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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 retained EU law bill could lead to health and safety law being scrappedThe Bill, being dubbed the ‘EU Bonfire’ or ‘Sunset’ Bill, could lead to over 4,000 laws being amended, repealed or replaced by the end of the year.

Currently moving through the House of Lords, the Bill includes a deadline of 31st December 2023. After this date, any retained rules from the EU which have not yet been decided on will automatically fall away, or ‘sunset’.

The Bill has attracted much criticism, with some saying it will lead to critical decisions on workers’ rights, environmental standards and consumer protections being made by default, or even by accident.

Occupational health and safety law could ‘sunset’

Many EU health and safety laws could be lostIt relates to all UK secondary legislation derived from EU law and retained direct EU legislation, and this includes a significant number of occupational health and safety regulations, such as:

  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – including risk assessment and ‘Competent Person’ requirements
  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
  • Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
  • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
  • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 amended 2022

Some other pieces of safety legislation may also be affected, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

However, any regulations not derived from EU law will remain, and this includes the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA).

The HSWA will therefore remain in place and all employers must continue to fulfil their legal duties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone who is affected by their business activities.

Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will also remain in place and retain its enforcement powers, which are set out within the HSWA.

Uncertainty for businesses on health and safety law

Many pieces of health and safety law could move into guidanceHowever, Mary Lawrence, a partner at Osborne Clarke, has explained to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) that EU health and safety regulations tend to provide an additional layer of detail in the UK about how businesses can fulfil their legal duties under HSWA. She said that such details would no longer be law and would likely move into guidance instead.

She says that the removal of these regulations is likely to create uncertainty for businesses on how exactly to meet their obligations under the HSWA, because many “well-established and understood regimes for compliance will fall away.”

It is anticipated, however, that the HSE will encourage employers to continue to follow these regimes, which would remain as HSE guidance.

It is thought that the sunset of some health and safety regulations could even enable some businesses to establish more tailored approaches to considering risk. For example, within the field of ergonomics and display screen equipment, the current regulations are highly prescriptive and do not necessarily translate well to the new hybrid working environment.

Calls to protect and strengthen health and safety law

IOSH wants the government to protect health and safety lawHowever, many have expressed concern that thousands of lifesaving laws could potentially be left up in the air, and even scrapped.

IOSH joined a number of other occupational safety and health (OSH) organisations, collectively known as the OSH Alliance, in writing to the Government calling for vital laws to be protected.

In their letter, the OSH Alliance said:

“Given Britain’s long-standing record as a global leader in health and safety, we understand the need for continuous improvement and how regularly reviewing legislation can build more effective frameworks. However, we are concerned that the timeframe set forth for implementing the Retained EU Law Bill could lead to increased harm. While we agree the revision and improvement of UK health and safety laws would be positive, we are conscious that better regulation is not de-regulation.

“To ensure the safety and health outcomes of Britain’s workforce and therefore the resilience of its businesses, regulations must be reviewed sensibly, with due scrutiny and in consultation with both the occupational safety and health profession and business leaders. Rushing to implement the Bill as it stands, without clarity on which laws the Bill covers, and with the sunset clauses it contains, will undermine our health and safety standards and protections.

“Ultimately, we need more time and a more transparent process. Time to take an evidence-based approach, to treat each law individually, and to look at the overarching reason the law was originally passed. Every law has a considered aim and intention. And it is this aim and intention that we must carefully consider against the needs and necessary protections of workers and their rights, and the needs of all people and business, today and in the future, to be safe, healthy and sustainable.”

Delaying the sunset deadline

It has been suggested that ministers extend the sunset deadline in the REUL Bill to 23rd June 2026. IOSH and others have backed this call and even urged consideration of a later date in 2030 to ensure the Bill can undergo due scrutiny.

Either way, an active decision needs to be taken before the end of this year to prevent many regulations from simply disappearing.

There are calls to extend the sunset deadline in the Retained EU Law BillLabour’s Baroness Chapman of Darlington said: ““The removal of the law should be an active choice, not a passive default, and the removal of laws should require Parliament’s consent.”

Meanwhile, Government Minister Lord Callanan, who introduced the Bill to the Lords, argued: “Making it harder to remove regulations would hamper the UK’s growth, would be detrimental to the UK and fundamentally undermines the aims of the Bill.”

The Bill is currently passing through the House of Lords but a number of amendments have been proposed to it, so it is likely that it will bounce back and forth between the Lords and the Commons for a little while longer.

Businesses can expect to know more about the Bill and its impact on health and safety law as we move into the spring.

IOSH asserts that, while the final details of the Bill and its impact on health and safety law remain uncertain, “[…] professionals can start working through scenarios and thinking about potential impacts on their businesses and future planning.”

