Latest News
JO HANSFORD BACKS HSE'S 'BAD HAND DAY'
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Celebrity hair colourist Jo Hansford has pledged her support to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Bad Hand Day campaign aimed at cutting out dermatitis amongst hairdressers.
Popularly known as 'the best tinter on the planet' Jo Hansford's clientele includes celebrities such as Elizabeth Hurley, Angelina Jolie and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Having suffered herself from dermatitis in her early career, Jo is passionate about the Bad Hand Day campaign; "I am delighted to join HSE in tackling this industry-wide problem. Hairdressers suffering from dermatitis are often in a good deal of discomfort and pain, ashamed of their skin condition and in extreme cases have no choice but to leave the profession altogether.
"To those who think dermatitis is a part of the job all I can say is, this is a myth. Through the Bad Hand Day campaign we will equip hairdressers with the information needed to make dermatitis a thing of the past, say NO to dermatitis and take simple steps to avoid it."
Work related dermatitis can be caused by exposure to products like shampoo or hair-dye and even by prolonged wet-work. More than 50% of the 130,000 hairdressers in Great Britain will suffer from this unpleasant inflammatory skin condition at some point in their careers. Dermatitis leaves suffers with hands that are dry, red, flaky, itchy, swollen and blistering making normal activities very difficult. Simply wearing disposable non-latex gloves for shampooing, colouring and wet work can help prevent and control dermatitis.
Welcomed by the industry, HSE's Bad Hand Day campaign is set to reach out to every salon in England, Scotland and Wales in partnership with LACoRS, HABIA and the National Hairdressing Federation (NHF). Local authorities will visit salon managers, hairdressers and apprentices across a wide range of salons from large chains to the little shop on the high street to give help and advice on how to combat this debilitating condition.
FARMERS WARNED ABOUT GUARDING ALL AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT AFTER DEATH OF WORKER
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are warning the farming community to ensure all farm equipment is properly guarded after a farmer died after getting tangled in a tractor shaft.
The warning follows the death of a 34 year old man, from Grantham on 30 November 2005 at Hillcrest EM Ltd, Church Farm, Normanton Lane, Normanton. He was using a pump driven by a tractor Power Take Off (PTO) to unblock a blocked slurry tanker. There was no Power Input Connection Guard. The victims clothing caught on the shaft and he became entangled, which resulted in the amputation of his arm and he later died from multiple injuries.
On 8 November, at Melton Magistrates Court, Hillcrest EM Ltd, pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 11 (1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 for not ensuring that measures were taken to prevent access to a dangerous part of machinery. Also that under Regulation 3 (1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, that the company did not carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Magistrates at Melton fined the company £4,000. Costs were £2,232.
HSE Inspector Sian Tiernan said:
"This was a tragic accident which has killed a young man. Every year people are killed or seriously injured in accidents involving tractor PTOs and PTO drive shafts. Most of these accidents are preventable if the PTO and PTO drive shaft are fitted with guards of good design which are properly used and maintained."
"The people best placed to do that are farmers and their staff, working together to improve health and safety in this critical area."
Some simple points to remember are:
Broken, damaged or badly fitting guards can be just as dangerous as no guard at all
Protect the tractor PTO with a shield covering the top and both sides of the PTO so that it stops anyone making contact with it.
Guard PTO drive shafts by enclosing them along their full length
When buying a guard with a PTO drive shaft, make sure it has the CE mark on it and has a Declaration of Conformity, also check it has been made and tested to the appropriate standard and make sure it's the correct size and length
Check all guards regularly, e.g daily when in use, for wear and damage
Ensure no one is in danger before engaging the PTO drive
Do not wear scarves, loose or damaged clothing which could be caught in moving parts
Never try to clear blockages from a PTO-driven machine while it is moving. Always: disengage the power drive, stop the tractor engine, ensure the controls are in neutral and the hand brake is applied, remove the engine key, wait for all movements to cease before attempting to clear any blockage and use a tool to clear the blockage
ESSEX FIRM AND INDIVIDUAL PROSECUTED AFTER DEATH OF VISITING WORKER
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently warned companies to be aware of the serious risks involved from contact with or working in close proximity to overhead power lines following the sentencing today (Tuesday 7 November) at St Albans Crown Court, of Lyons Landfill Ltd and Francis Michael Lyons (trading as Frank Lyons Plant Services) of Felstead, Essex.
Both the company and Mr Lyons were fined £80,000 each, and each ordered to pay £35,000 prosecutions costs. HSE's prosecution follows a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Police into the death of a self-employed lorry driver, 56-year-old Mr Nathaniel Hugh Scollan (also known as Hugh Breffni), who was visiting a combined quarry and landfill site at Hollingson Meads Quarry, Pole Hole, Gilston, Harlow, on 10 Sept 2003.
Mr Scollan was electrocuted when the grab of the crane mounted on his lorry came into contact with overhead power lines. The investigation revealed that Mr Scollan parked beneath the overhead lines when waiting for a load of ballast from the quarry. He apparently raised the lorry-mounted crane and sustained fatal injuries from the subsequent electric shock. The site was poorly laid out with stockpiles encroaching near the overhead lines, inadequate signs, poorly designed crossing points and inadequate measures taken to keep plant clear of the lines.
