CLEANER SUSTAINED FATAL CRUSH INJURIES
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The jury at the inquest into the death in an industrial accident of Paul Edwards, 38, during November 2002 has determined a verdict of death by misadventure.
Mr Edwards, employed by IDM Ltd on a contract to clean a garage in Swindon, was operating a mobile elevating work platform hired by his employer when he was crushed between steelwork and the platform, frantic efforts by colleagues to release him proved to be in vain.
Presiding Coroner Nigel Brookes is to convey views to the HSE concerning aspects of the use of such hire equipment, principally concerning training and the design of controls.
WORKERS ON ROOFS MAY FACE RADIOFREQUENCY HAZARDS
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) is holding a one-day awareness course on radiofrequency (RF) hazards. These hazards are often associated with the activities of laboratory personnel and aerial riggers, however others such as general maintenance personnel can require to occupy roofs as a workplace where telecommunications' antennae and microwave link dishes are installed.
The 17th June 2004 course at Chilton, Oxfordshire, is aimed at any person working near a source of RF exposure and management and health and safety personnel seeking an introduction to RF safety and risk assessments.
It will inform on:
the nature of hazards associated with RF sources; adverse health effects; recent changes in NRPB advice and proposed legislation;
practical guidance on exposure and risk management & procedures providing for safe working practice.
Further information on the course is available on the NRPB website.
NONYLPHENOL, OCTYLPHENOL AND THEIR ETHOXYLATES USE TO QUICKLY DIMINISH
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Following consultation user industries propose to voluntarily phase out the most dangerous uses of nonylphenol, octylphenol and their ethoxylates as soon as possible.
The voluntary industry programme of action, facilitated by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs, features collaboration with customers to help find safer alternatives, the move prompted by concern over persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity posed by the substances. The agreement was reached ahead of EU legislation banning the use of nonylphenol and its ethoxylates which comes into force next year, the voluntary action is aimed at bringing about early reduction of use for these chemicals and preventing uses of octylphenol and its ethoxylates as substitutes.
This agreement will be particularly valuable in the case of octylphenol and its ethoxylates, where consideration of possible legislation to ban their use is still at an early stage.
Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates are used in a range of products and processes, including industrial and domestic cleaning agents, textile and leather processes, metal working, personal care products and cosmetics.
EMPLOYERS SAY HEALTH & SAFETY VERY IMPORTANT WORKPLACE ISSUE
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The report on a poll - Attitudes towards health and safety: a quantitative survey of stakeholder opinion, conducted by MORI Social Research Institute, of employers reports that 75% say their operations are the better for health and safety regulation, 60% that health and safety saves money in the long run, and 80% deem health and safety to be in their top two most important workplace issues.
The poll of 500 employers and 3,000 members of the public was wide ranging and set out to determine prevailing attitudes to health and safety and in its broadest finding that: 14% of employers think health and safety law seriously hampers their business; citizens and employees are more concerned about road safety than workplace health and safety; male employees are more concerned (74%) with workplace risks than their female colleagues (66%); two thirds of employees believe their employers take health and safety issues very seriously and the larger the organisation the more likely they are to say so;
most employees feel they have the right amount of health and safety information and training; 40% of employees have had no or 'not much' training; 85% of employers who have had contact with HSE staff rate them as helpful.
The pollsters say that the challenge for HSE is to embed the same health and safety culture in small enterprises as successfully as it has in larger ones.
"This survey confirms a high level of support for health and safety - from those who face the risks and those who create them. It shows overwhelming support for our vision of health and safety as a cornerstone of a civilised society. It is also a strong vote of public confidence - from employers, employees and citizens - in HSE and the work we do alongside Local Authorities to promote sensible health and safety and to save lives.
We are funded by the taxpayer and must reflect public expectations.
The survey shows that views are divided on whether HSE enforcing the law or promoting good practice is most likely to improve health and safety. It confirms that the approach we have set out in our new strategy - to enforce the law and promote good practice and more advice - is in line with what people think will help most. It also confirms that employers and employees share our view that the people best placed to make workplaces safer are the staff and managers who work in them." - Justin McCracken, HSE Deputy Director General (Operations).
PAPER INDUSTRY GUIDANCE ON TRANSPORTATION
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The UK uses around 12m tonnes of paper every year and most of it
is transported by road in curtain-sided trailers, generating loading or unloading activity by lift truck. The HSE has published new guidance, Transporting Paper Safely, on improving health and safety when transporting paper and paper products. Another significant hazard arises when rollovers occur at sharp bends and roundabouts at very low speeds, something that can largely be prevented by a combination of proper loading and safe driving.
Transporting Paper Safely (INDG 396) single copies available, free, from HSE Books, the leaflet is also available in priced packs of 5, ISBN 0 7176 2837 X.
"Transporting paper is big business. It's amazing how much paper is moved around the country every day. Unfortunately accidents can happen and almost every month the HSE hears about an incident involving transporting paper or paper products. Luckily most of the incidents do not involve injury. When they do, the consequences for workers, or even passing motorists can be fatal. All too often the reason why a reel of paper falls from a lorry in a yard is because something has gone wrong with the system used to secure the load on the trailer, or the load has shifted in transit and falls out when the side curtains are opened. In some cases the risks are taken onto the road and lorries roll over or shed their loads onto passing motorists with obvious consequences. We produced this guidance with the help of producers, hauliers, trades unions and many others in the industry. Following the precautions outlined in the guidance on loading and securing paper, and when driving lorries transporting paper, will reduce the risk of incident and injury." - James Barrett, Head of HSE's Manufacturing Sector.
WORKER SWIGGED PESTICIDE KEPT IN MILK BOTTLE
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A Company and its Director have been fined by Folkestone Magistrates’ Court for breaching the Control of Pesticides Regulations and The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 following HSE investigation into a poisoning incident during June 2003 in which employee Kevin Zettel, 32, drunk a quantity of Glyphogan, an agricultural pesticide, that had been decanted into a bottle at its Kent premises.
The accident victim's employer, Romney Marsh Potato Company of New Romney, was fined £1,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 4(4)(b) of the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, and £1,000 for breaching Section 4(5)(b)(ii) of the same Regulations with costs of £2,100.
Director Nicholas Winmill was fined £750 for breaching S.7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 with costs of £528.20.
“The cases arose following an investigation into an accident where an employee was hospitalised after inadvertently drinking a pesticide. Pesticides are hazardous and employers have a duty to ensure they are only used by competent, trained employees. In this case the employees were not trained and were therefore ignorant about how to store and use pesticides safely. Had they have been trained this accident could have been avoided.
A Director of the company, Mr Winmill was prosecuted in addition to the company. Mr Winmill was a trained agronomist familiar with the legal requirement for safe pesticide use. He failed in his duty as an individual to pass relevant information and advice to pass on relevant information and advice, which may have prevented the accident.
Pesticides are hazardous chemicals when not correctly used or store. The HSE takes misuse seriously and will not hesitate to bring it to the courts' attention." - Kirsty Welsh, HM Inspector of Safety and Health.
BOY ESCAPED DEATH AFTER CONTACTING 25KV CONDUCTOR
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A teenage boy is recovering in hospital after he came into contact with an overhead power cable above the permanent way in Peterborough just outside the station. The boy sustained burns and then a head injury from a fall, it is understood he initially jumped from a bridge onto the roof of a train from which he fell after the discharge.
Emergency services arrived but could not immediately go to his aid, delay was incurred until the section of power cable was isolated from the supply.
CIVIL AVIATION (WORKING TIME) REGULATIONS 2004
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Civil Aviation (Working Time) Regulations 2004 came into force this month, for which Guidance on the Civil Aviation (Working Time) Regulations 2004 has been published covering matters including entitlement to annual leave, health assessments and health and safety protection at work.
Learn more about this aspect of air transport at the HSE sector page.
STAYING ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW ENVIRONMENTALLY
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Apparently the majority of SMEs have yet to introduce any practical measures to limit their environmental impact, only 23% of businesses implementing any measures aimed at reducing harm to the environment. SME's can now acquire Pollution Prevention Pays - Getting your site right, a new Environment Agency booklet and video to assist them in getting their site right for the environment, reducing the risk of causing environmental pollution.
Available free of charge from the Agency, it covers matters such as:
site drainage; deliveries and material handling; storage; waste management; trade effluent; groundwater protection & training & emergencies.
Action points enable users to follow the Agency’s good practice measures and ideas for improvements, many of which can be implemented at little or no cost.
Pollution Prevention Pays is available on the internet at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by phoning 08457 33 77 00.
"Until recently, the drive to reduce the impact of business on the environment had been primarily focused on large companies with more than 250 employees, but all business – however small – has an impact on the environment.
Over 99% of the 3.7 million businesses in the UK are SMEs and it is estimated that they generate about 60% of commercial waste and as much as 80% of pollution incidents in England and Wales alone." - Teresa Brown, Environment Agency Technical Advisor for pollution prevention and waste minimisation.
INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY (IWMD)
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A large number of events took place this week in this country and around the world to mark International Workers Memorial Day on Wednesday 28 April.
The concept originated in North America to help people remember all those killed at or by work & to strengthen resolve to reduce risks & protect people.
A service was held on Wednesday 28 April on the North side of the river in the church of St James Garlickhythe, Garlick Hill, just off Upper Thames Street. Andrew Stretton from HMRI shared some personal insights arising from recent rail tragedies & the speaker was David Eves, HSE's ex-Deputy Director General. The Rose Court Christian Union, who organised the service, hoped that it appealed to people of all faiths (or none at all), its intention was to focus & reflect on the very essence of HSC/E's work in dealing with workplace illness, injury & death & their causes.
HSE PROJECT CAN HELP YOU REVIEW COSHH ARRANGEMENTS
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A recent COSHH from experience study conducted with the co-operation of S.Wales major hazard sites holds a good deal of information that will assist with any assessment of compliance with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
The project aimed to:
assess the compliance of major hazard sites in Wales with COSHH; identify common areas of compliance and non-compliance; raise the profile of COSHH & improve standards of compliance with COSHH.
It was concluded generally that the participating companies made significant extra progress with compliance, but among the findings it was found that:
higher levels of the hierarchy of control were too quickly dismissed, often with poor justification for rejection; careful thought at the design stage of processes can reduce potential for exposures - this was under-utilised; ‘best fit’ controls were deemed to be the easiest to employ rather than those of higher priority in the control hierarchy; where COSHH was more prescriptive control measures were generally good; regulation 6 (assessment) was the least complied with; in some cases poor or no justification of the control measures was made, with information often copied from data sheets regardless of task; few assessments highlighted the consequences of exposure, something necessary to decide what is ‘reasonably practicable’ when justifying control measures; in some cases there was poor identification of exposed persons and how long they could be exposed;
generally there was no clear identification of the different routes of entry & poor links to supporting documents.
The project report is published on the HSE website and contains detailed case studies on the key aspects of compliance:
Assessment and hazard identification;
Control
Monitoring
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BENCHMARK AND ACTUAL STANDARDS FOUND DURING THE PROJECT EXPRESSED BY ‘RISK GAP’
Risk gap %
No risk 5
Nominal 4
Moderate 62
Substantial 25
Extreme 4
EMPLOYEE DIES FOLLOWING ACCIDENT
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A man died last week following an accident while maintaining conifer trees at the premises of CJ Enterprises, Paddock Wood, Kent. According to one account Miguel Fernandes, 31, was working with a colleague on an access platform when an overhead power cable earthed through a metallic tool he was holding.
TRAGIC DEATH OF DISABLED WOMAN IN HOSPITAL
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Catherine Hourie, 39, sustained scalding burns to her legs when she was lowered into a hoist bath holding 60ºC water at Prudhoe Hospital in Northumberland during August 1999. She died some days later as a result of the scalding, Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust have admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and are to be sentenced at Crown Court.
