16 July Working safely in the sun (try not to) The summer this year has been one of the hottest and sunniest for a long time, and it is essential to think about working safely in the sun. In short, try and avoid working in very hot condition, and try to avoid working in strong sunshine. As it is now a sunnier time of year, those … Read More
7 April Face Fit Testing of RPE – Risk assessment and Prevention Face Fit Testing of RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) Respiratory Protective Equipment (or RPE) is used to protect wearers from exposure to a range of chemicals, solvents, dust, fibres, etc. It is often a protective measure that is identified in the risk assessment. The RPE must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers (otherwise … Read More
6 October Work at Height Introduction We are now several years on from the introduction of the introduction into UK law of the Work at Heights Regulations 2005. Despite that, not all organisations have come to terms with the implications of this law on their work activities. Many organisations still view the Work at Heights Regulations 2005 as construction-related legislation. The … Read More
18 July A quick review of several recent fines and prison sentences Several recent fines and prison sentences are shown below in several cases taken by the HSE and the Police. Many incidents can be avoided by good management, and by forethought. Read More
19 December Health and Safety Management – Active Monitoring Active Monitoring of Health and Safety is vital if an organisation is to avoid catastrophe. Good, solid, and sensible active monitoring help an organisation to avoid disaster by ensuring that the control measures that they believe are keeping them safe actually are keeping them safe. Active monitoring helps to avoid the reality gap: the chasm … Read More
14 December Section 40 is not your friend I have blogged on this issue before, but too many employers gloss over it. Section 40 is not your friend, and you need to know why. Section 40 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) places the burden of proof on an accused in offences consisting of a failure to comply with a … 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 Use of highly flammable liquids leads to a DSEAR fine for paper company A paper coating company has been fined after a worker suffered burns following a fire on a coating machine. Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard how an Olympic Varnish Company Limited employee suffered burn injuries following a fire caused by the use of highly flammable liquid to clean rollers on a coating machine. An investigation by the HSE into … 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
4 July Conveyor Safety – Agency Worker Injured Breadmakers Warburtons Ltd has been fined £1.9 million after an agency worker was injured when his arm got trapped against a running conveyor belt. The Crown Court in Nottingham heard how on 4 August 2015 the agency worker was cleaning parts of the bread line when his arm got trapped leaving him with friction burns which … Read More