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| Title | Comments | Publication |
|---|---|---|
| Migrant worker's fatal fall "defied belief". Week ending 05/12/08 |
Curot Contracts, trading as Dimension Shopfitting, has been fined £125,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Witold Jelen died following an eight metre fall from a former cinema's upper balcony. Describing the breach as serious and obvious, Sheriff William Gallagher said the circumstances of the incident "defied belief". | Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):2 |
| Failure points. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Mechanical points failure and a missed track inspection were the immediate causes of the train crash in Cumbria which left one person dead and dozens of people injured. The RAIB final report said Network Rail had incorrectly set up points that failed and were the ultimate cause of the derailment. The report also made 29 safety recommendations. | RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:1 |
| Safety reps charter. Week ending 05/12/08 |
A new charter to enhance the role of safety representatives in the workplace has been put together by the TUC. It makes the case for better communication with safety reps and gives examples of how they have made a real difference and by not involving them, workers have been injured or even killed. | Internet: www.tuc.org.uk/extras/safetyrepscharter.pdf RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:3 |
| Nowhere to hide. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Tough action by the GLA has produced a leap in the number of rogue gangmasters who have had their licence revoked. This coincides with GLA's hard-hitting Operation Ajax, launched earlier this year to stamp down on worker exploitation and abuse. | RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:4 |
| Safe Crane campaign. Week ending 05/12/08 |
A new industry initiative on tower cranes has been launched, including guidance material aimed at those involved in crane operations. The guidance has been produced by the Strategic Forum for construction, as part of the Safe Crane campaign. | Internet: www.strategicforum.org.uk/towercranes.shtml RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:8 |
| Signposts for health and safety DVD. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Originally broadcast as ten half hour television programmes, this compilation of films for small businesses is now available from HSE Books in DVD format. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/signpostsdvd.htm RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:8 |
| Wotcha. Week ending 05/12/08 |
The second part of a consideration of workplace stress, with amazing and amusing revelations of the secrets of modern-day scientific management. (Nick Cook) | RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:10-11 |
| European "sin list" of worst chemicals. Week ending 05/12/08 |
An international coalition of environmental, consumer and union safety organisations has released a list of "high concern" chemicals currently available on the market. The aim of the "SIN (Substitute It Now) list" is to speed up implementation of REACH, by encouraging companies to make sound substitution decisions. | Internet: www.chemsec.org RoSPA Safety Express November/December 2008:13 |
| Accident costs. Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE has published a new report on how it calculates the costs to employers of accidents. The new calculations suggest omitting the cost of damages arising from accidents. | Internet: "The costs to employers ? in 2005/06" www.hse.gov.uk/economics/research/injuryill0506.pdf Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):3 |
| Agriculture - SHADs. Week ending 05/12/08 |
The HSE has announced its programme of agricultural Safety and Health Awareness Days for 2008/09. The series of information events will end on 14th March 2009 with a SHAD for migrant workers. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/diary.htm Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):3 |
| Chemicals - CHIP. Week ending 05/12/08 |
The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) Regs 2008 came into force on 1 October. They implement Directive 2006/8/EC which is the second adaptation of the dangerous preparations Directive. HSE advises that the changes are technical and do not affect the main legal duties. | Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):3 |
| Slips and trips. Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE has published online advice on procuring slip-resistant footwear for use at work. Footwear selection will, advises HSE, have to take into account other factors such as comfort, durability and other safety features and the "final choice may have to be a compromise". | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/slips/footprocure.htm Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):3 |
| Work at height - schools. Week ending 05/12/08 |
The HSE has updated guidance for schools on working at height. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/schoolguidance.htm Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):3 |
| The "real" cost of injuries and ill health at work to employers. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Employers are now able to get a better picture of the real cost of workplace injuries and ill health. (Howard Fidderman) | Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):4-6 |
| The HSE's stress management standards: a failure to deliver? Week ending 05/12/08 |
The HSE can find no survey evidence that its vaunted stress management standards have had any significant effects. Indeed, it may never know for sure. (Lucinda Ponting) | Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):7-10 |
| Health and safety: the state of play. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Table reviewing all HSC/E activity between 8 April 2008 and 1 October 2008. | Health and Safety Bulletin November 2008 (373):11-24 |
| Safer with sprinklers. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Kent Fire and Rescue Service's "Safer with Sprinklers" campaign has been raising local and national support in the housing sector, and presenting awards for fitting sprinklers in the homes of vulnerable people. | Internet: www.kent.fire-uk.org/YourSafetySprinklers Fire Risk Management November 2008:4 |
