Aug 2023
News - August 2023 - Legal Update
News: 2022/23 fatal accidents at work
Provisional statistics reveal that 135 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain within 2022/23. The top cause was ‘fall from height’ followed by ‘struck by a moving object’ and ‘struck by a moving vehicle’. Numbers are on a par with recent years.
Key steps to compliance:
- Work at height must be planned and managed so that falls are prevented, and steps taken to prevent falls must be documented.
- Appropriate work equipment must be used i.e., cherry picker or tower scaffold.
- Staff must be trained and deemed competent to complete the works.
Further information:
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2023/07/06/work-related-fatality-figures-published/
News: Silica risk examined via inspections
Businesses which cut stone or use stone products in manufacture, will be the target of the HSE’s latest inspection campaign which aims to ensure that respirable silica dust is managed effectively. Inspectors hope to find improvements after a similar programme of visits in 2022 uncovered poor management of engineering controls, cleaning and respiratory protection.
Further information:
News: Extension applying to chemicals registered in Europe
The government has made it easier for chemicals registered in Europe to be used in the UK, for a longer period of time without needing separate UK registration.
Further information:
https://www.shponline.co.uk/chemical-hazards/reach-deadline-extension-passed-by-uk-government/
News: CE mark retained in UK
The CE mark will continue to be regarded as a mark of product safety, though not for all construction products, says the UK government.
Further information:
News: Charging of electric vehicles
Owners and operators of covered car parks should familiarise with the new guidance issued regarding electric vehicle charging equipment.
Further information:
News: Two staircases for blocks of flats over 18m
Michael Gove has announced that all new blocks of flats over 18 metres tall will require two staircases. The matter brings clarity on a subject which has been under debate for some time.
Further information:
Case law: Forklift truck accident
A clothing company has been fined after a delivery driver was run down by a forklift truck. The visiting driver was not instructed to stand and wait in a safe area.
Key steps to compliance:
- Risk assessment and safe system of work for forklift operations.
- Pedestrians and forklift movements are separated effectively.
- Staff are trained and competent in the use of a forklift.
Further information:
Case law: Lost finger
A lack of detailed machine risk assessment was the underlying cause of an accident, a court has heard. The worker had two fingers partially amputated whilst trying to identify a fault on an edge banding machine. Interior Products Group Limited was fined £100,000.
Key steps to compliance:
- Ensure all maintenance works are planned and completed by a competent person.
- Safe systems of work to be documented.
- Control measures such as a permit to work to be used.
Further information:
Case law: Vibration injury to two manufacturing employees
Ross & Catherall Limited, a company that manufactures and supplies metal bars, has been fined £200,000 in connection with two cases of hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Key steps to compliance:
- HSE guidance on HAVS to be followed.
- Assess equipment with the potential to cause HAVS.
- Use the HSE vibration calculator to identify how long equipment can be used for
- Monitor employee exposure to equipment to cause HAVS.
Further information: