The HSE recently announced a change to their guidance for employers who are notified by a worker that they are either pregnant, have given birth in the last 6 months or that they are currently breastfeeding. All employers have legal duties to put in place arrangements to control risk to the health and safety of their employees and others who … Read More
TRAILER SAFETY ACCREDITATION SCHEME
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a new trailer safety accreditation scheme. Under the scheme, DVSA are recognising expert organisations who will approve individual trainers to provide courses following learning to drive a car and trailer syllabus developed by DVSA and industry experts. It is understood that a variety of courses will be available covering large and … Read More
NEW GUIDANCE FOR PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION
Passive fire protection is those parts of a building or structure that slow the spread of fire or smoke such as fire-resistant glazing, firewalls and doors. As building technology develops so too does the range of materials and systems that can be used. The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) have recently published three new guidance documents concerning the following … Read More
DRUG DRIVERS TO BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE REHABILITATION COURSES
In a recent statement the Department for Transport launched a call for evidence on proposals to require drivers convicted of drug driving to complete a rehabilitation course before being allowed back behind the wheel. Traditionally it has been illegal to drive a motor vehicle in a public place while unfit through drink or drugs. Specific limits have been in place … Read More
HGV AND PSV MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) carry out maintenance investigations of vehicle operator licence holders in England, Wales and Scotland in order to check if the operator has suitable systems, facilities and arrangements in place to maintain their vehicles. Following an investigation the operator will receive a report which says whether their systems and facilities are satisfactory, mostly satisfactory … Read More
EAR LOOP FACE MASKS AND RESPIRATORS SAFETY ALERT
The HSE recently issued a safety alert regarding the use of respirators and face masks that rely on ear loops to hold them in place. Inhaling fumes, chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can cause permanent damage to health, triggering conditions such as asthma and lung disease or cancers. Where those risks can’t be controlled by other means then … Read More
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BRAKE TEST REPORT
Heavy Goods Vehicles and relevant trailers should have their brakes tested by a roller brake tester at least 4 times per year, including at the MOT. A report will be provided once the test has been completed. While the headline part of the report is whether or not the test has been passed or failed, more information is provided. The … Read More
NEIGH PROBLEMS: UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR TRANSPORTING HORSES
In order maintain road safety it is important that drivers know how to handle the vehicle they are driving or towing and that the vehicle or trailer is in roadworthy condition. Horseboxes and horse trailers are often only used infrequently and can spend long periods sitting idle. Defects can develop while a vehicle or trailer is unused. So it is … Read More
GUIDANCE ON THE REVISED PPE REGULATIONS
Employers are required to provide employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) where risk assessment has identified that it is necessary to protect the person against risks to their health and safety. PPE should be provided as a “last resort” where the risk cannot be adequately controlled by other measures such as physically removing the hazard (elimination), replacing the hazard (substitution), … Read More
ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGES
The consequences of getting too close to electrical powerlines are usually severe and often fatal, whether those powerlines are overhead or underground. When a machine, ladder, scaffold tube or even a jet of water touches an overhead power line the electricity will be conducted to earth through the item and anyone touching the item may receive an electric shock or … Read More