16 May May
In this monthly Newsletter we will look at the following topics:
- HSE Updates to RIDDOR Guidance:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revised guidelines for reporting workplace incidents under RIDDOR. Clarity is provided on who should report accidents, occupational diseases, and absences exceeding seven days. The forms now offer a wider range of gender options for affected individuals.
- Addressing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL):
HSE launches a workplace noise intervention to tackle preventable NIHL which impacts quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.
- Preventing Unauthorized Access onto Scaffolding and Work Platforms:
Security measures are crucial to prevent unauthorized access to scaffolding and other work platforms on construction sites. Falls from height due to public access can result in serious injuries, especially involving children. Strategies include perimeter fencing, local fencing, ladder removal during non-working hours, and using ladder guards.
Recent Law Cases:
- A pizza supplier to major supermarkets was fined £800,000 due to safety lapses after two workplace accidents. Inadequate machinery guarding and disabled protective measures led to injuries, including an arm injury and partial finger amputation.
- Baker and Baker Products, a bakery company, faced a £400,000 fine for safety breaches resulting in an employee’s leg amputation. The lack of proper safety systems for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) caused the incident, with supervisor Sharon Bramhall suffering a leg amputation during a cleaning task.
- Hightech Roofing N/W Limited received a £20,000 fine after an employee fell through a roof light, resulting in a broken foot, ankle, and fractured vertebrae. The company’s inadequate planning, risk assessment, and crawl boards contributed to the fall .
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