The Northern Ireland Protocol was introduced as part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU, to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, whilst ensuring that the UK, including Northern Ireland, could leave the EU as a whole. Therefore, it included a number of special provisions which apply only in Northern Ireland from 1 January … Read More
TALKING ABOUT STRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
In normal years it is estimated that around 600,00 workers suffer from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (new or longstanding) and over 12 million working days are lost to these causes. With added anxiety caused by Coronavirus, it is no surprise that this is a serious issue. Previously the HSE launched a “Talking Toolkit” to help line managers have conversations … Read More
SOUNDING THE LOCKDOWN ALARM (NOT COVID-19)
For clarity we will start with a quick note that this is not another article about Coronavirus. It is common for properties to be fitted with fire alarm systems to alert people to a fire and to inform them to evacuate the building. There are a number of different types of alarm system that can be installed depending on the … Read More
TALL CRANES AND LOW FLYING OBJECTS
Any tall object, such as a tall building or a crane can pose a hazard to aviation especially when close to an airport or aerodrome or on a flight path. In order to minimise the risk, regulations require particular hazards to be notified to the authorities, illuminated and suitably marked. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have recently issued new … Read More
REVISED GUIDANCE FOR WORKING ON ROOFS
Falls from height are a frequent cause of death and serious injury. Working on roofs presents a number of risks including falls from unprotected edges and falls through fragile materials. These risks don’t just affect construction workers, others who may be at risk include people carrying out repair, cleaning and maintenance work, surveyors and others. The HSE have published and … Read More
HAND ARM VIBRATION: AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Power tools and work processes are a common source of exposure to hand arm vibration in many industries. Regular and prolonged exposure can lead to long term serious disabling health effects for exposed individuals. Conditions include hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 establish exposure limits and action levels and … Read More
FIRE SAFETY CONSULTATION LAUNCHED
In July the Government launched a consultation on proposals to enhance the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and implement recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Report. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is concerned with responsibilities for managing fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales, this includes duties to carry out risk assessments, ensure … Read More
DRAFT BUILDING SAFETY BILL PUBLISHED
The Government published a draft Building Safety Bill on 20th July. This is a large and complex document and has been published as a draft in order to allow initial scrutiny before it is introduced to Parliament. The Bill creates a new Building Safety Regulator which is being established by the HSE and will oversee the safe design, construction and … Read More
RECORD LOW FOR FATAL WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS IN THE UK
The latest statistics just released by the HSE show that in the year April 2019 to March 2020, 111 workers were killed as a result of accidents at work. This compares to 149 deaths the previous year and is the lowest level on record, however at this stage it is not possible to say what impact the current COVID-19 pandemic … Read More
Building Regulation Approved Document B Fire Safety Updated
An update to Approved Document B of the building regulations has been published including increased fire safety measures in high-rise residential buildings, including the provision of sprinkler systems and consistent signage in all new high-rise blocks of flats over 11 metres tall. The update can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b