HSE Principal Inspector, Mike Gibb, said:
"This was a tragic death that could have easily been prevented. Operators of plant may make mistakes and all reasonably practicable steps should be taken to ensure their errors don't result in loss of life or serious injury.
"I encourage all employers to carefully plan and put into place sensible precautions to prevent their workers, contractors or visitors to their site coming into contact with overhead power lines. Good management will reduce the risk of accidents happening.
"It is also important to remember that vehicles or mobile plant do not need to strike the overhead line for injury to occur. Electricity can arc across a surprising distance depending on the voltage and conditions."
Help and advice to put in place safe procedures for working near overhead power lines is available from HSE. HSE's guidance note GS 6 gives detailed advice. Where vehicles must work around live overhead power lines then barriers can prevent close approach and there should be carefully designed and defined passageways for plant to pass under the lines where this is essential.
Guidance on electricity in quarries and a leaflet about safe working near overhead power lines in agriculture is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk.
BULLYING, BULLYING ITS WAY TO THE WORKPLACE
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Supporting the National Ban Bullying at Work Day, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently reminded employers to step up procedures to tackle the growing problem of bullying in the workplace. Bullying costs employers 80 million working days and up to £2 billion in lost revenue every year. Nearly half a million people in Britain experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill and the financial costs to society are estimated at £3.8 billion a year.
Bullying is a big contributor to work related stress that affects one in six people in Britain (source: The Psychosocial Working Conditions (PWC) survey). Bullying is a form of organisational violence and if not dealt with properly is a potential source of work-related stress (WRS) and can take many different forms, from actual physical violence and threats of violence - to name calling, sarcasm and teasing.
Chris Rowe, Head of HSE’s Stress Priority Programme, said “National Ban Bullying at Work Day is an opportunity for employers to review whether they are doing enough to secure the well being of their employees and the effective performance of their business. HSE's Management Standards for Work-Related Stress represent a widely adopted, practical and usable approach to taking the necessary steps to manage stress and improve well-being in the workplace. It is important that we encourage dialogue between employers and employees and engage them in finding a way to manage this growing problem.”
Psychology Professor Cary Cooper from Lancaster University, highlights his research on Workplace Bullying, “A large scale national research found that bullying doesn't just affect the people who experience it first hand, but the people who witness it too. It lowers morale in the office and in some cases can lead to an increase in time taken in days off work for stress-related problems. Moreover it can also impact on other areas of life including relationships and family life. Employers have tools available to address bullying in the workplace. HSE’s Stress Management Standards can be implemented in the workplace to make a difference to Britain’s 28 million strong workforce. ”
HSE’s Stress Management Standards apply to six aspects of work design that research has shown as potential stressors: -
Control;
Demands;
Support;
Relationships;
Role, and
Change.
The Relationships standard covers bullying. The Management Standards, guidance and comprehensive supporting toolkit are available, free of charge, from the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards
Ban Bullying at Work, the UK charity campaigning against workplace bullying marked 7th November to raise awareness with Britain’s 28.94 million workforce.
NEW COURSE AND QUALIFICATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UNVEILED
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
A new qualification designed to improve young people’s understanding of safe working when taking part in work experience was showcased today.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in partnership with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), British Safety Council Awards (BSC Awards) and ENTO today announced the new workplace hazard awareness course and qualification. The qualification and associated teaching materials are being previewed at an event organised by IOSH and attended by Minister for Health and Safety, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath at the Aston Hall Hotel, Sheffield.
Commenting on the preview, Jonathan Rees, HSE Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We believe in working in strong partnership and this new qualification is the perfect example of how HSE, government and industry can work together to ensure that tomorrow’s workforce has a sound basis for understanding the hazards that confront us every day at work.”
The course and qualification aims to provide Year 10 students with a basic understanding of health and safety in the workplace, so that they understand hazards, and what to expect of their employer. All schools in England will soon be notified about the qualification and course through Spectrum, newsletter for schools and website at: www.teachernet.gov.uk/
The Workplace Hazard Awareness Qualification at entry level 3 is based on the new national occupational standard for basic hazard awareness developed by ENTO. It allows students to demonstrate their awareness of workplace hazards and how they can prevent harm by supporting the delivery of:
the general teaching requirement for health and safety in the National Curriculum; and
the National Curriculum’s non-statutory guidelines for Key Stage 4 for work-related learning which require students to be able to describe the main hazards associated with particular types of workplace.
Martin Shevill, Head teacher of Ossett School, Ossett, West Yorkshire, one of the schools that piloted the teaching materials, said, “This is a very positive development to ensure the safety of school students in the workplace. We are looking at the possibility of introducing this for students on extended work placements.”
Teaching materials to support the qualification have been produced by IOSH and will be free to schools and colleges. The materials will be accessible for students to work online and have been piloted in schools in England to ensure they meet the needs of teachers and students.
