IOSH calls for better support for disabled workers

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for improved practices and better support to enable disabled workers to work. IOSH have spoken out after an MP called on the government to do more to ensure that people with disabilities can work from home as part of its bid to tackle labour...

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...

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...

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...

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...

What we need to know about Covid-19 transmission as the UK unlocks

Now that the majority of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have been removed in England, and with other UK nations also easing controls, the PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study offers some key points to keep in mind. The PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment is a UK-wide research programme designed to improve our...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

HSE checks Covid-secure measures in transport and logistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been conducting spot inspections on transport and logistics firms to ensure they’re managing the risk of Covid-19 during periods of high demand.             Britain’s health and safety watchdog has been working with local authorities to carry out the spot inspections and ensure that businesses in the transport...

Nestle fined £640,000 after workers arm trapped in machine

Nestle UK Ltd have been prosecuted and fined £640,000 after a worker was injured when their arm became trapped in a machine. The company appeared at Bradford Crown Court, where they pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations in relation to the incident, which “could so easily have been avoided.” The court heard...