In each of the first four months of 2013 the Crown Prosecution Service has announced it is to charge a company with corporate manslaughter. Mobile Sweepers (Reading) Ltd is being charged of gross-negligence manslaughter along with its sole director, Mervyn Owens. The charge relates to the death of an employee, Malcolm Hinton on 6 March…
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From February 1st 2013 the use of elemental copper as a biocidal treatment to prevent and control the growth of legionella is no longer legal despite opposition by the Health and Safety Executive. A decision was taken at EU level which means that as of February 1, the use of copper as a biocide is…
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The use of electronic cigarettes is on the rise in the UK but questions remain over their use, particularly in the workplace. We’re now used to the outlawing of smoking within the workplace but when someone is not technically smoking how do the rules apply? Our advice is that you should treat e cigarettes as…
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Since the advent of Fee For intervention on October 1st 2012 little has been heard about the level of activity on FFI or about how much the scheme will actually generate. We now know from our own experience that FFI impact is only just being felt and that it is now being followed up by…
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A recent case highlights that it is not only the HSE who are watching when contractors implement poor practices at site. In fact, given the huge budget cuts that HSE is enduring at present we are seeing more and more instances when concerned third parties are the ones whistle blowing poor standards of safety management…
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A Cambridge instrument company and a health and safety consultant have been fined for risking the health of employees from hazardous chemicals. Paint sprayer Adam Coventon, 36, suffered irritation to his eyes, breathing difficulties, headaches and lost the ability to concentrate after working with harmful substances at Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd in Fulbourn. He is…
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So, you’ve been appointed as the director with particular responsibilities of rhealth and safety at your business, congratulations. But, what does this actually mean to you? Can all of the other directors now relax and leave health and safety in your hands knowing that you are crrying the can for their actions – not quite.…
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Electrical inspections – test requirements clarified We often get clients asking for advice when its comes to electrical testing. From PAT (portable appliance tests) through to building supply inspections it seems that the waters are rather murky and many business people are frustrated by a lack of clear guidance on what they must do rather…
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After a big push on this issue a few years ago HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) is emerging as one of the areas which needs to be reconsidered in terms of its impact on the health of our workers. Use of a simple annual health questionnaire may be enough for you to comply with the…
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Two workers injured in explosion after waste burned at site – company prosecuted for actions Staff employed by 1st Surface Ltd were clearing an overgrown garden. As they worked to clear the various overgrown trees and shrubs they accumulated a large amount of waste – enough to fill five skips had these been provided. In…
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