HSC/E PUBLISHES HEALTH AND SAFETY STATISTICS FOR 2005/06
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) recently published the latest statistics on work-related ill health, workplace injury and enforcement in Great Britain. ‘Health and Safety Statistics 2005/06’ presents the top-level statistics, including reports on progress against the targets set in the ‘Revitalising Health and Safety’ strategy. More detailed data and commentary are available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics.
Work-related ill health
For ill health, there are new figures on self-reported work-related illness from the 2005/06 Labour Force Survey. The statistics also draw on surveillance data from specialist doctors in The Health and Occupation Reporting network (THOR), claims for disablement benefit under the Department for Work and Pensions’ Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Scheme, and deaths from mesothelioma and other occupational diseases.
The main features of the ill health statistics are as follows:
Self-reported ill health
In 2005/06 an estimated 2.0 million people suffered from ill health which they thought was work-related, according to the Labour Force Survey (LFS).
Around three quarters of the cases were musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. upper limb or back problems) or stress, depression or anxiety.
Ill health seen by specialist doctors
Based on data from hospital specialists and occupational physicians in the THOR surveillance schemes, from 2003 to 2005 there were about 22 000 new cases of work-related illness per year. This is a partial estimate as the THOR schemes do not have complete coverage and many of the specialists will only see more serious cases.
As with self-reported cases, mental ill health and musculoskeletal disorders were the most common types of illness: each accounted for just under a third of the total.
Ill health assessed for industrial injuries disablement benefit (IIDB)
Figures for the last three years show that an average of over 7000 cases were assessed for IIDB. The largest categories were vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome and respiratory diseases associated with past exposures to substances such as asbestos and coal dust.
Fatal diseases
Thousands of people die each year from work-related diseases, mostly because of exposures many years previously.
HSE’s current estimate is that there are 6000 occupational cancer deaths per year (true figure likely to be between 3000 and 12 000). This is based on old research and is currently being updated.
Deaths from mesothelioma have increased from 153 in 1968 to 1969 in 2004. Latest projections suggest that they will peak somewhere between current levels and 2450 deaths some time between 2011 and 2015.
Workplace fatal and non-fatal injury
For workplace injuries, the key new figures are 2005/06 data on non-fatal injuries reported by employers and others under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), supplemented by self-reported injury statistics from the Labour Force Survey.
The main features of the injury statistics are as follows:
Fatal injuries to workers
There were 212 fatal injuries to workers in 2005/06, a decrease of 5% compared to 223 in 2004/05.
Just over 40% occurred in two industries: construction (59) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (33).
The rate of fatal injury declined throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The rate rose to 1.0 per 100 000 workers in 2000/01 and has dropped since then to 0.7 in 2005/06.
Reported non-fatal injuries
28 605 major injuries to employees were reported in 2005/06. The rate of injury was 110.1 per 100 000, down nearly 7% on the previous year. Over one third were caused by slipping and tripping.
There were 117 471 other injuries to employees causing absence of over 3 days. This is equivalent to a rate of 452.2, which is 4% lower than 2004/05. Two fifths were caused by handling, lifting or carrying.
Labour Force Survey and reporting of injuries
The rate of reportable injury estimated from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) was 1200 per 100 000 workers in 2004/05 (three-year average), a statistically significant fall since 2001/02.
Comparing this with the RIDDOR rate of reported major and over-3-day injury, the level of reporting by employers was 49%.
Injuries to members of the public
There were 384 fatal injuries to members of the public in 2005/06, a rise of 4% on the previous year. Around two thirds were due to acts of suicide or trespass on the railways.
There were 15 374 reported non-fatal injuries to members of the public, an increase of 7% on 2004/05.
Revitalising Health and Safety targets
The statistics on health and safety at work inform the measurement of progress against the targets for reducing work-related ill health, injuries and working days lost set in the ‘Revitalising Health and Safety’ strategy. HSE’s approach to progress measurement is detailed in a Statistical Note published in June 2001; annual progress reports have been published each Autumn since then. All these documents are on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/targets.htm.
HSE statisticians’ latest assessments are as follows:
Progress on work-related ill health incidence
The Revitalising Health and Safety target is to reduce the incidence rate of work-related ill health by 20% between 1999/2000 and 2009/10; the pro-rata target for 2005/06 is a 12% reduction.
The evidence suggests that incidence has fallen significantly since 1999/2000 for most categories of work-related ill health, and is on track to meet the ten-year target.
There has also been a significant reduction in 2005/06, the first year of HSE’s three-year Public Service Agreement (PSA) target.
Progress on fatal and major injuries
The Revitalising Health and Safety target is to reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury by 10% between 1999/2000 and 2009/10; the pro-rata target for 2005/06 is a 6% reduction.
The available sources indicate no clear change since the base year in the rate of fatal and major injury to employees. It is therefore not on track to meet the ten-year target.
There has been a reduction in the last two years including 2005/06, the first year of HSE’s three-year Public Service Agreement (PSA) target.
