SIMPLIFICATION OF CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A period of HSC consultation is underway, part of a process that will radically simplify the regulatory framework of dangerous goods carriage by bringing together, in a single set of regulations, requirements currently set out in 14 separate pieces of legislation on the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail. The proposed legislation is likely to come into force by spring 2004.
Carriage of dangerous goods in Great Britain is currently governed by a complex legislative framework of regulations and approved documents established under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.
The regulations have been developed to implement two European Directives on the carriage of dangerous goods by rail and road (known as the RID and ADR Framework Directives respectively) and to complete implementation of a third Directive, the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED).
CROSS-REFERENCING WITH ADR AND RID
Co-Director of HSE's Policy Group, Nick Starling, comments: "Bringing together into one place all the requirements for carrying dangerous goods by road or rail - and cross-referencing these to ADR and RID - will make it far easier for duty-holders to identify, and comply fully with, their duties."
Comments on the proposals can be submitted before 2nd September 2003, the consultation document, Proposals for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations is also available at HSE Books, tel 01787 881165.
The Consultative Document and the draft Regulations refer to the 2003 texts of ADR and RID and associated corrigenda; consultees will need access to these -the text of RID is available on-line from HSE Direct and the text of ADR is available from the United Nations website.
14 REGULATIONS BEING REPLACED:
Gas Cylinders (Pattern Approval) Regulations 1987 S.I.1987/116;
Pressure Vessels (Verification) Regulations 1988 S.I. 1988/896;
Packaging of Explosives for Carriage Regulations 1991 S.I. 1991/2097;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail Regulations 1996 S.I. 1996/2089;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) And Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 S.I.1996/2092;
Carriage of Explosives by Road Regulations 1996 S.I. 1996/2093;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (Driver Training) Regulations 1996 S.I. 1996/2094;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996 S.I. 1996/2095;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations 1998 S.I. 1998/2885;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations 1999 S.I. 1999/303;
Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisors) Regulations 1999 S.I. 1999/257;
Transport Pressure Vessels Regulations 2001 S.I. 2001/1426;
Packaging, Labelling and Carriage of Radioactive Material by Rail Regulations 2002 S.I. 2002/2099;
Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Transportable Pressure Vessels (Amendment) Regulations 2003. (come into force by 1st July 2003
WHICH WHITE VAN WILL YOU BE LEAVING IN TODAY? - DON’T FALL FOR IT
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
The need for greater effort to reduce falls from height is evident with the news that since the beginning of April of this year six construction workers have died after falling from height. Falls from height are the single biggest cause of death, disability and injury in construction in Great Britain, accounting for almost half of all deaths and nearly a third of major injuries in 2001/2. In the last five years 211 workers have died and 8,418 workers have sustained major injuries from falls from height.
Presently underway is Don’t Fall For It, a major Europe-wide campaign, as is a two-week national blitz of HSE construction inspectors visiting sites across the country looking specifically at falls from height risks accompanied by the start of a national advertising campaign. The aim is to assist industry in focusing on preventing falls from height.
VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
Gary Seber survived a fall from height and accompanied Kevin Myers, Chief Inspector of Construction, at the Don’t Fall For It launch.
On 1st September 1999 Gary survived a near fatal accident when he fell 20 metres onto a concrete slab from a cradle suspended at the seventh level of a hotel construction site, but sustained major injuries in the incident, including head injuries when the track that the cradle was suspended from suddenly broke, tipping the cradle to a vertical position.
Mr Seber said: “I don’t remember the day that I fell and I was unconscious for over a week afterwards. But my family went to hell and back at the time, thinking I was going to die. After eighteen months I managed to get back to work, but I will never recover fully from some of the injuries I have sustained. I’m lucky to be alive today. I wouldn’t want anyone else or their families go through what we have been through and I would like to thank my wife, family and the Royal London Hospital.”
“Gary Seber’s accident, like most other falls from height in construction, was avoidable. Gary suffered permanent injuries because a piece of equipment was not properly installed and consequently failed. Many falls incidents result from simple deficiencies in planning and organising work, getting the most appropriate equipment to site and ensuring it is used correctly. There is no excuse for failing to anticipate this most obvious of risks in construction and putting in place the tried and tested solutions that already exist. Together, all of us involved in the construction industry, must combat this main cause of major injuries and deaths of construction workers." - Kevin Myers, Chief Inspector for Construction, HSE.
ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
The Don’t Fall For It advertisements asks Which white van will you be leaving in today? and shows an injured worker who has fallen from height leaving the site in an ambulance. The advertisement will appear on billboards and in national newspapers and trade publications throughout the month of June. People working in the construction industry interested in finding out more can call 08457 181819 for a ‘Falls From Height Action Pack’ that includes the free Height Safe video and a poster.
The European Commission’s Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee (SLIC) has agreed to undertake this campaign on falls from height risks in the construction industry in 2003, supported by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The campaign features two inspection initiatives, the first in June and then in September. All member states will be participating in the campaign.
LOW FREQUENCY NOISE - POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
Low frequency noise can cause extreme distress to some people who are sensitive to it, sufferers report most commonly a humming or deep drone that can severely affect their lives. There is relatively little information readily available regarding the impact, assessment or management of low frequency noise.
A Defra commissioned review of research into the perception of low frequency noise and its impact on health has recently been published.
KEY ISSUES
The publication A Review of Published Research on Low Frequency Noise and its Effects was written for low-frequency noise-sufferers, health professionals, environmental action groups, local authorities and acousticians, and considered research into the effects of low frequency noise on annoyance, sleep patterns, stress and other aspects of human behaviour.
It considers such key issues as:
the potential for 'learned' sensitivity and the phenomena of the 'hums' reported in towns and cities across the globe, including Bristol & in particular, it assesses the data available regarding the impact of low frequency noise on human behaviour, sleep periods, task performance and social attitudes.
DIFFICULT PROBLEM
Alun Michael, Urban Quality of Life Minister, says: "This new report offers an accessible and interesting overview of previously published material about this difficult problem which can be a cause of great distress for those it affects and for which there are no easily identifiable remedies.
There is still a great deal to be done to gain a fuller understanding of low level, low frequency noise, its effects, assessment and management."
Copies may be requested by e-mail from noise@defra.gsi.gov.uk
UNISON SURVEY DEPICTS FEARFUL WORKFORCE
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
According to a UNISON survey of persons employed in Scottish public services almost half of respondents indicated they go to work in fear of some form of violent incident.
Last year UNISON adopted a six-point action plan for Zero Tolerance of Violence in the NHS and it now aims to extend these principals throughout Scottish public services. At least half of the survey respondents said they had experienced some form of attack, including threat and verbal abuse in the previous 12 months, with men more worried about violence than women.
Among recommendations are a call for a national initiative across the public sector with the aim of achieving a step change in the quality of health and safety management, and a clear government message to employers and staff that the personal safety of employees is paramount and overrides other factors such as efficiency, the needs of the service, or indeed the needs of the client.
The report can be read at Trauma 2003 - Violence to Public Service Workers report on the UNISON website.
MANAGING ASBESTOS - NEW DUTIES LEAFLET
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A leaflet providing guidance to R.4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, which creates a new legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises has been published on the HSE website.
Although this new regulation does not become law until May 2004, potential duty holders should now, it is recommended, be making preparations.
The guidance covers the following areas:
WHAT BUILDINGS ARE AFFECTED
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
WHEN THE REGULATIONS BECOME LAW
THE STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REGULATION
WHAT SHOULDN'T BE DONE.
Managing asbestos: your new legal duties , HSE, 2003, available to the public only via the HSE website.
TEXTILE & FOOTWEAR SECTOR HEALTH & SAFETY MENTORING SERVICE
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
An imaginative new and free 'mentoring' service, provided by the Textile Industries Advisory Committee (TEXIAC), is being launched to help small companies in the textile and footwear manufacturing industries improve health and safety standards.
HSE Manufacturing Sector's Ian Cook comments: "The service will provide support for participating companies, including an HSE mentor, who will visit the company by appointment to help carry out a sample audit, and help the company prepare an action plan to prioritise steps to reduce the risk of injury or ill health. This will be followed by continued support and advice."
Participation in the audit is voluntary, and those companies taking part will be exempt from HSE's round of formal inspections. Companies will receive a certificate in recognition of their participation, and the company submitting the best action plan will be presented with an award at the TEXIAC open meeting on 14th January 2004.
