HSE has added new information for downstream users and distributors of chemicals, and guidance on safety data sheets, to assist compliance with REACH.

The HSE has welcomed a report from the Better Regulation Executive and National Audit Office (BRE/NAO) on the HSE's progress in implementing the recommendations of the 2005 Hampton report on business-related regulation.

HSE-commissioned research in the manufacturing sector has concluded that industry-specific or "targeted" initiatives can be "associated with significant reductions in injury rates and improvements in health and safety".

HSE and local authorities are looking for more county groups of HSE and LA inspectors to use "flexible warrants", which allow enforcement officers to work within premises not allocated to them by regulation.

The HSE has published detailed statistics on self-reported injuries - the main determinants of progress towards "Revitalising health and safety" targets on work-related ill health and absence.

The HSE has updated its advice on workplace temperatures.  The information includes topics such as heat stress, working in the sun, and handling food in a cold environment.

All but three of the 44 large companies fined in 2006 and 2007 for failures that resulted in a workplace fatality would have faced higher fines had draft guidance from the Sentencing Advisory Panel been in force.

According to the College of Optometrists, one in three UK workers is not aware that their employer should pay for their eyesight test if they use DSE.

The environment is not the only victim of our increasingly wasteful society.  (Lucinda Ponting)

The Texas City explosion is having an impact on company boards well beyond BP.  (Lucinda Ponting)

The House of Lords has decided that an employer's liability for the consequences of an accident at work can extend to a subsequent suicide. (Howard Fidderman)

A Court of Appeal judgement that fines for safety offences can exceed a company's profits.  (Howard Fidderman)

Firms providing compensation services to accident victims are cleaning up their acts following legislative reform.  Investigations by the Ministry of Justice suggest that rules introduced by the Compensation Act 2006 and subsequent legislation have curbed many of the so called "ambulance chasers".

Employers are the main target of a two year campaign on healthy workplaces organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.  The overall aim is to encourage integrated management approaches to risk assessment and control.

An inquiry into the deaths of two Royal Navy submariners and the injury of a third, following an explosion onboard a submarine, has concluded that the explosion was caused by a faulty oxygen generator.  The inquiry found many "systematic failings" which "can be collectively viewed as inadequate risk management of the hazards that self-contained oxygen generators presented".

A new fund has been launched to provide financial assistance for security workers who suffer serious injury as a result of a criminal attack at work.

The law regulating the use, safety requirements, closure and other aspects of railway level crossings is being reviewed by the Law Commission.

According to the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, "light touch" regulation of business has in effect "decriminalised" death and injury at work.

Amey Rail Ltd has been fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 following the death of a railway worker.  Jason Wilkinson stepped down from the cab of an engineering train which had to stop because a temporary works light, set up by Amey, was obstructing its path.  He stepped down into the path of a passenger train.

Waitrose Ltd has been fined £25,000 and £5,000 costs under HASAWA 1974 and MHSWR 1999 after a 17-year old worker's arm was crushed in a cardboard bailing machine.

ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company, and trades unions representing its employees worldwide, have signed a new agreement to improve H&S standards throughout the company.

Half of employers surveyed by opticians Specsavers said they worry that some of their employees may be driving during the course of their work when their eyesight is not good enough to do so.  Although 84% said it was "very important" that employees who drive during the course of their work have their eyes tested regularly, the majority did not have a policy in place to test the eyesight of employees.

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority has stepped up the fight against those who abuse workers, with the launch of Operation Ajax.  It is described as a "long-term commitment to enforce workers' rights and stamp out exploitation".

Parmeko plc fined £10,000 and costs of £1,910 under HASAWA 1974 s2 for failing to ensure the safety of an employee whilst he was handling a flammable liquid.  Naran Hirani was using acetone to clean components at a factory when he suffered burns to his hands and legs after the chemical caught fire.  He was working close to a solder pot which reaches temperatures of up to 400°C.

