Wenlock Health & Safety News - Wenlock Health & Safety

COMPANY NEWS

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) Seminar

You’ve probably seen news about upcoming changes in the Data Protection Regulations, and maybe just ignored it, but don’t worry, it’s not too complicated.

The new General Data Protection Regs come into force on 25 May 2018. There will be some additional security and accountability surrounding the usual details we all pass between us on a daily basis, such as employee details and home postal addresses etc; email addresses that begin with your name are also considered ‘personal’ regardless of whether it’s a company email address or not.

What about the necessity to share personal information when it comes to health and safety? For example, medical records, health monitoring, and accident reporting… especially when dealing with sub-contractors’ employees. Well we were asking that question too, so we’ve asked three experts in the new General Data Protection Regulations to hold an open seminar on how the changes will affect your business.

From your websites to your staff, and from your filing to accident reporting systems, we’ll aim to give you clarification on what you need to do next and how to comply with the regulations. It is very important that all our customers are clear about the GDPR requirements, so there is a real need for you to attend:

Date: 27 April 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Venue: Wenlock Health & Safety Training Room, Jackfield Tile Museum, TF8 7LJ
Cost: £30 + VAT per person

Please contact Vicki Brown at WHS on 01952-885885 or vicki@wenlockhs.co.uk to book your place/s as soon as possible; places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

CITB Training Courses

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ AND DIGEST THE ARTICLE ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO CITB GRANTS & LEVIES IN THE ‘INDUSTRY NEWS’ SECTION BELOW

Forthcoming 2018 dates currently in place and fees for the CITB courses are as follows. Courses are held at the WHS training rooms and fees include lunch, refreshments and all course literature.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please be aware that CITB specifies that candidates must be available to attend each session within the course; failure to do so may require a repeat course.

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
Duration: 5 days; 1 day per week
Dates: 17 & 24 April and 1, 8 &15 May 2018 (all Tuesdays) – very limited space available
6, 13, 20, 27 June & 4 July 2018 (all Wednesdays)
Cost: £495 + VAT per person
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) Refresher
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 10 & 11 May 2018 (Thursday & Friday)
19 & 20 July 2018 (Thursday & Friday)
Cost: £265 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)
Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 3 & 4 May 2018 (Thursday & Friday)
9 & !0 July 2018 (Monday & Tuesday)
Cost: £230 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)
CITB 1-Day Health & Safety Awareness
Duration: 1 day
Dates: 7 June 2018 (Thursday)
Cost: £125 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)

First Aid Training

Forthcoming dates for the WHS 1-day Emergency First Aid courses, also held at training rooms, are as follows; the fee is just £75 + VAT per person:

24 May 2018
25 June 2018
24 July 2018
23 August 2018
26 September 2018

As with the CITB courses above, if any organisation requires first-aid for 6 or more employees, a specific course can be arranged at a date, time and location to suit. Please contact the WHS office to discuss your requirements.

Out-of-Hours Contact

May we remind customers of the arrangements for any urgent and unavoidable (i.e. emergency) contact with Wenlock Health & Safety Ltd (WHS) during evenings, weekend and public holiday or WHS shut-down periods.

WHS can be contacted on the MD’s mobile number 07866-605920 at any time. During periods of the MD’s unavailability, the mobile is always diverted to another member of staff so that calls can be picked up as reasonably possible. We do not necessarily monitor emails during out-of-hours periods; emails will be actioned as soon as possible on the next working day. Therefore, if very urgent assistance is required (i.e. the matter is serious and cannot wait until the next working day) please ring 07866-605920; the landline answer-phone message reiterates this.

Many thanks.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CITB Changes to Grant System

The CITB levy has been reduced from 0.5% to 0.35% of PAYE. However, the levy is not payable for companies whose PAYE bill is less than £80,000; companies with PAYE £80,001 to £399,000 pay 0.175% only. Note: CIS tax payers are required to contribute net 1.25%.

As from the beginning of April, the way in which CITB grants can be claimed is changing significantly, so please take note of the following. Of course, grants are only available to those companies who pay the CITB levy – and, if you do pay the levy, get your money’s worth and carry out adequate training, you’ve paid for it!!!
Small companies who don’t have to pay the levy (i.e. <£80,000 PAYE) are still eligible for grants
The CITB Training Plans have gone
Grants can only be claimed if courses are undertaken by a CITB approved training body – an Approved Training Organisation or ATO; WHS is an ATO for the CITB courses we advertise
A National Training Directory will detail all ATOs – but there will be a bedding period of 12 months during which you are at liberty to request proof of the training provider that they are ‘applying for registration’
All grants will now be paid automatically following verification by the ATO that the course has been completed; you won’t have to do anything except provide your CITB registration number at the time of booking
There will be a National Register which logs all CITB attained qualifications for individuals; this can be used to verify or re-issue certification

Courses that now attract grants have changed:

You can no longer claim grants for first-aid or any other course that is not specifically construction based
Grants are payable for NVQs, HNCs, IOSH and other day or block release construction-related courses

Your local CITB representative can help, but please feel free to contact WHS if you have any queries

Apprentice Levy

This time last year, the new Apprenticeship Levy came into being for companies whose PAYE bill is greater than £3 million. The idea is to encourage larger companies to take on apprentices to help fill the long-term skill shortage. Grants are payable to off-set the costs of engaging apprentices but, as everyone reading this newsletter will know, receive of a grant goes nowhere need paying for the cost of employing an inexperienced, mostly young person which requires constant supervision and attention. The result?….

