The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned that plans to consider scrapping EU health and safety laws could cost lives and livelihoods. IOSH said that the majority of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals believe that the amended Retained EU Law Bill (REUL) will still harm businesses, workers and economic growth....
Firms urged to refocus on asbestos dangers
As we mark Global Asbestos Awareness Week, businesses and tradespeople are being urged to refocus on the dangers posed by the deadly fibres. Major health and safety bodies are urging tradespeople and employers to reflect on how they manage the risks posed by asbestos during their work. Global Asbestos Awareness Week Global Asbestos Awareness...
Firm fined £2.3m for risk of ‘death to multiple casualties’
A company has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £2.3 million after unsafe working practices meant there was a risk of “serious injury or death to multiple casualties.” Exolum Pipeline System Ltd, formerly known as CLH Pipeline System (CLH-PS) Ltd, is a major pipeline transportation company based in London....
What is the future for health and safety law in the UK?
Many existing regulations could disappear from UK health and safety law at the end of this year if the Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill is approved in its current guise. The Bill, being dubbed the ‘EU Bonfire’ or ‘Sunset’ Bill, could lead to over 4,000 laws being amended, repealed or replaced by the end...
HSE launches new campaign for asbestos awareness
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its new campaign to improve asbestos awareness for people working in the construction industry. The Asbestos & You campaign will target all tradespeople but will particularly focus on younger workers in trades who have recently joined the industry in order to improve knowledge about the risks...
Six figure fine for health board that failed to follow safe working practices
A health board has been fined six figures after a patient died while being treated in hospital as a result of care that fell “below the required standards.” NHS Highland was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to follow safe working practices in relation to the death of 78-year-old Colin...
Construction firm fined after worker suffers life changing injuries
A construction company has been fined £34,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in an avoidable incident that “could have easily resulted in a fatality.” Hovington Limited, based in Rochdale, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in relation to the incident, which occurred on 4th...
Firm fined £60,000 after worker suffers ‘life-changing’ injuries
A firm has been fined £60,000 after a worker had to have their arm amputated after becoming entangled in a machine. Superior Machines Ltd, which manufactures agricultural machinery, were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a 68-year-old employee suffered life-threatening injuries when he became entangled on a manual lathe. The incident...
HSE continues Covid spot checks as infection rates rise
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have advised that they will be continuing to carry out Covid spot checks and inspections on businesses after the date for the final easing of lockdown restrictions was pushed back. Amid rising infection rates, as the new Delta variant of Covid-19 spreads, businesses must continue to have Covid-secure...