Health and safety training

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Training can help you understand health and safety lawThey deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food safety, health and social care and more.

Their health and safety training is mapped to current UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. It includes training awards in Health and Safety, Managing and Supervising Risk, Working at Height, DSE Assessment, Manual Handling, Accident and Incident Investigation, and more.

They are also licensed to deliver courses externally approved and certificated by IOSH including Working Safely and Managing Safely.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We believe in creating safer working environments with people who care, and know that when workers feel safe, valued and protected, they are likely to be happier and more productive at work.

“Companies with a strong health and safety ethos can not only reduce workplace accidents and downtime, but also see better staff retention rates and increased employee satisfaction in the future.

“Health and safety training can help employers understand their responsibility to assess risks to workers, consult with workers on control measures to reduce those risks, and implement those measures.”

For more information on any of the training courses that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or e-mail info@firstresponsetraining.com.

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.

HSE campaign highlights dangers of asbestosThe 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 associated with asbestos.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog is hoping to reach people who started their careers from the year 2000, after the use of asbestos was banned, to ensure they know the risk still remains.

The material was used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings from the 1950s-2000, but its use was banned in 1999.

Asbestos is dangerous if it is not maintained in a safe condition or if it is physically disturbed without the right safety measures being in place to avoid the deadly fibres being released into the air.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening.

Asbestos is a danger to many tradespeopleAround 5,000 people a year still die from asbestos-related diseases as it can take as long as 20-30 years after exposure for symptoms of disease to appear. Because of this, asbestos exposure remains the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain.

Asbestos-containing materials remain in millions of homes and buildings across the UK. The fibres cannot be seen, smelled or felt in the air or on your clothes.

Those carrying out repairs or refurbishment work are at a higher risk of disturbing the material, especially when they are working inside homes.

This is why the HSE campaign is urging builders, carpenters, electricians, joiners, plasterers, plumbers, roofers and other tradesmen to take the risks seriously.

The HSE campaign webpage includes links to a quick guide on asbestos, task sheets, legal information, guidance and training.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Asbestos Awareness, Handling Hazardous Substances (COSHH) and Managing and Supervising Risk.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“Exposure to asbestos fibres can be extremely hazardous, with long lasting and devastating consequences.

“It’s vitally important that all tradespeople understand the dangers and are aware of the appropriate safety measures they must take to minimise the risks of exposure and protect themselves from harm.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

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 board fined for safety failings that led to preventable deathNHS 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 Lloyd in February 2019.

Mr Lloyd was admitted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on the 6th February following a suspected fall at his home.

He was admitted to the hospital’s surgical ward but he suffered three additional falls, on 6th, 12th and 14th February, while he was being treated there. These falls led to bleeding on his brain.

Following his fourth and final fall, Mr Lloyd passed away from fatal head trauma on 16th February 2019.

A subsequent investigation by the HSE found that NHS Highland, the health board responsible for Raigmore Hospital, had failed to provide the necessary nursing staff to be able to maintain the required 1:1 ratio of care.

NHS Highland appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court in January this year, where they pleaded guilty to breaching the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They received an £180,000 fine.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Penny Falconer said:

“This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

“Organisations should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards designed for health and social care organisations, such as Infection Control and Prevention, Safeguarding Adults, Duty of Care, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Person Centred Care and Support and many others.

Their course portfolio spans Care Certificate standards, Level 2 and Level 3 Awards and training for supervisors and managers.

For more information on the training provided by FRT, please call them on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Make sure safety is part of your perfect Pancake Day recipe

Pancake Day is all about fun, indulgence and exciting flavours. Lemon and sugar, strawberries and Nutella, perhaps even maple syrup and bacon? Whatever your topping of choice, ensure that safety is a key ingredient in your delicious creations this Pancake Day…

It's almost Pancake Day

Fire safety warnings for Pancake Day

Families should have fun making pancakes together this Pancake DayLocal fire and rescue services across the country are issuing important fire safety advice ahead of Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, which takes place on Tuesday 21st February 2023.

Fire and rescue services have taken pains to remind people to be careful when whipping up the perfect pancake this week.

Pointing out that more than 50% of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen, fire services want people to be careful and sensible when using a frying pan and cooking with hot oil to make pancakes…

Pancake Day safety tips

Do NOT:

  • Leave tea towels, cloths, oven gloves or other items on top of the hob
  • Leave the frying pan unattended when the heat is switched on
  • Put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke
  • Move the pan if it catches fire
  • Use water, or a water fire extinguisher, to put out an oil fire.

