Man Has Life Changed Forever Due to Accident at Work
A young father of two has had his whole life changed after an accident which has left him paralysed. David Collins has been told he will never be able to walk again after metal tubes fell from a crane on top of him while he worked.
The 31 year old was working for Spectra Scaffolding at the time of the accident. The metal tubes were being unloaded from the back of a truck using a crane that was being operated by Mr Collins. Each tube was 21 feet in length and weighted almost one and a half tonnes. As Mr Collins worked the controls of the crane a sling which was attached to the hook of the crane came off. As a result the tubes fell directly onto Mr Collins who was left with severe injuries to his leg, back and his head.
Health and Safety Services Provide Training for Employers and Employees
It was discovered by the Health and Safety Executive that Mr Collins had not been given adequate training to man the crane by his employers, Spectra Scaffolding. In addition to the lack of training the inspection conducted after the incident also discovered that he was not being supervised as he unloaded the tubes.
Another problem came to light when it was found that the safety hook was faulty and had been in this state for some time previous to the accident involving Mr Collins. This fault is the reason why the tubes fell, and despite Spectra Scaffold being fully aware of the fault they did not address the issue and replace the faulty equipment.
£40,000 Fine for Failing Their Employee
As a result of the findings discovered through the investigation Spectra Scaffolding were prosecuted by the HSE. They were fined £40,000 for breaching Regulation 8(1) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment and Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. In addition to the fine the company have been ordered to pay £45,000 in costs.
Training and Maintenance Need to Be a Priority
In this case Mr Collins needed to have been given full training when dealing with lorry mounted cranes. The removal of the tubes had not been planned and the equipment being used for the job was not in good working order. It is clear that all of these failings have resulted in one man being left paralysed and his life has been changed permanently.
Prevention is Better than Any Cure
Veritas Consulting offer various health and safety services designed to help prevent accidents like this from happening. It is your duty as a company owner and employer to know the regulations which are in place to prevent injuries and loss of life in the workplace.
Health and safety consultants are able to help you to understand what you are legally and morally obliged to do. This includes full and complete training and the importance of risk assessments and planning. Call 0800 1488 677 for help and advice on the various health and safety services available.
Risk Assessments and the Fire Safety Order
Risk assessments are designed to help plan out jobs in advance to highlight any potential dangers and to assist you when it comes to planning how the job will be carried out. If you own a business of any size it is important to learn the importance of risk assessments and how to carry them out adequately.
It is not possible to simply download a copy of any old risk assessment and add your business name to the top. Each and every business is different and has different risks to consider. You need to create your own unique assessments based on the challenges you will face. The aim of the assessment is to then work out the hazards and come up with methods of work which will reduce or overcome those risks without causing harm to others.
Follow Through on the Findings
Having a completed risk assessment is not enough. In order to help prevent prosecution after an incident you will need to show that you worked using the assessment and acted on the findings which were found as a result. You may need to complete a risk assessment for many jobs carried out each day and it is vital that you and your employees are aware of the methods that are in place to reduce the risks.
Fire and Risk
Risk assessments are not only required when carrying out tasks. It is also essential that companies create assessments to prevent the risks from fire to satisfy the Fire Safety Order 2005 – UK Fire Regulations. By failing to complete this type of health and safety necessity a business owner, company director or a managing agent is open to prosecution and possibly imprisonment.
Seek Professional Advice from Health and Safety Consultants
With the stakes of fire being so high for everyone involved Fire Risk Assessments services can be extremely beneficial. The experts will be able to establish the main risks for your business and help you to come up with prevention methods and solutions that not only help to prevent firs, but also work in line with the laws and regulations regarding fire and the work place.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a small shop with a small stock room or a huge plant full of warehouses; you still need to adhere to the Fire Safety Order 2005. As an owner/director or managing agent the responsibility lies with you to make sure that the Fire Risk Assessment is created, followed and based on your specific building and line of work.
Health and safety consultants are able to help you create the assessment and this will need to be reviewed on a regular basis to make sure it is still relevant. This is especially important when you introduce new methods of work, new equipment or carry out maintenance or expansions on the building.
Learn More about Fire Risk Assessments
TO find out more about the assessment service provided by health and safety consultants get in touch with the professionals. You can call Veritas Consulting on 0800 1488 677 or visit the website to read more about the importance of this service.
Famous Chocolate Retailers Thornton’s Prosecuted After Accident
Even large, well-known companies are failing their employees when it comes to health and safety. These large high street chains are well aware of what is required of them by law, and know where to go when look for a health and safety consultant to help ensure their workers are well looked after and protected as they go about their duties. Unfortunately even with this knowledge some retailers breach the regulations and someone ends up injured, or worse.