Management failings permitted the event to occur, a fitted thermostatic control valve would have prevented the tragedy.
MATERNITY AT WORK - GUIDANCE ON PROTECTION
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
You can learn a great deal from a new International Labour Office (ILO) published work, Healthy beginnings: Guidance on safe maternity at work, Jane Paul, ISBN 92-2-115238-3, on ensuring women workers can enjoy workplace conditions protected from any risks to their health or that of their babies.
THIS GUIDE
Considers maternity protection in the workplace focusing on measures to ensure health for mother and child; is designed for general use, mainly in workplaces in the 'formal' economy & contains checklists, risk assessment and workplace hazard identification material.
MACHINE SMASHED OPERATORS HAND
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Carrs Paper Ltd, of Shirley, Warwickshire, has pleaded guilty to breaching S.2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Solihull Magistrates Court in the circumstances surrounding an accident to an employee, Thomas Brock, who last year sustained a serious hand injury while cleaning a surface of paper coating equipment he was operating. Mr Brock's hand was caught between rollers.
Carrs was fined £7,500 with costs of £3,200.
BAA LIGHTENS THE LOAD FOR BAGGAGE HANDLERS
Posted Friday, April 30, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
From 1st June 2004 passengers travelling through Heathrow will only be permitted to check in bags weighing 32kg or under, a restriction being introduced to reduce manual handling risk to employees. This limit is already enforced by British Airways.
"Manual handling injuries account for around 40% of total airport injuries reported to HSE. The majority of these are related to baggage handling activities, particularly airport staff handling heavy bags. HSE strongly supports the actions being taken by Heathrow Airport and we continue to work in partnership with the air industry to see if a further reduction in the maximum bag weight can be achieved. HSE and industry are encouraged by the 17% reduction in reported injuries among baggage handlers by Heathrow based, British Airways who started operating this maximum single bag limit 12 months ago. This demonstrates that real improvements can be made in this area for the benefit of both airport workers and industry." - Christine Barringer, HSE.
5TH EUROPEAN GOOD PRACTICE AWARDS IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work invites nominations from all (25) member states for its European Good Practice Awards in occupational safety and health.
The award scheme recognises examples of good practice implementing innovative solutions to prevent the exposure of workers to risks during construction activities.
The Agency therefore seeks entries from companies or organisations displaying: outstanding contribution to risk prevention, particularly the effective use of risk assessment and implementation of findings;
good management & be focused on ‘successful prevention of risks to workers'
The Agency says examples drawn from all areas of building and maintenance work are valid, from the initial design and planning to worksite phase, and can be submitted by workplaces, intermediary organisations, chambers of commerce, trade and professional associations and trade unions. Winners will be declared at the EW2004 Building in safety week’s closing event in November.
"Construction is one of Europe's largest industries, with an annual turnover in excess of €900 billion. Unfortunately it also has one of the worst occupational safety and health records. This has to change and the good practice awards aim to demonstrate, by example, to all European employers and workers the benefits of following good safety and health practice in building tomorrow's Europe." - Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, The Director of the European Agency.
CARRIAGE REGULATIONS IN FORCE ON 10TH MAY
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (the Regulations) come into force on 10 May 2004 and are relevant to the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail.
THE REGULATIONS:
consolidate over a dozen sets of regulations; implement EC Directives 2003/28/EC, 2003/29/EC and complete the implementation of Directive 1999/36/EC; directly reference the 2003 texts of the international agreements – RID for rail and ADR for road – that govern the land carriage of dangerous goods; take account of national derogations agreed with the European Commission in respect of certain transport operations involving local journeys or the movement of dangerous goods in small quantities; carry forward the mandatory Emergency Action Code system for placarding certain GB-registered vehicles on GB journeys & will be supported by a number of letters of authorisation allowing time-limited relaxations to some requirements.
“These new Carriage Regulations are a tremendous step forward in simplifying the framework of rules on the land transport of dangerous goods. The direct referencing of RID and ADR recognises the arguments put to us that this approach would make it far simpler for those moving dangerous goods domestically and internationally to follow one set of rules. And future consultation will become a more straightforward process." - Les Philpott, Head of Division within HSE Policy Group with responsibility for transport issues.
THE MAIN CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE REGULATIONS INCLUDE:
new limited quantity and load thresholds for transporting dangerous goods; packaging requirements now based on RID/ADR; the transport of diesel, gas oil and heating oil coming fully into scope; new reporting requirements & the phasing out of the competent person periodic inspection regime for transportable pressure equipment by 1st July 2006.
HSC says The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (S.I.2004 No 568) will be accessible shortly on the HMSO website.
THE REGULATIONS REVOKE:
The Gas Cylinders (Pattern Approval) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/116)
The Pressure Vessels (Verification) Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/896)
The Packaging of Explosives for Carriage Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/2097)
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/2092)
The Carriage of Explosives by Road Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/2093)
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (Driver Training) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/2094)
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/2885)
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/303)
The Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/257)
The Transportable Pressure Vessels Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1426)
The Packaging, Labelling and Carriage of Radioactive Material by Rail Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002 /2099)
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Transportable Pressure Vessels (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1431) and other provisions.
TWO MEN DIED IN FALL FROM HEIGHT
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
John Laing Services Ltd have been fined £175,000 with £40,000 costs by Southwark Crown Court for health and safety failures that resulted in the loss of two employees' lives in an industrial accident and prosecution for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Anthony Fear, 38, and Roy Anderson, 58, fell 15 metres to their death while dismantling a mast climbing work platform (MCWP) when it overturned on a site at the Albert Embankment, London during 1995.
“This tragic accident illustrates the importance of thinking through the implications of changing plant and working methods. When adjusting method statements and operating procedures everyone affected by the changes should know of the implications and be able to work safely.” - Tony Hetherington, HSE Principal Inspector.
KENT BAKERS FAILED TO SATISFACTORILY ASSESS RISKS
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Farmhouse Bakery Products Ltd, also known as Hoppers Bakery and based in Herne Bay, has been fined £4,000 after pleading guilty to breaching S.2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and £2,000 for breaching r.3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 with costs of £2087.20 at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court.
HSE investigation of a November 2003 accident which resulted in employee Hassan Khader losing a finger while attempting to clean a pie-making machine led to the prosecution.
"In this case the company did not take all reasonable steps to protect its employees whilst at work, resulting in an employee amputating a finger. Had the company carried out suitable and sufficient risk assessments it would have identified the gaps in the guarding on their pie and tart-filling machine. In addition, had systems been in place to ensure that machine operatives were suitably trained and briefed on safety precautions connected with hazards in the workplace, then this accident might have been prevented," - Kirsty Welsh, HSE inspector.
COUNCIL AND TEACHER FACE HEALTH AND SAFETY CHARGES
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
It is widely reported that Edinburgh City Council and one of its employees are to appear at Haddington Sheriff Court in connection with an alleged incident relating to a school seaside outing to North Berwick.
The allegations are that both parties failed to meet duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and arise from a June 2003 outing and the background circumstances surrounding an alleged 'near drowning' incident involving a six-year-old pupil.
WORK OF FOOD AND DRINK MANUFACTURING SAFETY GROUP UNDERWAY
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSE's new health and safety forum for the food & drink manufacturing industries met recently bringing together representatives from 8 major trade bodies and the 4 main trade unions. It will meet twice each year to discuss and devise means to build upon an industry performance that has already seen an injury rate drop of over 20% in the last decade, with members working together in partnership to develop a 'Common Strategy' to pursue the main causes of injury and occupational ill health.
The Forum comprises: HSE (Agriculture and Food Sector); Food and Drink Federation; Health and Safety in Bakeries Liaison Committee; Meat Joint Working Party; British Poultry Council; Dairy Industry Association Ltd; Agricultural Industries Confederation; British Beer and Pub Association; British Soft Drinks Association; USDAW; T&G; GMB; BFAWU (Bakers Food & Allied Workers’ Union); Scotch Whisky Association.
“It has taken some years to establish this new Forum and we are certain that it has tremendous potential for directing and helping to improve health and safety in the food and drink industries. Success to date has been effected by everyone working together towards the same goals – companies, trade associations, industry committees, trade unions, safety representatives and HSE inspectors.
Prior to setting up the Forum, the HSE had to hold meetings with many individual trade associations, committees and trade unions. The new Forum will ensure better communication on health and safety issues within the industry and get us on the same wavelength.
We want to build on the success of the joint HSE/food industry ‘Recipe for Safety’ initiative which commenced in the early 1990s and has shown how improvements can be made by targeting key issues, agreeing health and safety guidance and everyone following this through.” - Roger Nourish, HSE Head of the Sector.
CARRIAGE REGULATIONS - ROUTEMAP GUIDANCE PUBLISHED
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Department for Transport has published Working with ADR - An introduction to the carriage of dangerous goods by road, which it describes as as a ‘routemap’ to help you determine whether any carriage might fall within the scope of the Regulations and ADR, and guide you through working with both documents to determine the requirements that apply to you. It does not cover carriage of dangerous goods by rail or by inland waterways nor does it deal with carriage of radioactive materials or transportable pressure equipment in detail - these will be covered elsewhere. It is not intended to serve as a summary of either the Carriage Regulations or ADR.
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (the Carriage Regulations) apply to the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail; place general duties on everyone with a role in the carriage of dangerous goods, and specific duties on those in the transport chain, ie consignors, carriers, loaders, packers, etc.; refer to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2003 (ADR 2003) and Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail 2003 (RID 2003); implement a further Directive on transportable pressure equipment; replace, by a single Statutory Instrument (SI), 12 previous SIs that regulated the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail in GB.
NFU DIALOGUE WITH HSE OVER TAGGING AND CLIPPING RISK
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The outcome of a survey conducted by the Highlands and Island Health Research Institute into injury arising directly from the work of tagging and clipping cattle, in which nearly 600 farmers reported some sort of injury, has prompted the National Farmers' Union Scotland (NFUS) to raise its concerns with the HSE.
The work activity is required because of a 'passport' requirement to tag calves and clip cattle before slaughter, NFUS takes the view that the short regulatory timescale to carry out this work is significantly increasing the risk to farm workers.
HSE is understood to be about to undertake field visits to observe the activity.
“Farmers should take every possible step to minimise the risk of tagging calves, in particular using extra manpower and separation facilities where possible.
However, there are circumstances when that is not practical and our members should not have to risk their lives to comply with a deadline.” - John Kinnaird NFUS President.
HSE STEP UP WARNINGS ABOUT ENFORCEMENT MAILSHOTS
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSE officials have yesterday and today increased their warnings through a variety of media about the large number of demands for money made on the grounds of compliance with health and safety legislation. The apparent proliferation of the scam is taken sufficiently seriously for HSE’s Deputy Directory General Justin McCracken to advise by BBC radio interview that literature from any of the three companies sending it can immediately be binned.
HSE has received hundreds of complaints concerning three bogus enforcement agencies in north-west England who are writing to companies all over Great Britain asking for between £125 and £249 to ensure they comply with health and safety law. The sources of the letters are the Health and Safety Enforcement Agency (HSEA), Manchester-based Health and Safety Compliance Agency (HSCA), and the Health and Safety Registration Enforcement Division (HSRED).
Anyone receiving literature from any of these firms can report it to HSE’s Infoline on 08701 545500, or their local HSE office.
“None of these companies is connected to HSE. Organisations should be very wary of any approach from these firms, or any company ‘offering’ similar services. All three firms use wording suggesting they are official enforcement bodies, but they are not.
HSE never writes indiscriminately to firms seeking advance payment for services which it has not provided.
These companies are asking for significant sums of money, claiming they will send out information, much of which HSE provides free of charge,
HSE’s legitimate Health and Safety Starter Pack¹ is available to any business for £30. Not only does the pack cost a lot less than the information provided by these companies, but it is also the real thing.