We are told that, of the £2 billion currently paid to the Treasury against this levy, only £108 million has been claimed back in grants. Plan for the future…what will be your needs in the coming years, how will you fill the skills gaps? Do you need to take on apprentice/s to train up for your company’s future business plan? There is a 24 month deadline to claiming grants; therefore, the message is…
USE IT OR LOSE IT!

An Important Note to Designers

Architects, Oxford Architects Partnership, and Principal Contractor, Express Park Construction Company (EPCC), were fines totals of £180,000 and £143,000 respectively after a flawed flat roof design led to a fatality. The roof was designed with a parapet which was too low to prevent a worker plunging 9 metres to his death.

This prosecution highlights that designers are totally responsible under CDM for safety in design. WHS would also remind designers that they must be totally up to date with safety duties placed on contractors for work on site; without that, they cannot design for safety.

Building Regs are assumed by designers to cover site and end-users safety requirements; this is not necessarily the case. Part K of the Building Regs specifies a minimum height of edge protection to be 900 mm in a lot of circumstances (although, in this case, a minimum height of 1100 mm would have applied as it was external); however, the minimum safe height for guard rails and other forms of edge protection was raised in the Work at Height Regs from 900 to 950 mm 13 years ago. Building Regs are not the be-all and end-all; all designers must be aware of site safety requirements or they cannot design out or reduce risks (as required by CDM). WHS provides all designers with ample background info about what contractors and end-users are (legally) obliged do for safety; designers must make themselves familiar. This includes work at height, site and end-use layouts, welfare provision, fire avoidance and escape, manual handling, vibration, COSHH, etc, etc

And, as regards the ‘Design of Guarding’ (Part K; section 3.2), our strong recommendation is that the limit of 950 mm should be incorporated into all design regardless of Building Regs’ saying that 900 mm is permissible in a lot of circumstances. The safe ‘work at height’ limit was raised to 950 mm in 2005 under instruction from Europe as we are all getting taller – people were tumbling over the top of 900 mm edge protection. As this was then incorporated into our Work at Height Regs, it follows that the minimum height stated in Part K could be construed as legally incorrect for ‘work’ circumstances, leaving end-users (the client-businesses) and designers open to enforcement.

Asbestos

We’ll say it again….asbestos was not completely banned in the UK until the year 2000. So anyone concerned with any structure built (or begun) pre-2000 runs the distinct risk of containing asbestos.

WHS is still coming across customers of ours and/or their employees who have no basic knowledge about asbestos. We have been running courses and hammering home the messages to our clients ever since we set up 16 years ago – so how is it that this still happens?

The law says that anyone who ‘may’ possibly encounter asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at any point must carry out asbestos awareness training as a minimum. This includes (obviously) contractors and property owners or managers, but also designers as well; it’s vital that designers know about asbestos to (a) advise their clients and (b) design around any issues.

To all our customers, please: look long and hard at your training matrix and ensure that ALL those who need asbestos awareness have had it at least within the last 2 years (WHS can advise on HSE requirements; contractors are expected to have this annually)

And Another Reminder

WHS is continually still coming across projects where soft-strip, demolition and/or asbestos removal have not been carried out under a Construction Phase Plan or F10

A strong reminder…..ALL work is subject to CDM and you cannot divorce one element of the project from another just to avoid issuing the F10

The Construction Phase Plan MUST be, by law, in place before work starts in ANY SHAPE OF FORM! The F10 MUST be issued for ANY (total) project that may span more than 500 person days – or have more than 20 people on site at any one time.

No, it is not OK to do a bit of prep work without these things being in place; no, it is not OK to do a strip-out or asbestos removal without these things being in place; no, it is absolutely not OK to do any demolition at all without the necessary legal things being in place.

If you’re in doubt at all, ring WHS for clarification. Without these things being in place BEFORE WORK BEGINS, you risk HSE enforcement…and we won’t be able to help you!!

Fire Planning

72 fire fighters were called to tackle the blaze which broke out during the refurbishment of the building into apartments by a developer. Obviously, an investigation is underway so we can only speculate as to the cause and indeed the controls (or lack of) to prevent the fire taking hold and spreading – potentially, in a situation like this, to neighbouring properties.

The insurance industry’s Joint Code of Practice (9th Edition) lays down strict procedures to both avoid and control fires on construction sites; non-compliance may result in the contractor being uninsured. The guidance is incorporated into the WHS Health & Safety Manual; you all have a copy, make sure you are familiar with the contents and lay down strict rules on site about fire control and evacuation planning.