Fashion is a closed and powerful world.  But, much to its surprise, it is now the subject of unsympathetic scrutiny.  And the scrutineers - from government to charities to fashion industry watchers - don't like what they've found.  (Elizabeth Gates)

Post traumatic stress disorder can start after any traumatic event.  Front line emergency workers are an obvious target but the condition can affect any worker in any industry.  No employer can ignore the risks from traumatic incidents in the workplace.  A look at how five organisations assess and manage those risks.  (Nick Cook)

Why it is important for businesses to invest in health and safety training.  Summary advice on areas of likely training need, how to get started and where to go for further information and advice.  (RoSPA)

The UK glass industry produces an estimated 3.7 million tonnes of glass per year.  In 2001, key industry players launched a major initiative to reduce the number of work-related accidents across the industry by 30% by 2010 - progress so far.  (Philip Marsh and Declan Moore)

A consideration of whether there is a need for the introduction of a "scale of preventability", not only to assess safety performance properly, but also to help employers undertake more meaningful assessments of risk using accident data.  (Roger Bibbings)

Rimac Fabrications Ltd of Cannock fined a total of £5,000 and costs of £2,737 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  An employee suffered the loss of all 4 fingers on his left hand while helping to operate a swaging machine.  Rimac failed to maintain parts of the machine, this failure left operators unprotected from moving parts of the machine.  In the same case Edbro Machine Tools Ltd was fined £1,000 and costs of £1,745 under SMSR 1992.  Failure to ensure machine satisfied essential health and safety requirements relating to machine guarding when it was supplied to Rimac.

Lee David McHugh and Stephen Andrew McHugh from Merseyside company called Embers Fires, each sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for each breach of PNs, to run concurrently.  Lee was charged under HASAWA 1974 s3 & s33 and GSIUR 1998, Stephen was charged under HASAWA 1974 s33 and GSIUR 1998.  The brothers ignored PN and continued to flout safety legislation.  Stephen was carrying out gas work knowing he was not CORGI registered and Lee continued to commission gas work to an unregistered installer.

Provisional figures of work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain issued by the HSE reveal that 228 workers lost their lives as a result of accidents/incidents at work in 2007/8, compared with 247 in 2006/07.  The report also shows figures in other industry sectors.

Alexanders of Twickenham Ltd, a car MOT, service and repair business, was fined the maximum fine possible of £20,000 and costs of £16,905 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  An employee, Biagio Malacaria, was working on a car's fuel system, which involved draining fuel.  During this process his overalls were set alight and he was engulfed in flames.  He died from pneumonia as a result of his injuries.  The company failed in its duties in a number of ways including having no risk assessment for fire and explosions, a lack of safety measures for this type of work and failing to ensure that all staff were suitably trained.

Schenker based in Middlesex, fined £45,000 and costs of £19,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3 and PUWER 1998.  Mr Mark Treadwell was standing on the back of a truck in front of a loading dock at the company site in Basildon, trying to ensure the dock levelling equipment was laid flat as the driver manoeuvred the truck into place.  His head was crushed between the truck and a wall when the truck reversed.  He suffered severe crush injuries.  The company did not properly maintain the loading dock or carry out adequate risk assessments.

HSE is warning employment agencies of impending spot checks which will focus on the recruitment of migrant workers.  The visits taking place between now and the end of July, will identify premises where migrant workers supplied by employment agencies may be at risk, due to inadequate induction and training or a lack of understanding.

HP Bulmer Limited fined £300,000 with costs of £50,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  Nalco Ltd fined £300,000 with costs of £50,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  This was due to an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease.  HSE has renewed its warning to companies to ensure that water storage and cooling systems are adequately treated to prevent growth of the legionella bacteria.

Clays Ltd of Bungay fined £32,000 and costs of £12,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3 and MHSWR 1999.  An employee was carrying out maintenance on the roof when he slipped and fell through a skylight.  Employee fell 7 metres onto a metal cage and sustained multiple injuries.  HSE found limited safeguards to prevent injury from falling from height, poor H&S standards in other areas and found employees working on the racking at the warehouse without adequate safeguards to prevent falls from height.

