The rising cost of claims is due to a number of factors. These include Brexit, fuel shortages, the increased cost of energy, the continued impact of workforce absences due to COVID-19, vehicle technology and environmental and legislative issues. More recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is impacting the global financial market. Specifically, claims within the automotive sector are being affected by delays … Read More

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) have published a new technical information note regarding issues with the lifting of loads with integral lifting points on construction sites. The new guidance covers questions such as: Where the distinction is between an integral lifting point and a lifting accessory Whether integral lifting points be thoroughly examined under the lifting operations and lifting equipment … Read More

Now that coronavirus restrictions are being replaced with public health advice, the HSE have updated their website to say that they no longer expect all organisations to consider Covid-19 in their risk assessments or to have specific measures in place. Higher risk activities such as laboratories handling virus specimens or health and social care working with infectious patients will still … Read More

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2022 Came into force 25th March 2022 further tightening restrictions on mobile phone use at the wheel Since 2003, it has been an offence for drivers to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Offenders can face a fixed penalty notice of £200 or a fine of up to £2,500 … Read More

PIB Group Ltd (‘PIB’) has snapped up Baily Garner (Health & Safety) Ltd (“Baily Garner HS” or “BGHS”), a specialist independent health and safety consultancy. Based in London and servicing customers nationally, Baily Garner HS provide a comprehensive range of solutions to a broad range of industries and blue-chip organisations. Their arrival will further strengthen the Group’s leading risk management … Read More

In Scotland new regulations were introduced on 17th December. Under previous regulations, employers were required to have regard to guidance published by the Scottish Government. The new regulations expand on this, and now require businesses to take measures based on official guidance to reduce the incidence and spread of the virus. Specifically, the regulations state that anyone who is responsible for … Read More

With unaccompanied test drive theft on the rise, PIB’s Motor Trade Practice Group looks at how to mitigate risk whilst keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront. The pandemic and regulations around social distancing meant that the number of accompanied test drives decreased dramatically, whilst unaccompanied test drives increased. Even before lockdowns came into place, the trend showed that customers found … Read More

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

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