Health and Safety News Round-Up Week Ending 22 Aug. 08

Written By Helen Griffiths | Aug 22nd, 2008 | | | Category: Health And Safety News Roundup

B&Q was in court this week involving an accident that led to a close scrutiny of their risk assessment methodology. In another incident, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust was fined for exposing a cleaner to dangerous chemicals. Also, notably, Welsh assembly has been awarded for its health and safety management system. Here are the news from the week so far:-

Employee health and safety ‘must move up firms’ priority list’ - August 22, 2008

The implications of the new Corporate Manslaughter Act are “impossible to predict”, however businesses must ensure staff wellbeing is one of their top priorities, one industry figure has claimed.

Welsh assembly wins award for health and safety - August 22, 2008

A department of the Welsh assembly government has achieved an award for its health and safety management system, a source reports.
The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) 18001 accolade has been obtained by the department for the economy and transport, eGovmonitor.co.uk says.

B&Q’s risk assessment questioned after accident - August 21, 2008

The mother of a nine-year-old girl whose hair was ripped out by a fan in a B&Q store is questioning the adequacy of the shop’s risk assessment, a source says.

Storm drain accident to be investigated - August 21, 2008

A subcontractor has fallen ten metres to his death in an accident at a Macclesfield business park, a source says. He fell through a manhole to the bottom of a drain at a United Utilities site, CNplus.co.uk reports.

Accident risk when first-aiders take holiday - August 20, 2008

Companies should consider how letting first-aiders take holidays at the same time might affect their legal position if an accident occurs, a leading charity says. The statement, made by the Red Cross, warns businesses they should not allow too many of these employees to take their annual leave at once.

Activity centres warned over safety training - August 20, 2008

An activity centre has failed to provide adequate safety training for its staff and been fined after a child was injured using a climbing wall during a school trip. Eight-year-old Mickey Carter-Browne fell six metres at the Kingswood Activity Centre and broke his ankle.

Council warned over asbestos in school - August 19, 2008

A county council faces prosecution if it does not take action to remove asbestos from a local high school. Denbighshire local authority has been ordered to remove the substance from Prestatyn High School by the end of September or face criminal prosecution.

Hospital fined GBP 18,500 for health and safety breach - August 19, 2008

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is being fined £18,500 plus £3,500 in costs for exposing a cleaner to dangerous chemicals in breach of health and safety regulations.