Footnote:

To make matters worse, the building contained gas cylinders. Can we be clear on this – if you have to use bottled gas, there are strict controls for the use and storage of these things. And take note, fire fighters will not enter if the building contains gas bottles – it’s just too dangerous. Have you ever seen what happens to gas bottles in a fire? Skip the promo and just see how far those lethally hot and sharp projectiles fly see: https://bit.ly/2JnVB62 It wasn’t wise to stand and film from that distance!

Please make sure you contact your WHS consultant to discuss storage, handling and inspections of gas bottles, and how to carry out effective emergency planning for your sites.

Scaffolding Control
See ‘And Finally…’ sections for more prosecutions

It must be realised that anyone engaging scaffolders are totally responsible for safety during erection (etc). Yes, they are the specialists but, under CDM, the engaging party is responsible for (a) engaging competent contractors, and (b) their site – despite the fact that scaffolding may be erected on Sunday or other non-work periods.

WHS customers are supplied with a specific H&S competence questionnaire for scaffolders which is designed to assess whether the company has the very specific knowledge, experience and capabilities to carry out scaffold erection. If a scaffolders in plucked from the internet without sufficient competence checks, then the engaging party (client or contractor) will be liable for prosecution or HSE enforcement.

If the engaging party does not enforce good site-specific risk assessments and method statements from the scaffolders before work is permitted, and adherence to the agreed RAMSs during erection, removal or any alteration by the scaffolder, then the engaging party (client or contractor) will be liable for prosecution or HSE enforcement. And this means proper site management and supervision by the Principal Contractor at all working times, including scaffolding erection (etc).

So you want to erect on a Sunday? Your Site Manager can’t be there? So how will you accommodate this legal duty? Please speak to one of our consultants to ensure adequate arrangements are in place – before it’s too late.

Footnote

And, for those scaffolders reading this article – be warned – there is no excuse for ignoring procedures and safety controls, and the law will catch up with you:

In January 2018, scaffolder Terrance Murray was facing six months in jail after a member of the public photographed him recklessly putting himself and his apprentice working beneath him in danger. He was working at 60 feet up (and above massive void in the flat roof below!) with no harness and no edge protection; presumably he assumed he wouldn’t be spotted as it was to the rear of the office block but….it was overlooked the Crown Prosecution Service!! Never assume you won’t be spotted!!

See the story and tell-tale photo on: https://bit.ly/2uNOSiv

ALL Dusts are Dangerous!!

WHS has been stressing this for years – regardless of known specific, high-profile, high-risk dusts such as asbestos, silica, hard woods, etc, ALL dusts can be dangerous in one way or another, with the consequences ranging from severe health issues to explosion.

Just look at what happened in July 2017 in India when a collapsing grain silo ruptured a power cable:
https://bit.ly/2wlPs2V

The person filming certainly didn’t expect the explosion that followed! This is why awareness that combustible dusts are extremely hazardous is so important; if ignited, they can cause explosion or fire balls.

Unchecked wood dusts resulted in a huge fire and four deaths at Bosley Mill in July 2015: https://bbc.in/1h2z283

Footnote to all woodworking workshops:

So, you may not think that that little bit of wood dust on the floor is risky; you may think that wood dust in the air goes with the job. But think again. Not only does airborne dust severely damage health and risk serious HSE enforcement, it can also cause fire or explosion.

A tidy workplace is a safe workplace – get that dust suppressed or extracted at source!!

Another Illustration of the Perils of Leaving Asbestos in Place

This recent incident in Glasgow yet again demonstrates just how vital it is that all asbestos is removed from buildings: https://bit.ly/2IJg7Ob

Just like 9/11 and its effects on New York, how many people have been unwittingly exposed to asbestos fibres? How long will it take to clean up – can it ever be cleaned up in a city centre situation like this? It is a fact that there has been so much uncontrolled demolition (etc) over the years, particularly in cities, that there are now ever-present airborne asbestos fibres. The area around the Twin Towers has proved to actually be so many times over the legal limit that it’s ‘toxic’. So further instances like this in Glasgow only add to the public health misery.

A reminder that ALL commercial buildings should have had an asbestos survey carried out so that owners/occupiers are at least aware of ACMs that need to be removed or at least avoided. But, if you can, remove all ACMs so that the risk is gone for good … before something unforeseen happens.

Use of Mobiles Whilst Driving

In the US, 95% of drivers disapprove of distracted driving, yet an astonishing 71% admit to using mobiles devices whilst they are driving. Approximately 37,000 people die on US roads each year, a significant proportion of which are killed by drivers using mobiles.

There are no statistics for the UK but no doubt the percentages of those admitting to using mobiles would be the same; just look around you next time you’re behind the wheel to see just how many people ignore the law. And it shouldn’t need a law, it’s obvious…driving whilst distracted KILLS!!

The ‘It Can Wait’ campaign in the US currently has well over £23 million pledges:
https://www.itcanwait.com/pledge
We need a similar campaign in the UK; #itcanwaituk. And if you’re one of the culprits, just think…
Why can’t that call or message? You know it’s illegal, why risk a fine…or worse, why risk a life?