Initially mentoring will be limited to 20 companies and support is in the first instance being offered to companies employing 50 or less.
For further information without obligation, or if you would like to nominate your company as a potential participant, contact Ian Cook, HSE Manufacturing Sector, Marshall's Mill, Marshall Street, Leeds, LS11 9YJ. Telephone 0113 283 4251, fax. 0113 283 4236 or e-mail ian.cook@hse.gsi.gov.uk .
LOCAL AUTHORITY IN COURT
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
It is reported that Aberdeen City Council is to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court later this month over alleged breaches of safety legislation in connection with an incident last year during roadworking activity in the city.
It is understood the alleged breaches were of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996.
DELIVERY DRIVER KILLED BY SWINGING BARRIER
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A jury at the inquest into the death of Nicholas Dalton, 52, a wholesale butcher who was struck by a swinging entrance barrier on 28th December 2001 while making a delivery, has returned a verdict of accidental death on the advice of Wakefield Deputy Coroner, John Brodwell, there being no evidence of unlawful killing or gross negligence.
Mr Dalton died of multiple injuries when during high winds the normally secured entrance barrier at Blacker Hall Farm shop swung through his vehicle window impaling him.
The Court heard how a previous risk assessment exercise had not identified any hazard arising from the gate which is now secured by device in both open and closed positions.
FIREWORKS ACCIDENTS DOWN
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A successful hard-hitting campaign has helped significantly reduce firework injuries to teenagers.
Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson says: "Our hard-hitting campaign focussed on injuries to teenagers and I am particularly pleased that these messages have been heeded.
The fall in injuries is good news, but we cannot afford to be complacent. The figures still remain too high and I want to press for even greater firework safety in the future."
The Minister announced that for last year's bonfire night injuries:
in the street and public places fell by 33%; at family parties fell by 39% & at large public displays dropped by 37%.
The total number of people treated as hospital casualty departments in the UK in 2002 was 1017, compared to 1362 in 2001.
Bill Tynan's Fireworks Bill currently going through Parliament proposes to:
CONTROL THE SALE OF FIREWORKS;
ALLOW LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO REFUSE & REVOKE LICENCES TO RETAILERS
CONTAINS PROVISIONS TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS, NOISE & NUISANCE.
A voluntary ban on the sale of air bombs to the public came into force on 1st January 2003. The DTI will be consulting on the introduction of regulations under 1987 Consumer Protection Act to enforce the ban.
ROLE OF HSE WORKPLACE CONTACT OFFICERS EXPLAINED
Posted Friday, June 13, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A leaflet has been published on HSE's website explaining what a Workplace Contact Officer (WCO) is, what they do, and what you can expect when one calls.
What to expect when a Workplace Contact Officer calls relates that, although inspectors have the right to enter any workplace without necessarily giving notice, WCOs do not possess powers to enter your premises without your agreement, but do have powers to enforce certain aspects of Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI) legislation, and they will inform you of your duties as an employer under this important legislation.
WCOS ARE SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF WHOSE ROLE IS TO: SUPPORT HSE'S REGULATORY WORK, PROMOTE HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARENESS & PROVIDE INFORMATION TO EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY WORK ACTIVITIES.
When WCOs visit your business, their primary role is to give you information, guidance and advice and to collect information about your business which will be used solely by HSE in any further contact with you.
ORGANISATIONS MAY NOT REALISE THAT LEGIONNAIRES ACOP NOW AFFECTS THEM
Posted Friday, June 13, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
New Legionnaires’ guidance is available advising those responsible for smaller residential accommodation what should be done to help prevent this disease.
The new HSE leaflet Legionnaires’ Disease. Essential Information for Providers of Residential Accommodation, INDG 376, highlights changes made to the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and Guidance, ‘Legionnaires’ disease: the control of legionella bacteria in water systems’, (L8) when it was revised in 2000, which removed the 300-litre limit for hot and cold water systems.