| Great expectations. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Firefighters often have to make split-second risk-based decisions, but how does this sit with public and professional expectations? (Bill Gough) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:8-11 |
| Heavy duty. Week ending 05/12/08 |
A successful partnership that co-ordinates emergency services with vehicle recovery in difficult rescue scenarios may prompt UK-wide adoption. (Stuart Smith) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:13-15 |
| Case for concern? Week ending 05/12/08 |
A court decision, now subject to appeal, has implications on whether fire services should train their employees on risks outside their control. (Andy Grffiths) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:35-37 |
| Signal intention. Week ending 05/12/08 |
An updated policy aims to deliver sustained reductions in false alarms and unwanted fire signals in England and Wales. (Robert Thilthorpe) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:42-45 |
| Intelligent integration. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fully integrating building systems - including fire, security and access systems - can bring significant safety and business benefits. (John Bateson) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:47-49 |
| Route planner. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Directional sound is emerging as a key technology in ensuring quick and safe evacuations. (Mark Thomson) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:50-53 |
| Voice over. Week ending 05/12/08 |
The possibilities and some of the pitfalls of voice-based alarm technology. (Bob Choppen) | Fire Risk Management November 2008:54-56 |
| HSE reminds health and social care organisations to conduct risk assessments after a 90-year old lady dies. Week ending 05/12/08 |
South Birmingham Primary Care Trust has been fined a total of £20,000 with costs of £17,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Two auxiliary nurses were transferring Alice Belle from a commode to her bed using a large sling and a battery operated lifting hoist, when she fell from the sling to the floor. She died at the scene. The moving and handling risk assessment in place at the time did not specify which sling should be used for the patient. The one that was used was too large. | HSE (National) Press Release HSE WM/334/08 1/12/08 |
| "Be part of the solution": HSE launches its new strategy for health and safety. Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE is launching a consultation on its new strategy, "The Health and Safety of Great Britain: Be part of the Solution". Its decision to develop a new strategy has been prompted by a range of factors, including the recent slowing of improvement in GB's H&S performance, the different risks posed by new sectors, and the need to regain the H&S brand from those who misuse it to proliferate bureaucracy and as an excuse for other things. Launched at three simultaneous events in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, it will be followed by a series of workshops across GB in January 2009. | Further information: http://glasgows.org/hsestrategyconsultation or email hsestrategyconsultation@glasgows.co.uk or call 01772 767717 Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/strategy HSE (National) Press Release E061:08 3/12/08 |
| "Be part of the solution": HSE consults on its new strategy for health and safety. Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE is consulting on its new strategy, "The Health and Safety of Great Britain: Be part of the Solution". HSE Chair, Judith Hackitt, is calling on all those involved in workplace H&S - employers, self-employed, employees, trades unions, manufacturers, suppliers - to work with the HSE on delivering their goals. Consultation will end on 2 March 2009 after a series of regional workshops hosted by the HSE across GB. The full launch of the finalised strategy will take place in the second quarter of 2009. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/strategy HSE (National) Press Release E060:08 4/12/08 |
| Offshore health and safety statistics. Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE has published its offshore H&S statistics covering the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. The report contains injury and incident statistics and provides further detailed information about the provisional headline figures posted on HSE's website in August 2008. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/information.htm HSE (National) Press Release E063:08 5/12/08 |
| Woodwork teacher contracts asthma - HSE warns about the risks affecting woodworkers. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Stirling Council has been fined £5,000 under COSHH 2002 (as amended). Mr Shand, a woodwork teacher, has been diagnosed with occup asthma because his employers failed to control exposure to a substance hazardous to health. Despite concerns raised by staff at the school, and by their own H&S advisors, Stirling Council consistently failed over a number of years to adequately assess and control the risks to staff from wood dust which is known to be a cause of occup asthma and even cancer. | HSE (Scotland) Press Release SCO/179/08 28/11/08 |
| Final week of inspection campaign highlights safety concerns. Week ending 05/12/08 |
During the third and final week of the countywide campaign to improve H&S at work, business premises in Shepway, Thanet, Dover and Canterbury were targeted. 79 premises were visited and HSE and LA inspectors issued 32 notices. | HSE (South East) Press Release COISE 28/11 28/11/08 |
| Students alerted to deadly asbestos risks. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Students from the College of North East London have received a stark warning from the HSE about the dangers of asbestos, a hidden killer they will face in their future professions. | HSE London) Press Release 28/11/08 |
| Hillingdon worst in West London for asbestos mortality. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Hillingdon has been revealed as having the highest mortality rates in East London for asbestos related disease. Between 1981 and 2005, 135 men have died in the borough from asbestos related deaths. | HSE (London) Press Release 1/12/08 |
| Sell-out events help Cornish hospitality sector avoid workplace hazards. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Three events aimed at helping hospitality businesses in Cornwall to ensure their workplaces are safe, have proved a great success, selling out early on and drawing hoteliers from across the county. | HSE (South West) Press Release 655 SWW/08 2/12/08 |