Finger Caught in the Parts of a Machine
Ellen Yardly was going about her duties as she worked for Thornton’s and their factory in Somercotes. The 37 year old was operating a machine which wraps the chocolates and drops them into a tray below through a chute. The chute had become covered in caramel so while the machine was still running she decided to use a cloth to give it a quick clean before the next batch of chocolates came through to be wrapped.
The cloth became entangled in some of the parts which were still rotating inside the machine. As a result Ms Yardly’s hand was pulled into the machined and her finger fractured as it came into contact with the internal parts. The injury meant that Ms Yardly was unable to work and needed to have ten weeks off to recover.
Inadequate Protection on the Wrapping Machine
The Health and Safety Executive carried out an investigation into the accident to discover what went wrong. They found that there was a guard placed on the wrapping machine, but it was not adequate and did not provide full protection. The HSE then investigated further by carrying out an audit on all of the machines in the factory. This audit showed that many of the machines were in need of attention such as by replacing or repairing guards to ensure the dangerous parts could not be accessed unintentionally.
Thornton’s were prosecuted at the Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court where they pleaded guilty to breaking two regulations which were:
- Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The court proceeded to fine Thornton’s £20,000 and they were also made to pay the costs of the claim which totalled £7,680.
Request an Audit from Health and Safety Consultants
One of the health and safety services that can be requested is a full health and safety audit. An audit is an excellent way of fully examining your work place and located areas where the health and safety policies are lacking.
Health and Safety consultants offer audits to businesses looking to protect their workers and make sure that they are staying on the right side of the legislations, regulations and laws concerning health and safety. By seeing what is lacking it is possible to implement positive changes that will result in a safe environment for everyone. To find out more about the health and safety services such as an audit contact the experts at Veritas Consulting, call 0800 1488 677 today.
CSCS Health, Safety and Environmental Test
Changes to the health & safety test ( soon to be …. health, safety and environment test)
Please see below details of a recent announcement by CITB-ConstructionSkills about forthcoming changes to the Health & Safety Test which will come into effect in April 2012.
In order to allow you or your delegates to sit the existing exam through Prometric before these changes come into effect you can book online at CSCS Health and Safety Test or alternatively call our contact centre on 0800 1488 677.
-ConstructionSkills have announced that the re-named CSCS health, safety and environment test will replace the former health and safety test in April 2012. The new test will be required for all construction workers seeking to hold a construction skills competency scheme (CSCS) card or a construction plant competency scheme (CPCS) card.
New features of the CSCS Health, Safety and Environmental Test include:
- An updated question bank including the new universal hazard symbols;
- Questions on respiratory risks and the hazards they can pose;
- Questions on the environment;
- Behavioral case studies which tests how a candidate would respond to health and safety situations to highlight safe working practices on site.
Candidates wishing to take the existing CSCS health and safety test will be able to do so at a Prometric test centre or through a Prometric partner testing centre up to 31 March 2012. Tests can be booked in the normal way here CSCS Health and Safety Test
Four Workers Killed in Birmingham Alone
Health and Safety Services Can Save Lives. Fact!
Health and safety services are there for businesses to use. The legislations surrounding health and safety can be confusing and time consuming and unfortunately many businesses find they are taken to court and prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for breaching one or more of the many regulations and laws designed to protect the lives of others.
Four Workers Killed in Birmingham Alone
During the last twelve months a total of four people died in the workplace in Birmingham and the Black Country. In addition to the deaths a further 900 were seriously harmed in accidents which could have been avoided. The Health and Safety Executive have called out to employers warning them to be vigilant when it comes to the health and safety of others. The fresh warning comes at the start of the New Year after the numbers increased during 2010/2011.
Legal Responsibilities Cannot Be Ignored
As an employee it is essential to remember that it is their legal duty to do all that is possible to create a safe environment in the workplace. Health and safety services can help you to stay within the law by choosing to gain assistance from experts who can explain what is expected by the HSE. Combine this knowledge with training, auditing and risk assessments and your workplace can become safer while you follow the laws regarding what is expected.
High Number of Deaths Recorded
The total statistics for Great Britain are workplace deaths 171 and 24,700 major injuries. This is an increase on the previous year and goes to show that not everyone is following the legislations. Taking risks has resulted in many people suffering and the HSE has prosecuted many firms throughout the year for their lapses in health and safety.
Use Consultants to Make Your Policies Fall in Line with the Law
The Health and Safety Consultants are able to provide multiple services which can help prevent tragic and unnecessary accidents. The experts and the health and safety services are designed to teach you, or provide a service, which can potentially save lives and reduce the number of accidents in the workplace through methods which meet the demands of the regulations.
Whether your business is considered to be high risk or not the laws remain the same and need to be adhered to. Failing to do so can cost your company and yourself hundreds and thousands, could mean closing doors and more importantly can result in others being seriously injured or to lose their lives when trying to earn a living.
