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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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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Having read of a recent case where a company was fined £200,000 plus £27,724 costs for a HAVS incident has made us revisit the vibration issue here in the office. Each of us already know that the emphasis from HSE and our insurers is now firmly on health as well as safety. We reported nearly…
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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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One of the key things people learn on their first safety courses are key phrases used in health and safety. We, like all professions, are awash with different phrases and acronyms and one of those is ITIS (as in healthandsafetyitis – a condition which can affect us all as some point on another). However, the…
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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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We have yet to meet a client who doesn’t let out an involuntary sigh when we mention the above. To be truthful we do have a slight sinking feeling ourselves and often look around the office for the best person to pass the enquiry to! There is a lot of advice on how to proceed…
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The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations are still raising a huge amount of questions, especially amongst those with new safety duties – designers / architects / structural engineers. We would strongly encourage you to take the time to get some solid guidance which comes (in part) right from the HSE themselves through our Principal Designers…
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One of a series of free events which we support with WWT Southwest, this event specifically aims towards the needs of those new to the industry and preventing accidents – ideal for those taking on younger workers and hosting work placements over the summer months You’re able to book a free place using the link…
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