| HSE warning follows several incidents involving asbestos in North Wales. Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE inspectors have investigated a number of incidents in recent months where contractors have disturbed asbestos while carrying out refurbishment work. Site owners have a legal obligation to identify the location of asbestos before work starts and the HSE is warning people who are commissioning work to ensure there is no asbestos present before work starts. | HSE (Wales) Press Release 691/W/08 2/12/08 |
| Aberdeen tradesmen warned of asbestos danger. Week ending 05/12/08 |
The Jewson branch in Aberdeen is backing the HSE 'Asbestos: The Hidden Killer' campaign and aims to reduce the rising death rate from asbestos-related disease by educating those in the trade about the dangers that asbestos presents to them. | HSE (Scotland) Press Release SCO/179/08 3/12/08 |
| Young tradesmen in Darlington alerted to risk of asbestos - the hidden killer. Week ending 05/12/08 |
Steve Coldrick, Director of the Disease Reduction Programme for the HSE, will deliver a hard-hitting message to students studying to be plumbers, electricians and joiners at Darlington College that they could die from mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer, which has a strong link of sufferers having been exposed to asbestos, unless they take necessary precaution in the workplace. | HSE (North East) Press Release NE/572/08 3/12/08 |
| HSE inspection initiative in Cheshire to combat rising death toll on construction sites. Week ending 05/12/08 |
As part of a rolling inspection programme, HSE is to carry out an intensive inspection initiative in Cheshire. HSE inspectors will conduct unannounced inspections of the house building and property refurbishment industry in the county. During an earlier region-wide initiative in February this year, 187 inspections were carried out, with enforcement action taken in 103 cases. | HSE (North West) Press Release HSE/NW/REGINI/025/08 4/12/08 |
| Grantham chip makers receive £10,000 fine after man loses finger tip. Week ending 05/12/08 |
PAS (Grantham) Ltd have been fined £10,000 with costs of £3,587 under HASAWA 1974 s2 for failing to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that a safe system of work was in place. Whilst investigating a fault on a tray-making machine, Edward Drayton got his hand trapped in the drive pulley when the motor started up again. His injuries were so severe that they resulted in amputation of part of his first finger of one hand, crushing of his middle finger so severe it broke the bones and split the skin. Mr Drayton no longer works for the company and is now employed as an electrician but found it hard to get back to work following his injuries and treatment. | HSE (East Midlands) Press Release HSE/EM/185 4/12/08 |
| North East and Highland companies to be quizzed on the "Hidden Killer". Week ending 05/12/08 |
HSE inspectors, and inspectors from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Orkney Councils will be targeting businesses during routine inspections, asking them how much they know about asbestos and the steps they are taking to control it on their premises. The move comes on the back of the major HSE campaign, "Asbestos - the Hidden Killer". | HSE (Scotland) Press Release SCO/181/08 4/12/08 |
| Glasgow hosts consultation event on Health and Safety Executive (HSE's) new strategy - "Be Part of the Solution". Week ending 05/12/08 |
As part of HSE's new strategy, people across Scotland are invited to have their say at an event to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Congress Road, Glasgow on Thursday 29 January 2009. The event is by invitation only and to register your interest call 01772 767717. | Internet: www.glasgows.org/hsestrategyconsultation HSE (Scotland) Press Release SCO/182/08 5/12/08 |
| HSE Strategy Consultation event at St James Park. Week ending 05/12/08 |
As part of HSE's new strategy, people across the North East are invited to have their say at an event to be held at St James Park on Tuesday 13 January 2009. The event is by invitation only and to register your interest call 01772 767717. | Internet: www.glasgows.org/hsestrategyconsultation HSE (North East) Press Release NE/574/08 5/12/08 |
| Lakeside Container Services Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £13,400 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and LOLER 1998. | HSE Prosecution Case 4095975 22/9/08 |
| Rockwool Ltd Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined £20,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. IP injured when entangled between the tail drum and conveyor belt - fractured arm and ribs. | HSE Prosecution Case 4122118 22/9/08 |
| Eastern Counties Laundries Ltd Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined £30,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. IP trapped between two conveyors when he removed a blockage preventing a pneumatic conveyor from extending. When it had been removed, the conveyor extended trapping him by the throat. Emergency stop systems were not connected to the air supply which fed the pneumatic system so the energy was not released when the emergency stops were pressed. Insufficient systems for management of H&S or risk assessment, also due to lack of suitable control systems. | HSE Prosecution Case 4075123 23/9/08 |
| Andrew Dennis Nicholls Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined £1,000 under HASAWA 1974 s7. Employee suffered serious burns when lighting a bonfire that had been doused with petrol by the site manager. | HSE Prosecution Case 4125197 23/9/08 |
| Mainstream Scotland Limited Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £700 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and PPEWR 1992. This case did result from the investigation of a fatality. | HSE Prosecution Case 4081373 24/9/08 |
| Building Research Establishment Limited Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined £17,500 under PUWER 1998. Company failed to ensure that all employees who used work equipment (counterbalance forklift truck) had received adequate training for purposes of H&S, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the equipment, any risk which such use may entail and precautions to be taken. | HSE Prosecution Case 4090670 24/9/08 |