All organisations are required by law to register – free of charge – with their enforcing agency, either HSE or their local authority in the case of supermarkets, hotels and sports arenas, for example.” - Justin McCracken, HSE’s Deputy Directory General.
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY STARTER PACK: HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR NEW AND SMALL BUSINESSES can be found on HSE’s website.
EXCAVATION COLLAPSE KILLS PROJECT WORKER
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Hamish Wilson, 40, has died while creating a water feature at Cloncaird Castle, near Maybole, west Scotland.
HSE is investigating, it would appear Mr Wilson was buried when the side of an excavation failed, 4 other colleagues escaped uninjured.
NANOMATERIALS - A RISK TO HEALTH AT WORK
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The application of nanotechnology permits the alteration of the fundamental physical and chemical properties of conventional materials as their size is reduced to the nanoscale, these materials offering unique and commercially useful electrical, optical and mechanical properties because of their size, shape, and composition. Already numerous applications exist in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, microelectronics, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy storage and anti-friction coatings.
A Health and Safety Laboratory hosted event, Nanomaterials - A Risk to Health at Work, First International Symposium on Occupational Health Implications of Nanomaterials, co-sponsored by the HSE and the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, will take place on the 10-12th October 2004, at the Palace Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire.
The event will consider current and future developments in the nanotechnology industry, health effects of nanoparticles and new materials, exposure assessment and control of nanoparticles, potential knowledge gaps, and the regulatory implications of nanotechnology.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD HEALTH AND SAFETY DIRECTIVE ADOPTED
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The European Council has adopted the European Parliament and Council Directive on minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields, accepting the amendments adopted by the European Parliament in its second reading. Member States now have 4 years to enact the Directive in domestic legislation.
The legislation has relevance for employers of persons engaged in occupations where relatively high exposures are likely, e.g. steel and metal sectors, those working long hours in the proximity of emitters in TV and radio broadcasting, radar equipment and mobile phone masts. In the absence of convincing evidence of possible long-term effects, the Directive is limited to the short-term effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Priority, as would be expected, is given to reducing risks at source through preventive measures related to workstation design, work equipment design, procedures and methods. The Directive establishes exposure limit values and action values based on recommendations drawn up by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. Static magnetic fields are not covered by limits.
'COLLECTIVE RESOLVE' NEEDED TO REDUCE SHIP BUILDING AND SHIP REPAIRING ACCIDENT INCIDENCE RATES
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Shipbuilding and Ship repairing Health and Safety Consultative
Committee (SSHSCC), whose members include most of the main shipbuilders and ship repairers in the UK as well as others with an interest in these industries, meets this week (Wednesday) to discuss measures to reduce an accident incidence rate almost twice that of all manufacturing.
The Fleet Support Ltd (FSL) hosted meeting will be addressed by Justin McCracken, HSE Deputy Director, who will speak of the benefits of stakeholders working together to reduce accidents and how the industry might tackle five causes of accidents and ill health:
WORK IN CONFINED SPACES
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
WORKPLACE TRANSPORT
CONTRACTORS
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
"HSE has engaged with the shipbuilding and ship repairing industries over a number of years through the SSHSCC as a way of raising awareness of the issues facing them. We now wish to see the industry agree collectively to set targets and implement practical measures to reduce the rate of accidents and ill health. Partnership is the key - not just with HSE, but through a sharing of best practice with each other and a collective resolve to realise the benefits, including financial, of improved health and safety performance." - James Barrett, Chairman of the SSHSCC and Head of HSE's Manufacturing Sector
"A lot of work still needs to be done on safety issues within the shipbuilding and ship repair industry and this meeting will launch a new approach. FSL and VT Shipbuilding will lead a nationwide initiative to look more closely at two specific areas; work in
confined spaces and slips, trips and falls. Our role will be to take the lead in investigating the causes of such incidents to seek a common industry approach into reducing accidents in these areas". - Brad Hicks, FSL health, safety and environment manager.
HSE AT INTERBUILD 2004
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Anyone attending the construction trade event Interbuild at Birmingham NEC, 25-29th April 2004, can visit the HSE stand (number - 20F25) where they can experience hearing loss. Visitors need not be alarmed, they will not experience permanent loss of hearing but rather experience an interactive hearing loss demonstration to find out how things sound with damaged hearing as HSE continues to raise awareness of noise as an occupational hazard.
HSE construction inspectors will be available to answer questions, offer information on the Working Well Together campaign, dermatitis, dehydration etc.
A range of free information including the 'High 5' key health and safety messages for the construction industry will be available at the HSE stand.
DESIGNERS CAN DO BETTER!
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSE has drawn the conclusion from its latest construction 'designer initiative' conducted throughout Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire that building designers are still not doing enough to design out risk, particularly from falls from height. Numerous site meetings were held with those holding designer duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (Regulation 13) to elicit what had been done during the design stage to reduce the risks of working at height and to address issues that impinge on site safety and subsequent safety of maintenance workers.
Inspectors will continue to target designers as part of their routine work.
“Work at height continues to be the most significant cause of fatal accidents on construction sites in the UK, responsible for around 40% of all deaths. For 10 years designers have had legal duties to design out risk where possible. We looked at a sample of new buildings locally to see how well designers were doing.
It is encouraging that many of the designers we met understood they had legal duties to design out risk and were trying to comply.
We found that designers who go onto site often and consult with those constructing the buildings had a better appreciation of the problems created by some of their ideas and could collaborate with contractors to design a workable and safer solution. However we are concerned that some designers wanted to rely on harnesses as a means of preventing people falling when it is much better to design out the need to work at height, or if it is necessary, ensure it can be done from a safe place of work with proper guardrails. Overall I have to conclude that there is still a long way to go before we can say that designers are making a real contribution to reducing the toll of death and injury caused by falls from height in this industry.” - Joy Jones, HSE’s Principal Construction Inspector of the four counties.
67 PROPANE & BUTANE GAS CYLINDERS ON FERRY PLACED PASSENGERS AT SERIOUS RISK
Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Haulage company Barratlantic Ltd of Barra has been fined £5,000 at Oban Sheriff Court having pleaded guilty to charges relating to a failure to declare dangerous goods, namely 67 gas cylinders which were loosely stowed between general goods and building materials being carried on a vehicle on board a ferry from Oban out to the Island of Barra during November 2002.
The curtained sided unplacarded vehicle was routinely inspected by officers of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) accompanied by Strathclyde Police when the total quantity of undeclared gas was discovered to amount to 1068 Kg.
Propane and butane gas cylinders are banned from being carried on passenger ships, but because of supply consideration to the islands, procedures are in place to allow the carriage of these banned, dangerous goods subject to them being declared to the Ferry Operator 24 hours before departure so that appropriate safety procedures can be put in place before the vessel sails.
"These charges are extremely serious involving a serious risk to the public, by which I mean the passengers & crew of the ferry. The maximum penalty which the law allows is £5,000 on each charge making a total of £10,000. I note that this is a first offence & that you have pleaded guilty thus avoiding a trial & so I shall fine you £2,500 for each charge. Had you not, the fine would have been considerably more." - Sheriff Douglas Small
"We were concerned that Barratlantic should have placed the safety of passengers and crew on the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry at such risk and I hope that that this reminds all hauliers of the importance of their responsibility to declare to Ferry Operators when dangerous goods are to be transported on their ships." - Alistair Struthers, Regional Operations Manager (Surveys) of the MCA.
HSC/E TO PLAY PART IN DELIVERY OF SAFER RAILWAYS
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Commission has published its response to the Department for Transport's Rail Review published in January. The Submission to the Secretary of State for Transport from the Health and Safety Commission addresses: health and safety law and the railways; current industry problems & solutions being taken forward now by HSC/E.
In conclusion, HSC takes the view that 'improved railway industry performance and public confidence, sound infrastructure and control of costs are dependent on effective management of risk and other aspects of the business. The flexibility of the existing health and safety framework provides real advantages for operators: independent regulation through HSE offers public and political assurance and minimises interfaces.' It affirms it will - 'continue to work with the industry to ensure that its needs are taken into account, and will continue to promote open dialogue about its approach to enforcement and key concepts such as reasonable practicability. Its aim is for a railway industry that demonstrates a sound understanding of risk management, reflected in improved trends in the types of incidents that precede major accidents.'
"I repeat what I said when the Rail Review was announced – that health and safety must be truly independent of the industry and economic pressures, and that the regulator must have teeth to be able to enforce health and safety measures where necessary. We saw last
week that the courts imposed on Thames Trains a record fine of £2 million for its serious omissions in respect of driver training which led to the Ladbroke Grove collision. The judge remarked that the fine should serve as a reminder of the paramount importance of safety and the prompt attention to risk. Alongside its regulatory duties, HSC and HSE are also tasked by Government to monitor the implementation of the safety recommendations made following the Public Inquiries into recent rail disasters. While good progress has been made in the last few years there are key issues which remain to be resolved; for example, licensing of train drivers. Both HSC and HSE remain committed to the
task of working with the industry to ensure reasonable standards of safety for rail workers and passengers alike. They should expect nothing less. I hope that the Rail Review will provide a rigorous and objective examination of performance and safety and the reasons for cost increases. We are determined to play our part in achieving a safe and high performing railway." - Bill Callaghan, Chair of the HSC.
The submission opens with a highly appropriate quotation ……
'In the modes of travelling used before the prevalence of railways, accidents to life and limb were frequent, but in general they were individually so unimportant as not to attract notice, or to find a place in the public journals. In the case of railways, however, where large numbers are carried in the same train, and simultaneously exposed to danger, accidents, though more rare, are sometimes attended with appalling results. Much notice is therefore drawn to them. They are commented on in the journals and public alarm is excited.' - Dionysius Lardner 1854.
NEW MANUAL HANDLING GUIDE PUBLISHED
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
More than a third of all over-3-day injuries reported each year to HSE and local authorities are caused by manual handling defined as 'the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force'.
HSE's recently published Getting to grips with manual handling, INDG143(rev2) is intended for managers of small firms or similar organisations but the general principles are relevant to all workplaces where activities must meet the requirements of The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002. It explains the problems associated with manual handling and sets out best practice in dealing with them, and is available in priced packs of 10 from HSE Books, ISBN 0 7176 2828 0, single free copies are also available.
FALLING FORKLIFT LOAD ALMOST KILLED WORKER
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
PD Edenhall Ltd of Risca, Gwent, has been prosecuted and fined for safety failures that very nearly cost the life of employee Vernon Higgs in an industrial accident at its premises during April 2003. The company admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Abergavenny Magistrates' Court for which it was fined £6,000 with £1,650 costs.
Investigation by HSE officials revealed deficiency in the required standard of training of the truck operator, arrangements for securing the load, a 1500kg mould, were inadequate, and the lifting operation did not constitute a safe system of work.
Mr Higgs required many months in hospital to treat his serious injuries sustained when the mould fell from the truck's forks on to him.
CONSULTATION ON EXPORT/IMPORT OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSC has published a consultation document - Proposals for the export and import of dangerous chemicals Regulations 2004. The Export of Dangerous Chemicals Regulations 1992 sets the enforcement penalties necessary to implement EC Regulation 2455/92 - The export and import of certain dangerous chemicals. The aim of the scheme was to address concerns over exports of dangerous chemicals to developing countries, which may not have adequate controls on import and sales. Consultation closes on 2 July.
DO YOU HAVE SAFE CONTROL SYSTEMS?
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
As technology advances our lives depend more and more on the correct
operation of electrical and electronic control systems. Managers, engineers and technicians with responsibility for safety-related control systems in any industry can better answer the above question with the arrival of the updated HSE guide,
Out of Control: Why control systems go wrong and how to prevent failure.