DO:

  • Keep your hob, cooker and saucepans as clean as possible
  • Test your smoke alarm before you begin cooking
  • Supervise children in the kitchen at all times
  • Ensure saucepan handles do not stick out over the edge of the cooker, as they could easily get knocked off and cause an injury – especially if there are young children in the kitchen
  • Double check that the cooker and hob are both properly switched off when you’ve finished cooking

And, if the worst does happen and a fire breaks out, make sure you:

  • Call emergency services on 999 immediately
  • Turn the heat off, if possible and safe to do so
  • Shut the door on the fire, if possible and safe to do so
  • Ensure that everyone vacates the premises as quickly as possible
  • Remain outside until you are told by a trained firefighter that it is safe to go back inside

Common sense health and safety

Make sure its safety fist this Pancake DayFirst Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider.

They deliver a wide range of high quality training courses to over 70,000 learners annually, working with thousands of organisations and businesses across all sectors. Their diverse portfolio includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, health and social care, mental health and other special focus topics.

Their health and safety range includes training for employees, managers and supervisors and they also offer externally accredited options.

They can provide training in topics such as Fire Safety Awareness, with or without the use of extinguishers, Role of the Fire Marshal, Evacuation Chair and Fire Safety for Managers.

A Trainer from FRT, says:

“Clearly, Pancake Day should be a fun time where family and friends can get creative in the kitchen, whipping up tasty pancakes, trying their hand at flipping them and experimenting with different toppings.

“No one wants to put a doom and gloom message over this and we hope everyone partaking in Shrove Tuesday celebrations has a great time and enjoys their sweet or savoury pancakes!

“However, it’s important to be aware that over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen. Make sure you do not leave any cooking unattended as it could overheat and catch fire.

“It’s vitally important that people remain aware of the risks and take sensible, proportionate steps to manage those to ensure the experience is safe and fun for all.”

For easy reference to essential Pancake Day safety tips and guidance, download our free infographic.

For more information on the training services that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Firms warned not to ‘sleepwalk’ into health and safety nightmare

Following reports that job vacancies in the UK have hit a record high of 1 million, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned employers dealing with staff shortages not to “sleepwalk” into a health and safety nightmare.

The leading professional body for occupational safety and health said that “worker shortages do not and should not mean worker neglect.”

The global professional body is concerned that the drive to maintain productivity levels in understaffed companies could lead to the protection of workers being compromised.

Checklist for worker safety

IOSH has produced a checklist for businesses coping with worker shortages to ensure they are managing both workers’ physical safety and their stress and anxiety.

The checklist includes:

  • Resource planning and ensuring tasks can still be completed safely
  • Policies and procedures and whether they remain viable in the wake of staff shortages
  • Risk assessments and considering whether these should be updated to account for the shortage of workers
  • Safe systems of work / safe operating procedures and whether these account for the shortage of workers
  • Cross training workers to carry out different roles and cover worker shortages
  • Ensuring all safety checks are still fulfilled and that there is limited risk to workers
  • Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and how this is impacted by a shortage of workers
  • Keeping workers informed about staff shortages and included in discussions and plans

Invest in appropriate training

IOSH’s Ryan Exley said:

“Whether organisations are finding it difficult to recruit, or they’re being challenged financially and need to make cuts in expenditure, it’s vital for their business/organisation and their staff that they ensure those who work for them are kept safe.

“The last thing we want is to see any employer dealing with worker shortages ‘sleepwalking’ into some health and safety nightmare scenario, where ‘getting by’ with a reduced workforce then morphs into a ‘new normal’ that puts their people in long-term danger.

“Continuing to operate with fewer workers may maximise profits but could build up pressure to cut corners and compromise on safety, seriously damaging workers’ mental health in the meantime.”

Meanwhile, IOSH Head of Health and Safety, Ruth Wilkinson, said firms needed to continue to invest in health and safety and appropriate training despite any staffing issues.

She explained:

“There should be no compromise on health and safety, with the prevention of harm and protection of workers being paramount.”

She added that firms must maintain good risk management and continue to: “Provide the appropriate training, such as staff inductions, competency requirements and refreshers, making sure staff are aware of the health and safety arrangements and their responsibilities; good communication and awareness is key.

“It’s always important to ensure there’s a planned and risk-controlled approach to prevention, focused on safe people, safe systems, safe workplaces and safe equipment.”

Health and safety training and support

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

They deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food hygiene, specialist safety, health and social care and more.

Their health and safety training is mapped to UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a health and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We believe in creating safer working environments with people who care, and know that when workers feel safe, valued and protected, they are likely to be happier and more productive at work. Companies with a strong health and safety ethos can not only reduce workplace accidents and downtime, but also see better staff retention rates and increased employee satisfaction in the future.”