| Welwood Roofing Services Ltd Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £100,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. IP had gone under a forklift truck. Failure to take adequate precautions to prevent or prohibit contractors from driving a counterbalance truck until able to demonstrate competence to do so. Failure to take adequate steps to comply with, and enforce, their own H&S policy, method statements and risk assessment, including a failure to instruct contractors on the content and effects of their risk assessment and method statement for work at BRE. | HSE Prosecution Case 4090713 24/9/08 |
| Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £1,000 under PUWER 1998 and WHR 2005. Fall from a ladder that was in poor condition and which had not been maintained. IP untrained, often did this work, and was unaware of the RA. The RA's findings had not been followed through. | HSE Prosecution Case 4111408 25/9/08 |
| Staples Disposables Ltd Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £1,000 under PUWER 1998 and HASAWA 1974 s3. IP managed to reach into guarded enclosure during cleaning and made contact with napkin slitting bandsaw. Serious laceration to finger and subsequently tip of finger was amputated at hospital. | HSE Prosecution Case 4112831 25/9/08 |
| Steve Emery Roofing Limited Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £2,000 under WHR 2005. | HSE Prosecution Case 4124945 26/9/08 |
| Ms H T & B J Thornton Berry Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £1,500 under PUWER 1998. When IP was operating a circular saw, he slipped while the blade was running and cut his hand and two fingers were severed. | HSE Prosecution Case 4127383 26/9/08 |
| Ms H T & B J Thornton Berry Week ending 05/12/08 |
Fined total of £1,500 under PUWER 1998. When IP was operating a circular saw, he slipped while the blade was running and cut his hand and two fingers were severed. | HSE Prosecution Case 4127387 26/9/08 |
| Road worker wins big vibration payout. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Adrian Bideau has been awarded £262,000 from his former employers, Norfolk County Council. Mr Bideau has been forced to retire at 25 after he developed HAVS and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Council operated a bonus scheme which encouraged their employees to work long and excessive hours on the tools. The scheme has now been stopped. | Safety Management November 2008:7 |
| New quality badge "will encourage school trips". Week ending 12/12/08 |
A new "Quality Badge" that will allow teachers to identify organisations that provide both high quality learning experiences outside the classroom and manage safety effectively has been launched by the Government. Part of a package aimed at cutting the red tape surrounding school trips, the quality badges will be awarded to organisations that have met certain quality and safety criteria set by a new assessment body. | Safety Management November 2008:6 |
| "No cuts to red tape despite Better Regulation drive" says report. Week ending 12/12/08 |
According to a new survey held by the National Audit Office, nearly all businesses report that there has been no reduction in the time they take to deal with regulation despite a major Government effort. | Safety Management November 2008:7 |
| Police forces under pressure. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Unison is calling for a crackdown on violence against police staff after new statistics show that almost 15 per cent have been subjected to violence at work. | Safety Management November 2008:7 |
| Three men put behind bars for fatal gas canister explosion cover-up. Week ending 12/12/08 |
An accident in which a scrap-metal worker died after sustaining 90 - 95 per cent full thickness burns has led to the imprisonment of three men, as well as fines for a series of health and safety charges. | Safety Management November 2008:11 |
| Drama teacher fractures bones in careless Carmarthen lift shaft tumble. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Carmarthenshire County Council has been fined a total of £45,000 and costs of £7,712 under HASAWA s2 & s3 and LOLER 1998. Gareth Williams was stage managing a production when he stepped back and fell 2.5m, shattering the orbit of his right eye and fracturing bones in his arm. | Safety Management November 2008:17 |
| Superdrug fined after 15-year-old hurt. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Superdrug Stores plc has been fined a total of £8,000 and costs of £2,649.98 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and PUWER 1998. Nathaniel Cousins was on work experience and had been helping move boxes off a conveyor which brought goods from the ground floor of the store to a first floor storage area, when his hand became trapped in the machine. Thorough examinations had highlighted dangerous trapping points which needed guarding, but no-one had acted on them. | Safety Management November 2008:18 |
| Taking care of health and safety. Week ending 12/12/08 |
As one of the UK's leading providers of specialist healthcare to people with a variety of mental health disorders, learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries, St Andrew's Healthcare faces challenges similar to any provider in ensuring H&S is of the highest standard. A visit to the organisation's main site to find out more. (Joanna Gurman) | Safety Management November 2008:27-30 |
| Stopping roadkill. Week ending 12/12/08 |
With as many as 900 people being killed every year in work-related road traffic accidents, it is vitally important for employers with vehicle fleets to tackle occup road risks - where to start. (Britta Lang) | Safety Management November 2008:32-34 |
| Masking the issue of respiratory illness. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Respiratory protective protection is a vital tool in preventing workplace exposure to harmful substances, but some employers are still struggling to select and use the right equipment for their staff. A quick overview of the steps to take. (Matthew Judson) | Safety Management November 2008:39-40,42,44 |
| LEV - a misused tool. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is an effective method of removing contaminants from the workplace air, but the HSE says that much of the equipment in use doesn't work - usually because it is not installed, used or maintained properly. Some tips on getting it right. (Adrian Hirst) | Safety Management November 2008:47-48,50-52 |
| HSE announces tyre handling workshops. Week ending 12/12/08 |
A countrywide series of workshops to draw attention to the dangers of handling tyres is being staged by the HSE in conjunction with the tyre industry. Back injuries caused by lifting tyres incorrectly are responsible for a huge number of lost man-hours. | Information and to book: lynnesmith@ntda.co.uk HSE (National) Press Release E064:08 8/12/08 |