Code of Practice for Pre-Cast Flooring

The Precast Flooring Federation’s Code of Practice for the Safe Installation of Precast Concrete Flooring and Associated Components 4th Edition was published late 2017. With a foreword by the HSE and an accompanying pocket-sized abridged edition, the industry CoP will assist clients, contractors and designers to ensure safe specification of flooring. Information on this and many other industry publications and guidance can be found on the British Precast Flooring Association website: https://bit.ly/2q7qLFP

Use of Suction & Vacuum Excavators

Following a fatality, guidance has been released on the safe us of Suction & Vacuum Excavators (SAVE).

This publication aims to educate owners, operators, hirers, contractors and all others involved in the supply, operation and maintenance of this type of equipment, and covers all types of site circumstances including contaminated ground, lone working and clean-up after encountering asbestos. Essential reading!!
See: https://bit.ly/2GT2U7c for purchase and further information.

Hazardous Household Products

As we have been highlighting during our asbestos awareness training, due to the almost impossible task of checking every item imported into the UK, the potential for asbestos-containing materials to creep into our products is growing. The majority of the World is still involved in the mining of asbestos or production of goods containing asbestos e.g. South Korea, China, India, and other countries that we freely trade with.

But it doesn’t stop there….other hazardous substances are (or always have been?) creeping into our households too e.g. lead and arsenic, including into children’s toys: https://bbc.in/2DDuxfT. With this type of threat to public health, this is not the time for the Government to be cutting back on controls; we now need trading standards organisations even more than ever!

Working Time Regulations

May we add a reminder about the Working Time Regulations which, although a HR matter, also impact on a company’s health & safety for obvious reasons. There are exclusions and provisos but, in general, the law stipulates that employees should work a maximum of 48 hours per week unless an opt-out is agreed and signed by the employee.

In addition, the maximum length of working days, number and timing of breaks, and other issues which directly affect tiredness, well-being and the capabilities (and thus safety) of workers are covered so it’s vital that all employers abide by the rules in a reasonable manner. Find out more:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1833/contents/made

HSE NEWS

Stricter PPE Regulations

On 21 April 2018, new and much stricter PPE regulations come into force across the EU, placing responsibility for standards compliance on, not just manufacturers, but also importers, distributers and any other involved in the supply chain. This may not affect you but a further requirement will:

Because of the raised importance placed on health issues, the level of conformity assessment and surveillance has been raised to the highest (Cat.3) possible. This, by implication, means that the HSE will be enforcing higher standards of PPE and health surveillance amongst users, including stricter risk assessment and wearer assessment – particularly face fit.

There is a bedding-in period permitted for manufacturers – they have until 21 April 2023 to prove (certify) compliance with new CE standards. However, in the meantime, we have already seen evidence that the HSE is enforcing health surveillance and the standards and maintenance of PPE.

Discuss your needs and current provision with your WHS consultant; as some of our customers have already found, you can’t afford to get this wrong!

AND FINALLY

As usual, it’s asbestos and work at height that account for most prosecutions – astonishing in this day and age! We have included another topical issue – site segregation. But, as always, these are just a snap-shot of recent prosecutions; there are many, many more per month!
Just note how many personal prosecutions are now being enacted.

And, before you start blaming the HSE for (what only amounts to) enforcing the law, just remember that the aim in this country when the HSE was first established was, and still is, to prevent accidents, deaths and injuries, before they happen. Hardly any other countries have this ethos and will only enforce or prosecute once an accident/death/injury has occurred…which is too late.

Asbestos
More evidence of how easy it is to release asbestos fibres into the atmosphere and endanger us all

RF Gardiner Ltd was fined a total of over £29,000 after carrying out asbestos removal work without license or adequate controls during the refurbishment of a school. Just imagine how much the de-contamination of the affected area/s would have cost the school – a lesson to all clients!
A business, Carter Brothers (Rochdale) Ltd, and contractor, Frank Allan (trading as Jet Blast & Maintenance), were fined totals of almost £12,000 and over £4,000 respectively after the jet washing of an asbestos cement roof which resulted in both asbestos debris being strewn about and asbestos fibres potentially becoming airborne. Yes, even jet washing is subject to the Asbestos at Work Regs!

Work at height

Bland Scaffolidng Ltd was fined a total of almost £101,000 after an apprentice joiner fell 4 metres fell under a single guard rail on a loading platform; he was lucky to survive a fall from such a height. This is a reminder that all areas of scaffolding must be properly designed and protected by adequate guard rails at all times – including loading bays
LS Scaffolding Ltd was fined a total of over £54,000 and its director, Lakhbir Kharh, personally fined £1,700 and given an 18 week jail sentence suspended for 12 months after a scaffolder fell and suffered serious injury during the dismantling a temporary roof structure. The ‘scaffolder’ was untrained and inexperienced.
Prior Homes Ltd was fined a total of almost £16,000 and its director, Paul Prior, given an 8 week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and undertake 100 hours of unpaid community work after a worker fell 5 metres through a fragile roof.
Advanced Industrial Roofing & Cladding Solutions Ltd was fined a total of over £12,000 and its director, Stephen Ball, £3,500 after a worker fell through an unprotected skylight during the installation of a new roof over existing asbestos cement roof sheeting.
Fine Dimensions Ltd was fined a total of over £8,000 after a worker was seriously injured when he fell through a fragile skylight during minor roof work on a farm building. Yes, the law applies to quick works too – the results can be just as catastrophic

Public protection

Martin McColl Ltd was fined a total of over £600,000 after two members of the public suffered injuries when they fell over construction work being carried out at a store. Work was being carried out during opening hours with wholly inadequate protection (barriers and signage) of the store’s patrons. The size of this fine demonstrates just how important public protection is in the eyes of the law.