For more information on any of the training courses that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or e-mail info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Firm fined £1 million after man dies in explosion

A chemical firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £1 million after a man died in an explosion at its site.

The HSE said they hoped the case would help “communicate important safety messages” to the industry after Briar Chemicals Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching the COMAH Regulations 2015.

The company, based in Norwich, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court after a “complex and highly technical” three-year investigation by the HSE revealed that they failed to take all necessary measures to prevent the fatal explosion.

In addition to their significant fine, Briar Chemicals Ltd were also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £10,967.20.

Health and safety failings

The court heard how, on 27th July 2018, maintenance contractor, Rob Cranston, was carrying out repair work on a mixing vessel during a planned period of shutdown maintenance.

It is believed that his welding torch or grinder accidentally ignited flammable Toluene vapour inside the vessel. This should not have been present when the maintenance work commenced.

Mr Cranston, aged 46, was killed in the blast. His son Owen, aged 22, was working alongside him at the time.

The subsequent investigation by Britain’s health and safety watchdog found that a quantity of Toluene residue had been left inside the vessel after shutdown cleaning took place at the beginning of June 2018. Two damaged valves situated above the vessel in the Toluene supply pipe were also found to be leaking.

The HSE learned that operatives had been instructed to transfer a large quantity of Toluene from one storage tank to another via this pipe, which allowed additional flammable liquid to leak into the vessel. It was supposed to be empty and clean.

‘Horrendous’ and ‘complex’ case

In a Victim Impact Statement read out in court, Mr Cranston’s widow, Claire said his loss had “been horrendous for both our sons, particularly Owen having to deal with actually being there at the time.”

She added: “Our lives changed forever that day. We will never forget him and are only left wondering what the future would have held for us all together. We were still young enough to have had years of happiness ahead. He will miss seeing our sons’ lives develop and grandchildren in years to come.

Meanwhile, HSE Inspector Frances Bailey, who led the investigation into the incident, said:

“This was a complex and highly technical investigation, due to the chemical hazards on site and the number of underlying issues which combined to cause the explosion. HSE hope that this case helps to communicate important safety messages to wider industry so that other fires and explosions are prevented in future.

“Any company handling or storing flammables should consider the potential risk of fire and explosion and ensure they have robust procedures in place to minimise and control risk at all times, including during planned maintenance work.”

Vital health and safety support and training

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider.

They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Handling Hazardous Substances, Health and Safety, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Manual Handling, Accident and Incident Investigation and Managing and Supervising Safety, among many others.

FRT is also approved to deliver world-renowned IOSH-accredited and certificated training courses such as IOSH Working Safely, IOSH Supervising Safely and IOSH Managing Safely.

A trainer from FRT explains: “This is a truly tragic case which highlights exactly why it’s so vitally important that employers have a good understanding of health and safety law and that health and safety at work is well managed, with suitable risk assessments, control measures, policies and procedures in place.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE inspectors crack down on respiratory risks

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be targeting construction firms across Britain next month to check they are protecting workers from respiratory risks and occupational lung disease.

The month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 4th October 2021, will focus on the control measures that construction firms have in place to protect their workers from silica, asbestos and wood dust.

Improving construction worker health

The initiative forms part of HSE’s longer term health and work strategy to improve health within the construction industry.

The HSE will be inspecting construction sitesIt will be supported by their WorkRight campaign, which encourages builders to download free guidance and advice in order to increase knowledge and capability to protect workers’ health.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog is being supported by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) and Tier 1 industry contractors to conduct more than 1,000 site visits throughout October.

Inspectors will assess the effectiveness of measures that firms have in place to control workers’ exposure to the respiratory risks from construction dust.

The findings from these visits and a survey will provide the HSE with a wide dataset to evaluate ongoing practices across industry. The insights will support the regulator’s strategic plan to broaden the range and depth of future regulatory health interventions.

Inspectors prepared to take action

Inspectors will be looking for evidence that employers and workers are aware of the risks, planning their work accordingly and using the right control measures.

The watchdog has also warned that, while inspectors will focus on health and, in particular, respiratory risks, during this inspection initiative, they will also take action to tackle any other areas of concern they identify, such as immediate safety risks.

Simple measures to save lives

The focused inspections on construction are driven by some very serious figures. More than 3,500 construction workers die each year after developing cancers related to their work.

There are also thousands more cases of ill-health and working days lost each year due to exposure to dust.

The Chief Inspector of Construction at the HSE, Sarah Jardine, said:

“Around 100 times as many workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work than are actually killed in construction accidents.”

