23 September Metalworking fluids are still causing ill health Earlier this year, the HSE announced that it would be targeting organisations that use metalworking fluid (MWF) for inspection. Although this case predates the recent round of enforcement visits, it does support the narrative. Lantern Engineering Ltd was sentenced for health breaches after workers were exposed to metalworking fluid (MWF). MWF is hazardous to health, … Read More
9 August 15 years jail sentence for transport boss Two men died when their car was hit by a 30-tonne HGV with faulty brakes – transport boss been jailed for 15 years and a driver sentenced to six years Michael Holgate was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after one of his lorries lost control and smashed through the central barrier of a motorway, hitting another … Read More
6 August Workplace Top Temperatures This summer has been one of the hottest, with some new records being set across the UK. The TUC is calling for a legal duty on employers to protect workers from heat-related risk after the Met Office issued its first-ever extreme heat warning in July 2021. Mika Minio-Paluello (who is the Policy Officer for Climate … Read More
5 August Workplace Transport – Death of a Driver (while he was a Pedestrian) Death of a Driver Whilst standing on open ground at the rear of the trailer of his articulated vehicle, the driver KA was struck by a wheeled shovel loader operating in the yard at their Auchinleck premises in Scotland, Ayr Sheriff Court heard. Failure to Assess the Risks and to implement Control Measures The investigation … Read More
5 August Roofer and scaffolder both sentenced following a fatal fall from height at a two-storey terraced house A roofer and a scaffolder have been sentenced following a fatal fall from height at a two-storey terraced house on Rosevine Road, Wimbledon. PD and AB were working on the house roof, which was accessed using a ladder and scaffolding that had been erected by DG. During the course of work, PD asked AB for … Read More
6 May Can you dismiss workers who refuse to attend the workplace over COVID-19 concerns? Can you dismiss workers who refuse to attend the workplace over COVID-19 concerns? I do not intend to digress too much into the world of Employment Law or HR, but a recent case (Rodgers v Leeds Laser Cutting Limited ET/1803829/2020) has proved very interesting. Over the last year (and counting), COVID-19 has created many challenges … Read More
28 March Will coronavirus lead to flexible working? Coronavirus has made a difference in the way many people work: Over the last year, many people have been working from home. It is understood that, as a result of this, the government is considering an expansion of employees’ rights to work flexible hours or to work from home. It is understood that a public … Read More
18 January UKCA mark replaces the CE mark AS you will be aware, the UK has now left the EU and the transition period has ended. Employers will need to become familiar with the new arrangements for ‘safety marking’ within the UK. This short article helps you to understand what you should be looking for when you purchase equipment that was previously ‘CE’ … Read More
26 August COVID-secure and HSE enforcement The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it will be carrying out further spot inspections at businesses in areas with the highest coronavirus infection rates as it continues its efforts to halt the spread of the virus. This means that HSE inspectors will be dropping in on businesses and putting employers on the spot in Oldham … Read More