Plant & vehicle segregation
Remember that segregation is required where at all possible by law – and, yes, it can be done on most sites with a little thought.

MV Kelly Ltd was fined a total of over £530,000 after a worker was struck by a tipper wagon on site, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. The worker had been on a haul road when struck; there had been insufficient and uncontrolled haul and walkways for delivery wagons to access off-loading areas.
Redrow Homes Ltd was fined a total of over £600,000 and contractor, WPI Civil Engineering Ltd £317,000 after a scaffolder was struck and killed by a reversing dumper truck. Traffic management across the site was found to be very poor, with no banksmen assisting vehicle movement (and no segregation?)
Principal Contractor, Bellway Homes, and its sub-contractor, AD Bly Construction, were fined totals of over £80,000 and £31,000 respectively after a worker was run over by a telehandler. He was not seriously hurt because, very luckily, he slid under the machine, not the wheels. The HSE still took a very dim view though about the lack of person/plant segregation; a reminder to all contractors that segregation is law – and, yes, it can be done on most sites with a little thought.

WHS is working for you; help us to help you.
Our aim is to keep people safe and to keep your company working.
To contact WHS, ring: 01952-885885

COMPANY NEWS

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) Seminar

You’ve probably seen news about upcoming changes in the Data Protection Regulations, and maybe just ignored it, but don’t worry, it’s not too complicated.

What about the necessity to share personal information when it comes to health and safety? For example, medical records and accident reporting… well we were asking that question too, so we’ve asked three experts in the new General Data Protection Regulations to hold a quick open seminar on how the changes will affect your business.

Date: 27 April 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Venue: Wenlock Health & Safety Training Room, Jackfield Tile Museum, TF8 7LJ
Cost: £30 + VAT per person

Please contact Vicki Brown at WHS on 01952-885885 or vicki@wenlockhs.co.uk to book your place/s as soon as possible; places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

First Aid Training

Forthcoming dates for the WHS 1-day Emergency First Aid courses, also held at our training rooms, are as follows; the fee is just £75 + VAT per person:

24 May 2018
25 June 2018
24 July 2018
23 August 2018
26 September 2018

If any organisation requires first-aid for 6 or more employees, a specific course can be arranged at a date, time and location to suit.

Please contact the WHS office to discuss your requirements.

Out-of-Hours Contact

WHS can be contacted on the MD’s mobile number 07866-605920 at any time. During periods of the MD’s unavailability, the mobile is always diverted to another member of staff so that calls can be picked up as reasonably possible. We do not necessarily monitor emails during out-of-hours periods; emails will be actioned as soon as possible on the next working day. Therefore, if very urgent assistance is required (i.e. the matter is serious and cannot wait until the next working day) please ring 07866-605920; the landline answer-phone message reiterates this.

Many thanks.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Asbestos

WHS is still coming across customers of ours and/or their employees who have no basic knowledge about asbestos. We have been running courses and hammering home to messages to our clients ever since we set up 16 years ago – so how is it that this still happens?

The law says that anyone who ‘may’ possibly encounter asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at any point must carry out asbestos awareness training as a minimum. This includes (obviously) contractors and designers, but also property owners or managers as well; it’s vital that businesses know about asbestos to (a) advise their employees what they can and can’t touch, and (b) protect or remove any ACMs

To all our customers, please: look long and hard at your training matrix and ensure that ALL those who need asbestos awareness have had it at least within the last 2 years (WHS can advise on HSE requirements; contractors are expected to have this annually)

Gas Bottles

The vital importance of proper planning to both avoid fire and to safely evacuate if fire should occur was illustrated yet again in February 2018 when a fire broke out in a multi-storey terraced building in Great Portland Street. 72 fire fighters were called to tackle the blaze. Obviously, an investigation is underway so we can only speculate as to the cause and indeed the controls (or lack of) to prevent the fire taking hold and spreading – potentially, in a situation like this, to neighbouring properties.

However, to make matters worse, the building contained gas cylinders. Can we be clear on this – if you have to use bottled gas, there are strict controls for the use and storage of these things. And take note, fire fighters will not enter if the building contains gas bottles – it’s just too dangerous.

Have you ever seen what happens to gas bottles in a fire? Skip the promo and just see how far those lethally hot and sharp projectiles fly see: https://bit.ly/2JnVB62 It wasn’t wise to stand and film from that distance!

Please make sure you contact your WHS consultant to discuss storage, handling and inspections of gas bottles, and how to carry out effective emergency planning for your sites.