| HSE warns of dangers after man loses part of his leg. Week ending 12/12/08 |
M J Curle Ltd was fined £5,000 and costs of £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3. A tipper truck carrying tar-covered road-rubble toppled onto its side trapping a workman against a pile of brick rubble by his foot, necessitating amputation of part of his left leg. HSE is warning construction companies to ensure they provide safe system of work. | HSE (National) Press Release HSE WM/406/08 9/12/08 |
| HSE warns of the need to assess risks, after worker is injured. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Caltherm (UK) Ltd was fined £10,000 and costs of £3,377 under HASAWA 1974 s2. A 22 year old employee was helping to move an industrial steam-heated DMT liquid oven weighing 800kg (over 3/4 of a ton) when the oven fell from the two pallet trucks that were being used to move it. He received 3 breakages to his left foot and 5 dislocated toes. | HSE (National) Press Release HSE WM/421/08 9/12/08 |
| Pesticide residues results released. Week ending 12/12/08 |
The Pesticide Residues Committee has published its second quarterly 2008 report. No residues were detected in any samples of milk, pork, turkey, water or cider and perry. | HSE (National) Press Release E065:08 9/12/08 |
| Cattle handling seminar highlights health and safety risks to vets and agricultural workers. Week ending 12/12/08 |
The risks associated with handling cattle have been highlighted at a special event organised by the HSE and aimed at vets and agricultural workers in the South West. | HSE (South West) Press Release WW672/SWW/08 9/12/08 |
| HSE and Jewson join force in Stockton to warn tradesmen of asbestos danger. Week ending 12/12/08 |
HSE and Jewson have joined forces to help warn tradesmen of the dangers of asbestos. The Jewson branch in Stockton is backing the HSE's Asbestos: The Hidden Killer campaign. | HSE (North East) Press Release NE/580/08 9/12/08 |
| HSE and Harrogate Council take action on safety at work. Week ending 12/12/08 |
HSE Inspectors and Harrogate Borough Council visited over 130 businesses as part of their Safer Business Community project. 33 INs were issued where there were serious matters of concern and action was required to be taken to prevent an accident occurring, 1 PN where matters were so bad the inspector found it necessary to stop activities immediately until steps had been taken to put things right. | HSE (Yorkshire and Humber) Press Release YH/605 9/12/08 |
| Fife company and director fined £35,000 for exposing staff to asbestos. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Dean Entertainments was fined £28,000 and Edward Dean Melville, a director of the company, was fined £7,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3 and s37 respectively. HSE has warned businesses to ensure they keep accurate details of asbestos in their buildings before any construction work takes place. This was a serious incident in which at least 15 tradesman were exposed to airborne asbestos fibres over almost two months during a major refurbishment of a former ballroom nightclub. | HSE (Scotland) Press Release SCO/183/08 9/12/08 |
| Company and tradesman fined for health and safety breaches. Week ending 12/12/08 |
Kelly's Storage Ltd was fined total of £10,000 and costs of £5,000 under CDMR 1994 and HASAWA 1974 s3. Brian Graham (a self-employed engineer and daughtsman trading as C B Draughting) was fined £1,000 and costs of £1,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Two workers were on the roof, one undoing the old roof sheets and the other cutting the 12 metre long roof sheets. One worker stepped onto a loose sheet and fell. There was no system in place to prevent the worker from falling, or to mitigate the effect of the fall. He fell over 5 metres and sustained a fractured hip and a broken elbow. | HSE (South East) Press Release COISE/0112 11/12/08 |
| Health and Safety Executive disappointed with level of 'muddling along' on Cheshire construction sites. Week ending 12/12/08 |
HSE inspectors say they are disappointed that almost half of construction sites visited during a series of spot-checks in North Cheshire required them to issue Enforcement Notices. Despite setting out to give advice and help contractors work safely, they still found significant breaches of H&S legislation, requiring the issuing of 5 PNs requiring work to stop immediately. In total 14 premises were visited and 10 INs were issued, three of them on a single site. | HSE (North West) Press Release HSE/NW/REGINI/026/08 11/12/08 |
| Robert McCart Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined total of £18,000 under CAR 2006, also disqualified from being a Director for four years. Removal of asbestos with no enclosure, no DCU and not licensed to carry out asbestos work. | HSE Prosecution 4094535 29/9/08 |
| SMS Shotblasting Limited Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £3,000 under HASAWA 1974. IP sustained injury when steel beam fell from the fork of a forklift truck. | HSE Prosecution 4097148 29/9/08 |
| KSD Recycling Aggregates Ltd Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £6,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. IP entered a mud mixing tank (confined space) in order to carry out repairs/maintenance and was struck by paddles because the dangerous parts of the machinery had not been isolated. Safe system of work not followed. | HSE Prosecution 4117079 29/9/08 |
| NS Optimum Ltd Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £10,000 under HASAWA 1974 s33. The company was installing fibre optic cables over the flat roof of a school with many glass rooflights. The task had not been adequately assessed and an inexperienced employee fell through one of the rooflights while walking backwards unreeling cable. | HSE Prosecution 4128983 29/9/08 |
| Nottingham City Council Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £2,500 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Failure to conduct their undertaking, namely refuse collection, and in particular to provide such instruction, training and supervision as was necessary to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons in their employment, including the IP, were not exposed to risks to their H&S. | HSE Prosecution 4129466 29/9/08 |
