17 Dec December

In December’s newsletter we discuss the following topics:

• The first topic refers to the HSE’s publication of annual work-related ill-health, injury and enforcement statistics for 2020/21 – These statistics cover all sectors and highlights the number of employees suffering from work related illness to be at a massive 1.7 million. Just as surprising, half of the figure mentioned were suffering from stress, depression, or anxiety. These figures give us an idea of what needs to change in the workplace to reduce them. Unfortunately, the pandemic has affected data collection and impacted on the assessment of trends, therefore there is no new data on working days lost and the associated economic cost for 2021 at present.
• The second topic is a case study where a national construction company was fined over inadequate health and safety standards – Concerns had been raised regarding the health and safety standards at the construction site of the former Tobacco Warehouse, Stanley Dock, Liverpool, being renovated by Abercorn Construction Limited. A site inspection found the welfare cabin used by employees to be in poor condition, containing exposed live wires and damaged electrical sockets, a mouldy dishwasher and an accumulation of rubbish both inside and outside the cabin with the potential to attract vermin. A general site inspection found numerous uncontrolled high risks such as a damaged cable on a 400v transformer, insufficient fire alarms, a lack of fire extinguishers and signage indicating emergency routes and multiple examples of unprotected edges and openings exposing workers to risk of a fall from height. There was also inadequate pedestrian and vehicle segregation, poor order, poor lighting and the risk of exposure to live electrical conductors.
• The third topic is regarding the changing COVID-19 advice and regulations – The government are always updating advice on reducing the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace. Updated advice is available for all sectors and general restrictions are made clear on the government website.