Progress on working days lost
The Revitalising Health and Safety target is to reduce the number of working days lost per worker due to work-related injury and ill health by 30% between 2000-02 and 2009/10; the pro-rata target for 2005/06 is an 18% reduction.
There has been a significant fall in working days lost per worker since the base period and it is probably on track to meet the ten-year target.
There has also been a significant reduction in 2005/06, the first year of HSE’s three-year Public Service Agreement (PSA) target.
Enforcement
New statistics are also published today on enforcement notices issued and offences prosecuted by HSE and local authorities.
In 2005/06 HSE issued 6383 enforcement notices, 25% fewer than the year before.
Statistics for enforcement notices issued by local authorities are not yet available for 2005/06. Between 2000/01 and 2004/05 the number issued increased by 10% to 6420.
In 2005/06 the number of offences prosecuted by HSE decreased by 23% to 1012 from 1320 in 2004/05.
Statistics for prosecutions by local authorities are not yet available for 2005/06. In 2004/05 there were 332 offences prosecuted, a decrease of 19% compared with 2003/04.
THREE DEAD IN SHIPPING CONTAINER
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Forensic police officers have been examining the container
Police are trying to establish whether three men found dead in a shipping container in Berkshire were overcome by fumes from a generator.
It is thought the men, aged in their late 20s to early 30s, were working in the construction industry and had spent the night in the container.
Thames Valley Police said their deaths were being treated as unexplained and a full investigation was under way.
The bodies were found on a building site in Whitley, Reading.
Thames Valley Police said officers said one line of inquiry involved a generator found with them on Friday morning.
The alarm was raised when employees turned up for work at the former Thames Water treatment works site.
Graham Groves, of South Central Ambulance Service, said: "A paramedic team were on the scene within about six minutes of that call being received.
"Sadly all three males, aged in their late 20s to early 30s, were already dead and there was nothing further that the paramedics could do."
He added there was no obvious sign of injury to the three men.
Thames Valley Police said officers were liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
An HSE spokeswoman said: "Obviously the HSE is concerned with the safety of employees at work but at this early stage I can only say that we are looking at the scene with police."
The Whitley building site is close to the old Thames Water treatment works, home of the new Southside development.
The Housing Corporation awarded almost £3m funding for developers to provide 60 affordable homes at the Reading Gateway/Southside development earlier in the year.
SIMPLYGREAT NEWS!
Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
We are delighted to announce that we will be moving to much larger premises in February 2007. Our new showroom will probably the largest in the North East and will offer a much wider choice of products to suit all your workwear, PPE and safety needs.
We will be expanding our existing product range yet further and new products will include: premium branded workwear, health and safety signs, security clothing, camouflage gear, non safety footwear, leisurewear, tools and accessories, outdoorwear and gadgets, childrenswear, school uniforms, consumables, kitchen utensils and accessories plus much more!
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO OUR EXISTING STORES?
Greenmarket:
The Greenmarket is closing for refurbishment in late January and we be closing this store until further notice at 5pm on Saturday 20th January 2007
South Shields:
We are closing our existing store at 118/122 Dean Rd at 1pm on Saturday 3rd February.
WHEN IS OUR NEW STORE OPENING?
Our official opening will be on Friday February 9th 2007.
WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO VISIT YOUR NEW STORE?
You can shop from the comfort of your own home and have your order delivered to your door! Our on-line store is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. For further details visit www.simplyworkwear.co.uk
HOW TO FIND US?
Our new showroom is located in South Shields, next to South Tyneside College and only minutes away from the town centre. Our address is:
Simply Workwear Ltd
9/11 Dean Rd,
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 3PS
Tel: 0191 455 3535 Fax: 0191 455 0020 Web: www.simplyworkwear.co.uk
Getting To Us By Car
Our showroom is easily accessible from anywhere in the North East as well as Northern England and Scotland. We are only 5 minutes from the A19 and the Tyne Tunnel, please refer to the map below for further details. We also have dedicated customer car parking facilities with 24hr CCTV.
Getting To Us By Public Transport
Our showroom is well served by public transport and is on several major bus routes, many of which stop right outside! If you prefer using the Tyne and Wear Metro we are only 5 minutes from Chichester Metro Station. For specific travel details please call TRAVELINE (North East) on 0870 608 2608.
HSE WITHDRAWS PAPER INDUSTRY GUIDANCE INDG 396
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently announced the withdrawal of paper industry guidance INDG 396 “Transporting paper safely: Guidance for hauliers and others who transport paper and paper products” after discussions with Department for Transport (DfT). HSE’s decision to withdraw the guidance has been discussed at the Health and Safety Commission Paper and Board Advisory Committee and with the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI). This guidance booklet included advice in relation to securing tall paper reels, bales and palletised products on curtain-sided lorries. The industry is now advised to refer to section 16 of the DfT code of practice for guidance. More information on the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk/paper/indg396withdraw.pdf [PDF 391kb]
James Barrett, Head of Manufacturing Sector, HSE explained, “The advice in INDG 396 differed with the standards of DfT’s code of practice - Since DfT are responsible for setting the standards of security of loads being transported by road, their code of practice has primacy on this issue. We advise the industry to refer to the DfT code of practice.