Landlords of industrial estates across Newcastle, Gateshead and North and South Tyneside have been warned that H&S inspectors will be out in force carrying out spot checks week commencing July 7th, and that enforcement action will be taken if any breaches of any relevant legislation are found.

Recent provisional statistics released by HSE reveal that 39 workers were killed in the agriculture sector in 2007/08.  HSE Non-exec board member Judith Donovan reiterated the need to focus on skills and competencies based training for the agriculture sector while presenting certificates to students who have successfully completed their vocational qualifications.

S Cartwright & Sons (Coachbuilders) Ltd of Greater Manchester fined £7,000 and costs of £17,376 under MHSWR 1999.  Ashley Saunders, a 16 year old apprentice, was playing football in the yard of the factory during his break, when the ball was accidentally kicked onto the roof.  Ashley used a mobile work platform to climb on to the roof to look for the ball and fell 5.3 metres through a skylight.  After the incident the company was served with an IN requiring them to fix prominent warning notices that the roof was fragile.

HSE has released results of a series of inspections carried out to look at the management of some specific health and safety risks at nursing homes across Wales during March and April.  28 homes were inspected, three quarters were issued with at least 1 enforcement notice, a total of 31 enforcement notices were issued.  Main recurring areas of concern were management of legionella risk and correct use of bedrails.

HSE is joining forces with local authorities in Herts and Beds to warn industrial estates of impending health and safety inspections.  These will take place from July 14 and will focus on four specific areas: workplace transport, falls from height, duty to manage asbestos and legionella.

Fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  IP fell through the green house roof.

Fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  Mr Timothy Palmer, a quarry operative, suffered serious head injuries when a 30 kilogram lump of sandstone fell a distance of approx 6 metres from a power operated screen and struck him on the head.  He was not wearing suitable head protection at the time of the incident.

Fined total of £9,000 under MHSWR 1999 and PUWER 1998.

Fined £3,000 under PUWER 1998.  Employee suffered injuries while filling a water bowser attached to a tractor, when clothing became entangled in unguarded PTO shaft.

Fined £1,200 under MHSWR 1999.  Employee under the supervision of Alan Armstrong suffered injuries while filling a water bowser attached to a tractor, when the employee's clothing became entangled in unguarded PTO shaft.

Fined £8,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  IP was gaining access to a boat awaiting transportation, he had chosen to use a step ladder which was too short to reach the full height of the platform.  On accessing the platform or returning to the step ladder the ladder had slipped away, IP fell to ground sustaining fatal head injuries.  Equipment and system of work for accessing and working on the boat that day were unsafe.  Employees had not received instruction, information and training to enable them to select and safely use suitable equipment for work at height.

Progas Heating Ltd of Edinburgh was fined £5,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  They were moving the gas meter from the inside of a property to the outside.  The 89 year old woman occupant walked into the kitchen and fell down an open hatch that was left unguarded by the gas replacement contractor.  She sustained three fractures to the left ankle.

The UK Government has won the right for UK workers to continue to opt-out from the Working Time Directive, but the TUC believes that the European Parliament will insist that the conditions on the opt-out's use will be tightened further.

Moves to increase the level of penalties that can be dished out for H&S breaches have moved a step nearer the statute book after a third reading of the Health and Safety (Offences) Bill won cross-party support from MPs in the House of Commons.  If it becomes law, the Bill would raise the maximum fine that could be levied by the lower courts to £20,000 for most H&S offences, and create the option of prison sentences for more offences in both lower and upper courts.  Whilst supporting the Bill, the CBI has raised strong objections to this latter point, arguing that it applies to individuals and offences are rarely the fault of one person.  MP Keith Hill is trying to quash the CBI's fears over this point.

IOSH has submitted a "statement of case" to the inquiry into the 2004 ICI Plastics factory explosion in Glasgow, urging it to focus on the availability and use of competent H&S advice.

Three appeal judges have reversed an earlier decision by a deputy High-Court Judge that found that Gary Poppleton was 75 per cent to blame for his accident and awarded him proportionate damages, laying 25 per cent blame on the Portsmouth Youth Activities Committee which runs the climbing centre where Mr Poppleton was injured.

