Health and Safety News
We scour the Internet for Health and Safety related news items on an almost daily basis.
The news articles and clippings, curated by MD Safety, highlight the requirements for compliance with UK Health and Safety Legislation and best practice across all industry sectors.
The majority of the information and cases will apply to a greater or lesser degree to our broad range of Clients and lessons to be learned will be able to be gained.
Proposed new Highway Code could ‘potentially reduce’ road safety
UK drivers and motorcyclists are unconvinced by proposed changes to the Highway Code, according to a survey conducted by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. A survey, conducted by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart polling 3,600 web poll respondents, has revealed that the majority of road users are opposed to the Department for Transport’s proposed changes to the Highway Code.
Read MoreBuilding contractor fined following dumper truck incident
A building contractor has been fined after an employee suffered serious injuries when the forward tipping dumper truck that he was operating rolled over at a construction site in Windermere, Cumbria. S M Dixon Building Contractors Ltd had been working on the renovation of a detached property when the dumper truck, removing rubble over uneven ground, overturned resulting in multiple fractures to vertebrae in the worker’s back, Barrow Magistrates’ Court was told. The incident happened on on 5 June 2019.
Read MoreBuilding Safety Bill constructs a new regime
The draft Building Safety Bill has come back from consultation. Out of the ashes of the Grenfell Tower fire, hopes are high that the bill will make at-risk homes in the UK safer. The fire at Grenfell Tower in west London on the night of 14 June 2017, which left 72 people dead, exposed serious flaws in safety systems, and deficiencies in the way buildings are constructed, maintained, refurbished and certified as safe to live in.
Read MoreWhy RoSPA supports a life sentence for dangerous driving
Dr Karen McDonnell, OSH Policy Adviser at RoSPA, explains why seeking to influence policy and legislative change is one of many routes taken by RoSPA to meet its vision of life free from serious accidental injury.
Read MoreCOVID-19: updated reporting guidance for employers
As the UK begins to adapt to another blanket lockdown, it is timely to look at the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) further guidance for employers struggling to determine whether confirmed COVID-19 cases within the workforce are reportable under RIDDOR, writes leading regulatory lawyer Rhian Greaves.
Read MoreSafety breach on housing construction site at Wheatley Hill
A HOUSE building company has admitted a Health and Safety breach relating to an unsafe temporary working platform on a construction site it was operating during a new homes development. The charge, of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act, was brought against Dere Street Homes Limited, of Cornsay Colliery, County Durham.
Read MoreCompany and director fined after incident leaves worker paralysed
A company and an individual have been fined after a worker suffered life changing injuries while dismantling an external platform lift. Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 31 August 2017, a worker was injured whist working on an external lift shaft at Alton College. A heavy component of the lift toppled to the ground and he fell with it, suffering serious life changing injuries that resulted in him being paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.
Read MoreScaffolding company fined after scaffolding collapsed
A scaffolding company has been fined for safety failings after scaffolding collapsed on to a street in Maidenhead while it was being dismantled. High Wycombe Magistrates Court heard how the collapse could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.
Read MoreLogistics company fined after a worker was injured in explosion
A&D Logistics Limited, a national logistics haulier, has been fined after a worker suffered flash burn injuries when there was an explosion as he opened the door of a container. Paisley Sheriff Court heard how, on 7 January 2019, a team leader was requested by a member of the management team to dry out condensation from the office accommodation container. The custom and practice within the yard was to use a propane fuelled open-flame gas torch attached to a 47Kg LPG cylinder which was left burning within the container.
Read More10 year old tyre ban enters law
On 26 October 2020, The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 statutory instrument was made. Three days later it was laid before Parliament. It comes into force on 1 February 2021. As a result, 10 year-old and older commercial vehicle tyres will be illegal in the UK from the 1 February 2021.
Read More