She added that there were simple measures that everyone can do to ensure they are protecting their health: “Be aware of the risks associated with activities you do every day, recognise the dangers of hazardous dust and consider how it can affect your health. We want businesses and their workers to think of the job from start to finish and avoid creating dust by working in different ways to keep dust down and wear the right protective equipment.”

Construction safety training and support

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider.

They deliver a wide and diverse range of training courses in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, specialist safety, mental health, health and social care and more.

They can offer courses in subjects such as Asbestos Awareness, Handling of Hazardous Substances and accredited options such as IOSH Working Safely and IOSH Managing Safely.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Occupational cancers devastate thousands of lives. It’s so important that employers protect themselves and their workers by following simple, common sense health and safety measures that keep them safe.”

For more information on any of the training courses that FRT can offer, please call them on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

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 February 2019.

The court heard how the company had failed to implement suitable control measures or safe working practices.

At the time of the incident, groundworkers, including the injured person, were working to break out ground using a 13-tonne 360 excavator with a hydraulic breaker attached to an automatic quick hitch. The task was part of trench work to install new drainage at the site of Arconic Forging and Extrusions in Rotherham.

Things went wrong when the breaker became detached from the quick hitch on the excavator and fell, narrowly missing one ground worker and landing on the injured worker’s right foot.

As stated by the burn accident attorney, he sustained injuries which meant that doctors were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee.

A subsequent investigation by the HSE found that Hovington Limited had failed to ensure that a safe method of work had been implemented when working in the vicinity of an excavator. They also found that there was no defined segregation between people and plant and no use of a vehicle plant marshal to ensure that the machine was isolated before pedestrians entered the working zone of the excavator.

In addition, the company had failed to implement a dedicated bucket changing area for the changing of attachments in order to minimise the risk of any attachments falling onto pedestrians. Fully-Verfied will make sure that all these files will be safe in their hands.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. In addition to their £34,000 fine they were ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,935.84.

Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Trisha Elvy said:

“This incident could have easily resulted in a fatality and could have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

“There should be suitable, defined safe systems of work so that persons who need to work in close proximity to excavators can do so safely.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Accident and Incident Investigation and Managing and Supervising Safety.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“It’s crucial that all business owners and managers understand their responsibilities under law with regards to health and safety and that they have appropriate control measures in place to minimise risks and keep people safe. This includes appropriate health and safety training for staff.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

IOSH urges caution as people return to workplaces

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has urged caution over the gradual return of staff to workplaces.

Speaking after the government confirmed that England would move to the final stage of its gradual easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures, IOSH’s Head of Advice and Practice, Duncan Spencer, warned: “Covid-19 still poses a significant threat, so we urge businesses to ensure they continue to do all they can to protect staff from contracting it.”

Ensure a healthy and safe return to work

As the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, spoke out to encourage workers to head back into the office and other workplaces, IOSH advised that businesses be guided by health and safety professionals.

Mr Smith said that risk assessments formed the “starting point” for a safe return to workplaces, “as they can help to identify proportionate controls to protect workers, clients, consumers and communities.”

Advocating continued caution, he added:

“With Covid risks, this might include a reasonable request for people to continue wearing face masks and observe social distancing measures.

“Employers might wish to emulate other socially conscious organisations by asking workers to test themselves regularly, including supplying them with lateral flow test kits.

“It is crucial that any preventative measures are communicated clearly, thereby empowering people to work safely while this disease remains a significant threat.”

Maintain control measures

The (HSE) has issued advice about workplace controls that businesses should maintain despite the removal of lockdown restrictions and social distancing guidance.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog says that organisations must still control the risks of Covid-19 transmission and should continue to review and update their risk assessment.

The following workplace control measures also remain unchanged:

Employers are also advised that communicating with workers and representatives about health and safety matters helps to reduce risks.

The HSE continues to conduct Covid-19 spot checks and inspections to ensure that businesses across the country are managing the risks.

Consider mental health and wellbeing

As a recent survey suggested that 40% of workers feel less resilient now than they did before the pandemic, and that over half feel under pressure to mask mental health challenges as they return to the workplace, transmission of Covid-19 is not the only risk that employers need to manage.

Indeed, Duncan Smith at IOSH agreed that “employers also need to consider the impact of returning to work on people’s mental health and wellbeing, with the possibility that staff may be deeply concerned about returning.”

He added:

“We advocate that open and non-stigmatised conversations are proactively arranged by line managers as part of a strong overall mental health and wellbeing strategy.

“Organisations need to be safe from Covid and safe from the mental health consequences of this pandemic and the impact it has on people’s lives.”