This 2nd Edition contains a comprehensive revision of references and some minor changes to the guidance in the 1995 edition, featuring a description and analysis of 12 incidents when system failures gave rise to: fatal crushing; amputation; physical trapping; microwave injury; gas releases; an acid spillage; the listing of a drilling rig & the malfunctioning of a radiation shield.
In total 34 incidents were analysed for primary cause: 44% had inadequate specification; 20% changes after commissioning; 15% design and implementation; 15% operation and maintenance & 6% installation and commissioning.
BUILT-IN FAILURES
This means approximately three-fifths of all control system failures are built-in before operation commences. The guide shows how the incidents could have been prevented by the application of straightforward precautions and a summary of a further 22 incidents lists primary and secondary causes. Together, these results reveal the relative importance of each activity in a typical
development lifecycle.
Copies of Out of Control: Why control systems go wrong and how to
prevent failure (2nd edition), (HSE ref: HSG 238) are available from HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-2192-8, price £11.95.
"This guidance allows everyone involved with the development and use of control systems to learn from others and avoid repeating disastrous mistakes. It provides a good introduction to the issues to consider when building and relying on a control system for safety, and points to many sources of further information." - Paul Davies, HSE's Chief Scientist.
NEW LEGISLATION AFFECTS EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 people working
through 17,000 agencies and employment businesses across Great
Britain. The revised Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment
Businesses Regulations are now in force which have a variety of implications for agencies including a requirement to obtain information on any health and safety risks known to the hirer and the steps taken to prevent or control those risks.
The rules will be enforced by the DTI's Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate.
The Government is considering the case put by certain on-line recruiters suggesting that they should be exempted from the provisions of the Regulations, reaching a decision in the summer. The DTI has produced a detailed guidance in collaboration with the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the main trade association for the private recruitment industry, and the trade union Equity.
"In the future, everyone who uses the services provided by agencies
and employment businesses can have greater confidence in them - both
those companies that use them to supply staff as well as the agency
workers themselves. - Employment Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.
HSE INVESTIGATES FALL FROM HEIGHT ACCIDENT IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
An investigation is proceeding to determine the circumstances of a recent fall from height accident in which roofing worker Ken Danby, 53, fell 3 metres on to concrete from the roof of Uckington and Elmstone Hardwicke Village Hall fracturing his skull. It is reported that Mr Danby was engaged in work for County Roofing Ltd, Gloucester, when he fell.
NEW DATE FOR CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS AND USE OF TRANSPORTABLE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 2004
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that as a result of the recent administrative delay the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 will now come into force following the 3- week laying period on the 10 May 2004. The DfT will provide details soon of how to obtain the Regulations, their ISBN and the introductory guide to ADR.
NHS TRUST LOST DANGEROUS RADIOACTIVE SOURCE
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The whereabouts of a dangerous radioactive emitting source, caesium-137, used to treat a patient in March 2001 but misplaced by employees of the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, may never be discovered. Monitoring of the source of radioactivity was so poor it took several months for it to be reported missing. It is possible the small source was disposed of along with clinical waste.
Yesterday the Trust admitted breaching the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and HSE-enforced health and safety legislation for which it was fined £45,000 with costs of £45,620 at the City of London Magistrates' Court following the HSE/ Environment Agency instigated prosecution. Officials were highly critical of the Trust's management of the source, procedures and employee training.
The main legal requirements enforced by HSE are the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99).
DWP/HSC APPOINTMENTS CONCERNING HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Jane Kennedy MP, the former Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office, has taken over from Des Browne as Minister of State for Work at the Department for Work and Pensions which has responsibility for Health and Safety at work.
It is also announced that Margaret Burns has been reappointed to serve on the Health and Safety Commission as the Commissioner representing public interest concerns. Hugh Robertson, Senior Health and Safety Officer at the TUC, has also been appointed to serve as Commissioner representing employees' concerns. Both posts commence this month (April 2004) and have a tenure of 3 years.
HSE FEES SET FOR 2004
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The latest version of the Health and safety (fees) regulations 2004 S.I.2004/456, ISBN 0110487451, price £6.50 is now available from The Stationery Office. It sets out costs payable to the HSE under a bewildering range of regulations for services it renders.
PREVENTION AND REDUCTION OF NEEDLESTICK INJURIES
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Health Protection Agency for England and Wales has produced a report, Surveillance of Significant Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Viruses in Health Care Workers, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in which it concludes there are 'too many preventable occupational exposures within a healthcare context', taking the view that the opportunity exists to prevent needlestick injuries in health care workers and significantly reduce incidence.
The report considers needlestick injuries sustained by health care workers where the patient they were treating was either known to have a bloodborne virus (BBV) such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, or HIV, or where the patient did not know whether they were carrying a BBV.
37% of injuries reported took place when health care workers were disposing of needles;
in those cases where injuries took place during a procedure, such as taking blood or putting in stitches, adequate education and training could prevent them;
the commonest type of exposure (54%) was to a hepatitis C positive source;
the second most common was exposure to an HIV positive source (32%).
most of the reported cases involved members of the nursing profession (43%), with doctors being the second most affected group (35%).
“At the moment, there are too many occupational exposures to hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV from needlestick injuries occurring within health care settings, many of which are preventable. It is important that those health care workers who have been injured in this way seek immediate treatment to prevent the onset of infection.
Occupational health departments are encouraged to report, in anonymised format, such exposures to the Agency’s Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, in order that we can gain a better understanding of why and how these injuries occur. This requires in-depth information on the type of injury, staff involved and the health of the source patient” - Professor Pat Troop, Chief Executive of the Health Protection Agency.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ULDS
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Patients presenting themselves before physiotherapists often do so through conditions due in part, or wholly, to workplace activity. For physiotherapists and occupational health nurses new research - The challenge of managing upper limb disorders – how can health professionals become more effective? (1.5mb, RR215) has been conducted and reported.
The topic has increasing relevance as greater effort is made to rehabilitate people with upper limb disorders (ULDs) back into the labour force, the study looks at means to more effective diagnosis, treatment and overall management of sufferers.
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Identify the current training for occupational health nurses and physiotherapists relating to the management of ULDs.
Identify the range of management approaches used for ULDs.
Investigate practitioners’ use of tools.
Establish how confident practitioners are in managing these conditions.
Identify any discrepancy between current practice and supposed best practice.
Identify training needs and barriers to training uptake.
CWU RAISES VIOLENCE ISSUE WITH EMPLOYER
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The recent serious assault perpetrated on a postal worker in London has prompted the Communication Workers Union to urge the Royal Mail to adopt a 'zero tolerance' towards worker assault and use a variety of means at its disposal to protect the workforce comprising:
awareness raising among both workers and the public of violence at work; risk assessment & audit of the implementation of risk controls.
FALLING PALLETS SERIOUSLY INJURED DRIVER
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
On a July day in 2002 Anthony Kinnersley, 58, an employee of David Beeston Haulage, Bucks, could not have known he was about to experience a life-threatening event when he arrived at the Solihull premises of pallet repairers Chep UK in his employer's lorry to collect a load of pallets. As he waited for a forklift truck to lift the pallets an 8-metre pile of them became unstable and fell on him, inflicting serious head and facial injuries for which he is still receiving hospital treatment. Investigation revealed that there were no implemented arrangements for the separation of visiting personnel and loading operations.
Chep UK pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in the circumstances surrounding Mr Kinnersley's accident for which the Magistrates' Court fined it £15,000 with £11,250 costs. The company has since invested heavily in physical measures to prevent recurrence.
ONE DEATH PER WEEK IN AGRICULTURE
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Working in agriculture or being around the work in progress, including peripheral activities such as horticulture and forestry, remains hazardous with around 50 work-related fatal accidents occurring each year. A feature of the fatalities is the high proportion of self-employed, members of the public and children, examination of the 10-year statistics shows: 51% of accident victims were self-employed; 14% were members of the public & 8% were children.
The fatal injury rate in agriculture for 2002/03 was 9.5 per 100,000 workers, giving it the highest of any industrial sector.
PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF DEATH IN AGRICULTURE
Transport (being run over or vehicle overturns) - 33%;
Falling from a height (through fragile roofs, trees etc) - 18%.
Struck by moving or falling objects (bales, trees etc) - 14%.
Contact with moving/unguarded machinery - 10%.
Livestock related fatalities - 8%.
Electrocutions - 7%.
PARENTS STOP USING CAR SEATS FOR CHILDREN TOO SOON
Posted Wednesday, April 21, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
DfT research has discovered not all parents are using appropriate child seats in their cars. The latest focus of the Department for Transport's (DfT) THINK road safety campaign is to convey to parents the need to use child car seats or boosters for their children until they are at least 11 years old or 150cm tall (roughly 5 feet) which will effectively reduce the risk of injury to children in the event of an accident. The advertising campaign promoting child car seat use will appear in a variety of parenting publications.
Directive 2003/20/EC means that all Member States will be required to ensure that by May 2006 children up to age 11 and 150 cm tall use an appropriate child restraint in most vehicles, a matter which will be subject to consultation in due course.
THE THINK! CAMPAIGN SAFETY TIPS TO HELP PROTECT CHILDREN WHEN TRAVELLING BY CAR
Always take the time to make sure that your child's car seat
harness is properly adjusted and fastened before setting off in the
car, even on the shortest of trips. And remember to set a good
example by fastening your own belt
Make sure your child car seat or booster is properly secured by the
adult belt every time you use it. When fitting a child car seat in
your car, always follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly
and allow plenty of time. Always keep a copy of the fitting
instructions in your car.
Use a properly fitted, purpose built child car seat which meets the
current safety standards (it will be marked with an 'E' mark and a
'03' number) and is appropriate for your child's weight and height.
Try before you buy and get a trained shop assistant to demonstrate
how to fit the seat.
Beware when using a second-hand child car seat. Make sure that it
meets current safety standards, has not already been in an accident
and that you have the correct fitting instructions.
No child can sit in the front seat of any vehicle without using a
seat belt or child car seat. Children under three can only sit in the
front if they are strapped in to a proper child car seat.
Never use a rear-facing child car seat in a seat protected by an
active frontal airbag. Forward-facing child car seats should be as
far back from the airbag as possible. Always check the car handbook
for the manufacturer's advice.
NORTHERN IRELAND WORKER CAUGHT IN MEAT MINCER
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A worker at Foyle Meats, Londonderry, endured an ordeal lasting several hours during which emergency services attempted to extricate his hand and arm from meat mincing equipment. His transfer to hospital was only accomplished by dismantling the equipment and taking him there with part of it attached to his arm.
CHOOSING AND FITTING A CHILD CAR SEAT CORRECTLY
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is to fill a knowledge gap with a video explaining to parents what should be involved in selecting and fitting child car seats correctly. Disturbed by the results of a survey that revealed a lack of advice and assistance, RoSPA has produced, in collaboration with the Department for Transport, Choosing and Fitting Child Car Seat to complement its award-winning website www.childcarseats.org.uk on the issue.
“Parents should ensure that children always travel in an approved child restraint that is suitable for their size and weight, and which is securely fitted in the car. Older children can use the seat belt on its own, but only if they are 1.5 metres (about 5ft) or taller.
It’s also essential that the child seats are properly fitted. If a child car seat is fitted badly, it will not do its job properly, and could fail to protect a child in a crash. Surveys have shown that around 70% of child car seats are fitted incorrectly. Sound advice in this area is invaluable, as every year around 40 children under 12-years-old are killed while travelling in cars.” - Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety.
FATAL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT IN SHROPSHIRE
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A workman has died in an accident on the premises of tool treatment company Raynor in the Maer Lane Industrial Estate, Market Drayton. According to one account the man sustained fatal crush injuries when a heavy load being moved from a vehicle fell on him.