The guidance is aimed at everyone who may not realise that the ACoP now affects them as well, including:
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
UNIVERSITIES
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
CHARITIES
HOSTELS
PRIVATE LANDLORDS
MANAGING AGENTS
HOTELIERS
CARAVAN & CAMPSITE OWNERS
"It is important that those responsible for managing the risks from legionella in the workplace are aware of their legal duties. This video and leaflet give general advice on these responsibilities, the latter particularly focusing on issues specific to smaller premises associated with residential accommodation." Dr Jim Neilson, Head HSE’s unit covering biological agents’ policy.
AUDIT CHECKLISTS
A revised HSE video An introduction to the control of legionella bacteria in water systems, explains how the risks from exposure to legionella should be managed and controlled by:
RISK ASSESSMENT
TREATMENT AND CONTROL
MONITORING
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A SERIES OF AUDIT CHECKLISTS
EVALUATION OF ACOP
Additionally, the results of a recent evaluation into the revised ACoP by the Buildings Research Establishment (BRE) in 2002, to ensure that any issues raised by the revision were dealt with, will be published later this year. Recommendations suggested by BRE do not require urgent or immediate implementation and HSE will act upon their recommendations at the next revision exercise 2004/05.
Recent evaluation into the revised ACoP
The research revealed that: the general outlook of the document was positive, as most respondents were satisfied with the amalgamation of the previous guidance documents; they found it easy to understand and easy to follow. It was suggested that an index and electronic copy of the document would be useful, assisting in navigation and ease of use of the document. A number of key terms required further definition i.e. ‘duty holders’ and ‘responsible persons’; respondents were satisfied with the level of guidance, but recommendations were made for areas of improvement, for instance: guidance for employers on document management systems; and further guidance on ‘other risk assessments’.
Copies of Legionnaires’ disease. Essential information for providers of residential accommodation, INDG 376 05/03 C1000, are available from HSE Books. The leaflet is also available in priced packs of 100. Priced publications are also available from good booksellers.
Copies of An introduction to the control of legionella bacteria in water systems, video, ISBN 07176 2580 X, price £30.00+vat, including a copy of the audit checklist are also available from HSE Books.
Copies of Legionnaires’ disease: Control of legionella bacteria in water systems: Audit checklists, ISBN 0 7176 2198 7, can be purchased individually, price £4.25+vat.
Copies of Legionnaires’ disease The Control of legionella bacteria in water systems, ISBN 0 7176 1772 6, price £8.00, are also available from HSE Books.
METROPOLITAN POLICE CASE JURY DISCHARGED
Posted Friday, June 13, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
The jury which was elected to sit and determine the outcome of the remaining alleged breaches of health and safety legislation by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens and predecessor Lord Condon has failed to reach a verdict and been discharged as a consequence.
Both men pleaded not guilty to charges under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in relation to the death of one constable and injury to another in falls from roof accidents.
The entire statement issued by Justin McCracken HSE Deputy Director General on the verdict is reproduced below.
“In this case the jury has been unable to decide whether or not the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police failed to ensure their officers’ health and safety by establishing the right working practices and proper training in relation to the risk of serious injury when those officers went onto roofs in the course of their duties.
The charges upon which the jury has failed to agree were the most important charges on the indictment.
It does happen in criminal cases that juries are unable to agree on their verdicts. In this case, as in others, the HSE as prosecuting authority will now have to consider carefully whether a re-trial should be held. Pending that decision, HSE cannot properly comment publicly on the detail of the evidence in the case. Nevertheless, we hope that the publicity already surrounding this case will stimulate employers everywhere to ensure that they are protecting their employees by assessing and managing risks to health and safety.
Our particular concern remains the number of serious and fatal injuries at work that involve falls from height. On average there are around 4,000 serious injuries per year, including 68 deaths last year from such falls.
Parliament decided six years ago that police officers should have the same protection at work as everyone else. And Chief Constables as employers are accountable for this. We have brought this case exactly as we would have done against any other employer."
HSE’s priority and legal responsibility is the welfare of people at work. We brought this case because, following the death of one officer and serious injury of another, we believed there was evidence to show a persistent failure of the Metropolitan Police to adequately protect their officers. By investigating and highlighting cases like this HSE can be instrumental in achieving improvements in the management of health and safety, so fewer people suffer unnecessary injury.