Multiple Services Available
Use the health and safety services to create procedures and policies within your business which work and protect everyone. Some of the services on offer include:
- Health and Safety Audits
- Fire Risk Assessments
- Asbestos Surveys
- Construction Safety Advisory Services
- Competent Person
- Document Writing
To find out more about what is available for businesses in Great Britain contact the expert consultants who are ready to assist you. Telephone 0800 1488 677 to speak to a consultant who can help.
David Cameron Speaks Out about Health and Safety Changes
David Cameron has spoken to the Health and Safety Executive asking them to bring forward the proposed changes in Health and Safety legislation. The Prime Minister, who called Health and Safety “a monster”, wants the new methods of monitoring, recording and maintaining health and safety in the workplace as early as the end of 2012. By doing so he is hoping to bring an end to the confusion and problems caused by the extensive paperwork and help businesses deal with the red tape in a more productive manner.
Compensations fears a major concern according to David Cameron
One of the main reasons for bringing in the simpler rules is to help businesses to overcome their fear of health and safety. Many firms find it a daunting task to keep up with paper work and ensure that they maintain a safe environment for their workers. Many self-employed people find it hard to get the head around the duties and regulations which are relevant to them, and so the self-employed are likely to be taken out of the whole equation.
The Prime Minister put heavy focus on the fact that businesses are worried about being sued in this compensation seeking era. As it stands lawyers’ fees are carefully controlled in traffic accident claims where the compensation is less than £10,000. In the near future it is likely that this will be further increased to cover claims worth £25,000 and will also include any employees seeking compensation from their employers.
Inappropriate handling of vital services designed to protect lives
Not everyone approves of the way that David Cameron went about discussing the problems, especially when using the term ‘monster’. The head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Richard Jones spoke about the way that the government has exaggerated the fear of being sued which is being encouraged through marketing.
Mr Jones stated that the reason there is legislation is to protect workers from injuries and death on the workplace, and therefore the term ‘monster’ is unfair. The caps are in place on the amount of fees so that defendants do not need to concern themselves too much with the costs which may be involved, therefore reducing the fear.
Health and Safety Services still available to those confused about current legislations
Until the time when the new legislations come in to practice it is vital that businesses maintain their current policies and follow the rules and laws in place to protect employees and employers alike. Health and Safety services will be able to help by offering complete health and safety audits and other necessary services which will highlight problems which are not being correctly addressed.
Veritas Consulting health and safety consultants will also be able to provide training and help businesses understand, interpret and apply the new legislation once they have been disclosed. Call 0800 1488 677 to find out more about audits, training and the various health and safety services available to businesses of all sizes.
340 Bristol, Bath and Gloucester Workers Are Seriously Injured
Warning for Employers from the Health and Safety Executive
Statistics collected from the local authorities in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bristol show that during last year there were 340 serious injuries caused by accidents in the workplace. These shockingly high statistics have resulted in the Health and Safety Executive calling for employers to pay closer attention to health and safety in the form of a warning.
The high level of injuries combined with the increased amount of workplace deaths during 2010/2011 resulted in the fresh warning about the legal responsibilities which lie with employers in Great Britain. In total there were 171 deaths in Britain alone, and 24,700 serious injuries, 342 of which happened in Bristol, the South of Gloucester and Bath. The HSE are hoping that during 2012 the employers will work hard to improve the situation and make their health and safety procedures a top priority.
Getting Help to Prevent Accidents
The statistics show that in Great Britain one out of every million workers lost their lives in the workplace over a twelve month period. Half of the total 171 deaths happened in the industries which are known to be of high risk to workers. The construction industry saw 50 deaths, agriculture saw 34 deaths and there were also 9 deaths in the waste and recycling industries.
Health and Safety Consultants can be contacted by any employers who are looking at ways to help reduce the amount of accidents and lower the risk of loss of life within their workplace. There are many different services available depending on the sector the company is in. You can request specialist construction health and safety services and even help with office workplace safety.
Lives Need Protecting, and it is Your Responsibility as an Employer
Speaking about the statistics Nigel Long, a Health and Safety Executive Principal Inspector, stated that employers will need to focus their attention on the potential dangers which occur in their workplace. By spending their time on these real dangers and reducing the work carried out on some of the more trivial risks and the paperwork the number of accidents could be reduced.
Mr Long did mention the fact that Great Britain does have one of the lowest rates of deaths in the workplace in Europe; however one loss of life is too many. Businesses need to make sure that they are following the laws and regulations to cut down the amount of deaths in the next 12 months.
Contact the Professionals
If you are looking to improve the conditions and reduce risks within your company contact the Health and Safety Consultants for assistance. A simple phone call can help to establish what is needed to be done, whether it is a full Health and Safety Audit or training courses for you and your employees.
To speak to an advisor call 0800 1488 677, the experts will be able to give you an idea of the relevant health and safety services which are available. Make 2012 the safest year yet.