| A B Electrical and Building Services Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £2,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Cable drum not adequately stabilised or fitted with adequate braking device. Control of the cable and drum was lost, causing the cable drum to rotate out of control and fall from one of the two axle stands supporting it and roll forward, trapping and injuring employee. | HSE Prosecution 4097739 1/10/08 |
| Chelford Properties Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined total of £6,000 under CHSWR 1996 and CDMR 1994. Failure to ensure that only authorised persons were allowed onto the premises - children were gaining access to the site. Also failure to organise a traffic management system which would allow pedestrians and vehicles to move safely on site. | HSE Prosecution 4098261 1/10/08 |
| 1st Choice Roller Shutters Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £2,000 under WHR 2005. Employee injured whilst converting a chain-operated shutter to electric-working from steps. IP lost balance and fell to the ground. | HSE Prosecution 4124495 1/10/08 |
| Oran Group Limited Week ending 12/12/08 |
Fined £7,500 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Process Operator sustained eye injuries after coming into contact with lime dust during its transfer under pressure from a non-tipping tanker into a silo. | HSE Prosecution 4109026 2/10/08 |
| Dangers of construction highlighted after Taylor Woodrow prosecution. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd were the company managing the Senedd building project. They were fined £200,000 and costs of £71,400 under HASAWA 1974 s3. John Walsh 53, died after a wall collapsed throwing him from his ladder. He was employed as a supervisor with sub-contractors Ferson Construction Services Ltd to build a blockwork supporting wall. Method statement in place for ladder use but not followed. | HSE (South West) and (Wales) Press Release 719/W/08 12/12/08 |
| Vehicle death. Week ending 19/12/08 |
North Tyneside Council has been fined £40,000 over the death of a man killed by a reversing refuse lorry. HSE Inspector Stephen Britton said, "Training was cursory and did not cover guiding vehicles in any way." | HSW December 2008:8 |
| Legislative calendar. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Calendar of new and up and coming legislation. | HSW December 2008:10 |
| Crunch time. Week ending 19/12/08 |
How will health and safety spending and management hold up in the face of a downturn? (Lucie Ponting) | HSW December 2008:18-20 |
| Engaging directors: the numbers game. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The first of two articles on briefing senior executives on safety management, an alternative to RIDDOR stats. (Duncan Spencer) | HSW December 2008:22-24 |
| Three-way split. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Grampian Foods has been experimenting with safety audits using teams made up of management, HSE and employee representatives. (Andrea Oates) | HSW December 2008:26-28 |
| SMEs: taking control. Week ending 19/12/08 |
In the latest of primers for small businesses, a look at common hazards, control measures and people at risk. (Paul Reeve) | HSW December 2008:31-32 |
| CDM 2007: duty bound. Week ending 19/12/08 |
In the latest of the series for NEBOSH Diploma students, a focus on CDM 2007. (Lawrence Bamber) | HSW December 2008:33-34,36 |
| What lies beneath. Week ending 19/12/08 |
How to locate buried services safely. (Shelley Atkinson-Frost) | HSW December 2008:38-40 |
| Cold comfort. Week ending 19/12/08 |
As winter weather bites, a look at protecting outdoor workers from the chill. (Becky Allen) | HSW December 2008:42 |
| Burning issue. Week ending 19/12/08 |
A preview of coming changes to the industry guidance on fire prevention. (Adair Lewis) | HSW December 2008:45-46 |
| Safety podcasts: hearing voices. Week ending 19/12/08 |
A review of the latest free audio safety downloads, and their different presentation styles. (Bridget Leathley) | HSW December 2008:49 |
| Permanent solutions for temps. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Temporary agency employees across Europe should benefit from new rules on working conditions just agreed by MEPs in Strasbourg. All EU countries must incorporate specific requirements on hours of work, rest periods and training in domestic legislation to take effect within three years. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin November 2008:1-2 |
| Talking shop. Week ending 19/12/08 |
90 per cent of bosses say they involve their staff in H&S affairs through formal or informal means, but only 40 per cent hold regular meetings with employees or their representatives. These figures were highlighted by H&S Minister Lord Luton at a recent conference. | RoSPA Occup Safety & Health Bulletin November 2008:4-5 |
| HSE steps up to build on "successful" Shattered Lives. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The HSE believes that its £3 million Shattered Lives campaign may prove the "most successful" initiative of its type to date. In addition to winning praise from media professionals, initial indications are that the campaign may have affected employer behaviour beyond the HSE's expectations. | Internet: "Shattered Lives campaign 2008/09: Progress report and future plans" HSE SMT/08/67 www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/smt/011008/smt08-67.pdf Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):3 |
| Accidents - RIDDOR. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Despite reductions in the incidence of work-related injuries, ill-health and absence in 2007/08, compared with the previous year, the HSE admits it remains on course for one, and "not on track" for two, of its three Revitalising health and safety targets. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/hssoct08.htm Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):6 |
| Agriculture - children. Week ending 19/12/08 |
HSE has revised its guidance on "Preventing accidents to children on farms", A1S10 (rev3). | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/as10.pdf Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):6 |
| Atypical - nights. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The last three weeks of October saw HSE and LA inspectors carry out a blitz of the night-time economy in south west England. | Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):6 |
| Chemicals - REACH. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The HSE has issued guidance on the application to biodiesel of the REACH Regulations. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/reach/resources/biodiesel.pdf Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):6 |