The construction sector has been set a target to cut worker fatalities by 10 per cent year on year.  The challenge is outlined in a joint government-industry "Strategy for Sustainable Construction", which was launched in June and includes a commitment to recruit 230,000 more construction workers, and offer 13,500 extra apprenticeship placements by 2010.

The HSE has awarded Capita the contract to run a new gas-installer registration scheme, replacing the existing one operated by CoRGI.  The new scheme is due to start in April 2009.

Negligence on the part of a supervisor on duty at the Buncefield oil depot played a part in the UK's biggest industrial blast since 1974.  A High-Court judge delivered the ruling in May, but made no decision as to which company (Hertfordshire Oil Storage Ltd or Total UK) was responsible for the admitted act of negligence.  This will be determined through the civil court case which begins in October.

The HSE is to contest the Court of Appeal's decision to quash the conviction of headmaster James Porter in relation to the death of Kian Williams.  The appeal is to obtain clarification on the law on the issue of risk, and not to reinstate Mr Porter's conviction

Trapeze Rigging Ltd fined £8,000 and costs of £16,341 under HASAWA 1974 s3, for failing to ensure the safety of non-employees.  Media Control Ltd fined £10,000 and costs of £18,020 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3, for failing to protect its employees and failing to ensure the safety of non-employees.  In-depth checks were not carried out on whether a supporting structure for a large outdoor video screen could withstand foreseeable wind forces.  The structure subsequently collapsed.

Many employers should be doing more to ensure their corporate policies regarding drivers' eyecare are up to scratch.  (Mark Raines)

It's well know that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor and sort out health problems than women and, as a result, their health suffers.  What is required is a gender-specific approach to tackling men's health, which can be achieved by NHS providers and employers working together to deliver health improvement services in the workplace.  (Peter Baker)

Thanks to the HSE's Shattered Lives campaign, the financial, personal and business implications of slips, trips and falls are now firmly back in the spotlight.  A look at the key issues that need to be addressed to prevent these major causes of workplace injuries, focusing particularly on the merits of safety footwear.  (Stuart Thorne)

Throughout the first part of this decade, it is safe to say that relations between the HSE and local authorities were strained, with the former accusing the latter of a lack of commitment to health and safety enforcement.  A brief overview of how the situation has since improved, based on the author's experiences with local authority enforcement officers in Scotland.  (Richard Wilson)

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) have become commonplace for the transport and storage of chemicals.  However, recent research has shown that some IBCs may create unacceptable levels of risk in storage.  As a result, new industry guidance has been issued - what is involved.  (Douglas Leech)

It is surprising how many companies fail to ensure that their workforce can easily identify the various hazardous materials they handle on site, and their associated risks.  Why it is so important that the simple procedures are properly followed.  (Natasha Antunes and Howard Wing)

Every year, millions of tonnes of industrial chemicals help keep British businesses across almost every industry sector running smoothly, but their widespread use and application also makes them one of the workplace's greatest hazards.  In terms of how to handle them safely, a quick reminder for practitioners of how to select the right gloves.  (John Thorne)

Homes for Haringey Ltd were fined £10,000 with £3,562 costs under HASAWA 1974 s2.  A trainee plumber working with a colleague in a loft space, changing a water tank, fell through a skylight which was covered by loft insulation material.  Fell approx 10 feet onto stairs below and sustained injuries to his upper spine and was unable to work for the next 12 months.

Work-related stress is a major cause of occupational ill health and businesses which do not tackle this serious health and safety issue are likely to see a high level of sickness absence and staff turnover and a poor performance level.

Hogarth (Construction) Ltd were fined total of £4,000 and costs £1,616 under MHSWR 1999.  Failure to ensure the safety of an employee who suffered burns to his hand and face after making contact with a live underground 400v cable that had been uncovered during work on a construction site.

Pendle Borough Council has reduced reportable accidents by 25% in two years as a result of its commitment to inclusive health and safety policies.

Now that Scottish schools have broken up for the summer holidays, the HSE and Scottish Hydro Electric have a message for parents to help their children to stay and play safe.  Beware of the risks from electricity outdoors as well as in the home.  If someone survives an electric shock, they can suffer serious burns or even lose a limb.

Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  IP involved in rope access maintenance work on external surface of large glass dome, slipped and fell 6m over edge of the dome fracturing leg.  The safety device on his single line appeared not to function.

Fined £1,200 under PUWER 1998.  An agency worker was hit by an FLT.  Capel Mushrooms Limited failed to ensure the health and safety of both their employees and persons not in their employment.

Fined £60,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  This case did result from the investigation of a fatality.

Fined £170,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  Failure to maintain limit switch on overhead travelling crane. Resulted in fatal injuries to employee.

Fined total £2,750 under GSIUR 1998.  Landlady Soraya Beatrice Cotwall did not maintain a gas appliance, namely a warm air heater, and two tenants suffered CO poisoning as a result.

Fined total £10,500 under PUWER 1998.  IP was doing some grinding work, the grinding disc shattered and penetrated the visor he was wearing, hitting him in the eye area.  He has consequently lost the sight in his left eye.

Fined total £6,000 under WHR 2005 and HASAWA 1974 s3.  Prosecution re unsafe work at height.

Fined £4,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  Sub-contractor injured whilst trying to fit unsuitable shoring in trench 1.8m deep.  Side of excavation collapsed onto IP resulting in fractured pelvis and other injuries.

Guilty-Compensation/Cond Dis WHR 2005.  Accident to an employee who fell through a fragile roof.  The defendant failed to ensure that suitable and sufficient platforms, covering or similar means of support were provided to prevent falls.

Dacorum Borough Council fined £37,500 and costs of £17,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2, MHSWR 1999 and EWR 1989.  Ben Richardson was electrocuted when he clamped an electric cable thinking it was a domestic water main.  Unsafe system of work.

A year after the summer floods caused havoc, fire and rescue services say they do not have the resources to cope with major flooding.  A report from the FBU claims that very few fire crews had even basic safety equipment such as waterproof clothing and boots.  Often there were no life jackets, or poles to test the depth of the water they were working in.

Martin Winter and his son Nathan Winter have been charged with manslaughter over the deaths of two firefighters.  Geoffrey Wicker and Brian Wembridge were killed as they fought a blaze at Festival Fireworks in December 2006.  The company, now known as Alpha Fireworks, has been summonsed for breaches of explosives regulations.

First ScotRail has offered £1,000 reward for anyone able to help to bring to justice the vandal who dangled a heavy metal object from a bridge, causing it to crash though the windscreen of a train.  Fortunately, the driver of the train was able to bring the train to a halt and suffered cuts and injuries to his face, despite the train travelling at 60mph when it was struck.

Parking brakes on tractors are crucial, but recent research suggests about one in eight is defective.  Farmers are being encouraged to make simple checks and adjustments to tractor brakes in accordance with the operator's manual before they get busy with the harvest.

A free leaflet with tips on what to expect when a Health and Safety Awareness Officer (HSAO) calls has been updated by the HSE.  HSAOs are specially trained staff who, unlike inspectors, do not have powers to enter premises without the owner's consent and will not give advice on technical matters or express an opinion on compliance with the law.

HSE is currently consulting on a revised version of the guidance on controlling health risks of working with tanning equipment.

The première of black comedy "Three and out" attracted stars, paparazzi … and train drivers.  Joining the press on the red carpet and finding out why.  (Nick Cook)

Lee Owen, manager of a nightclub in Merseyside, has been fined a total of £4,000 in fines and costs under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  He was prosecuted after failing to get works done to the Hotel California following an enforcement notice being served after a fire at the premises.

PTF Properties Ltd have been ordered to pay £17,000 in fines and costs after a fire in which four residents became trapped.  The company was fined under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Communities and Local Government has said that it has no plans to amend the Building Regulations in England and Wales so that sprinklers are required in smaller-sized warehouses.  There have been calls for the current requirement - for all new single-storey warehouses over 20,000m2 to be fitted with sprinklers - to be reduced.

