20 Mar March

In this month’s newsletter we cover

• Asbestos & You Campaign – Construction tradespeople of any age are at significant risk if they disturb materials containing asbestos during repairs and refurbishment. If asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. HSE’s head of health and work policy, Mike Calcutt said: “These diseases often take a long time to develop, and it can take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear. “It is crucial that all workers know how to recognise the dangers and take the right actions to protect themselves and those around them from being exposed to asbestos fibres.” HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said: “Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths.  We are committed to protecting people in the workplace and reducing future work-related ill health. Everyone working in construction today, of any age, must take the risk from asbestos seriously. Asbestos is dangerous when not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to avoid fibres being released into the air.”
• A Company has been fined after a woman’s hand had to be amputated – The case shown that risk assessments had not been reviewed, since the addition of window’s to include the possibility of employees using it as a way to remove blockages, or to ensure that any excess energy in the machine was dispersed before it could be accessed. It was found that the company should have ensured that tools were not readily accessible in order to remove the Perspex window. Vita Cellular Foams (UK) Ltd of Oldham Road, Middleton, Greater Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £180,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,337.00 at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 17 January 2023. HSE inspector Lisa Bailey said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided. Employers should ensure they carry out an assessment of the risks and put in safe system of works for the operation of all machinery, particularly when clearing blockages. Employers should also ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is provided to all who use it.”
• A construction company and director has been fined after a house partially collapses – Servotec Limited, of Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton Cum Hardy, Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1), Section 3(1) and Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £5,000 at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 10 March 2023. Shaun Brae of Repton Avenue, Ashford, Kent, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1), Section 3(1) and Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, by virtue of 37(1) of the Act. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 10 March 2023. HSE Inspector Mike Lisle said: “This was a very serious incident, and it is fortunate nobody was injured as a result of the collapse or any of the subsequent failings. Where contractors demonstrate persistent poor health and safety and ignore Notices served, HSE will not hesitate to take necessary action. Directing minds playing a significant role in a Company’s failings will also be held accountable as was the case here.”