Scaffolding Control

It must be realised that anyone engaging scaffolders are totally responsible for safety during erection (etc). Yes, they are the specialists but, under the Construction (Design & Management) Regs, the engaging party is responsible for (a) engaging competent contractors, and (b) safety on the site – despite the fact that scaffolding may be erected on Sunday or other non-work periods.

Please speak to one of our consultants before you next engage scaffolders to ensure that competency is proven and adequate arrangements are in place – before it’s too late.

ALL Dusts are Dangerous!!

Just look at what happened in July 2017 in India when a collapsing grain silo ruptured a power cable:
https://bit.ly/2wlPs2V
The person filming certainly didn’t expect the explosion that followed! This is why awareness that combustible dusts are extremely hazardous is so important; if ignited, they can cause explosion or fire balls.

Unchecked wood dusts resulted in a huge fire and four deaths at Bosley Mill in July 2015: https://bbc.in/1h2z283

Footnote to all woodworking workshops:

A tidy workplace is a safe workplace – get that dust suppressed or extracted at source!!

Another Illustration of the Perils of Leaving Asbestos in Place

This recent incident in Glasgow yet again demonstrates just how vital it is that all asbestos is removed from buildings: https://bit.ly/2IJg7Ob

Use of Mobiles Whilst Driving

The ‘It Can Wait’ campaign in the US currently has well over £23 million pledges:
https://www.itcanwait.com/pledge

We need a similar campaign in the UK; #itcanwaituk. And if you’re one of the culprits, just think…
Why can’t that call or message? You know it’s illegal, why risk a fine…or worse, why risk a life?

Hazardous Household Products

But it doesn’t stop there….other hazardous substances are (or always have been?) creeping into our households too e.g. lead and arsenic, including into children’s toys: https://bbc.in/2DDuxfT

With this type of threat to public health, this is not the time for the Government to be cutting back on controls; we now need trading standards organisations even more than ever!

Working Time Regulations

In addition, the maximum length of working days, number and timing of breaks, and other issues which directly affect tiredness, well-being and the capabilities (and thus safety) of workers are covered so it’s vital that all employers abide by the rules in a reasonable manner. Find out more:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1833/contents/made

HSE NEWS

Stricter PPE Regulations

Discuss your needs and current provision with your WHS consultant; as some of our customers have already found, you can’t afford to get this wrong!

AND FINALLY

Just note how many personal prosecutions are now being enacted
And, before you start blaming the HSE for (what only amounts to) enforcing the law, just remember that the aim in this country when the HSE was first established was, and still is, to prevent accidents, deaths and injuries, before they happen. Hardly any other countries have this ethos and will only enforce or prosecute once an accident/death/injury has occurred. So stop moaning and just thank the HSE for being there!

Asbestos
More evidence of how easy it is to release asbestos fibres into the atmosphere and endanger us all

RF Gardiner Ltd was fined a total of over £29,000 after carrying out asbestos removal work without license or adequate controls during the refurbishment of a school. Just imagine how much the de-contamination of the affected area/s would have cost the school – a lesson to all clients!
A business, Carter Brothers (Rochdale) Ltd, and contractor, Frank Allan (trading as Jet Blast & Maintenance), were fined totals of almost £12,000 and over £4,000 respectively after the jet washing of an asbestos cement roof which resulted in both asbestos debris being strewn about and asbestos fibres potentially becoming airborne. Yes, even jet washing is subject to the Asbestos at Work Regs!
Quainton Logistics & Storage Ltd was fined a total of over £20,000 after failing to carry out their CDM duties to employ competent workers. The result? Asbestos roof sheets were being smashed, and there was no edge protection of welfare.

All businesses take note!!! As we have stressed time and time again, any construction-related work (including seemingly minor work such as decorating, installing cables, repairs and maintenance to structures or fixtures and fittings, etc) makes you a client under CDM (the Construction (Design & Management) Regs and placing legal duties on you to ‘manage the project or works properly. No excuses!!!

Work at height

Solar panel installation company, Sasie Ltd, was fined a total of over £16,000 and its director, Een Marsden, personally fined £500 for failing to allowing work on a roof without any edge protection. Marsden had failed to heed a previous Prohibition Notice; evidently, he would rather risk prosecution (and death or injury) by getting the work finished before the HSE came back!
Prior Homes Ltd was fined a total of almost £16,000 and its director, Paul Prior, given an 8 week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and undertake 100 hours of unpaid community work after a worker fell 5 metres through a fragile roof.
Advanced Industrial Roofing & Cladding Solutions Ltd was fined a total of over £12,000 and its director, Stephen Ball, £3,500 after a worker fell through an unprotected skylight during the installation of a new roof over existing asbestos cement roof sheeting.
Fine Dimensions Ltd was fined a total of over £8,000 after a worker was seriously injured when he fell through a fragile skylight during minor roof work on a farm building. Yes, the law applies to quick works too – the results can be just as catastrophic