We would add that, since we undertook our investigation and issued six Improvement Notices, the Metropolitan Police’s systems for health and safety management have greatly improved, and its officers now enjoy better protection than when these incidents occurred. We shall now consider our position with regard to any further action and hope to reach a decision in the near future."
Our thoughts remain with the family of PC Sidhu.”
EUROPE-WIDE INSPECTION-LED CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE FALLS FROM HEIGHT IN CONSTRUCTION
Posted Friday, June 13, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
For the first time as part of a wider campaign, construction sites across the UK have been subjected to an intensive inspection by the HSE during the first two weeks of June 2003. The blitz was in carried out simultaneously within other EU states as part of a Europe-wide inspection-led campaign to reduce falls from height in construction.
Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death, disability and injury in construction in Great Britain, accounting for almost half of all deaths and nearly a third of major injuries in 2001/2.
Inspectors considered work at height in progress or in its planning stage, looked for evidence of a proper assessment of the risks and the hierarchy of controls having been considered. Inspectors aimed to look to ensure that only competent contractors were being used for work at height.
INSPECTORS LOOKED TO SEE THAT:
Work at height had been eliminated where possible;
Where elimination was not possible, the correct equipment had been selected;
Work platforms had been installed with adequate access;
If using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), they were used correctly;
If using tower scaffolds, they were correctly erected with edge protection and toeboards as necessary;
Ladders or step ladders were only being used for short duration work and that they were the correct type, secure, inspected and maintained;
If using safety harnesses, they had suitable anchorages and adequate fall distances and were inspected &
All work at height equipment had been inspected, examined and maintained as necessary.
'DON'T FALL FOR IT'
The HSE national inspection blitz was part of Don't Fall For It, a European Union campaign on falls from height in construction. The European Commission's Senior Labour Inspectors' Committee (SLIC) has agreed to undertake this campaign on falls from height risks in the construction industry in 2003. The campaign features two inspection initiatives, the first in June and then in September. All member states will be participating in the campaign.
"Each year far too many construction workers die or suffer a major injury following a fall from height. Most of these incidents, and the personal loss and suffering they cause, could have been avoided. HSE inspectors will be visiting construction sites across the country during the first two weeks of June targeting the risk of falls from height. Where we identify poor standards and risks to persons working at height appropriate enforcement action will be taken including serving improvement or prohibition notices, or prosecution." - Kevin Myers, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction.
BIFFA WASTE SERVICES FACING PROSECUTION
Posted Friday, June 13, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
Earlier this year an inquest into the death in October 2001 of Gavin Reed, 11, who fell to his death from a cliff edge within Houghton Quarry operated by Biffa Waste Services, Houghton-le-Spring, returned a verdict of accidental death. Gavin had gained entry through fencing.
Speaking of an impending prosecution an HSE spokesman commented: "We allege that Biffa failed to conduct the operation of the site in such a way to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that children were not exposed to risks to their safety."
LEARN ABOUT RADIO WAVES & HEALTH EFFECTS
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
The informative series of electronic modules based on the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) At-a-Glance printed series of broadsheets on the NRPB website has a new addition.
Radio waves illustrates the nature of radio waves and how they affect our day-to-day lives. It shows how radio waves of various frequencies are used and outlines health effects and research undertaken to-date.
Visit the NRPB's National Radiological Protection Board section entitled Understanding Radiation to access modules for: Radon, Transport of Radioactive Materials, Nuclear Emergencies & Doses from Discharges, along with an electronic version of the NRPB Sunsense poster.
Other planned future modules include Electric and Magnetic Fields, Ultraviolet Radiation and Maps and Magnitudes.
They are intended for readers with little or no knowledge of the various radiation topics and rely heavily on colourful eye-catching illustrations and captions as the prime means of communicating information.
Individual copies of some of the printed At-a-Glance broadsheets are still available free of charge and can be obtained direct from the Information Office, NRPB, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, telephone: 01235-822742, fax: 01235-822746, e-mail: information@nrpb.org.
NEW OFFENCE OF CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER POSSIBLE
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A step towards the unfulfilled Labour Party 1997 manifesto item concerning a new offence of corporate manslaughter may have been taken. Home Secretary David Blunkett says he is to publish a draft bill but is non-committal on a timetable.
