Health and Safety News Update as on Week Ending 31 July 2008.

Written By Helen Griffiths | Aug 1st, 2008 | | | Category: Health And Safety News Roundup

In a remarkable case under corporate manslaughter act this week, a company director has been charged for manslaughter of a worker. The Environmental Agency in its drive to stop illegal dumping of harmful substances apprehended a builder who was dumping asbestos. Another interesting story in this week’s news is IOSH’s backing of the Buncefield report. Please find below this week’s main health and safety happenings in detail:-

Farmers Urged by HSE to Maintain Machinery - July 28, 2008

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning farmers they must make sure heavy machinery, such as, tractors, trailers, and, mobile equipment is properly maintained to ensure the health and safety of employees is protected as much as possible.

Lack of Risk Assessment Costs a Colne firm GBP4,000 - July 28, 2008

Janesville Acoustics from Colne was fined £4,000 at Reedley magistrates’ court for four breaches of health and safety regulations concerning two separate incidents.

IOSH Backs Buncefield Report - July 29, 2008

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have given its backing to a new report calling for a review of the planning system for land use around major hazard sites. A study into the Buncefield disaster, entitled Recommendations on land use planning and the control of societal risk around major hazard sites, found the system needs to be revised to make it a more cohesive one which factors in risks to society as a whole.

Health and Safety Training is ‘an employee right’ - July 30, 2008

Companies are being urged to ensure they maintain equipment which is to be used by staff and also to provide employees with suitable training in its use, in order to safeguard their health and safety in the workplace.

Builder Punished for Dumping Asbestos - July 30, 2008

A builder and roofer has been ordered to do 180 hours of community service after being found guilty of dumping asbestos sheeting in someone else’s skip, posing a health and safety risk to children at a local school.

Firm Enforces Asbestos Health and Safety - July 31, 2008

Hertel Services sent home 15 members of staff recently because they were not clean shaven, which was a breach of the company’s health and safety rules, it has been reported.

Company Director Admits to Manslaughter Charge - July 31, 2008

The director of a construction company has admitted the manslaughter of a migrant worker who died on one of his sites. Sharaz Butt was charged with the killing of Wu Zhu Weng after an investigation by police and health and safety officials revealed lapses in workplace safety management.