Further training and support for the workplace

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“Businesses must ensure they conduct a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment and have effective measures in place for cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, ventilation and protecting vulnerable workers. Continuing measures such as social distancing, working from home and wearing face coverings should also be considered where appropriate.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

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 occurred on 25th January 2019 at the company’s site in Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire. It is thought the worker became entangled on either the rotating workpiece or the chuck as it rotated. This left him with extensive injuries including a punctured lung, broken neck, and fractures to the back, ribs, arm, and shoulder blade. Witnesses who had a fair amount of knowledge about aid aid training were able to admit him to the hospital as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications development from his injuries. Then after his treatment, with the support of Personal Injury Attorney in South Carolina, his compensation was claimed that was very useful for his treatments and also was used to ensure he will be back to normal in no time.

Doctors were forced to amputate the man’s left arm at the shoulder.

A subsequent investigation by the HSE found that machinery standards across the entire site were poor and that many of the machines were unguarded.

Inspectors served the company with three prohibition and five improvement notices were served. These included machine guarding, welfare and management issues.

Superior Machines Ltd appeared at York Magistrates’ Court last month where they pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were ordered to pay prosecution costs of £7,618 in addition to their fine.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Sarah Taylor said that such incidents were “far too common.”

She added:

“The worker’s injuries were life changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and devastation could have been avoided if basic safeguards, risk assessments, supervision and instruction had been in place.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Accident and Incident Investigation and Managing and Supervising Safety.

A trainer from FRT explains: “It’s crucial that all business owners and managers understand their responsibilities under law with regards to health and safety and that they have appropriate control measures in place to minimise risks and keep people safe. This includes appropriate health and safety training for staff.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

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.

Businesses must remain covid secureAmid rising infection rates, as the new Delta variant of Covid-19 spreads, businesses must continue to have Covid-secure measures in place in line with government guidance.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog have therefore confirmed that they will continue to work with local authorities to carry out Covid spot checks and inspections on businesses in all areas of the country in order to ensure they are managing the risk.

They have warned it is “vital at this stage that businesses don’t become complacent and continue to have measures in place” to protect workers, customers and visitors

Don’t become complacent

HSE inspectors will provide guidance and advice for businesses where required and will take enforcement action against those organisations which aren’t effectively managing the risk from Coronavirus. This may include the issuing of enforcement notices or stopping certain work practices until they are made safe.

Businesses who fail to comply with HSE guidance or enforcement action could face prosecution.

HSE will check covid secure measuresThe Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, Angela Storey, commented: “[…] As we continue to carry out spot checks and inspections, our support of cross-government work remains. We are committed to helping employers and employees as they work through the pandemic.

“All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced call or visit to check they are Covid-secure.”

The HSE provides advice and guidance about making your workplace Covid-secure on their website.

Guidance and training

Businesses must ensure they conduct a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment and have effective measures in place for social distancing, cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, ventilation, working from home and protecting vulnerable workers.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “It’s vitally important, during these final stages, that we do not now let our guard down and that everyone continues to follow the guidance at all times to control the still-present risk of coronavirus.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE continues COVID spot checks

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned businesses that it will be continuing to carry out Covid-19 spot checks and inspections as the nation continues on the roadmap out of lockdown.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog is working with local authorities to carry out spot checks and inspections on local businesses as the economy reopens.

They say that, as more businesses reopen their doors, the opportunity for Covid-19 to spread only increases, “so it is critical that businesses shouldn’t become complacent. They still need to have Covid-secure measures in place.”

All businesses in line for inspection

Spot checks and inspections are being carried out on all types of businesses in all areas.

Inspectors will be checking the measures that organisations have put in place to manage and reduce the risks posed from coronavirus, ensuring they are in line with current government guidance.

They will be visiting businesses that have continued their operations throughout the pandemic, as well as those that have only recently reopened or are planning to reopen soon.

The HSE says it is assisting local authorities to target premises in the sectors they regulate, such as hospitality and retail.

Businesses must manage Covid risks

sanitisation remains crucialInspectors will offer businesses advice and guidance during spot checks and inspections, but the watchdog has made clear that action will be taken against any organisation that isn’t managing the risk from Covid-19.

The HSE has the power to issue enforcement notices and halt certain work activities until they are made safe.

Any business that does not comply with HSE action could be prosecuted.

The HSE has outlined some general Covid-secure measures that businesses should have in place:

  • A Covid-19 risk assessment for your workplace, which is updated to reflect any changes in legislation or guidance that may impact on your work activities.
  • Social distancing measures to ensure people are kept 2-metres apart or, where this is not possible, 1-metre apart with additional measures in place, such as screens.
  • Strict cleaning, hygiene and handwashing procedures for your workplace and staff.
  • Proper ventilation and air conditioning to help reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.
  • Information for workers about providing support and maintaining Covid-19 control measures.
  • Suitable measures to support staff to work from home where required, such as appropriate equipment and regular contact to ensure their wellbeing.
  • Control measures, support, and information to help protect workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.