As investigation is under way after a man died in a building collapse.  Police and fire crews attended the scene after the roof of the three storey building caved in, causing the floors below to give way.

The range of buildings using modern methods of construction is expanding dramatically - and there are growing concerns for insurers.  (Trevor Shurmer and Chris Wicks)

The fire engineering and smoke ventilation issues which had to be overcome during the redevelopment of a shopping centre.  (Will Marshall)

The use of over-engineered smoke control systems, particularly in apartment buildings, is called into question.  (Allan Meek)

British Standard BS 4884:Technical Manuals, can be a valuable guide to those managing the paperwork of a building project or producing technical manuals in the fire and rescue service.  (Andrew Slack)

Fire safety issues involved in a recent upgrade of trains and stations on the London Underground network.  (Andy James)

Some guidance on fire-resistant glass and its use in risk-based fire safety design.  (Mike Wood)

Approved cable that meets the appropriate standard for fire safety is not always being used.  (Kevin Morris)

Recent developments in the fire protection of steel beams with web openings.  (Bill Parlor)

Intumescent coatings play a key role in protecting steel structures in buildings.  Some tips on how to specify the right kind.  (John Gordon)

The current strength and future potential of the UK passive fire protection market, outlined in a 2007 survey, is examined.  (David Sugden)

Huntingdonshire District Council has signed up with the HSE to promote a sensible approach to H&S during the summer holidays.

Warwick International Ltd fined £12,000 and costs of £22,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  An initial dust explosion occurred in the granulation part of the factory in Mostyn and spread to connected parts of the plant.  The resulting fire spread rapidly through the building, taking firefighters several hours to bring it under control.

Just Frames Ltd fined £3,500 and costs of £3,797 under PUWER 1998.  Paul Boam was using a Wadkins saw when he suffered partial amputation of his thumb and index finger.  Failure to provide adequate H&S training.

HSE's PABIAC has launched the second phase of its strategy to secure further improvements in H&S performance in the papermaking, corrugated packaging and recovered paper sectors over the next three years.

As the school holiday approaches the HSE is warning north west children, parents and teachers to be aware of construction sites and not treat them as playgrounds.  Between 2001/02 and 2006/07, four children have died and HSE were notified of at least 311 injuries to children in construction works.

Transatlantic UK Ltd fined a total of £10,000 and costs of £7,7442.40 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  A Russian seaman was killed when he was walking along the quayside near to his ship when he was struck by a reach stacker being used to lift containers on board.

The HSE is encouraging north west parents to take care of their children when visiting funfairs this summer.  There have been 46 major injuries caused during incidents occurring at fairs and amusement parks in the north west since 2002, which illustrates the potential for danger.

Cheshire Crane Hire Ltd fined £8,000 and costs of £8,842 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  A 60 tonne mobile crane, which was both overloaded and had its outriggers sited on soft ground, overturned.  Load had been estimated as six tonnes, when it was more than double that figure, paperwork unsatisfactory.  No proper planning.

The "Warkworth in Bloom" Committee has been busily putting the finishing touches to the village ready for the "Northumbria in Bloom" competition.  The Council workers have been playing their part, and have been keeping their feet firmly on the ground by using specialist long reach extendable lances when helping to feed and water some of the arrangements - much to the delight of the HSE!

Six local authorities in Buckinghamshire are to sign up to the HSE's campaign to combat the growing number of myths that are undermining H&S legislation.

Forster Refurbishment and Property Service Ltd fined £7,000 and costs of £3,138 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  Two employees were working on the roof of a large industrial unit when one of them, working in the valley gutter, fell onto the neighbouring roof pitch which gave way, causing the man to fall more than 4.5 metres onto a concrete floor, sustaining serious injuries.  Insufficient measures taken to support or protect anyone from falling off or through the fragile roofs.

As the school holidays are underway, HSE is warning north east children and their parents to be aware of the dangers of construction sites and farms and not to treat them as playgrounds.  In the last 10 years, 45 children have died and more than 400 others have been injured on farms across GB, and another 10 died on construction sites with more than 600 others injured.