In reply to a recent Commons question he told MPs: "It is right to have extensive discussions about the issues around corporate manslaughter. We believe it is right and proper to listen to the strongly held views on all sides, including those affected."
LONG HOURS & WORKPLACE STRESS CONCERN NORTH EAST SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
A TUC survey of North-east England union health and safety representatives has revealed concern over the adequacy of regulation governing working time, it being recognised that some employers use the fact that the UK is the only EU Member State that allows workers to opt out of the 48-hour limit.
TUC's Regional Policy Officer Peter O’Brien comments: "Our survey reaffirms that the EU has played a vital role in helping to deliver improvements to workplace health and safety in the North East. However, the current working time regulations in the UK fail to do justice to the aims of the initial Directive. The UK tops the European long hours league, and yet we trail our competitors in the productivity stakes. The TUC believes the solution is to work smarter not longer. It is in the interests of employee and employers, as well as crucial our national and regional economic development, that we tackle the long hours culture now."
It is understood that the European Commission is turning its attention to the UK’s opt-out of the 48-hour working week, with a review due for publication this Autumn.
SAFETY WORK OF 380+ CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ORGANISATIONS RECOGNISED BY AWARD
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
In recognition of effort in the area of work safety and health made by construction and construction engineering organisations, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) presented 380+ awards for outstanding safety achievement during the past year. The industry claimed two Order of Distinction awards, 17 President’s Awards, 50 gold medals, 189 gold, 61 silver, 36 bronze and 17 merit awards.
RoSPA’s Occupational Health and Safety Awards ceremony, sponsored by RMC, took place on May 21 and 22 at the NEC’s Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel.
AWARD WINNERS SHOW WHAT IS POSSIBLE
Roger Bibbings, RoSPA’s Occupational Safety Adviser comments: “If all construction firms achieved what our award winners have been able to, then we could soon exceed the industry’s existing targets for casualty reduction. These award winners show the rest of the industry that accidents and health damage are by no means inevitable, despite the fact that construction is inherently hazardous.”
NOTABLE AWARD WINNERS
Trant Engineering Ltd of Southampton collected two prestigious awards this year, one of which is RoSPA’s highest safety award – the Sir George Earle Trophy and also the construction industry sector award.
Highly commended in the construction industry sector were: Birse Rail Ltd, Birmingham, Crown House, Wolverhampton, Haden Young Ltd, Watford, and McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd, Telford.
The construction engineering sector award for 2003 - Fluor Ltd Camberley, Surrey.
Two businesses highly commended – EMCOR Drake and Scull Ltd, Hatfield, Hertfordshire and Interserve Industrial Services Ltd, Liverpool.
The Norwich Union Trophy - for small and medium-sized businesses - Central (High Rise) Ltd, Nottingham.
W S Atkins Facilities Management, Sale, Cheshire, and Amec BKW Ltd Darlington, County Durham, received Orders of Distinction for winning a minimum of fifteen consecutive Gold Awards.
UK MAY BE LOSING SKIN CANCER AWARENESS BATTLE ALREADY WON IN AUSTRALIA
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
Efforts are being made to inform the public of the risks posed to their health by heavy exposures to UV in sunlight, in an attempt to emulate the undoubted success of similar campaigns in Australia for both recreation and the workplace.
Charitable organisation Cancer Research UK's Sunsmart Campaign says three quarters of those questioned in its recent survey are concerned about the hazard but when enquiry is followed by questions about preventive behaviours adopted less than, one third seek shade & less than two fifths apply high factor sunscreen.
BEHAVIOUR FAILS TO CORRESPOND WITH KNOWLEDGE
Interestingly, the message concerning the danger and encouraging adapting outdoor behaviour to reduce risk is more readily heeded by the middle-aged rather than the under 25's and over 65's.
Among 16-24 year olds, 73% believed that exposure to the sun might cause skin cancer, but only 25% of this age-group apply high factor sunscreen as protection, and fewer than 20% cover up or seek shade from the sun.
Worryingly, behaviour failed to correspond with knowledge, with only 6% avoiding the midday sun. Fewer than 5% cover up with hats, t-shirts and sunglasses & just 0.3% said they would have their suspect moles checked by a doctor.