Engage with the HSE to protect communities

The Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, Angela Storey, explained: “As we come out of lockdown, we are continuing to work with local authorities to check businesses are Covid-secure and providing guidance and advice where needed.

“Our spot checks and inspections support the cross-government work in helping employers and employees that have worked throughout the pandemic and those returning as lockdown measures ease. All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector, can receive an unannounced check from HSE or an inspection from the local authority, to check they are Covid-secure.

“If you are contacted by the HSE or your local authority, please engage with us. By checking businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of local communities as well as support the local and national UK economy.”

The HSE provides guidance on remaining Covid-secure on their website.

Training can help you manage the risks

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Infection control is crucialTheir diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “After many months of restrictions, it’s great to see things start to open back up and many businesses begin to return to some sort of normal. This is vitally important for the economy as well as for the mental health and wellbeing of employers and employees.

“It’s equally important, though, that, as restrictions ease, we do not let our guard down and continue to ensure that we are following guidance at all times to control the still-present risk of coronavirus.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Occupational safety and health leads Covid recovery

The Director of Professional Services at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has commented on how the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession is leading the way in the recovery from Covid-19.

In a commentary featured in the Hays UK Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide 2021, Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher spoke of how OSH professionals had found themselves “front and centre of organisations’ recovery from Covid-19,” saying that leadership figures are turning to the profession for guidance to protect their workers and the future of their businesses.

As we slowly move out of the third national lockdown and the roadmap has been laid out to restarting the economy, many employers want to know how they can restart their operations safely, prevent virus transmission on their site and protect remote workers.

Ms. Harwood-Whitcher cautioned that OSH professionals must also “ensure their employers don’t lose sight of non-Covid risks.”

She added: “To achieve this, OSH professionals must be attuned to how their organisation is run and how OSH can enable it to sustain its future and achieve strategic goals. They must be able to adapt quickly as new risks emerge and provide senior leaders with assurance.”

This rise in demand for OSH expert advice will continue well into 2021 and beyond, she predicts.

As a result, IOSH aims to ensure there is a “significant pool of high-calibre people who can respond.”

They are hoping to achieve this through their Student Membership Scheme, their IOSH Mentoring platform and their Future Leaders community. These initiatives all help people at different stages to build their OSH career.

There is high demand for relevant health and safety skills, and IOSH is looking to help meet this demand by moving their main health and safety training products online.

Ms. Harwood-Whitcher says such measures are “why I am confident our profession can continue to deliver, to protect the futures of organisations and those who work for them.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing Health and Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

FRT is also approved to deliver world-renowned IOSH-accredited and certificated training courses such as IOSH Working Safely, IOSH Supervising Safely and IOSH Managing Safely.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “For too long, health and safety has been considered no more than an administrative burden to employers, but this really highlights how sensible health and safety approaches can really benefit businesses and how they will be instrumental in helping firms build back better after the pandemic.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE Chair reflects on 12 months of Covid

The Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Sarah Newton, has shared her reflections on the past year, which saw Britain and its workplaces battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Launching the HSE’s new regular website blog, Ms. Newton, who became Chair of Britain’s health and safety watchdog in August last year, explained that her and her colleagues would be publishing blogs sharing their thoughts on a wide range of topics related to HSE’s workplace safety mission.

Speaking of the 12 months since April 2020, she admits it’s “safe to say that it has been a year unlike any of us have ever experienced.”

Ms. Newton explained that, as Britain gradually emerges from lockdown and the pandemic, the HSE will be applying “renewed vigour to our work enabling Covid-secure workplaces. Drawing on what we are continuously learning from the data and science. With a focus on controlling risk, from identifying it to mitigating for it.”

She confirmed that the vast majority of businesses and workplaces were adhering to government guidelines and were making prompt changes to the way they work in order to keep employees and other members of the public as safe as possible.

Where enforcement action has been needed, however, Ms. Newton is clear that the HSE has been decisive in taking that action.

The regulator has been at the heart of the government response to the coronavirus pandemic in Great Britain, working alongside Public Health bodies and local authorities. It has ensured, through spot checks, inspections and advice, that workplaces are doing everything possible to provide Covid-secure working environments.

Ms. Newton says:

“HSE takes the Covid pandemic and the welfare of workers incredibly seriously. Of course, we do. That is written into our DNA and, since 1974, that has been our mission.”

