We’ve carried out many monitoring programmes which have involved exposure to styrene vapour over the past 20 or so years. The substance is in common use and because of this businesses and their staff can sometimes become too familiar with the substance and fail to take adequate precautions. We also have heard staff assuring us…
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The news is full of Brexit and the likelihood is that your sick of hearing about it! In that case sorry, but I couldn’t resist responding to a few clients who have raised questions on how it might affect safety laws and regulation over the coming months and years. In truth I think most people…
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With more and more one man bands setting up safety consultancy businesses in the past 10 years its time to question if you’re being given the right advice rather than just advice – there’s a big difference and the outcome can be devastating for individuals and for companiesas this case for a safety advisor being…
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Despite HSE insisting that its Fee for Intervention (HSE FFI) scheme is not intended to plug the hole in its finances caused by the reduction of its government grant recent figures show a 13% decline in enforcement notices (improvement notices and prohibition notices). At the same time a 26% increase in the charges made under…
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Many clients who have members of the public visiting their premises have acted in good faith to put in place socket protectors (think schools, medical practices, car showrooms and similar). You’re probably thinking that its a good idea and we would have been inclined to agree but research findings over recent years have led to…
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A six year jail sentence under gross negligence manslaughter, a fine of £400,000 and £55,000 costs hit Allan Thomson, director of demolition firm, Building & Dismantling Contractors Ltd. The firm who subcontracted this work to them, C Smith & Sons (Rochdale) Ltd, were also fined for breaching both the CDM Regulations and Work at Height…
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A CDM Client which failed to appoint a Principal Contractor under the CDM Regulations 2015 has been prosecuted and fined £50,000 Any Client who has building work completed which falls under CDM must appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor in writing – this is one of the key requirements placed on any client under…
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Driving of fork lift trucks (FLTs) on the public highway This is a question which has been raised by some clients about using fork lift trucks or other materials handling equipment on public roads and highways. Questions have circulated about the need for registration, tax, lights and MOT – read on to find out how…
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We’re often carrying out audits and gap analysis surveys on behalf of our clients and one things which repeatedly creates questions is the requirement for periodic electrical inspections of the electrical supply system. Most of us are familiar with the general requirement but few of us are clear on why and how often might be…
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CDM 2015 regulations It would be true to say that we rarely experience a change in regulation which causes so much speculation and conversation amongst safety professionals, designers and architects, contractors, clients and everyone else who might be involved in a construction project at some stage but CDM 2015 has done it. There is still…
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