"The results of this survey are concerning. Although it is encouraging that many people are aware of the risk of skin cancer, too many of them are still not protecting themselves against the sun's damaging rays by failing to stay in the shade, cover up or apply high factor sunscreen.
It is particularly worrying that so many of the young people questioned in the survey are being slow to change their bad habits, because it is skin damage early in life that is most likely to result in skin cancer later on." Dr Charlotte Proby, consultant dermatologist at Cancer Research UK
"The SunSmart campaign is about both reinforcing sun safety messages and encouraging people to act on their knowledge. The Australian sun awareness campaign has shown that with a sustained 'drip drip' approach to information people will eventually change their habits. This success has finally resulted in a drop in the number of skin cancer cases in their younger generation. In contrast, our skin cancer rates are climbing. It's not enough to know how to be safer in the sun, people must actually take steps to protect themselves." - Sara Hiom, Co-ordinator of the SunSmart campaign.
Nine out of ten skin cancers are easily treatable and unlikely to spread. They are called non-melanoma skin cancer and there are more than 59,000 new cases registered each year in the UK.
Malignant melanoma, which accounts for almost one in ten skin cancers, is the most serious type of the disease and may be fatal. Around 6,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with malignant melanoma. It usually develops in cells in the outer layer of the skin but can spread to other parts of the body
THE SUNSMART MESSAGES ARE:
STAY IN THE SHADE BETWEEN 11AM-3PM
MAKE SURE YOU NEVER BURN
ALWAYS COVER UP WITH A T-SHIRT, WIDE BRIMMED HAT & SUNGLASSES
REMEMBER TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WITH CHILDREN
THEN USE FACTOR 15 PLUS SUNSCREEN.
ALSO REPORT ANY MOLE CHANGES OR UNUSUAL SKIN GROWTHS PROMPTLY TO YOUR GP.
The SunSmart campaign is supported by: The UV Health Promotion Group whose members include the British Association of Dermatologists, National Radiological Protection Board, Skin Care Campaign, Wessex Cancer Trust, Health and Safety Executive and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Also backing the campaign are NIVEA Sun, Lloydspharmacy and Craghoppers Ltd.
RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA MORE DAMAGING TO LUNGS THAN PREVIOUSLY REALISED
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
HSE has issued a Chemical Hazard Alert Notice on respirable crystalline silica (RCS) advising that evidence is available that workers exposed to the 0.3 mg.m-3 (8-hour time weighted average [TWA] ) Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) for RCS under the COSHH Regulations run a much higher risk of lung damage than had been previously thought. The legal requirement for substances with MELs is to control exposure as far below the MEL as is reasonably practicable. In the past some industry sectors had difficulty in controlling exposure to RCS below 0.3 mg.m-3.
HSE believes it should now be reasonably practicable for all industry sectors to control RCS to 0.1 mg.m-3 (8-hour TWA). The purpose of this CHAN is to raise awareness among employers and workers about the new evidence on RCS and to advise that employers should aim to control exposures to 0.1 mg.m-3 (8-hour TWA) or below.
HSE is not proposing a formal change to the MEL because a new system of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) is planned to be in place by the end of 2004 which is likely to overtake any new MEL developments. HSE’s intention is to consult on a more stringent OEL for RCS when the new OEL system comes into force.
FIXED TANK ACID STORAGE - NEW GUIDANCE
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
New guidance, principally aimed at managers and supervisors but which may also be of interest to designers and installers, has been published giving advice on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of installations used for the storage of hydrochloric acid and the storage of nitric acid in fixed tanks.
The guidance applies to new and existing installations where reasonably practicable, matters considered include:
RISK ASSESSMENT
SITING OF THE TANK
BUNDING
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
TANK DESIGN
VENTS & OVERFLOWS
FUME SCRUBBERS;
PIPEWORK, VALVES & PUMPS
CONTENTS MEASUREMENT
SIGNS & LABELLING
TANKER OFFLOADING & DELIVERIES INTO METAL PICKLING BATHS
INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
TRAINING
Bulk storage of acids: guidance on the storage of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid in tanks, HSG235, HSE Books, ISBN 0717626830 costs £9.50.