Plant & vehicle segregation

MV Kelly Ltd was fined a total of over £530,000 after a worker was struck by a tipper wagon, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. There had been insufficient and uncontrolled walkways and arrangements for delivery wagons to access off-loading areas.
Excavator driver, Daividas Rupeika, was fined a total of over £600, sentenced to six month jail suspended for two years and ordered to undertake 40 hours of unpaid community work for causing serious injury to a pedestrian worker. Rupeika had evidently deliberately driven the excavator into another, pushing it uncontrollably and resulting in the pedestrian becoming crushed against a shed wall; the whole thing was caught on camera…unbelievably irresponsible: https://bit.ly/2H2kcyK

Safe use of equipment

WK West Ltd was fined a total of almost £121,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries when his hand was pulled into a circular saw. His supervisor had failed to use a push-stick when he demonstrated how to push cardboard sheets through the machine, then promptly left the inexperienced worker to his fate. There had been no risk assessment, no safe system of work and inadequate supervision.
Malcolm E Taylor Ltd was fined a total of almost £13,000 after a worker was pulled into a machine manufacturing cladding, resulting in serious arm injuries. Guarding was inadequate, allowing employees to reach hazardous parts of the moving machinery.
Lanharan Concrete Co Ltd was fined a total of almost £8,000 after an employee lost the tip of a finger when his glove became entangled in the moving blade of a table saw. The worker had been given no training, nor was there any risk assessment or safe system of work for this equipment.
Anglo Recycling Ltd was fined a total of £13,500 after an employee’s arm was dragged into an unguarded machine. The injured worker had brought the missing guard to the company’s attention but no action had been taken.
Mercury Specialist Frames Ltd was fined a total of over £12,000 after a worker lost several fingers and severed his palm when a chop saw blade fell on his right hand. Again, no risk assessment and no safe system of work.Mekufa (UK) Ltd was fined a total of over £17,000 after a worker lost his right thumb whilst working on a lathe. Another example of gloves becoming entangled in machinery plus, yet again, no risk assessment and no safe system of work.

Materials handling

Manufacturer, K Two Sales Ltd, was fined a total of almost £24,000 after a worker suffered two broken legs when a stack of metal sheets fell on him. The worker had tried to remove one of the 20 x 4 mm thick metal sheets, making the whole pile unstable. Safe storage and stacking applies to all industries; ensure stacks are of a safe height, placed tidily and secured adequately to prevent collapse.
Magna Exteriors (Banbury) Ltd was fined a total of almost £85,000 after a worker was struck by a falling pallet, resulting in the amputation of a leg. The worker had been moving a stack of pallets using a pump-truck when a pallet fell, seriously injuring his leg.

Vibration

Design & Supply Ltd was fined a total of almost £52,000 after an employee developed HAVS from the use of a hand-held buffing tool over a 15 year period. No vibration assessment had been undertaken and, consequently, no controls had been implemented to safeguard employees’ health.

WHS is working for you; help us to help you.
Our aim is to keep people safe and to keep your company working.

COMPANY NEWS

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) Seminar

You’ve probably seen news about upcoming changes in the Data Protection Regulations, and maybe just ignored it, but don’t worry, it’s not too complicated.

What about the necessity to share personal information when it comes to health and safety? For example, medical records, health monitoring, and accident reporting… especially when dealing with sub-contractors’ employees. Well we were asking that question too, so we’ve asked three experts in the new General Data Protection Regulations to hold a quick open seminar on how the changes will affect your business.

Date: 27 April 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Venue: Wenlock Health & Safety Training Room, Jackfield Tile Museum, TF8 7LJ
Cost: £30 + VAT per person

Please contact Vicki Brown at WHS on 01952-885885 or vicki@wenlockhs.co.uk to book your place/s as soon as possible; places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

CITB Training Courses

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ AND DIGEST THE ARTICLE ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO CITB GRANTS & LEVIES IN THE ‘INDUSTRY NEWS’ SECTION BELOW

Forthcoming 2018 dates currently in place and fees for the CITB courses are as follows. Courses are held at the WHS training rooms and fees include lunch, refreshments and all course literature.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please be aware that CITB specifies that candidates must be available to attend each session within the course; failure to do so may require a repeat course.

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
Duration: 5 days; 1 day per week
Dates: 17 & 24 April and 1, 8 &15 May 2018 (all Tuesdays) – very limited space available
6, 13, 20, 27 June & 4 July 2018 (all Wednesdays)
Cost: £495 + VAT per person
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) Refresher
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 10 & 11 May 2018 (Thursday & Friday)
19 & 20 July 2018 (Thursday & Friday)
Cost: £265 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)
Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 3 & 4 May 2018 (Thursday & Friday)
9 & !0 July 2018 (Monday & Tuesday)
Cost: £230 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)
CITB 1-Day Health & Safety Awareness
Duration: 1 day
Dates: 7 June 2018 (Thursday)
Cost: £125 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)

First Aid Training

Forthcoming dates for the WHS 1-day Emergency First Aid courses, also held at our training rooms, are as follows; the fee is just £75 + VAT per person:

24 May 2018
25 June 2018
24 July 2018
23 August 2018
26 September 2018

Out-of-Hours Contact

WHS can be contacted on the MD’s mobile number 07866-605920 at any time. During periods of the MD’s unavailability, the mobile is always diverted to another member of staff so that calls can be picked up as reasonably possible. We do not necessarily monitor emails during out-of-hours periods; emails will be actioned as soon as possible on the next working day. Therefore, if very urgent assistance is required (i.e. the matter is serious and cannot wait until the next working day) please ring 07866-605920; the landline answer-phone message reiterates this.

