While the risk to individuals in the UK remains low it is not unreasonable to be concerned about the global spread of the new Coronavirus following the outbreak in Wuhan, China. In the UK, as at 10th February, it has been reported that a total of 1,114 people have been tested of which 8 had tested positive and the rest … Read More
VEHICLE LIFT CHECKS – 48 OUT OF 55 FOUND FAULTY IN NORTHERN IRELAND
The MOT testing of cars operates differently in Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK. In Northern Ireland tests are required for cars from 4 years old, the system is run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) and tests can only be carried out at state operated testing centres. In January 2020 following routine tests faults were found … Read More
MANUAL HANDLING GUIDANCE REVISED
The HSE have published an updated version of their leaflet “INDG143 Manual Handling At Work A Brief Guide”. The leaflet is aimed at employers and gives information on the problems associated with manual handling and gives guidance and practical advice on how to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling. While the regulations and the HSE’s policies on manual … Read More
DRIVING GIG GUIDE LAUNCHED
The term “gig economy” is generally used to refer to people working on a less formal basis than the traditional full-time 9 to 5 job. Typically, this can involve someone working on a task by task basis for several providers, often with the work arranged through an online platform. This may be the sole source of income for some individuals … Read More
PROSECUTION UPDATE – COMMERCIAL VEHICLE HAZARDS
PROSECUTION UPDATE – COMMERCIAL VEHICLE HAZARDS In this article we look at three recent cases involving commercial vehicles. While securing a load of grain bags on a curtainside trailer in February 2016 an employee of W D Cormack & Sons fell almost 3 meters from the trailer to the ground and suffered severe injuries. The company was prosecuted for health … Read More
CLEARING SNOW AND ICE: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Health and safety regulations require employers to assess risks and where necessary take action to reduce those risks, this includes the risks of slips and trips. Specific regulations require that, so far as is reasonably practicable, every floor and traffic route in a workplace should be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a … Read More
Pigs In Blankets – Risk Management
Christmas is a time for many things, family, tradition, joy, remembrance, food and sharing are just a few, but one thing no-one wants to share is food poisoning. Yes, I know, the health and safety people are being Christmas grumps again, but with the Food Standards Agency estimating that there are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK … Read More
CALL FOR ZERO TOLERANCE DRINK DRIVE LIMIT IN EUROPE
A recent report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) looking at progress towards reducing alcohol related road deaths published is calling for EU member states to introduce a zero tolerance level for all road users. Although it is not possible to be accurate due to differences in the way figures are collected, it has been estimated that a quarter … Read More
UPDATED VEHICLE DEFECT GUIDE
When an approved constable or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner finds a defect that affects roadworthiness whether during an MOT test or when they stop a vehicle at the roadside there are various actions that they can take including issuing immediate and delayed prohibition notices. What action is taken will depend on the severity of the defect, official … Read More
MOBILE OVEN CLEANING SAFETY ALERT
Following an incident where a van exploded the HSE have issued a safety alert regarding mobile oven cleaning services. Typically, these services involve a van equipped with a dip tank to soak oven parts in hot cleaning solution at the customer’s property. This is generally heated either electrically or using a gas burner connected to a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) … Read More