BLOCK FAILED UNDER LOAD
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published the investigative report into the fatal accident to Kenneth Ogilvie, 58, who was struck on the head by a piece of hauling gear on board the UK-registered fishing vessel Ocean Star, north of the Shetland Islands on 26 November 2001.
The accident occurred on board the twin-rig trawler Ocean Star while she was recovering her fishing gear.
Due to an adverse weather forecast fishing operations were suspended on the day and the gear was heaved in until there were 130 metres of warp still remaining just before the accident occurred. .
The accident
A deckhand threw a heaving line up from the poop deck around the base of the gallows, and forward to a second deckhand on the top deck. The two deckhands were able to do this out of sight of each other. The deckhand on the poop deck turned away, heard a loud noise and thought that one of the main warp wires had parted. When he looked up he saw that the starboard main warp block had broken and that the heaving line was trailing astern of the vessel. He retrieved the line and threw it back up to the other deckhand, but the line was not caught. The deckhand called out a warning that the block had come apart.
From the wheelhouse the skipper saw the deckhand lying limp over the hand-rail on the top deck. The crew carried the deckhand into the wheelhouse, and started cardio-pulmonary resuscitation but the deckhand was pronounced dead.
TESTING, INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
An analysis of the block showed that it had failed under load because of progressive wear of a cheek plate, caused by the outward movement of a bearing sleeve. A full inspection of this block by a registered certifying body might well have detected the use of thin sleeving, and resulted in the withdrawal of the block from service.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is taking action regarding the testing, inspection and maintenance of hauling gear which will contribute to preventing similar accidents in future. The MAIB has therefore recommended that the intended regulations and guidance be implemented as soon as possible.
Instructions for the Guidance of Surveyors of Fishing Vessels are currently being developed and are scheduled for publication by the end of 2003. In addition, new legislation, initiated by EU Health and Safety Directive 1989/391/EEC, is currently being finalised and should enter force in 2003.
CALL FOR BETTER CONTROL OF GLUTARALDEHYDE, FORMALDEHYDE & FORMALIN
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
The GMB wishes to see the development of organic alternatives to glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and formaldehyde and its aqueous solution, formalin (its aqueous solution), or at least better control of these substances, especially to better protect funeral and furniture and chipboard workers.
Funeral, hospital and mortuary workers receive exposure to these chemicals because they are routinely used for embalming and may be more hazardous than previously recognised. It is known exposures can give rise to raised levels of naso-pharyngeal and lung cancers than in the population average, and other adverse health effects can result.
GMB's Phil Davies says recent research means that it is necessary to raise the issue with employers and employers’ organisations, and that “the dangers of the use of aldehydes in embalming and industrial processes are just not acceptable. We shall be pursuing this issue in the interests of our members.”
REGULATION OF HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2003 by Ahmed Khan
Bill Callaghan HSC chair will address a seminar to take place in October to discuss the benefits of regulating health and safety in hazardous industries such as nuclear installations, railways, offshore installations, onshore major hazard sites, work with genetically modified organisms, gas distribution, work with asbestos, explosive manufacture and storage and keeping of petrol - through permissioning regimes.
The seminar, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and supported by the HSE and will be held at IMechE in London on Friday 17 October 2003.
Mr Callaghan will explain to the seminar the background to the HSC’s recently published Policy Statement on Permissioning Regimes and will review recent evidence on the benefits of safety case regimes and share the latest HSC thinking on the regulation of hazardous industries. Other HSE and industry presenters will describe current research and direct experiences on what works and what does not in this area.
PERMISSIONING REGIMES
Permissioning regimes are only considered where the work activities involve significant hazard, risk or public concern such as where there are risks of multiple fatalities from a single or linked series of events and/or there are widespread and significant adverse effects on human health.
The seminar offers an ideal opportunity to discuss with knowledgeable professionals from different industries what more can be done to improve the effectiveness of permissioning regimes. Those attending will be able to ask questions, raise issues and share their personal experiences of preparing and implementing the safety cases and safety reports required to comply with permissioning regimes.
For more information see the IMechE website.
NOTE THAT PLACES ARE LIMITED - to obtain a registration form and programme please contact: Kimberley Young, 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London, SW1H 9JJ. Telephone 0207 973 1291 Email k_young@imeche.org.uk .