School and contractor fined for unsafe removal of asbestos A school and its maintenance contractor have been fined after workers disturbed asbestos at the school while installing a new heating system. A company had been contracted by the school, to install a new heating system in the school building. In the course of the work, during […]
Sonya Parker
Construction company in court over inadequate health and safety standards
Construction company in court over inadequate health and safety standards A national construction company has been fined after an unannounced inspection by Health and Safety Executive inspectors found poor welfare standards, dangerous electrical systems and inadequate health and safety provision on site. Concerns had been raised regarding the health and safety standards at the construction […]
Keep your workplace ventilated to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19
Keep your workplace ventilated to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 With winter weather making workers reluctant to keep windows and doors open, it is even more important to ensure your workplace is adequately ventilated. Good ventilation helps reduce the risk from aerosol transmission and prevents the spread of COVID-19. Following useful feedback from businesses, […]
Builder Jailed For Not Reporting RIDDOR Incident
A site boss has been jailed for six months for failing to report a serious incident in which a worker had to have his leg amputated. On 8 January 2019, an operative was clearing a site with an excavator so a new house could be built. The vehicle tipped while digging and it crushed his […]
LEV – Local Exhaust Ventilation
What is LEV? LEV is an engineering control used to reduce the risk of inhalation of substances hazardous to health in a workplace, such as dust, gas, mist, fume or vapour. Typically, these substances may cause respiratory diseases such as occupational asthma, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LEV systems perform an essential function […]
Controlling Risks of Vibrating Tools
Company prosecuted for failing to control risks to employees using vibrating tools 29th October 2021 A company that manufactures and sells medical devices for the healthcare industry has been fined for failing to adequately control the risk to its employees from exposure to vibration when using vibrating tools. Newport Magistrates’ Court heard that employees were […]
Controlling noise at work (L108): updated edition published
Noise at work Bulletin The HSE has published a new edition of the guidance book Controlling Noise at Work. Controlling noise at work (L108): updated edition published Many people are exposed to noise levels at work that may be harmful, leading to permanent and incurable hearing damage. The third edition of Controlling noise at work […]
Good ventilation in the workplace can help reduce the spread of coronavirus
8th September 2021 As more people return to the workplace, authority bodies are stressing the importance of good ventilation to support businesses minimize the risk of coronavirus. Alongside cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, good ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the workplace as it reduces the amount of […]
Company fined after several workers contracted occupational disease
August 2021 A construction company was sentenced today for safety breaches after multiple employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration (HAVS). The Court heard that the company reported seven cases of HAVS between 2016 and 2018. All of the workers involved had been carrying out ground works involving vibrating tools. Many of them had been […]
Construction company fined after worker falls from domestic garage roof
July 2021 A construction company has been fined for failing to comply with work at height regulations after a worker fell from a garage roof. The Court heard that in February 2020, the worker had accessed the roof using a ladder and was working on his knees with his side to the open edge whilst […]