The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an inspection campaign focused on the health risks of moving and handling materials on construction sites. Britain’s health and safety watchdog wants to highlight the long-term health impacts of poor or unsafe moving and handling practices, with figures showing that around 42,000 construction workers suffer from...
HSE publishes asbestos report for schools
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a report about the management of asbestos in schools, including key safety recommendations. Britain’s health and safety watchdog visited over 400 primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales between September 2022 and March 2023. They wanted to check that schools were effectively managing the...
Care firms fined following violent attacks on staff
Two firms operating in the adult social care sector have been fined more than £400,000 after “systemic failures” led to staff being injured in repeated violent attacks by patients. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the leading care firms should have implemented “preventative measures to prevent violence,” such as training for staff. Britain’s...
Hospitality firms urged to ensure electrical safety this summer
Hospitality venues are being urged to check the electrical safety of their outdoor equipment, after a young boy lost his life when he was electrocuted in a pub garden. Danielle Jones, aged 34 from Romford, is calling on all pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues to ensure that their outdoor electrical installations and equipment...
Firm fined after worker paralysed in ‘preventable’ incident
A manufacturing firm has been fined for health and safety failings after a worker was left paralysed following an “easily preventable” incident. Last month, Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court heard how the worker, a 65-year-old man from Worcester, suffered “life-changing” injuries when working for Mountfield CNC Ltd on 4th January 2022. He had been setting up...
IOSH warns scrapping EU health and safety laws could lead to deaths
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned that plans to consider scrapping EU health and safety laws could cost lives and livelihoods. IOSH said that the majority of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals believe that the amended Retained EU Law Bill (REUL) will still harm businesses, workers and economic growth....
Firms urged to refocus on asbestos dangers
As we mark Global Asbestos Awareness Week, businesses and tradespeople are being urged to refocus on the dangers posed by the deadly fibres. Major health and safety bodies are urging tradespeople and employers to reflect on how they manage the risks posed by asbestos during their work. Global Asbestos Awareness Week Global Asbestos Awareness...
Firm fined £2.3m for risk of ‘death to multiple casualties’
A company has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £2.3 million after unsafe working practices meant there was a risk of “serious injury or death to multiple casualties.” Exolum Pipeline System Ltd, formerly known as CLH Pipeline System (CLH-PS) Ltd, is a major pipeline transportation company based in London....
What is the future for health and safety law in the UK?
Many existing regulations could disappear from UK health and safety law at the end of this year if the Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill is approved in its current guise. The Bill, being dubbed the ‘EU Bonfire’ or ‘Sunset’ Bill, could lead to over 4,000 laws being amended, repealed or replaced by the end...
HSE launches new campaign for asbestos awareness
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its new campaign to improve asbestos awareness for people working in the construction industry. The Asbestos & You campaign will target all tradespeople but will particularly focus on younger workers in trades who have recently joined the industry in order to improve knowledge about the risks...
Six figure fine for health board that failed to follow safe working practices
A health board has been fined six figures after a patient died while being treated in hospital as a result of care that fell “below the required standards.” NHS Highland was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to follow safe working practices in relation to the death of 78-year-old Colin...
Construction firm fined after worker suffers life changing injuries
A construction company has been fined £34,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in an avoidable incident that “could have easily resulted in a fatality.” Hovington Limited, based in Rochdale, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in relation to the incident, which occurred on 4th...
Firm fined £60,000 after worker suffers ‘life-changing’ injuries
A firm has been fined £60,000 after a worker had to have their arm amputated after becoming entangled in a machine. Superior Machines Ltd, which manufactures agricultural machinery, were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a 68-year-old employee suffered life-threatening injuries when he became entangled on a manual lathe. The incident...
HSE continues Covid spot checks as infection rates rise
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have advised that they will be continuing to carry out Covid spot checks and inspections on businesses after the date for the final easing of lockdown restrictions was pushed back. Amid rising infection rates, as the new Delta variant of Covid-19 spreads, businesses must continue to have Covid-secure...