| Enforcement - prosecutions. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The number of prosecutions taken by the HSE in 2007/08 was 1,028, the fourth consecutive year in which the total has fallen. The average penalty for an HSE conviction was £12,896 per offence. | Internet: "Health and safety statistics 2007/08" www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/hssoct08.htm Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):6 |
| Interventions - effectiveness. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The HSE has published a review of research since 2002 into "What works in delivering health and safety improvements". | Internet: HSE RR654 www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr654.htm Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):7 |
| Local authorities - partnership. Week ending 19/12/08 |
According to a recent evaluation, the partnership between HSE and LAs is in "good health". The study found that the majority of elements in the 2004 HSE-LAs "Statement of Intent" have been wholly or partly delivered, and that the partnership has led to a "step change" in the relationship between the regulators. | Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):7 |
| Revitalising progress showing possible signs of resuscitation. Week ending 19/12/08 |
A drop in work-related ill health over the past year has rekindled hopes that the HSE may yet deliver all three of the Government's Revitalising targets. (Howard Fidderman) | Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):8-12 |
| Engaging workers to construct a base for changing behaviour. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The use of behaviour change and worker engagement may be paying off in the construction industry. (Lucinda Ponting) | Health and Safety Bulletin December 2008 (374):13-18 |
| New chief inspector of construction starts work in 2009. Week ending 19/12/08 |
HSE is pleased to announce that Philip White, currently on secondment to Department of Work and Pensions, has been appointed Chief Inspector of Construction. Philip will take up the London based post early in the new year. | HSE (National) Press Release E066:08 15/12/08 |
| Mansfield firm fined after man's hand crushed. Week ending 19/12/08 |
W H Davis Ltd was fined £5,000 and costs of £2,380.75 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Matthew Parker was working on a three roll bending machine and had his hand crushed after his left hand glove was drawn into a rolling machine. The injuries could have been avoided if the company had safe systems of work in place. | HSE (National) Press Release HSE/EM/190/08 17/12/08 |
| East Sussex company fined £40,000 after employee loses part of finger. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Britannia Superfine Ltd were fined total of £40,000 and costs of £13,000 under MHSWR 1999 and PUWER 1998. Maintenance engineer went to view the job he had been allocated, the confectionary machine. Whilst viewing the unguarded rack and pinion gearing, he slipped and placed his hand out to prevent himself from falling, resulting in his hand resting on the rack just as the pinion rolled across it, crushing his index finger, which had to be amputated. | HSE (National) Press Release COISE/0212 18/12/08 |
| Latest statistics on deaths highlight dangers of the agricultural industry. Week ending 19/12/08 |
According to the latest HSE report agriculture remains one of Britain's most dangerous industries. In 2007/08 another 39 workers died bringing the 10-year total to 455. | Internet: www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/index.htm HSE (National) Press Release E068:08 19/12/08 |
| HSE warns people to beware of rogue gas fitters. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Andrew Goodison was fined a total of £1,500 and given a three year conditional discharge under GSIUR 1998. HSE is warning of the dangers of having gas work done by unregistered gas installers. Mr Goodison, who trades as RGS Building Services and RGS Electrical and Building, had carried out gas work on 5 properties. The HSE were contacted by a resident about work on gas appliances at their home. | HSE (Yorkshire and Humber) Press Release YH/616/08 12/12/08 |
| Suspended sentence for hotel owner who flouted the law. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Kulwinder Bola, owner of the Royal Renaissance Hotel was found guilty of ignoring a PN issued by the HSE. He was also found guilty of employing an unregistered gas fitter to install pipework and gas catering appliances and failing to appoint a planning supervisor in respect of the project to refurbish the hotel. Mr Bola was charged under CDMR 1994, GSUIR 1998 and HASAWA 1974 s22. He received a 12 week custodial sentence, suspended for 1 year, for ignoring the HSE PN. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service within the year and to pay the full court costs of £20,623. He received a conditional discharge for the other two charges. | HSE (East Midlands) Press Release EM/FIN/08 12/12/08 |
| JG Pears Ltd fined £100,000 after employees were exposed to toxic gases during maintenance. Week ending 19/12/08 |
JG Pears (Newark) Ltd was fined £100,000 and costs of £38,052.44 under HASAWA 1974 s3. An employee was working with a man to clear a blockage in a condenser which was connected to a storage vessel and the blood and feather processing plant. The employees had not been informed the vessel was likely to contain either hydrogen sulphate or carbon dioxide. Gas had built up behind the blockage and when cleared the gas was suddenly released. Both men inhaled the gas and had to be resuscitated at the scene by workmates. HSE revealed that staff were not provided with safe systems of work or given instruction, training or supervision and that the company failed to undertake sufficient risk assessments. | HSE (East Midlands) Press Release HSE/EM/FIN 12/12/08 |
| Firm fined £180,000 after recycling site fatality. Week ending 19/12/08 |
SITA UK Limited was fined £180,000 and costs of £38,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. Employee Paul McGuire 33, was fatally injured while using a baling machine at a recycling centre. He was neither formally trained nor authorised to use the baler but was left alone to operate the machine which was used to bale paper and cardboard. The baler became jammed and, in an attempt to clear it, Mr McGuire climbed up the conveyor, fell into the hopper and was killed by the mechanism of the baler. | HSE (South West) Press Release 701/SWW/08 12/12/08 |