Procter and Gamble Product Supply (UK) Ltd fined total of £40,000 and costs of £2,738 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3.  Three maintenance workers were injured when the brakes on a warehouse lift failed and they fell 25 metres.  Failure to ensure the safety of workers by not adequately maintaining the lift's brakes.

Rolls Royce plc fined £120,000 and costs of £12,122.53 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  Over a period of several weeks, five agency workers were working on the decommissioning of a light alloy foundry which involved the removal of plant and materials and work with hot cutting equipment.  As the risks had not been properly identified, safe working practices were not put into place, the men were exposed to hazardous substances including potassium flurosilicate, fume from hot metal cutting, and oxides of sulphur, resulting in all suffering from skin rashes and two of the men suffering from respiratory problems.

Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  IP lost three fingers.

Fined £3,300 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  80-year old householder fell through area of her home where contractor had removed floorboards.  No measures take to cover or prevent access to area over 2 week period.

Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  IP was positioning a concrete staircase using mobile crane.  It had been landed and the chains were being detached when the staircase moved causing the IP to fall about 1m and bang his head.

Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  IP was positioning a concrete staircase using mobile crane.  It had been landed and the chains were being detached when the staircase moved causing the IP to fall about 1m and bang his head.

Fined £4,000 under PUWER 1998.  IP's hand slipped and went into the volumetric head of the volpac machine.

Fined total of £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and CAR 2002.  Contamination of school areas during AIB soffit replacement around gym and associated areas by contractors during school holidays.

Fined total of £8,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3.  Scaffold that had been erected adjacent to the railway line fell over, resulting in the entire 50 metre length laying over the tracks.

Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  IP fell 2.8 metres to concrete floor through gap between working platform and building, suffering compression fracture to vertebrae, bruising to shoulder and torn ligaments to his knee.

Border Rail and LH Access both fined £240,000 each under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3 respectively.  Neil Martin was injured when moving a broken-down cherry picker whilst using the override valves on the machine to enable the movement.  He died from multiple injuries.

A new report from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies claims that "At least twice as many people die from fatal injuries at work than are victims of homicide".  The report dubs those work-related deaths "safety crimes" and accuses the Government  of "decriminalising" death and injury at work.

Health and safety has not "gone mad", despite public and media perception to the contrary, according to new research carried out for the HSE by consultants Greenstreet Berman.

The Government is to review a controversial ruling made by the House of Lords last year which prevents compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related pleural plaques.

Carbon nanotubes, touted by many as the new wonder-material for the 21st century, could present as much of a cancer risk as asbestos, a major new study has said.  Prof Kenneth Donaldson of Edinburgh University, who led the research, stressed that research had yet to show that nanotubes actually caused cancer, but they did show the same effects on the lungs as asbestos.

UK workers still have the  right to decide to work longer than 48 hours a week, as EU ministers finally worked out a compromise after years of trying.  It will put an end to a four-year dispute between several member states of the union and will see a series of improvements to working-time rules and new protection for temporary and agency workers.

With 9.5 million passengers passing through its terminals every year, Birmingham International Airport has a huge task on its hands keeping all these people safe.  How the sixth largest airport in the UK manages the health and safety of passengers and staff alike.  (Joanna Gurman)

New and expectant mothers make up a significant proportion of the British workforce, and they're especially vulnerable.  What you need to do to safeguard their health, safety and welfare.  (Tom Mendelsohn)

With over half-a-million people in Britain thought to be suffering from work-related stress at a level that is making them ill, it makes clear sense for employers to take steps to tackle the problem - where to start.  (Gill Trevelyan)

Compensation payouts for work-related stress have repeatedly hit the headlines in recent years, but what can employers actually do to protect themselves against such claims?  (Steve Cornforth)

A new survey has revealed an alarming lack of action by employers in ensuring drivers' eyesight is up to scratch.  (Mark Raines)

Wates Construction fined £7,000 with costs of £2,491.  Occupants of 11 bungalows in Birmingham were put at risk of carbon monoxide entering their loft spaces.  The integrity of warm air flues, which vent through ridge terminals, was discovered to have been disrupted in these properties.  Wates Construction Ltd had been warned by another CORGI registered subcontractor about the need to check the flues after the roofing work had been completed, they failed to do this.