FIRE CLAIMS CARE HOME RESIDENT'S LIFE
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
An elderly man has died following a fire at the Llanedeyrn Residential Home in Cardiff. According to one account the fire ignited in a ground floor room late Thursday evening, the resident died later in hospital. The home is operated by the Hafod Care Association Ltd.
GOVERNMENT ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY STILL DEVELOPING
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Department for Transport has published a review of the Government's Road Safety Strategy that considers progress to date on its road safety targets. The strategy, which notably delivered a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones and a national roll out of safety cameras, appears to be enabling a reduction in accidents over the initial 3-year period, delivering: a 17% drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads & a 33% reduction in the number of children killed and seriously injured.
Problem areas remain - the number of motorcyclist deaths and injuries, the rise in drink-drive related deaths and injuries, and engaging more employers to develop at-work road safety policies for employees who drive at work.
"The Road Safety Strategy provided a challenging set of targets for
casualty reduction and I am delighted with the progress we are
making. There are many people alive and well today who would
otherwise have been injured or even killed. I am particularly pleased with the progress we are making on reducing child death and injury, which is already down 33%. But we are not complacent. Road safety is everyone's responsibility and we need to continue to make all road users aware of how they can contribute to making our roads safer for everyone. We have to concentrate our efforts on the areas which we've identified as needing further attention - with further reducing deaths and motorcyclist and drink-drive casualties presenting a challenge we must tackle. We have a good road safety record in the UK, but we strive constantly to improve it. We have some very good practices which we are sharing around the world to reduce the high levels of road casualties in other countries. - Road Safety Minister David Jamieson.
INVESTIGATION OF WORKPLACE DEATH - GUIDANCE
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The publication Work related deaths- investigators guide is available on the HSE website and describes best practice based upon the earlier Work-Related Deaths: A Protocol for Liaison with which it should be read in conjunction.
It gives an insight into the work of the police and enforcing authority officials investigating these tragic events, offering a straightforward step-by-step approach to investigation by them within the workplace and includes guidance in respect of domestic gas incidents and road deaths.
PROTECTING RECREATIONAL USERS OF FARMLAND FROM ANIMAL BACTERIA
Posted Sunday, April 11, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSE wishes to remind farmers and others responsible for farmland used for recreation of the risk to visitors health from organisms originating in the guts of animals and deposited in faeces. E coli O157, for example, is a bacterium that can be carried and excreted by cattle, sheep, deer and goats and which has caused illness and sometimes death in children infected. Animals can spread the organism to people by direct contact, and indirectly when faeces and manure are spread on farmland. E coli O157 is very potent, small amounts can pose a severe risk, particularly for young children and elderly people. The bacterium is often swallowed when people eat food, without first having washed their hands, or drink water from streams that have been contaminated.
"All animal faeces contain infectious organisms, but our main concern is E coli O157 which has been the source of serious ill health in a number of investigated incidents. People walking or cycling in the countryside are at little risk from E coli O157. However risk increases when people eat and drink, during picnicking or camping, without first washing their hands. Following these precautions will not only reduce the risk from E coli O157, but also of other diseases that can be transmitted to people from animals. The message to everyone is keep contamination to a minimum, wash your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking and check that water is safe to drink." - Graeme Walker, from HSE's agricultural sector.
VIDEO
Advice on protecting visitors against infections from animals at open
farms can be found on the HSE website in the form of a short video, and in HSE Agriculture Information Sheet 23, Avoiding ill-health at open farms - advice to farmers.
Where possible fields used for grazing or stockholding of animals should not be used for camping, picnicking, or play areas.
If fields which have been used for grazing or stockholding animals are to be used for recreational purposes:
- keep animals off the fields for the 3 weeks prior to use and during it;
- remove visible dung - preferably at the beginning of the 3-week period;
- mow the grass, keep it short and remove the clippings before use;
- inform leaders of recreational/leisure groups (e.g. scouts, guides
etc.) of the need for good hygiene practice (hand washing) and to
treat drinking or personal washing water taken from streams;
- provide adequate washing facilities at organised recreational
events such as car boot sales, fetes, shows etc.
EXPLODING ABRASIVE WHEEL KILLED WORKER
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
John Young, 58, died in an industrial accident during September 2002 when the abrasive wheel fitted to grinding equipment he was using exploded, inflicting severe head injuries. The equipment being used on a large crank shaft was not suited to the task, the wheel was spinning far in excess of its intended speed and guarding was inadequate.
Metal Spraying and Process Equipment Ltd of Ibrox, Glasgow, admitted breaching health and safety legislation in the circumstances of its employee's death and was fined £25,000. In addition to the equipment, investigation revealed inadequacy in employee supervision and training, workers expressed concern about the work in hand before the accident occurred which should have been heeded by management. The company is no longer trading.
WORKPLACE TRANSPORT SAFETY LAPSES LED TO ACCIDENT AND PROSECUTION
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Food company Tulip of Thetford, Norfolk, has admitted and been fined £14,400 with £2800 costs for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in the circumstances of an accident in December 2002 in which employee David Featherstone sustained a leg injury resulting from the movement of a forklift truck. Mr Featherstone was standing next to a container which, when struck by the load being supported by a reversing forklift, crushed his leg at the knee.
The company attributed its lapse in the area of workplace transport to management failings to which it had since implemented a range of physical and procedural measures to prevent recurrence.
HSC RAILWAY STRATEGY DOCUMENT UPDATE
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSC has published an update to its strategy document - Health and Safety Commission's strategy for improving health and safety on the railways 2004-2005, for improving railway health and safety. The update for 2004-2005 has been produced to keep pace with changes in the rail environment, and gives more detail of its work under the Rail Delivery Programme. The strategy remains largely unchanged but with a minor change to one of the 5 aims (ii) which emphasises a risk-based approach.
HSC's 5 specific aims:
1. Revitalise health and safety performance on the railways through targeted regulatory action.
2. Provide an effective, transparent and risk-based regulatory system.
3. Ensure the delivery of improvements recommended in the public inquiry reports.
4. Influence & contribute to the wider strategies of other rail stakeholders to maximise our collective contributions to rail health & safety. 5. Shape the rail safety agenda in Europe so that it aligns as far as possible with UK structures and approaches.
NO SHORTAGE OF BUSINESS CASES FOR GOOD HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Delegates from the financial industry, trades unions and the corporate social responsibility movement who attended an HSC conference in Edinburgh last week learned of a series of case studies, each describing an initiative or programme, illustrating the business case for good health and safety management and demonstrating both the business and social benefits of health and safety improvements that accrued.
The organisations were drawn from a wide range of industry sectors and public service including manufacturing, aerospace, chemical, construction, food, health service, engineering, pharmaceutical and utilities; in all, the 19 cases were intended to inspire other organisations to improve their health and safety performance.
British Polythene Industries plc, based in Greenock, introduced a new rehabilitation scheme which resulted in a significant reduction in post-injury absence rates from 26 days to 4. In financial terms, the benefits outweighed the costs by an impressive 12:1 ratio.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
There is an increasing expectation that employers take responsibility for health and safety seriously as a component of wider social responsibility in an environment of greater transparency and accountability over workplace health and safety. On this theme the conference introduced an ongoing project to develop a health and safety performance index intended to assist external stakeholders assess how well large organisations manage risks and responsibilities towards workers and the public. It can be used internally by an organisation as an indicator of performance and, over time, progress in health and safety management. A version for small businesses is currently under development.
"We believe that the case studies and the index have a vital role to play. Powerful messages come out of many of the Case studies - in particular that management of health and safety cannot be viewed in isolation from the management of the business overall. The case studies highlight the vital contribution that good communications, sound training and development and meaningful worker involvement all make.
While there is sound evidence of increasing corporate responsibility and accountability for health and safety across the public, private and voluntary sectors we have much more to do. We want health and safety on the board agenda of all organisations. That is not the case at the moment. There are clear signs that many organisations are practising greater responsibility and accountability.
But there remain those who are resistant and who have yet to be convinced even when faced with the high cost of occupational ill health including for example days lost through stress." - Margaret Burns HSC Commissioner.
LANDLORD & ‘HANDYMAN’ GET PRISON SENTENCES FOR MANSLAUGHTER CAUSED BY DANGEROUS GAS APPLICANCE!
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Yarmouth landlord Stanley Rogers, 62, and Barry Stone, 39, described as a handyman who undertook work for Mr Rogers, have received custodial sentences for the admitted manslaughter of two teenagers. During March last year tenants Michael Frosdick, 19, and Keith Reynolds, 17, succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning at a flatted property belonging to Rogers in the town where investigation revealed they were victims of a dangerous and unsuitable gas appliance installed by Stone.
At Bury St Edmunds Crown Court Stanley Rogers received a 5-year sentence and a £5,000 fine, Barry Stone received 3 years. Further charges relating to gas safety legislation will remain on file for both men.
SHROPSHIRE FARM FATALITY
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A middle-aged man has died from injuries he sustained when a large horse trailer toppled on to him at a farming property near Prees, Shropshire. It is reported the man who died at the scene may have been a visitor there, HSE and police are investigating.
MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL ROAD RISK SHOULD BE LOOKED UPON AS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The 67 organisations comprising the Occupational Road Safety Alliance (ORSA), with the support of the Department for Transport, have launched a new website. Employers, trade unions, local authorities, police forces, safety organisations, professional and trade associations determined to reduce work-related deaths and injuries on Britain’s roads are all involved.
The new website aims to: raise awareness of work-related road safety;
encourage businesses to manage at-work road risk more effectively;
provide ORSA members and others in the road safety and occupational safety communities with the latest information and developments about managing occupational road risk; advise on how organisations can develop an action plan to deal with problems; provide statistical information; explain the legal situation, business case; and
list resources and training providers.
The website stresses that management of occupational road risk should be looked upon as a business opportunity to enhance a company’s reputation and save money.
“ORSA now has 67 members and believes that all employers, large or small, private or public, should seek to develop a systematic approach to managing occupational road risk. They need to be sure they have the correct people, policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of their employees and other road users. ORSA wants more employers to sign up to this challenge to improve road safety. Details about joining can be found on the website.” - Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety.
FATAL FISHING ACCIDENT
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
John Macdonald, 43, a fisherman, has died following an accident while he was working on the Dunan Star II off Lewis, Western Isles. According to one account Mr Macdonald fell overboard and was retrieved by his colleagues and lifted by helicopter but was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital in Stornoway.
RECORD FINE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFENCE
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Old Bailey sentencing of Thames Trains has delivered a record fine of £2 million for a breaches of s.2(1) and s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 over the Ladbroke Grove rail collision. Costs of £75,000 must also be met by the company. Thames Trains had previously pleaded guilty to the charges at a hearing on 10th December 2003 at Bow Street Magistrates' Court.
The accident occurred in October 1999, a Thames Trains Turbo passenger train passed a red signal outside Paddington station colliding head on with a First Great Western high-speed train, this and a subsequent fire claiming the lives of 31 persons and injuring several hundred. Investigation established serious deficiencies in the train driver's training for which it has been made accountable.
It was not until March 2002 that HSE informed bereaved families of its intention to prosecute Thames Trains for alleged offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 subject to a reconsideration of the case by the CPS.
"The collision at Ladbroke Grove on 5 October 1999 cost 31 lives,
with over 400 people suffering injuries, many of them serious. This
was a major disaster that led to a public inquiry, held by Lord
Cullen, into safety on the nation's railways.
HSE's investigation into the causes of the collision revealed what
Thames Trains itself described as 'serious omissions' in its driver
training programme. Thames Trains' driver, Michael Hodder, drove his
train through signal SN109 when it was showing red. This was the
immediate cause of the collision.
While much has been done since 1999 to improve safety standards on
the railways - measures that make a similar incident less likely
today - there is no comfort to the bereaved and injured who have
heard in court today that this collision could have been avoided.
