Together with the HSE, the Ladder Association have launched a new guide to the safe use of ladders and stepladders. “LA455 Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders – a brief guide” builds on the HSE’s existing similarly titled publication “INDG455 Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders – a brief guide”. Both publications include guidance on when a ladder should be … Read More
NEW GUIDANCE FOR MANAGING HORTICULTURAL HAZARDS
Statistics recently released by the HSE show the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector to be particularly hazardous with a rate almost of 11.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers employed. This is particularly poor when compared to the all industry average of 0.43 fatalities per 100,000 workers in England, Scotland and Wales. There can be particular risks for those parts of the … Read More
ANNUAL FATAL INJURY STATISTICS RELEASED
The HSE have recently released provisional fatal injury statistics for the year to March 2021. While these figures are for injuries rather than diseases (including Covid-19) they will have been affected by the changes in working patterns e.g. more people working away from their normal workplace, caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Overall the figures show 142 workers were killed in … Read More
ALWAYS ASK FOR THE ASBESTOS REGISTER
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that takes many years to develop following the inhalation of asbestos fibres, but progress is usually rapidly fatal following symptom onset. Figures recently released by the HSE show that 2,369 people died from mesothelioma in Great Britain in 2019. While this is 7% lower than the annual average over the period 2012-2018, taking into … Read More
ROADMAPS OUT OF LOCKDOWN – AN UPDATE
With the latest announcements on changes and easing to restrictions, we provide a summary of these across the UK, and what these mean for your business. England and Scotland Plans have been announced to further ease Covid-19 restrictions in both England and Scotland on 19th July 2021. In Scotland, plans have been outlined to move all areas to protection level … Read More
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from July 2021
The UK Government will continue to pay 80% of your furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, to the end of June. In July, CJRS grants will cover 70% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,187.50. In August and September, this will … Read More
LEARNING ON THE MOTORWAY
From June 2018 a change in the law allowed learner car drivers in England, Scotland and Wales to take driving lessons on motorways. Previously learners were only able to have motorway lessons after passing their driving test. Motorway lessons are voluntary and the learner driver needs to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor driving a car fitted with dual … Read More
ASBESTOS REGULATION REVIEW LAUNCHED
The HSE have now launched a review of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The HSE is seeking the views of anyone who manages asbestos in their workplace or works with asbestos. They have launched an online survey which runs until Friday 11th June. When the current regulations came into force it was a requirement that from time to time … Read More
WELDING AND METAL FABRICATION INSPECTIONS LAUNCHED
The HSE have announced the launch of a programme of inspections targeting metal fabrication businesses. While these inspections will be focusing on the management of welding fume and metalworking fluids and protecting workers from respiratory health risks, inspectors will be alert for other hazards as well. Exposure to welding fumes is linked to lung cancer and exposure to metalworking fluids … Read More
UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION HOISTS
Hoists are often used in construction as a convenient way of getting people and materials to and from high workplaces. The consequences if a hoist was to fail while in operation could be serious or even fatal, to ensure safe operation it is vital that these are properly maintained and inspected. The Construction Plant Association (CPA) have recently updated their … Read More