HSE continues its commitment to the manufacturing industries and following a number of recent serious incidents has commissioned a research project to look at the effectiveness of different methods of securing and restraining loads on curtain-sided lorries.”
The research carried out by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) will look at methods for securing and restraining a wide range of heavy loads including reels, palletised goods, bagged products and products transported in cages. It will examine the effectiveness of different securing and restraining methods, assess the level of risk associated with each method and will include a cost benefit analysis that will take account of the commercial viability of different methods. The research was commissioned on the 1 September 2006 and is expected to take up to 12 months to complete.
The results of the research will help to inform HSE’s decision on whether to replace INDG 396 or whether the advice contained in the DfT Code of Practice, the forthcoming EU Best Practice Guidelines and existing HSE publication HSG 136 “Workplace Transport Safety” provide sufficient guidance for employers involved in the transport of paper products.
An Expert Group of the European Commission, composed of government, industry, insurance and research institute representatives from Member States, have recently developed Best Practice Guidelines for load securing on vehicles for cross border transportation of goods between member states. DfT were represented at the working group and have advised that the guidelines go further than their own current Code of Practice by recommending amongst other things, suitable methods of calculating the number of lashings required to secure loads. DfT has advised that the guidelines are likely to be published before the end of 2006.
CARBON MONOXIDE – THE SILENT KILLER
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently issued a warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. As the cold weather approaches, it has urged homeowners and landlords to ensure that their gas appliances are safe to use.
Geoffrey Podger, HSE Chief Executive, said: “Fuel gas is safe, but if appliances are not properly installed and adequately maintained by a competent CORGI-registered installer, the gas may not burn properly meaning CO fumes are released . Approximately 20 people die each year from CO poisoning associated with gas appliances, a figure that could be reduced if people understood the risks and took sensible precautions.”
You cannot see, smell or taste CO fumes leaving anyone exposed feeling unwell. In the worst situations, CO can kill without warning in just hours.
In addition to getting appliances checked, it is also important to ensure they are used correctly. When used, appliances must have access to a good supply of fresh air: CO is produced when there isn’t enough air for complete burning of the fuel.
Moreover, never use a gas appliance if you think it’s not working properly. Signs to look out for on boilers, fires and cookers include:
yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame);
soot or stains around the appliance; and
a pilot light that frequently blows out.
Approved CO detectors are strongly recommended, although these must not be used as a substitute for regular checks and servicing by a CORGI-registered installer.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can include tiredness, drowsiness, headaches and breathlessness. If you believe CO may be causing you problems seek urgent medical advice.
REVISED ASBESTOS REGULATIONS NOW IN FORCE
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, came into force on 13 November 2006. The revised regulations strengthen overall worker protection by reducing exposure limits and introducing mandatory training for work with asbestos. They also simplify the regulatory regime and implement revisions to the EU Asbestos Worker Protection Directive.
The revised regulations introduce the following changes:
single control limit of 0.1 fibres per cm 3 of air for work with all types of asbestos;
specific mandatory training requirements for anyone liable to be exposed to asbestos;
requirement to analyse the concentration of asbestos in the air with measurements in accordance with the 1997 World Health Organisation recommended method;
practical guidelines for the determination of “sporadic and low intensity exposure” as required by the EU Directive; and
replace three existing sets of Asbestos Regulations.
Most work with asbestos will still need to be undertaken by a licensed contractor but any decision on whether particular work is licensable will now be determined by the risk.
More details of what work is licensable, what training is necessary and how to undertake work with asbestos containing materials can be found in the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) “Work with materials containing Asbestos”. Further guidance on the duty to manage asbestos in premises can be found in the “The Management of Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises” ACoP. The revised regulations and two ACoPs providing guidance on complying with the Regulations has also been published.
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION APPROVES CDM REGULATIONS
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has approved the proposed revised Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations and Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for formal submission to the Minister.
The Regulations will revise and bring together provisions in the existing CDM Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 into a single regulatory package.
Speaking after the meeting, Richard Boland, Head of Construction Policy, said ''I am delighted that the revised regulatory package has been approved by the Commission. We remain on target for the Regulations coming into force in April next year. Over the last four years we have worked in partnership with the industry to simplify and add clarity to construction health and safety law so that risks on site can be properly managed. We will continue to work together to make sure that the new provisions and ACoP improve standards of health and safety management in our industry.”
At the open meeting, Commission members discussed the effect of the Regulations on small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) – particularly small clients – in light of some stakeholders' concerns. The Commission noted that the Regulations do not impose new duties on clients. They make explicit what clients should already be doing as a result of existing duties in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Clear, simple guidance for SMEs and clients is being developed by industry. This will be crucial in helping smaller clients, addressing misconceptions and alleviating concerns. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) agreed to report back to the Commission in January 2007 on progress with these issues.
HSE STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF NUCLEAR INDUSTRY SAFETY STANDARDS FOLLOWING SELLAFIELD SENTENCING
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
British Nuclear Group Sellafield Limited has been fined £500,000 plus costs of over £67,000 after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety law. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the prosecution following the discovery in April 2005 of a large leak of highly radioactive liquid within Sellafield’s Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP).