Both workers and passengers alike have a right to expect reasonable
standards of safety when they travel on the railways. Our thoughts
remain with the bereaved and injured." - Steve Walker, Assistant Chief
Inspector of Railway.
FEARS FOR HARBOUR MASTER & ASSISTANT
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
There are growing fears for the fate of Keith Allday and Alan Massey, Harbour Master and assistant Harbour Master at Barmouth, Gwynedd. Mr Allday was last seen at 11am yesterday morning laying a mooring in the harbour, a 5-metre long Dory used by both men has since been located upturned as have a buoyancy aid and fuel tank. Their fellow crew members of Barmouth RNLI are participating in the search operation of the harbour and estuary.
UPDATE: It is reported that the body of Keith Allday has been found on Fairbourne beach.
HSC CONSULTS ON NOISE LEGISLATION
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
HSC estimates that new regulations implementing the European Physical Agents (Noise) Directive will extend protection to around one million new workers in addition to the same number protected under current law. It has published a consultative document on the proposed regulations and guidance, the main change from the existing regulations is the reduction by 5dB of the exposure levels at which action has to be taken - the new exposure levels will be 80dB and 85dB, with a limit of 87dB on personal noise exposure, for most employers the new regulations will come into force in February 2006. A 1986 Directive (86/188/EC) on this subject was implemented in the UK by the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.
HSE says that during negotiation of the Directive UK officials minimised the burdens on industry without detracting from the benefits to workers’ health, in particular: the limitation on personal noise exposure now allows hearing protection to be taken into account. This means that industry is not restrained in its activities providing it has done its best to reduce noise and workers wear appropriate hearing protection; the limitation on personal noise exposure was set at 87 dB rather than 85 dB; where noise exposure varies from day to day, it can be averaged over a week rather than over eight hours. This will release many occasionally exposed workers from many of the provisions of the Directive & the original requirement for health surveillance at 80 dB has been qualified so that it only applies where there is a risk to health. This will avoid unnecessary medical intervention since normally there is little risk to hearing at this level.
HAPPYHILLOCK EXPLOSION CAUSED BY LEAKING GAS MAIN
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
An HSE investigation into the deaths of William and Mary Bailey and the serious injury of a neighbour in an explosion in their homes during October 2000 has concluded it was caused by a leaking 100mm fractured iron gas main in Linfield Street, Happyhillock, Dundee. All low and medium pressure service mains on the estate are now in polyethylene.
The Dundee Procurator Fiscal decided neither a Fatal Accident Inquiry nor legal action against Transco would be appropriate. The HSE investigative report by its Hazardous Installations Directorate is available & is titled an 'Investigation of the Explosion at Linfield Street Dundee'.
NHS TRUST DENIES GLUTARALDEHYDE ALLEGATIONS
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Grampian University Hospitals Trust is to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in June to face allegations that it breached the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary over a period of years up to July 1999 in respect of the exposure of an employee to the substance glutaraldehyde.
It is alleged that for the activity of cleaning endoscopes the Trust did not make the suitable and sufficient assessment of risks as required by COSHH and meet other legal requirements including the provision of information, instruction and training.
The Trust denies the allegations.
PROSPECT OF NEW WORK AT HEIGHT REGULATIONS ON THE STATUTE BOOK BY THE END OF THE YEAR
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The HSE has received almost 500 responses to the consultation exercise on the draft Work at Height Regulations before it closed for comment last Friday, HSE envisages having the new legislation on the statute book by the end of the year.
Discussions with adventure activities representatives will continue, last week HSE met with representatives of the Adventure Activities Sector (Dave Turnbull - British Mountaineering Council, John Cousins - Mountain Leader Training UK, Tom Redfern - Association of Caving Instructors, and Marcus Baillie - Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) to discuss the draft Regulations.
In a meeting described as 'productive' the key areas of concern - ropes, fragile surfaces, danger areas, lone workers, National Governing Bodies guidance and guidance on the regulations were discussed. HSE takes the view that if the Adventure Activities sector adheres to its safety standards and guidance it should have no problems fulfilling the requirements of the draft Regulations.
BREAKDOWN IN COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT LED TO INCIDENT
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A failure by a company to implement proper procedures led to an incident which a judge said only through seemingly miraculous circumstances did it not end in tragedy. Leisure and entertainment company Tussauds Theme Parks Ltd, owners of Thorpe Park in Chertsey, previously pleaded guilty to breaching S.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974, in failing to ensure the health and safety of persons not in its employment, and was fined £65,000 with £35,000 costs at Guildford Crown Court.
On 22 September 2001, Gemma Clark and Scott Reeves occupied a car on the Thorpe Park Zodiac Enterprise ride which became partially detached from the ride whilst in motion, luckily escaping serious injury.
“This was a serious incident resulting from a breakdown in communication and management procedures. The ride should have been stopped before the accident occurred.
Failure to control risks to health and safety a fairgrounds is unacceptable and this prosecution and sentence reinforce that message. The HSE will bring proceedings where breaches of the law are identified and when it is in the public interest to do so.
Having said that, the fairground industry attracts millions of people each year and incidents of this kind are thankfully very uncommon.” - Russell Adfield, HSE Principle Inspector for Fairgrounds.
“It is a miracle that this didn’t turn into an absolute tragedy. Thankfully only minor injuries were caused although the incident was absolutely terrifying for those involved. It must be made clear that the health and safety of the public is of paramount importance.” - Judge Crocker.
11-METRE SECTION OF TREE FELL ON MEMBER OF PUBLIC
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Self-employed garden maintenance worker Graham Dawson has been prosecuted and fined over tree maintenance work that went badly wrong when an 11-metre section of a tree he was reducing in height fell on to a member of the public during February 2003 at Charing Heath, Ashford.
HSE investigation revealed Mr Dawson to be inadequately trained for the activity, he admitted and was fined £500 at Ashford Magistrates’ Court for breaching S.2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 and r.9(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. He was ordered to pay £500 costs.
“This case illustrates the importance of ensuring that when work of this nature is carried out, action must be taken to ensure the health and safety of the public.
Mr Dawson carried out work for which he was not properly trained. He failed to take precautions when working near power lines and to prevent access to the site by members of the public. As a result a member of the public was struck and trapped under an 11-metre section of tree and suffered serious injuries.“ - Trevor Jones, HM Inspector of Health and Safety.
THE PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 1998
r.9(1) requires - that all workers who use work equipment have received adequate training for purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, any risks which such use may entail, and precautions to be taken. This means anyone using a chainsaw should be competent to do so, having obtained the relevant certificates of competence or national competence awards.
MONKEY BUSINESS CATCHES HSE ATTENTION!
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Monkey Tree Holiday Park in Newquay was recently named as one of the national winners of the Small Firms category of the 2003 European Week for Safety and Health at Work competition. The company raised awareness among all its staff about the safe management of substances by conducting a campaign featuring a revision of its induction programme, an Open Day featuring talks and demonstrations on how to work safely with dangerous substances with the involvement of contractors and local businesses. The outcome - the company’s induction programme now includes more information and training on hazardous substances and awareness has been raised of dangerous substances and their associated ill health and safety risks.
“We are absolutely delighted at winning a National award for the European Health and Safety Week 2003. We believe this will be a first for Cornwall and for a holiday park to win speaks volumes for the leisure industry in Cornwall.
We would like to thank the management and the park owner for their support for allowing us the time to ensure our campaign got off to a flying start. The theme of handling dangerous substances was well put across to all our staff and hopefully the message has well and truly sunk in.” - Angela Dent, Park Administrator at Monkey Tree Holiday Park.
FARMER RECOVERING
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A Northumberland farm employee is recovering in hospital after a recent livestock incident. John Little, 46, sustained serious injuries when he was trampled by a herd of cattle in a cowshed on a farm near Hexham.
SLIPS, TRIPS - FOOTWEAR TRIALS, CLEANING STUDIES
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
In addition to keeping up to date with the latest information on ways to reduce the risk of slipping and tripping, if you visit the HSE's page on the issue you can learn of the opportunity to contribute to work that is adding to the body of knowledge on the subject that may lead to improved slip resistant footwear and surfaces.
Another interesting development is the Slips assessment tool (SAT) formerly Pedestrian Slipping ‘Expert System’.
RESIDENT OF CARE HOME DIED AFTER BATH SCALDING INCIDENT
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Corrine Reid, sole trader, proprietrix, and manager of Banff's Carlogie House care home has admitted failings in the functioning of the home deemed by the town's Sheriff Court to amount to a breach of health and safety legislation resulting in a fine of £6,000.
During May 2002 resident Margaret Dick, 66, who experienced learning difficulties was discovered to have entered a bath of scalding water a result of which she sustained burns from which some weeks later she eventually succumbed. Investigation revealed staffing levels had been inadequate. Thermostatic devices have since been installed to prevent recurrence.
FAI CRITICISM
A Sheriff's fatal accident inquiry report into the incident was severely critical of both Aberdeenshire Council and the home's proprietrix, whose disregard of resident safety and welfare he termed 'cavalier'.
Sheriff Pritchard's recommendations included that such establishments should be re-categorised by the enforcing authorities, including the Care Commission, as high risk and be subject to more frequent inspection. The home had apparently been operating for many years without inspection. The Sheriff observed that had a personalised care plan for Miss Dick been implemented the tragedy could have been avoided, and this was indicative of inadequate systems of work.
TRADING STANDARDS REACT TO DANGEROUS BABY ROCKER
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The discovery that a popular baby rocker was made of material that presented an unacceptable fire hazard has led to the prosecution of the company who imported the defective items from China, where it is understood a production problem left material untreated and not fire resistant.
Importers of around 600 of the chairs, M1 Nursery Supplies of Sheffield, pleaded guilty to breaching the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988 and were fined £1,000 with £500 costs.
17,000 LITRES OF DIESEL SPILLED FOLLOWING ERROR
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Nigel Rice Transport Limited of Beverley has admitted and been fined £3,750 with £1,250 costs for causing diesel to enter nearby Swinemoor Drain, a controlled watercourse, during March last year.
A mix-up over ordering by the company meant that an extra delivery of fuel was ordered, despatched and cancelled, but unknown to both parties the fuel had already been delivered and transferred to a storage tank. When the intended delivery by another company arrived it was transferred to the tank. However, the second delivery exceeded its capacity and emerged from a gas vent pipe and ran into the nearby drain.
"Companies need to take care when receiving deliveries of potentially polluting substances. Dealing with oil and diesel should not be taken lightly and companies should ensure they have the proper facilities and staff in place to deal with such deliveries, whenever they happen." - Matt Womersley, Environment Agency.
WSA CHALLENGE FUND LAUNCHED
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Worker Safety Adviser (WSA) Challenge Fund has now been established and is ready to support innovative projects leading to the greater involvement of workers in occupational health and safety matters.
Bids for funding are invited, closing date for applications is 7th May 2004. For the first round of bidding, applications would be particularly welcomed from the construction, hospitality, retail and voluntary sectors building on the work of the WSA Pilot.
An HSE-appointed independent Management Board chaired by Professor Stephen Wood, Chair of the Institute of Work Psychology, University of Sheffield, will assess applications, award winners for the first year of the Fund will be announced on 9 June 2004, with funding commencing in July.
The maximum grant available during the first round (April 2004-March 2005) is £100,000 - applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improve health and safety, and support for the work of a WSA to promote worker involvement and the partnerships they need to enter into to achieve these aims. It is anticipated that partnerships applying for funding could include workers, trade unions, employers, trade associations, local authorities, voluntary organisations, chambers of commerce, professional bodies and other organisations committed to working together.
