Health & Safety News Update: Week in News from 7th July 2008

Written By Helen Shields | Jul 9th, 2008 | | | Category: Health And Safety News Roundup

The week has seen even more fines levelled against companies found to be guilty of breaching Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

HSE has also geared up to do a lot of spot checks around the country to ensure companies are adhering to the legislations. Corporate manslaughter law continues to spark new debates and compliance measures from companies.

Corporate manslaughter law sparks body armour fears - July 7, 2008

Concerned about corporate accountability for safety, hospital trusts and local authorities are supplying stab-and bullet-proof vests for A&E and hospital staff, teachers, traffic wardens and benefits officers.

Government accused of risking workers lives - July 7, 2008

According to the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt), those in power have failed to support statutory directors’ duties for health and safety at work while claiming only 44 per cent of companies have embraced the voluntary guidance approach.

Offshore oil firms accused of putting profit before safety- July 3,2008

Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce has claimed that routine maintenance work has been delayed while companies look to maximise profit in present circumstances.

Lafarge Cement fined after worker loses an ear- July 2, 2008

An employee suffered severe facial injuries and lost an ear at Lafarge Cement. The firm has admitted to health and safety violations and has been fined £200,000.

Industrial estate spot checks by HSE and local authorities - July 2, 2008

HSE and local authorities in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are to be spot checked that will focus on issues surrounding workplace safety, such as, workplace transport, falls from height, duty to manage asbestos and legionella.

Workplace risks ‘must be managed’ - July 2, 2008

Employers are being warned they must thoroughly assess and manage workplace risks after a company was fined for failing to do so.

A car MOT firm fined after worker suffers fatal burns - July 1, 2008

The City of London magistrates’ court ordered Alexanders of Twickenham to pay a total of £36,905 in fines and costs for breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

HSE plans migrant worker spot checks - June 30, 2008

There will be spot checks in Cambridgeshire to make sure that migrant workers receive adequate induction and training.

The corporate manslaughter act will lead to more prosecutions - June 27, 2008

Norman Selwyn, a leading authority in employment law, claims the new corporate manslaughter legislation will lead to more prosecutions due to further clarifications.

Company fined for inadequate machine guards - June 27, 2008

Holyhead magistrates’ court fined Rehau £7,500 after it pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work and Equipment Regulations 1998 and ordered it to pay costs of £3,340.92.