After the hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, Dr. Mike Weightman, HSE’s Director of Nuclear Safety and HM Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations, said:
“Our extensive investigation into the events in THORP has shown that British Nuclear Group Sellafield Limited fell significantly short of the required standards for a considerable period of time before the leak was discovered. Although we stress that there is no evidence of any harm to workers or the public, the leak being contained within a stainless steel lined, heavily shielded cell, there had been a significant prolonged reduction in attention to the high standards demanded, something we are not prepared to tolerate.
THORP was Sellafield’s flagship plant and built to high standards. It must also be operated, maintained and managed to the high standards we insist on, and the public have a right to expect from the nuclear industry.
“For the wider nuclear industry, our message is clear: high standards are demanded of the nuclear industry, this means continued vigilance and close attention to maintaining all the multiple physical and administrative barriers put in place to protect people and society from highly radioactive material.
“It is not acceptable to allow any of these barriers to degrade and weaken, relying on the existence of other barriers to secure continued protection. Industry must continue to embrace high standards of design, construction, operation and maintenance and vigorously strive to maintain them at all times.”
BUNCEFIELD JOINT TASK GROUP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
A joint Industry and COMAH Competent Authority (CA) Task Group today called for industry to take immediate measures to implement eight key action points at major petroleum storage facilities. The actions to further improve safety and environmental standards can be found in the Buncefield Standards Task Group: Initial Report at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/alert.htm
The actions, provide a significant challenge to industry, and are in response to findings contained in the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board’s (MIIB) initial report published in July. These recommendations, based on the latest information available, are believed to be precautionary and prudent to offer worthwhile additional public and environmental protection.
The actions relate to:
Pipeline transfers;
Tank overfill prevention – operating safety margins and level alarms;
Fire safe shut-off valves and remotely operated shut off valves;
Containment – bunds and other measures; and
Shift handover.
The CA are also reviewing the emerging outcomes from the safety and environmental reviews of fuel depots carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) earlier this year. The CA will report their findings later this year. These may well include the need for industry to take further measures.
The Task Group recommends and the CA requires sites that have bulk tanks storing petroleum that could be overfilled leading to a significant vapour cloud to take immediate action. These sites will now have to implement the recommendations by the deadlines set out in the report. Industry representatives have agreed to complete them and the CA will be monitoring industry progress closely to ensure the enhanced safety standards are introduced on time.
Under the CA’s direction, the Task Group set out to undertake a comprehensive and thorough review of facilities like Buncefield to ensure they operate correctly. The actions detailed above are the first results of this work. The Task Group will make final recommendations to industry aimed at enhancing safety and environmental standards by July 2007.
The CA acknowledges the commitment industry members of the Task Group have shown. It is important that these changes to further improve safety are implemented by the deadlines stated.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) haS published their simplification plan as part of their continuing commitment to better, smarter regulation to help business comply and so improve health and safety.
The plan is available at www.hse.gov.uk/simplification/index.htm
The plan outlines initiatives to reduce the paperwork costs to business associated with complying with health and safety law while maintaining or improving heath and safety standards. The report builds upon work already started by HSC/E on sensible risk and the need for businesses to focus on real health and safety risks rather than generating unnecessary paper mountains.
Key initiatives in this, the first year of the plan, focus on elements that affect the largest number of employers. These include:
Sensible risk management –simplifying HSE guidance to and encourage a proportionate approach to risk assessment and management
Gas Safety Review – a review of the current regulatory regime, to improve and modernise the system on a risk and evidence basis
Forms–projects to reduce the number and burden of HSE forms by stripping out all out-of-date forms and providing electronic versions of all those remaining.
Over the next four years HSE will be developing and updating the plan to report on progress and to ensure it continues to target the priority areas of concern to business.
HSC/E have consulted widely with businesses, trade bodies and unions in developing the plan. They continue to encourage feedback on the plan and any ideas for new simplification initiatives that might be included.
REACH - HELP DESK LAUNCHED
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), now provides a helpdesk to support UK business in the run-up to the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals (REACH) regulations coming into force.
The helpdesk can be contacted on 0845 408 9575 or via email at ukreachca@hse.gsi.gov.uk
REACH is a new European regime for the regulation of chemicals, for which HSE will be the Competent Authority (CA), aimed at ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals.
Once fully operational the CA, in addition to providing the helpdesk, will monitor compliance, evaluate substances of concern, as well as taking regulatory action as appropriate, coordinate UK enforcement of the regulations
The CA will work closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Environment agency, the devolved administrations and other government departments and liaise with the new European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki.
HSE TACKLES BACK PAIN WITH SUPERMARKET WORKOUT
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive recently launched a major initiative promoting the health benefits of an active lifestyle for back pain sufferers.
Tesco, the UK’s leading private sector employer, is one of a huge number of organisations that is backing the HSE’s Better Backs campaign. HSE and Tesco are taking the stay active message to the aisles, as they invite qualified exercise professionals to lead specially designed back-friendly exercise classes in stores across the UK.
A ‘better backs’ routine has been devised by Liz Prosser, a back health expert from the charity BackCare, and the in-store sessions will show staff and customers how everyday activities, including shopping, can help them manage backache.
Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive comments, “Surprisingly back pain will affect as many as four out of five people in Britain, and results in 4.5 million days off work a year. Employers are losing up to £335 million a year, but the biggest losers are the millions of us who will have our lives blighted by the condition. Staying active is now accepted as being the best way to manage the problem in all but a few cases, whether that is achieved by the likes of cycling and swimming, or the kind of everyday exercises being demonstrated here today.”
According to the latest figures, one in every six working days lost due to ill-health is due to back pain, and eighty percent of Britons will suffer from it at some point in their lives. The HSE will highlight to employers how important it is for them to work with staff to help them return to work as part of a successful recovery programme.
Derek Hopkins of Tesco comments, “We are pleased to join HSE’s Better Backs campaign to tackle this common health problem. We always take an active interest in the health of our staff, but the sheer scale of the back pain problem in the UK means we felt it would be a good opportunity to send the message to our customers as well. From the point of view of an employer, there are many surprisingly simple ways you can help staff return to work with back pain, helping them manage their condition, and helping us maintain consistent levels of customer service and quality.”
Says Liz Prosser, trustee of the charity BackCare, and co-author of The People’s Guide To Active BackCare, “HSE’s Better Backs campaign recognises that back pain has to be dealt with in a holistic way, both inside and outside the workplace. In the vast majority of cases, staying active when you have back pain will help you recover, get you back to work more quickly and make it less likely that you’ll suffer from back pain in the future.”
To find out more about how to tackle back pain or when to visit the GP, go to betterbacks.hse.gov.uk or you can call the HSE Infoline on 0845 345 0055.
HSE PUBLISHES REPORT FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION OF CONSTRUCTION WORKER DEATH
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a report on its investigation into the death of a construction worker killed by a falling load. HSE’s findings raise an issue for those undertaking routine examination and inspection of lifting tackle in respect of components that are not visible unless dismantled.
The report presents key findings from HSE’s extensive investigation into the death of a 21 year-old construction worker, at a Hertfordshire construction site in January 2002. The worker was fatally injured when a concrete beam that fell from a mobile crane struck him. The report is available on HSE’s website at: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/fatalinjreport.pdf
Forensic investigation by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) established that a pin forming part of the lifting tackle had fractured in two places and become dislodged, causing one end of the lifting frame to drop.
Dave Rothery, Head of Operations (London, East and South East) at HSE’s Construction Division said: “The fundamental cause of the incident was the failure of the pin, which was defective. HSE’s enquiries revealed that the South African-based manufacturer/supplier company was no longer trading and, therefore, that legal proceedings would not be possible.
“However, the investigation findings raise a wider issue for consideration by those undertaking routine examination of lifting tackle and HSE is publishing this report with a view to raising awareness of the circumstances leading to the worker's death and, in particular, the implications .
“We advise that where lifting tackle components are not visible, the competent person undertaking the examination should give careful consideration to the circumstances in which such components should be removed for examination or routinely replaced. Lifting equipment manufacturers and suppliers should provide information on this subject to their customers.”
MIGRANT WORKER RESEARCH PUBLISHED
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
New research revealing the risks faced by migrant workers in England and Wales was presented at a South East Region Trades Union Congress conference in London. It outlines the potential for exploitation of migrants and other workers in sectors where attention to health and safety is poor, and highlights the challenges to employers, HSE and other agencies in tackling the problems.
The research, Health and Safety and migrant workers in England and Wales, which was carried out by London Metropolitan University on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr502.htm
The research was commissioned by HSE to assess whether risk of injury/ill health was greater for migrants. This followed the apparent rise in evidence of poor standards in migrant working conditions – such as the Morecambe Bay incident in February 2004 – that were not clearly reflected in an increase in complaints or reports to HSE under RIDDOR. In addition, incident rates in industries where migrant employment is highest, including the agriculture and construction sectors, failed to show the expected increase in incident numbers that could be attributed to the influx of a significant migrant worker population.
The report found that migrant workers may be experiencing higher levels of workplace accidents because they are more likely to work long hours, to work shifts and to have limited understanding of health and safety. Contributory factors also highlighted are communication difficulties and the fact migrants are more likely to take up work in sectors that they have not been trained or had experience working in. HSE believes that these factors are relevant to other vulnerable groups of workers as well, and is seeking to co-ordinate its efforts to ensure improved health and safety protection for all concerned.
To tackle the issues raised by the findings, the research has recommended better-targeted HSE/Local Authority inspection, enforcement and supporting activity as well as greater provision of targeted health and safety advice and support for migrant workers and those who employ them.
