13 December Pothole fine of £250,000 Potholes cause injuries, but we too often treat them as “the norm”. During various site assessments, I have raised issues such as the one described below on numerous occasions. Some clients respond and deal with the matter (which seems sensible as they asked for the advice). Some choose to ignore it and occasionally deride the narrative … Read More
2 December Work at Height – worker survives fall, but Tesco fined over £500,000 Work at Height, fall leads to large fine despite worker surviving the fall We need to remember in 2013/14 falls arising from work at height were the most common cause of fatalities accounting to one in three fatal injuries to workers (RIDDOR) So imagine the shock, a worker working on a Tesco store roof falling … Read More
21 November Winter Weather – Don’t slip up this winter Winter weather can be the cause of many accidents – Don’t slip up this winter. Accidents involving slips & trips tend to peak in the autumn and winter due to: reduced daylight cold winter weather spells causing ice and snow to build up on paths Every year the snow and ice that covers the country receives national … Read More
22 September Worker dies from a fall – another work at height tragedy Two scaffolders from St Austell, Cornwall have received suspended prison sentences following a death of a worker who fell seven metres to his death. RS (aged 47) was dismantling scaffolding when he fell from a flat roof of a building in St Mawes. He was taken to Derriford Hospital but died three weeks later due … Read More
19 September Construction Site Manager Jailed for Manslaughter due to Negligence A construction site manager has been jailed for 30 months (two and a half years) following the death of a worker. The court ruled that the death as manslaughter by gross negligence. Site Manager Jailed for 30 months following a week-long manslaughter trial at Birmingham Crown Court. The judge, Mr. Justice John Saunders, said: “It seems the … Read More
17 April Health and Safety Failings – Family partnership fined following roof fall Family partnership fined following roof fall Key Facts A worker fell through a skylight over 4m to the concrete floor below He suffered a broken bones and severe bruising The family partnership were fined £5,000 plus costs. Read More
13 May Spotlight On – Slips Trips and Falls Statistics Slips Trips and Falls Statistics Slips, trips and falls are one of the biggest causes of workplace accidents and injuries. In this article, we’re having a look at the statistics surrounding the area. Read More
22 April Spotlight On – A – Z of Health and Safety A-Z of Health and Safety We’ve been having fun in the office trying to come up with a definitive A – Z of health and safety words and ideas. See if you agree with the words we chose… Read More
3 April Health and Safety Failings – Scaffolding collapse leads to fine Scaffolding collapse leads to fine Key Facts: Scaffold collapse following loft conversion firm’s failure to comply with CDM regulations. A worker fell 6m to the ground after scaffolding gave way under excessive weight. The company was fined £5,000 and £1,019 in costs. Read More
18 March Spotlight On – The HSL’s GRIP Scheme The HSL’s GRIP Scheme We come across slips, trips, and falls more often than we’d like to. Infact, they remain the most common cause of major injuries to employees. This got us looking at the HSL’s GRIP Scheme, and how this might help reduce the number of incidents. We thought we’d share what we found … Read More