31 October Separation of People from Moving Vehicles The lack of separation of people from moving vehicles was one of the reasons that an 89-year-old worker was fatally injured when struck by a reversing delivery vehicle. In too many workplaces that I visit, there is insufficient consideration given to this common, dangerous, controllable practice. The Magistrates’ Court in Mansfield heard how on 26 April … Read More
2 October Culture of negligence results in Prison Sentences In a recently reported case, a culture of negligence resulted in prison sentences being given to two Company Directors. A litany of safety failings led to a recycling company and both of its directors being prosecuted and fined. How did this particular company and its management get it so wrong? A series of visits by the HSE … Read More
26 September Silica dust exposure – HSE/HSL Study In a published study, HSE and the HSL looked carefully at roof tile cutting operations. The Problem When cutting roof tiles, workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). This dust, if breathed in, causes severe lung diseases such as silicosis. The HSE has produced a video of the effects of silicosis on people’s lives. … Read More
16 September Radon Gas – a cause of lung cancer in the UK Radon Gas: A prime cause of lung cancer across the UK Properteco.co.uk has created an infographic describing the major causes of this radon gas and essential tips on how to avoid getting affected by this gas. It also guides you to buy a special test kit which is inexpensive and easily available online. There are no symptoms of radon exposure, … Read More
6 September Step ladder fall leads to £1,000,000 fine A Hull-based bakery has been ordered to pay a fine of £1 Million after a self-employed contractor died when he fell from a stepladder. Hull Crown Court heard that the worker was contracted to complete electrical work at Greencore Grocery Ltd site in Hull in October 2013. The worker was wiring two motors for a new sugar … Read More
1 September couldn’t care less attitude to safety Having a couldn’t care less attitude to safety has landed the boss of a Swansea skip hire company in jail and with fines. The owner of a skip hire and waste disposal firm based near Swansea has been jailed for a year and his firm fined £35,000 for health and safety breaches. During the sentencing, the Company … Read More
25 August Life changing injuries A 21-year-old worker has been left with life changing injuries, and the Company has been fined. Devonshire based textile company Heathcoat Fabrics Limited has been fined after a 21-year old employee suffered life changing injuries (to his hand). In August 2014, AS was preparing a piece of machinery for the next shift. During this operation, his … Read More
24 August Fire Safety Crisis: Fire Safety and Local Councils It is clear that the country is facing fire safety crisis in the area of social housing. It has been reported that: The Local Government Association has said that local councils cannot afford the substantial fire-safety upgrades to social housing recommended in the wake of the Grenfell fire The Local Government Association represent more than 400 … Read More
18 August HSE are very active on Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) I have been approached recently by a few engineering companies as a result of HSE actions. In line with the HSE inspection regime, these are now more focused on Health Issues instead of the more traditional safety issues, such as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), Noise, inhalation of hazardous fumes and dust. In addition to these … Read More
10 July £1,000,000 fine for Nottinghamshire County Council Nottingham Crown Court heard that on 01 June 2015 a disabled 71-year-old man suffered bruising and injuries to his arms, legs and head from the incident involving Council Workers. The court heard that council employees were collecting branches (which were to be burned) from Rufford Park, transporting them using a tractor mounted grab attachment. During this process, … Read More