"Increasing worker involvement has been shown to improve health and
safety performance and is a key part of HSC's new strategy, but six out of ten workplaces have no form of employee involvement. The WSA Challenge Fund is a great opportunity to deliver the strategy and get resources into the hands of people who need it most - employers and employees in small firms. My challenge is for innovative bids that show commitment to working together with partners and to using WSAs as a force for improvement." - Bill Callaghan, HSC Chairman
THE CHALLENGE FUND
The Challenge Fund is a grant scheme designed to increase worker involvement and consultation through the intervention of the Workers’ Safety Adviser. Projects for support under the Challenge Fund are invited on a competitive basis during fixed rounds. Organisations could be looking to work together in partnership for the first time or build on existing relationships.
The scheme offers funding to eligible projects that are looking to adopt and build partnership approaches. The focus of the Challenge Fund will be on small organisations employing between 1 and 250 employees.
FATAL FALL FROM HEIGHT IN LINCOLNSHIRE
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Derek Walker, 52, a window-fitter and employee of Panoramic Windows, has died of injuries he sustained in a fall while working on a project in Cleethorpes last week.
ATKINS JOINS OHSAS 18002 ASSOCIATE CONSULTANCY SCHEME
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
BSI Management Systems (BSI) has announced the formal acceptance of Atkins Environment (WS Atkins) into the OHSAS 18002 Associate Consultancy Scheme designed to assist implementation of its clients’ health and safety management systems.
Since the scheme's conception it has received a positive reaction from organisations, particularly from those looking to implement OHSAS 18001 H&S management systems on behalf of its customers.
"Our associate consultants are being trained by the Management Systems division of BSI so we can effectively implement OHSAS 18001 and pass the audit first time. This will ultimately save our clients both time and money. The BSI implementation methodology helps ensure we fully understand our exact requirements and achieve our objectives. This adds value to the work we do for our clients and reinforces our experience in management systems implementation.
We are very proud to achieve ‘Associate Consultant’ status, it provides us with confidence we are offering the very best advice. This achievement further demonstrates to our clients we are a credible organisation with a proven track record of successfully implementing health and safety management systems." - Mike Jackson, Head of the Safety, Health and Environment Team within Atkins Environment.
DANGEROUS WORKPLACES AT SEA
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Evidenced by the condition of foreign-flagged vessels inspected under Port State Controls and detained by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) there is, in some instances, scant regard for the personal security of the labour force whose workplace is on merchant shipping entering UK coastal waters.
The MCA says 10 foreign ships were under detention in UK ports during February 2004 after failing inspection - 4 foreign ships were detained in the month, 6 other ships were still under detention from previous months.
SHIPS DETAINED IN FEBRUARY INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
Hong Kong flag, 18117 GT, 1981, bulk carrier for 3 days in
Portbury with 21 deficiencies including rotten unusable lifejackets,
lifeboat davit attachments wasted, unsatisfactory fire drill and
failure of onboard Safety Management System;
Maltese, 996 GT, 1980-built, general cargo ship in Ipswich with
25 deficiencies including no sanitary water, no hot water, lack of
provisions for crew, fire pump inoperative, engine room fire alarm
inoperative, poor fire drill, nautical publications and charts out of
date, dirty engine room and windlass drum end broken in two;
Maltese, 823 GT, 1982, ro/ro cargo ship in Harwich with 16
deficiencies including insufficient charts, 40 degree gyro compass
error and damage to hull.
L23 MANUAL HANDLING GUIDANCE REVISED
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The HSE has revised and published its L23 manual handling guidance Manual Handling: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) - Guidance on Regulations and INDG143 (rev2) Getting to grips with manual handling: a short guide, a free booklet aimed particularly at smaller businesses and supervisors, safety representatives and individual workers. Both are thoroughly revised in light of improved knowledge of manual handling risks, much of this derived from HSE-funded research on musculoskeletal disorders.
HSE has an MSD Priority Programme project, an estimated 1.1 million people in Britain suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including those caused by manual handling.
Copies of L23 Manual handling: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) - Guidance on Regulations, ISBN 0 7176 2823 X, price £8.95, are available from HSE Books. Copies of INDG143 (rev2) Getting to grips with manual handling: a short guide, ISBN 0 7176 2828 0 for priced packs of 10, individual copies free, also from HSE Books.
"This guidance forms part of the HSC's Priority Programme on musculoskeletal disorders. By following the guidance, preventive action can be taken quite easily in most workplaces and need not be costly. Indeed it is likely to be far more expensive for employers and their insurers to ignore the risks from manual handling - which may lead not only to compensation claims, but also to costs arising from sickness absence and reduced productivity." - Elizabeth Gyngell, Head of HSE's Better Working Environment Division.
OVERLOADED MEWP OVERTURNED
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Sarinder Singh Gidda, an engineering surveyor employed by Zurich Risk Services as a competent person, and Roy Goldney, a Railcare Limited employee, sustained injury during March 2002 when a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) overturned at Wolverton Railway Depot, near Milton Keynes. Subsequent investigation by HSE officials established the MEWP became unstable because it was overloaded.
At Aylesbury Crown Court Zurich Management Services Limited, trading as Zurich Risk Services, Fareham, Hampshire, was fined £17,000 with £8,265.50 costs for breaching s2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for its part in the incident.
Railcare Limited, based in Birmingham, was fined £17,000 for breaching the same section of the same Statute and was also ordered to pay costs of £8,265.50. Both organisations admitted at previous hearing to allegations of failing to properly plan a lifting operation as part of the examination and inspection of the MEWP.
'These two men suffered unnecessarily because the companies they
worked for didn't carry out their statutory duties of care. While Mr
Gidda was competent to examine the lift, my investigation found that
he was not experienced in planning lifting operations. Railcare was
charged as they failed to ensure that work on its premises was
carried out safely and which resulted in one of its employees, Mr
Goldney, being injured'. - Umar Ali, of HSE's HM Railway Inspectorate.
NRPB SAYS ADOPT ICNIRP GUIDELINES ON EMF'S
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) is recommending the adoption in the UK of the guidelines produced by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) between 0-300 GHz. The guidelines, already adopted by a number of European states, set limits on exposure for the purpose of preventing adverse health effects for which there is clear evidence and whose mechanisms are understood, the frequencies include EMFs produced by television and radio transmissions, by mobile telecommunications and by electricity supply and use.
The ICNIRP guidelines incorporate two tiers of protection: one set of values for occupational exposure & another, more restrictive, set for general public exposure based on a cautious interpretation of the science.
NRPB arrived at its recommendation following careful review of scientific evidence and health risk assessment, the views given by respondents to consultation documents and concerns expressed directly by the public, believing it has addressed the issues of uncertainty in the science and aspects of precaution.
Significantly, NRPB also notes that: 'uncertainties in the science remain, particularly those associated with epidemiological studies. Although these studies do not provide a sound basis for quantifying exposure guidelines, NRPB considers they indicate that further precaution may be appropriate in respect of some EMF exposures.'
“This new recommendation by NRPB to adopt ICNIRP guidelines reflects a detailed assessment of the risks involved, and also the need for a precautionary approach when there are genuine uncertainties in our knowledge.” - NRPB Chairman, Sir William Stewart FRS FRSE.
DROWNING IS 3RD MOST COMMON CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH AMONG YOUNG
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Environment Agency in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has published a new water safety awareness pack for 12-16 year-olds containing:
a CD-ROM highlighting dangerous activities for teenagers around Britain’s lakes, rivers and coast; notes for teachers, youth workers and youth leaders; advice for young persons to help them assess risks and make decisions about how to walk away from danger; ways in which water activities can be enjoyed safely & footage of teenagers putting themselves at risk jumping from Brighton Pier.
On the same theme, Safety on Beaches, a guidance document for beach operators produced by RoSPA and supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and South West Water, is now available price £13.49, for RoSPA members £11.45 plus postage. Visit RoSPA.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD HEALTH AND SAFETY DIRECTIVE CLOSER TO ADOPTION
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The latest EU Directive concerned with protecting persons from any ill-effect derived from exposure to electromagnetic fields is making legislative progress on its way towards adoption. The Directive is likely to stipulate maximum values for exposure to electromagnetic fields and limits beyond which employers must take preventive measures. There are also requirements for worker information and training.
The legislation has in mind those persons engaged in occupations where relatively high exposures are likely, e.g. steel and metal sectors, those working long hours in the proximity of emitters in TV and radio broadcasting, radar equipment and mobile phone masts. Static magnetic fields are not covered by limits.
Some MEPs are concerned for cash desk operators exposed for lengthy periods to anti-theft devices in shops. Provision is to be made for review of limits in the light of new scientific/ medical knowledge.
After adoption Member States will have 4 years to enact the Directive in domestic legislation.
NO MORE JOLLY TARS, OR JOLLY PILOTS
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
New alcohol limits have been established for professional mariners, putting them over the limit if they have more than 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, as it would if they were behind the wheel of a car. The move stems from Lord Justice Clarke's recommendation in his Thames Safety Inquiry which was endorsed in his report into the Marchioness Disaster. The measures will apply to professional mariners on UK registered vessels around the world and to those serving on foreign vessels while in UK waters and on un-registered vessels in UK waters. Marine officials can now detain vessels pending the arrival of the police if they have reason to suspect that an offence is being committed.
The statutory penalties imposable by a court for someone caught exceeding this limit are either a maximum of a £5,000 fine and/or 2 years in prison, the relevant provisions are in Part 4 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.
NOT ON DUTY
The prescribed alcohol limits don't apply to crew-members who can be regarded as being off duty, the legislation distinguishes between professionals who either are or should be considered to be on duty, and those who are not - with the exception only of crew-members who have a special safety-critical emergency function in relation to a passenger vessel or ferry. The limits will apply to all professional mariners when they are on duty and to Masters of the ship at all times when they are on board.
"Our ports and shipping lanes are busy places where one wrong move
can put lives in danger. Mariners, like drivers, need to have a clear
head and I hope these new limits will make mariners think and not
drink. I believe that by introducing these limits we will make our
seas safer for everyone who uses them." - Shipping Minister David Jamieson.
20MG LIMIT FOR AVIATION PERSONNEL
Aviation personnel are now also subject to stringent blood/alcohol limits, this meaning flight deck crew, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers, who will be subject to a limit of 20mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. Licensed aircraft maintenance engineers will be subject to the current road traffic limit of 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. Existing legislation makes it an offence for pilots and other members of the crew of an aircraft, air traffic controllers or licensed aircraft maintenance engineers to carry out their duties while impaired through alcohol or drugs.
The new limits will apply to all pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers and licensed aircraft maintenance engineers within the UK, regardless of nationality, and to the crews of UK-registered aircraft anywhere in the world. No distinction will be drawn between the commercial and leisure sectors and the limits will apply to anyone who is flying or working with aircraft in their free time.
Because people can naturally produce trace amounts of alcohol, this limit represents the lowest point at which it is possible to be sure that alcohol has been ingested.
Aviation personnel face a maximum £5000 fine and/or two years in jail if found to be over the limit.
"This is an important safety initiative that will enhance the already
high safety standards currently applied to aviation within the UK.
Today's announcement establishes a maximum permitted blood/alcohol
limit and gives police the power to test suspected offenders.
The action we have taken today has brought aviation into line with
other modes of transport, which have had legal alcohol limits for
many years.
Those working within the industry recognise the danger of attempting
to fly whilst impaired and most aviation organisations already operate a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol consumption by staff while on duty. This legislation provides a legal framework upon which such initiatives can be developed." -Tony McNulty, Aviation Minister.
VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING HAZARDS
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Air conditioning systems are now present in around half of the cars purchased in the UK. A new HSE guidance publication is available Vehicle air-conditioning systems, INDG349, that explains the hazards associated with working on these and older systems, in particular those arising from the presence of R12 Freon and R143a Tetrafluoroethane, and the controls that can be implemented to reduce or remove associated risks.
The guidance is aimed at employers, self-employed people, and supervisors in the vehicle repair, recovery, breaking and recycling industries. It applies to anyone who is likely to work on or close to air-conditioning systems, e.g. those carrying out vehicle servicing, maintenance, repairs or recycling.