Commenting on the reports findings and recommendations, Jeremy Bevan, HSE programme manager on migrant workers, said: “HSE welcomes the research, and accepts the broad focus of the recommendations. We are already taking action to implement the research’s key findings, in particular we are continuing to target inspections and enforcement in sectors where migrant workers and other vulnerable workers are most likely to work, and are currently reviewing how best to reach these workers and their employers with key health and safety messages. In other areas where HSE involvement is recommended, planning is underway to consider further resourcing during the next year.
“We are also working with other government departments to stem the problem of illegal employment at source, by detecting and deterring those who, as employers, seek to evade regulation by Government. In addition, pilot initiatives such as those being carried out by the DTI have the potential to provide outreach to migrants’ and other vulnerable groups, and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation at work.”
COMPANY FINED £100,000 EMPLOYEES SUFFERED FROM PAINFUL ALLERGIC DERMATITIS OVER FOUR YEAR PERIOD
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Photo-Me International plc has been fined a total of £100,000 and ordered to pay £30,000 costs for health and safety offences. The company pleaded guilty on 16 August at Bristol Magistrates’ Court and was committed to the Crown Court for sentence. Photo-Me was fined £30,000 for breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and £10,000 for 6 separate breaches of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations for not making adequate risk assessments, not preventing or controlling exposure of employees to chemicals, and for not providing any ‘health surveillance’ of employees at-risk. They were also fined £10,000 for not reporting a case of the disease to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and were ordered to pay £30,000 costs.
Speaking after the case, HSE investigating inspector Liam Osborne said: “This is a important case. Allergic dermatitis is a painful skin disease that employers need to manage as effectively as the general safety of their workers. Photo-Me knew of the risks to health that these chemicals posed, yet failed to assess those risks properly and provide proper systems of work and control measures, including correct personal protective equipment, to reduce the risk of harm. Controlling dermatitis is not difficult. It is as simple as A,P,C – Avoid contact with skin, by taking all the steps you can to modify the task or process; Protect the skin by implementing a good skin care regime; and Check for early signs of dermatitis to ensure that the control measures are working. The size of the penalty demonstrates the Court’s approach to this type of failure in the workplace.”
The case followed an HSE investigation that revealed significant failings in the company’s management and control of exposure to chemicals. Its workers at its premises in Bristol were exposed to hazardous chemicals over a four-year period leading to the onset of a disease called ‘allergic contact dermatitis’. Stuart White, 37 from Cheltenham, suffered four years of his skin blistering, cracking, splitting and weeping because of this allergic dermatitis. Two other employees, Derek Corcoran, from Crumlin in Gwent, South Wales, and Barry Woolford, from Ipsden in Oxfordshire, also suffered the symptoms of allergic dermatitis. Mr Woolford’s fingers and hands became so badly swollen and blistered that he could not do up his shirt buttons without his fingers splitting open. All three employees had been working with photographic chemicals.
LORD HUNT CALLS FOR RENEWED ACTION ON GAS SAFETY
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
At the recent gas safety stakeholder forum, hosted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Lord Hunt made clear that complacency on gas related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is not an option.
Research commissioned from University College London by HSE to inform its gas safety review highlights the dangers of CO poisoning in people’s homes, coupled with a lack of public awareness of the risks.
The early findings of the research include:
23% of homes had one or more defective gas appliance;
8% of homes were judged to be at risk of dangerous levels of CO;
45% of homes had received no information on the dangers of CO; and
A higher prevalence of problem appliances was found in the homes of vulnerable people (young, old, those in receipt of benefits).
Opening the forum, Lord Hunt will call on the 100 plus delegates to do what is necessary to raise awareness. He will say:
‘The early findings of this research show there is no room for complacency. It is simply not right for the current situation to continue. It is critical that people are made more aware of the risks of CO poisoning and how to avoid the dangers.
‘It is essential that this lack of awareness is addressed. I call on gas safety stakeholders to work with HSE in this gas safety review to come up with a set a proposals that will put in place a modern and effective gas safety regime.’
Dr Ben Croxford, of University College London presented the emerging key findings from the ‘Gas Appliance Check Project’. Nearly 600 homes in South East England were visited and a large survey of gas appliances was carried out over the summer of 2006.
The problems were mainly associated with the way homeowners and occupiers used the appliances and how they used available ventilation. This is an area that falls outside the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998 that HSE enforces, and is why increasing CO awareness is so important. A problem gas appliance is a health risk that can be avoided with maintenance and awareness.
The Forum also received a presentation from ‘Frontline’, the consultants appointed to liaise with stakeholders and to develop a range of options for modernising the domestic gas safety regime. The Forum will encourage a full discussion on the options with the aim of agreeing the top priorities for action. Next steps in this process will be for the Health and Safety Commission to consider the options and agree recommendations to Ministers in the New Year.
HSE BECOMES SOLE ELECTRICITY SAFETY WATCHDOG
Posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is to become the sole regulator for all safety issues associated with electricity transmission and distribution, following transfer of part of the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) Engineering Inspectorate.
The move will implement a recommendation made in last year’s Hampton report on regulation (see Notes to editors). HSE will become the thematic regulator dealing with both employee and public safety within this sector. Industry stakeholders have already been consulted and agree that a single regulator for safety matters would be advantageous.
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