The Licence Bureau has stated that if workers are involved in a fatal road accident, and are later found not to hold a valid driver’s licence, their employer could face criminal charges, so businesses must make the necessary checks. Checking drivers licence is the most basic step in ensuring drivers are safe on the road […]
Archive | Legislation
HSE Cost recovery scheme
The HSE proposes to introduce a Fee for Intervention (FFI) hse.gov.uk, cost recovery scheme with effect from 1 October 2012, subject to Parliamentary approval of the proposed Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012. These Regulations will put a duty on HSE to recover its costs for carrying out its regulatory functions from those found to […]
Guide to the RIDDOR Regulations
Guidance is now available on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (Amendment) Regulations 2012 / 1999 which came into force on 6th April 2012. Hard copies can be obtained from the HSE priced at £17.50, or you can download a free copy from this link. The amended regulations extend the period of incapacitation […]
Home working rules relaxed
Recent reviews of H&S legislation have recognised the need to reduce the burden placed on both small businesses and low risk activities. The HSE has now issued revised guidance on home working (INDG 226) resulting in fewer requirements for employers concerning H&S compliance. Where the type of work carried out at home is deemed “low […]
First to go
The Government have launched its first consultation on its plans to reduce health and safety legislation by half over the next two years. The consultation document CD238 proposes to revoke seven statutory instruments which are either redundant or have been overtaken by up to date legislation. The legislation proposed for removal is the: 1. Anthrax […]
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) change 6th April 2012
From 6th April, subject to Parliamentary approval, RIDDOR’s over three day injury reporting requirement will change. From that date, the trigger for notifying the HSE will change to over seven days’ incapacitation not counting the day on which the accident happened. Incapacitation means the worker is absent or is unable to do the work they […]
HSE cost recovery fees set
The HSE has confirmed that its Fees For Intervention where a company has materially breached health and safety law has been set at an hourly rate £124 and this will be counted from when a letter or email is sent. This has been reduced from the initial fee of £133. It is expected to commence […]
Company director is liable for dismissing pregnant employee
Danniella McClain was employed by local estate agency Hogarths, which traded under the name of Morlan Ltd. Danniella became pregnant and confirmed this to her manager, the sole director of Hogarths, Alun Dufoo. Within a few minutes of Mr Dufoo opening her letter, Danniella was told that she was being made redundant. She had not […]
HSE slams firms for ‘not taking legionella risk seriously’
Two companies must pay more than £250,000 in fines and costs for exposing workers and members of the public to legionella bacteria. In April 2006, the HSE visited automotive-parts manufacturer Eaton Ltd’s factory in Tamworth, Staffordshire, after being notified by the Health Protection Agency that a worker at the site had contracted Legionnaires’ disease. The […]
Storage-equipment firm and directors face manslaughter charges
This article was provided by SHP Plus. The Bi-weekly newsletter from Safety and Health Practioner. A company that manufactures storage products will appear in court next month to answer corporate manslaughter and health and safety charges after a worker died from injuries sustained in a fall. Lion Steel Equipment Ltd, which is based in Hyde, […]