HSE and local council inspectors visited businesses in a recent crackdown.  14 INs were issued, with a further 8 possible should employers fail to address issues of concern.  Issues ranged from working at height, manual handling, lack of training for FLT drivers, damage racking and lack of appropriate ventilation system for controlling exposure to wood dust.

John Radcliffe Hospital fined £8,000 and costs of £2,286.15 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  £500 in compensation and a £15 victim surcharge were also made.  An elderly patient was scalded when taking a bath.  The temperature of the water from the hot tap was approx 55 degrees Celsius and she suffered burns to her body.  The bath involved was one of four in the hospital not fitted with TMVs.

HSE is reminding children and their parents to stay safe on farms this summer with the summer holidays about to start.  Farms are homes as well as workplaces and visitors to the countryside, many of them children, are often present on farms whilst work activities are being carried out.

Janesville Acoustics Ltd fined total of £4,000 and costs of £3,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3, and MHSWR 1999.  In two separate incidents, one employee's hand was trapped in an unguarded part of a machine and he suffered crush injuries.  The other incident involved an employee whose hand was injured after it came into contact with a rotating agitator in a hopper.

The HSE is warning farmers in Kent to make sure they are properly maintaining tractors, trailers and other mobile equipment which is being used either on-road or off-road during this year's harvesting/cultivating period.  During the next 6 to 8 weeks, HSE, VOSA and Kent Police will be carrying out random checks of vehicles, both in fields and on roads, to make sure they are in a good state of repair and are safe.

Fined £120,000 under MHSWR 1999.  Saint Gobain t/a Calders & Grandidge.  A lorry driver fell approx 15 feet from his trailer while adjusting his load of steel pole.  Driver died. Failure of employer to consider the maximum height to which vehicles were to be loaded.

Fined £15,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  Complaint of unsafe relining of chimney flue.  Work carried out on a solid fuel cooker was was done in a manner which did fail to ensure the health of the occupier.

Fined £3,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  Fall into unfenced footings caused injury to a member of the public.

Fined total of £6,000 under COSHH 2002.  Employee exposed to ABH50 due to inadequate control measures.  ABH50 contains isocyanate.  Employee suffered occupational asthma as a result of exposure.

Fined total £1,000 under COSHH 2002.  Engaged as H&S consultants advising on risk associated with ABH50, failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk created by work liable to expose their client's employees.

Fined £12,000 under SMSR 1992.  Employee at Gibsons Foods suffered burns resulting in the amputation of 3 fingers whilst using a conveyor fed sandwich pack sealing machine supplied by Proseal.  IP is presumed to have put in her hand to reach a dropped sandwich and the heated platens trapped her hand.  Training was given at Gibsons on safe use, but the magnetic switch did not detect the motion of the guard before it opened to allow access to the danger zone.

Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3.  A 29 year old had index finger amputated by a blade of a circular woodworking saw he was operating.  Operator employed only a few days before accident, through an agency.  Little evidence of training.

Fined £2,000 under CAR 2006.  Unsafe construction work.  3 Polish workers destroying asbestos containing materials in an unsafe and unplanned manner.  AIB damaged and caused contamination of a building undergoing refurbishment.

Fined total of £2,000 under GSIUR 1998.  Landlord of a property removed end of the flue from the installed gas fired boiler such that carbon monoxide from the boiler could have re-entered the premises and affect the health of the occupants.

Fined £95,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2.  Employee got his hand trapped in between 2 moving conveyor belts on a meat processing machine, without any guarding.  Company failed to provide, information, instruction, training and supervision for machinery.  Also failed in adequate risk assessment or safe system of work and adequate maintenance of Snitzel machine.

Fined £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s33.  While working on a large CNC lathe, sleeves of IP's overcoat became entangled on the protruding bolts of a rotating endplate, causing IP to be drawn into and over the work piece.  Accident was entirely foreseeable and resulted from basic failing of machinery safety.