She summarised some of the actions taken over the past 12 months to help make workplaces Covid-secure. These included:

  • Shifting their organisational resources onto Covid-related work and utilising an additional £14 million in funding to add new services to support workers and employers
  • Completing over 165,700 Covid-19 spot checks and responding to over 210,000 concerns
  • Carrying out around 2,000 workplace checks each day
  • Supporting Public Health bodies with 646 reported outbreaks of Covid-19
  • Targeting spot checks in those industries where workers are most vulnerable to transmission risks
  • Leading a Covid-19 national core study, funded by the Government, on transmission of Covid-19 in the environment. This encompasses workplaces, transport and other public settings. The aim is to answer essential policy and operational questions around the pandemic.

The Chair of the HSE concluded:

“All of the above, and more, has taken place against a backdrop of HSE continuing to regulate traditional, non-Covid related occupational health and safety in a multitude of industries.

“As well as setting up the new Building Safety Regulator and dealing with the complex regulatory responsibilities associated with the end of the EU transition period and the intake of new staff that these have entailed. I think that’s a real achievement everyone in HSE can be proud of.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing Health and Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “Businesses have lots to consider right now; they must ensure they are keeping people as safe as possible and minimising the risk of transmission of Covid-19, following government guidelines and effectively implementing suitable control measures. It is great that the HSE has been there to provide advice, guidance and take action where needed.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE guidance for reopened schools

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidance for schools on ensuring they remain Covid-secure as they reopen for the Spring term.

England’s health and safety watchdog has reminded schools that they must have mitigating measures in place to control the risks from Covid-19, as well as “arrangements in place to ensure effective supervision, monitoring and review of expected standards.”

Inspectors from the HSE conducted spot checks and inspections on primary and secondary schools over a 3-month period from September to December 2020.

They contacted 5000 schools in England and Wales to check they were following the correct guidelines, with spot checks spanning all regions and including a proportionate number of state-maintained, independent and special schools.

Government guidelines for the reopening of schools have not changed substantially since these inspections, and the HSE has set out its findings, including areas for improvement.

Inspectors found that around 80% of schools had a good understanding of the guidance and what it means to be Covid-secure.

The HSE undertook over 1,000 follow-up inspections at those schools where it was less certain that they were correctly following guidance to check the measures they had in place.

For more than half of the schools visited, there was no further action. For most of the remaining inspections only minor issues were detected which resulted in verbal advice.

Formal interventions and improvement measures were required in less than 1% of schools visited, after health and safety contraventions were uncovered by inspectors.

Areas of concern included social distancing in staff rooms and kitchens or canteens, cleaning regimes and ventilation in some school buildings. Inspectors found that most schools were relying on well painted walls and windows or doors being open for long periods of time in order to achieve ventilation. This led to issues around maintaining comfortable room temperatures for students and staff members, especially during the colder months.This measures can also be adopted to home for healthy living. My House Painter can also help you out in getting your home improvement services done.

The HSE has since updated its own guidance regarding ventilation and air-conditioning, which they say should help school leaders to balance these needs.

Other issues that inspectors provided advice on included:

  • Schools using generic risk assessments that did not include specific detail for their site
  • Lack of effective systems for the regular monitoring and review of risk assessments
  • Fire doors being propped open in order to provide ventilation
  • Inappropriate rooms being used for isolating suspected cases
  • Arrangements for managing external visitors and/or contractors

Inspectors also found lots of examples of schools promoting good practice in innovative ways, such as:

  • Promoting social distancing by issuing pupils with coloured lanyards to identify their bubble and to help avoid mixing between different bubbles
  • Using brightly coloured floor markings in school playgrounds to encourage two metre social distancing between parents and pupils during drop-off and collection times
  • Focusing on handwashing and UV light as a means of promoting effective hand hygiene as part of specific school projects, such as science projects
  • Producing video walkthroughs explaining Covid-secure arrangements for pupils and parents
  • Use of classroom seating plans to help with self-isolation measures
  • Using a click-and-collect app to purchase food from the canteen to reduce queues and avoid crowding
  • Using video conferencing for staff meetings and phones in classrooms to speak to other staff in order to reduce face-to-face contact.

The government has provided specific guidance about actions schools should take during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.

The HSE has said that it will continue to investigate any concerns or incidents reported to them about school safety measures.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.

They work with a large number of early years and childcare providers, as well as schools, colleges, and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children, Understanding Mental Health and Anxiety Awareness.

They can also provide accredited trainers to deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid training, certificated by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.

A trainer from FRT says: “It is fantastic that schools have been able to reopen as this is so vital for the mental health and wellbeing of children, as well as their physical, mental and social development and, obviously, their education.

“It’s now really important that schools understand the guidance and the measures they need to maintain so that they can keep their staff and students as safe as possible.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.