| Council fined after 90 yr old lady dies. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Staffordshire County Council was fined a total of £83,000 and costs of £21,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. The 90 yr old lady was sitting in a wheelchair when it fell from the back of a vehicle operated by the council, on her way to a Day Centre. She suffered internal injuries and died 3 days later in hospital. The wheelchair used at the time had defective brakes and no footrests fitted. It appeared that the wheelchair footrests were lost several years ago, but the wheelchair was in daily use. | HSE (West Midlands) Press Release WM/426/08 12/12/08 |
| HSE warns of invisible dangers after potentially lethal gas is released. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Denso Manufacturing Midlands Ltd, was fined a total of £28,000 and costs of £5,278 under HASAWA 1974 s2 and s3. The company was decommissioning the fire suppression system in the basement substation of its old works. Two employees released carbon dioxide from 11 large cylinders into the small basement room, unaware that it was heavier than air and would not be able to escape. A contract electrician re-entered the substation, left immediately as unpleasant taste in the air. He was treated for gas inhalation. The company had not carried out a risk assessment identifying the risks arising from a move to another site and decommissioning of the old factory. | HSE (West Midlands) Press Release WM/425/08 12/12/08 |
| Rotherham businessman fined for poor safety management. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Mr Mir Baz Khan was fined a total of £5,000 and costs of £3,000 under CDMR 2007 and HASAWA 1974 s3. Mr Khan failed to heed HSE advice about poor standards on the site where he was developing apartments. HSE inspectors made 3 visits over an 8 month period, resulting in the site being closed on each occasion. Despite significant advice and information being given to Mr Khan, he persisted in operating the site without effective site safety management. | HSE (Yorkshire and Humber) Press Release YH/617/08 12/12/08 |
| HSE warning to fairground operators after prosecution. Week ending 19/12/08 |
Oakwood Leisure Ltd were fined £250,000 and costs of £80,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Hayley Williams 16, died when she fell 100 feet from the Hydro Ride at a theme park. There were systematic failures by the company to ensure their staff were properly trained and supervised to make sure they were following the basic safety procedures which are essential for rides like the Hydro. | HSE (Wales) Press Release 711/W/08 18/12/08 |
| Health and Safety Executive and Homebase join forces in Wakefield to warn tradesmen of asbestos danger. Week ending 19/12/08 |
The HSE and home improvement retailer Homebase have joined forces to help warn tradesman of the dangers of asbestos. | HSE (Yorkshire and Humber) Press Release YH/626/08 19/12/08 |
| Madhu Bhajanehatti Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined a total of £10,350 under HASAWA 1974 s33. Failure to comply with Improvement Notices. | HSE Prosecution 4098537 6/10/08 |
| Madhu Bhajanehatti Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined a total of £10,350 under HASAWA 1974 s33. Failure to comply with Improvement Notices. | HSE Prosecution 4098621 6/10/08 |
| Robert Nezha T/A Splendid Hand Car Wash Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined a total of £500 under ELCIR 1998. During a routine inspection it was found that the company did not have Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance. Mr Nezha has employees who are not closely related. | HSE Prosecution 4129907 6/10/08 |
| Smurfit Kappa UK Ltd Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined £2,500 under PUWER 1992. | HSE Prosecution 4110359 7/10/08 |
| Fred Hall t/as Barra Services Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined a total of £750 under ELCIR 1998. Following a routine inspection the company were unable to produce a copy of their Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance. Notice served, not complied with. | HSE Prosecution 4124618 7/10/08 |
| Mr Mac Singh Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined £2,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. Members of the public exposed to a risk of serious personal industry from debris that did fall outwith the boundary of the construction site. | HSE Prosecution 4085218 8/10/08 |
| GB Logan Fabrications Ltd Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined a total of £5,000 under CNWR 2005 and MHSWR 1999. Failure to implement suitable measures SFAIRP to control employees' exposure to noise generated by the turret punch. | HSE Prosecution 4110866 8/10/08 |
| Talisman Energy (UK) Limited Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined £600,000 under HASAWA 1974 s3. The fatal accident on the Bleo Holm Offshore Installation was the result of a lifting operation in COT 7 Starboard which resulted in part of the load becoming loose and falling down within the tank and striking members of the work party in the bottom of the tank. There were a number of procedural and supervisory failings identified during the investigation into this incident that resulted in the injury and death of two personnel in the tank. | HSE Prosecution 4071096 9/10/08 |
| Aker Kvaerner Offshore Partner Ltd Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined £600,000 under HASAWA 1974 s2. The fatal accident on the Bleo Holm Offshore Installation was the result of a lifting operation in COT 7 Starboard which resulted in part of the load becoming loose and falling down within the tank and striking members of the work party in the bottom of the tank. There were a number of procedural and supervisory failings identified during the investigation into this incident that resulted in the injury and death of two personnel in the tank. | HSE Prosecution 4071129 9/10/08 |
| Carmarthenshire County Council Week ending 19/12/08 |
Fined a total of £45,000 under LOLER 1998 and HASAWA 1974 s3 and s2. A volunteer with the Urdd Eisteddfod fell into unguarded lift shaft at the Lyric Theatre. Failure to ensure the health and safety of its employees and persons not in their employment. | HSE Prosecution 4121659 9/10/08 |
Week ending 19/12/08 |
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H&S
News December 2008