The HSE launched their Working Minds campaign in November 2021 in response to a worsening of employee’s health during the pandemic. To mark the first anniversary of the campaign the HSE have announced that since starting the campaign the number of partners has more than doubled reaching 1000 signed up champions with the most recent additions being the Institution for … Read More
HSE Inspection Initiative on Machinery Safety in Waste and Recycling
The HSE have identified the waste and recycling industry as a ‘high risk sector’ due to high numbers of fatal and serious injuries. Indeed HSE statistics show that over the past five years there has been an average of 8 fatalities per year in the waste industry with over three quarters of these being directly related to transport, machinery and … Read More
Metalworking Fluid and the Use of Compressed Airguns in Cleaning Machinery
The HSE has highlighted the dangers of water-mix metalworking fluids (MWF) and the use of compressed air guns for cleaning machinery. MWFs are primarily used as a means of cooling machined parts in cutting and grinding machines. Compressed air guns are often used for cleaning machined components. However this can increase health risks as a mist can be created which … Read More
Battery Tool Vibration and Noise Levels
A recent research report, published by the HSE, has compared vibration and noise levels of various battery-based tools with more traditionally powered equivalents. It has often been claimed that battery powered tools produce lower vibration and noise levels than their non-battery counterparts. However, there has been little research to confirm or dispute these claims. With battery-based tools becoming an increasingly … Read More
PIB Group acquires Emprocom Ltd
PIB Group Ltd (‘PIB’) has acquired health and safety specialists Emprocom Ltd (‘Emprocom’), who bring complementary services and expertise to the Group’s risk management proposition. Based in Lincolnshire and servicing clients across further afield across the East Midlands, Emprocom will form part of the PIB Risk Management division. The two businesses enjoy an existing relationship, which has led to the … Read More
Changes to Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor Regulations
The carriage of some goods can involve particular hazards e.g. due to their chemical properties, explosive nature, flammability or danger to the environment. The carriage of such goods is governed by specific legislation such as the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations which require carriage to be carried out in accordance with the rules set … Read More
Updated Guidance for Brick and Tile Manufacturing, Stonework and Foundries
Silica is a natural substance found in most stone, rocks, sand, quartz and clay. This can be released as dust during a number of manufacturing tasks. Breathing silica dust or respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to a number of lung diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Both silicosis and COPD cause breathing problems and when someone … Read More
Incorrectly Installed Fire Dampers
Fire dampers are a means of fire protection used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems which act to prevent the spread of fire through ducting. Where temperatures rise the fire damper closes to limit the spread of fire. Typically these are operated by having a component which melts when a certain temperature is reached, allowing the damper to close. … Read More
Bank Holiday Announced for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral
Monday 19 September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, and last day of the period of national mourning, will be a national bank holiday. This national bank holiday will allow individuals, businesses, and organisations to pay their respect to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign. This bank holiday will operate like other bank holidays, such as … Read More
Telescopic Ladder Failures
Recent research by The Ladder Association has found that up to 80% of telescopic ladders sold failed to meet the minimum safety requirements set out in BS EN 131-6 Ladders – Telescopic Ladders. This is especially concerning considering their rise in popularity alongside the fact that many of the largest and most trusted sellers were involved in selling these ladders. … Read More