HAZARDS
Frostbite - resulting from skin or eye contact with the refrigerant liquid or gas;
Asphyxiation - if the heavier-than-air gas escapes in sufficient quantities into a vehicle inspection pit or similar confined space;
Harmful Gases - resulting from thermal decomposition of the refrigerant in contact with a naked flame or exposure to high temperatures, e.g. the highly toxic gas phosgene from R12.
SAFETY DVD FOR DIVING INSTRUCTORS
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The HSE is launching Diving Instructors, Roles, Responsibilities and Risk Assessments, a new DVD aimed specifically at diving instructors, providing them with practical advice for teaching recreational diving safely. Sadly, reports of diving tragedies feature all too often in the news, a significant number of serious incidents have occurred during recreational dives or whilst trainees were under instruction.
The DVD features:
details of what should be incorporated in the project planning process; an explanation of what a thorough risk assessment ahead of a recreational dive should comprise; re-enactments and a live action reconstruction to illustrate common dive incidents, explaining the steps that could have been put in place to prevent these deaths; an emotional interview with Suzanne, mother of Julia Brandrith who died in 1999 during a recreational dive.
The DVD will be launched on 21st April 2004 and is aimed specifically at diving instructors and will be distributed through trade bodies that form the British Diving Group.
“Diving instructors have the privilege of introducing trainees to the wonders of the underwater world - but it must be done safely. A duty of care exists for trainees and instructors are responsible for their health and safety at all times. This DVD can help in explaining some of the practical steps that should be taken into account.” - Frank Murray, HSE diving inspector and project manager for the DVD.
HSE TO PRESS AHEAD WITH PRINTING INDUSTRY WRULD INITIATIVE
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A new 2-year duration Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs) prevention initiative in the printing industry begins in April and will extend to pre-print and finishing activities, as well as operators of printing machines. Inspectors from HSE’s Employment Medical Advisory Service will visit printers to look at jobs presenting risks and assess the control measures in place to reduce WRULDs. Where the risks of injury are not being adequately controlled they will be advising on what should be done to comply with the law.
WRULDs include repetitive strain injuries and are problems affecting the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers and can also include neck pain. They are caused by forceful or repetitive movements, or by having to adopt a poor working posture. Symptoms include tenderness, aches and pains, tingling, stiffness and swelling. At worst, sufferers may have to give up work in the industry altogether.
GOOD PRACTICE
The initiative is a response to study findings that: WRULDs were poorly understood; several of the printers interviewed were themselves suffering symptoms of a repetitive type injury & that
employers were unaware of the need to report these injuries under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.
It aims to improve standards and reduce risks, and collate examples of good practice that can be shared, helping the whole industry.
“Upper limb disorders can be successfully managed by employers who take time to see which jobs could cause harm, doing something to reduce the risk, and helping sufferers back into work." Dale Wallis of the British Printing Industries Federation and a member of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Printing Industry Advisory Committee (PIAC)
“WRULDs are a serious problem for many GPMU members, especially in finishing areas. Print employers are more likely to be successful in tackling WRULDs if they involve our safety reps and members.” - Bud Hudspith of the Graphics Print and Media Union (GPMU) and PIAC member.
RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDE REVISED
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The latest revision (01/04) of INDG218 A guide to risk assessment requirements- common provisions in health and safety law is now available on the HSE website. Its pages 5, 6, and 7 are particularly informative, ideal for any employer wishing to check that they are assessing risk to the fullest extent and in compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
COMPANIES FALL FOUL OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Acting on information, two Environment Agency officials visited a site, Old Rides Farm, in Sheerness, Kent, owned by Burden Brothers Contractors Ltd during June 2002. They discovered a large quantity of laminate chipboard in an area designated as a burning disposal site that had clearly been used regularly to set bonfires, evidenced by a large quantity of ash on the ground. Acting on further information, the officials followed a lorry load containing large pieces of wooden, boarded material leaving Regis Furniture Ltd.'s premises in Sheerness to a field at Old Rides Farm where its load was deposited and burned later that day. On inspection the burned waste contained pieces of paper, boxes and melamine chipboard pieces that had originated from Regis Furniture Ltd, and the next day Agency officers visited Regis Furniture’s premises where the trailer used for the illegal tipping was parked outside.
MELAMINE CHIPBOARD
A representative of Regis Furniture Ltd stated that all small off-cuts, plastic stripping and cardboard were disposed of in a skip and that all large off-cuts were sold to Burden Brothers, a matter that could not be substantiated by paperwork. The company then explained it did not sell the waste but gave it to Burden Brothers in exchange for warehouse storage space.
John Burden of Burden Brothers stated that he bought the off-cuts for reuse and resale, and that on arrival on site it was tipped at the farmyard, where it was sorted for resale or kept, so that it could be taken to the bonfire site by Regis Furniture on their next visit for disposal, however Mr Burden could not produce paperwork to prove the sale of this material to third parties.
It was concluded by the Environment Agency that the burning of melamine chipboard released various gases into the environment which can be harmful to human health. In addition, Regis Furniture had saved a considerable amount of money by disposing of their waste illegally. The Magistrates presiding over the case understood that a large lorry load of waste was burned in an important rural area and as a result it gave off toxic fumes.
The two Kent companies were each fined £3,000 by Sittingbourne Magistrates' Court under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and both were ordered to pay £1,693 costs.
WHITE VAN ROADSHOW VISITED OVER 60 SMALL CONSTRUCTION SITES
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Working Well Together's (WWT) White Van Roadshow has reached in excess of 1900 construction workers delivering health and safety messages to them on 60 small construction sites during March, with managers reporting a resultant positive impact on site health and safety. The pilot Roadshow tested the effectiveness of the White Van as a way of communicating essential health and safety on smaller sites.
The Roadshow communicated on the subjects of hearing loss and fall prevention, featuring demonstrations and a video presentation highlighting the most significant 'High 5' health and safety hazards on construction sites.
"The High 5 priorities in video format gave short, sharp impact and was very welcome." - Mick Smith, Eastern regional health and safety advisor - Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT)
"It is important to communicate directly with workers exposed to the risks and their managers. They together are best placed to make
construction sites safer and less likely to damage health. The
commitment shown by those who nominated their sites for a White Van
visit is impressive. The pilot will be evaluated and we are hopeful
it will run again later this year". - Kevin Myers, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction.
DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS WORKED UNAWARE OF ASBESTOS
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A residential developer has been prosecuted for lapses in procedures that led to two demolition operatives being exposed to asbestos. Conroy Brook Developments, Brockholes, Huddersfield, engaged the contractors who set to work on its Almondbury site without knowledge of the presence of asbestos containing materials there because a specialist survey had not been commissioned nor information passed to the contractors that ceiling tiles contained amosite (brown asbestos).
An environmental survey commissioned revealed asbestos to be present in asbestos cement in roofing material only, the company had mistakenly assumed the rest of the site was clear. Significantly, a survey report existed, but this was retained by the vendors of the site.
Conroy Brook Developments admitted breaching the Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974 and the Construction, Design and Management Regulations 1994 for which it was fined £14,000 and £4,000, with £2,395 costs.
QUICK EXPOSURE CHECK FOR WMSDS
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
A tool allowing physical work activities to be assessed for their potential to induce work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has been further refined.
This Quick Exposure Check (QEC) has been designed to: be quick;
be easy to use; not require extensive training before use & involve only a one-page assessment sheet with questions for both the practitioner (observer) and the worker to quantify exposure to risk for WMSDs.
An on-line web resource, where the QEC tool may be obtained free of charge and information obtained on background references and updates on QEC applications, is available courtesy of the QEC website at the Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics.
ROSPA & SAFED PASSPORT INITIATIVE
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is to partner the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) in a new safety passport scheme for staff employed by participating organisations. SAFed represents companies that have a special role in inspecting safety-sensitive plant and installations, and who employ persons with specialist expertise in mechanical lifting and handling equipment, power presses, pressure equipment, local exhaust ventilation, electrical equipment and systems, welding and non-destructive testing.
The scheme, which involves the issuing of a passport to give access to clients’ sites, is designed to avoid staff in SAFed member organisations having to undergo repeat health and safety induction sessions every time they make a visit. RoSPA will assist in auditing participating member companies to assess the integrity and performance of management arrangements and compliance with the scheme.
“In recent years there has been a growth in ‘passporting’. In October last year we welcomed the publication by HSE of its new free leaflet on passport schemes and the setting up of the Safety Passport Forum.
This scheme is tremendously important because of its scope and high quality. SAFed recognises that its clients need evidence that employees of member companies have an appropriate level of underpinning knowledge, skills and experience in which all parties can have real confidence.
RoSPA is pleased to be associated with this initiative. We hope it will add to the general fund of knowledge about these schemes and be of benefit to the Passport Forum, which is being facilitated by HSE.” - Roger Bibbings, RoSPA Occupational Safety Adviser.
DRY-ICE STUNT VICTIM COMPENSATED
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Another participant in the ill-advised Coolest Seat in Town promotional event staged by Capital Radio Group's BRMB (Birmingham Broadcasting Ltd) radio station nearly 3 years ago is to be compensated for her loss resulting from the negligence of the company.
Helen Terry, 28, required surgery for frostbite injuries sustained while sitting on the ice and is to receive a substantial sum. The company was prosecuted and fined over the incident, solid carbon dioxide has surface temperature of -78°C which when in contact with human tissue leads to serious loss of skin, fat and muscle and a possible permanent and disfiguring area of tissue loss.
ZOO DIRECTOR DENIES HSW BREACH
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Professor Gordon Reid, Director of the N.of England Zoological Society, has pleaded not guilty to a charge brought at Chester Crown Court that there was a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at the Society's Chester Zoo where elephant keeper Richard Hughes died in a crushing accident in February 2001.
The alleged breach of the Act's s.2(1) relates to the 12 months before the tragic accident and to the elephant enclosure.
CROWN COURT FINE FOR COMPANY WHOSE SLACK VIEW OF SAFETY COST EMPLOYEE HIS LIFE
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Easco of Lenwade, Norfolk, has been fined a total of £30,000 at Norwich Crown Court for its part in the death during April 2002 of Roger Ireland, 53, in an accident on its premises. The company admitted two breaches of health and safety legislation surrounding the accident in which a steel plate suspended by a crane fell on top of Mr Ireland while he remained in a danger zone and at risk of such an event.
Subsequent HSE investigation revealed the fatal lifting operation had lacked planning and supervision and was conducted without the benefits of controls derived from a risk assessment for the activity. Mr Ireland had remained in the danger zone, his back to the crane as he cut steel sheet.
Mr Justice Aitkens declared the company had adopted a slack view of health and safety which had contributed to the accident victim's death.
THE LIFTING OPERATIONS AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 1998
Organisation of lifting operations
R 8.(1) Every employer shall ensure that every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is
(a) properly planned by a competent person;
(b) appropriately supervised; and
(c) carried out in a safe manner.
JORDAN IN THE NEWS!
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2004 by Ahmed Khan
Once again cereal manufacturer W Jordan (Cereals) of Biggleswade was the East of England winner of the 2003 European Week for Safety and Health at Work. Jordan Cereals campaign raised employee awareness of the need for the safe management of substances with an emphasis on the use of chemicals in the home, occupational asthma and dermatitis.
COSHH training was given to all employee representatives and informative stands were prepared at all their sites. A COSHH awareness competition was also conducted.
“The health and safety of our workforce is a top priority for us. We are delighted to have received this award as recognition of our efforts during the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2003. During the year we have invested in over 200 hours of training for staff and have managed to reduce accidents by nearly a quarter – good news for our business as well as for our workers”. - Johan Klopper, Safety Manager, W Jordan (Cereals).