Many thanks.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CITB Changes to Grant System

As from the beginning of April, the way in which CITB grants can be claimed is changing significantly, so please take note of the following. Of course, grants are only available to those companies who pay the CITB levy – and, if you do pay the levy, get your money’s worth and carry out adequate training, you’ve paid for it!!!

Small companies who don’t have to pay the levy (i.e. <£80,000 PAYE) are still eligible for grants
The CITB Training Plans have gone
Grants can only be claimed if courses are undertaken by a CITB approved training body – an Approved Training Organisation or ATO; WHS is an ATO for the CITB courses we advertise
A National Training Directory will detail all ATOs – but there will be a bedding period of 12 months during which you are at liberty to request proof of the training provider that they are ‘applying for registration’
All grants will now be paid automatically following verification by the ATO that the course has been completed; you won’t have to do anything except provide your CITB registration number at the time of booking.
There will be a National Register which logs all CITB attained qualifications for individuals; this can be used to verify or re-issue certification

Courses that now attract grants have changed:

You can no longer claim grants for first-aid or any other course that is not specifically construction based
Grants are payable for NVQs, HNCs, IOSH and other day or block release courses

Your local CITB representative can help, but please feel free to contact WHS if you have any queries

Apprentice Levy

Asbestos

The law says that anyone who ‘may’ possibly encounter asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at any point must carry out asbestos awareness training as a minimum.

Fire Planning

The vital importance of proper planning to both avoid fire and to safely evacuate if fire should occur was illustrated yet again in February 2018 when a fire broke out in a multi-storey terraced building in Great Portland Street.
72 fire fighters were called to tackle the blaze which broke out during the refurbishment of the building into apartments by a developer. Obviously, an investigation is underway so we can only speculate as to the cause and indeed the controls (or lack of) to prevent the fire taking hold and spreading – potentially, in a situation like this, to neighbouring properties.

Footnote:

To make matters worse, the building contained gas cylinders. Can we be clear on this – if you have to use bottled gas, there are strict controls for the use and storage of these things. And take note, fire fighters will not enter if the building contains gas bottles – it’s just too dangerous. Have you ever seen what happens to gas bottles in a fire? Skip the promo and just see how far those lethally hot and sharp projectiles fly see: https://bit.ly/2JnVB62 It wasn’t wise to stand and film from that distance!

Please make sure you contact your WHS consultant to discuss storage, handling and inspections of gas bottles, and how to carry out effective emergency planning for your sites.

Scaffolding Control
See ‘And Finally sections for more prosecutions

Another Illustration of the Perils of Leaving Asbestos in Place

This recent incident in Glasgow yet again demonstrates just how vital it is that all asbestos is removed from buildings: https://bit.ly/2IJg7Ob

Use of Mobiles Whilst Driving

The ‘It Can Wait’ campaign in the US currently has well over £23 million pledges:
https://www.itcanwait.com/pledge

We need a similar campaign in the UK; #itcanwaituk. And if you’re one of the culprits, just think…
Why can’t that call or message? You know it’s illegal, why risk a fine…or worse, why risk a life?

Hazardous Household Products

But it doesn’t stop there….other hazardous substances are (or always have been?) creeping into our households too e.g. lead and arsenic, including into children’s toys: https://bbc.in/2DDuxfT

With this type of threat to public health, this is not the time for the Government to be cutting back on controls; we now need trading standards organisations even more than ever!

Working Time Regulations

In addition, the maximum length of working days, number and timing of breaks, and other issues which directly affect tiredness, well-being and the capabilities (and thus safety) of workers are covered so it’s vital that all employers abide by the rules in a reasonable manner. Find out more:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1833/contents/made

HSE NEWS

Stricter PPE Regulations

Discuss your needs and current provision with your WHS consultant; as some of our customers have already found, you can’t afford to get this wrong!

AND FINALLY

As usual, it’s asbestos and work at height that account for most prosecutions – astonishing in this day and age! We have included another topical issue – site segregation. But, as always, these are just a snap-shot of recent prosecutions; there are many, many more per month!
Just note how many personal prosecutions are now being enacted

Asbestos
More evidence of how easy it is to release asbestos fibres into the atmosphere and endanger us all

RF Gardiner Ltd was fined a total of over £29,000 after carrying out asbestos removal work without license or adequate controls during the refurbishment of a school. Just imagine how much the de-contamination of the affected area/s would have cost the school – a lesson to all clients!

Work at height

Solar panel installation company, Sasie Ltd, was fined a total of over £16,000 and its director, Een Marsden, personally fined £500 for failing to allowing work on a roof without any edge protection. Marsden had failed to heed a previous Prohibition Notice; evidently, he would rather risk prosecution (and death or injury) by getting the work finished before the HSE came back!
Prior Homes Ltd was fined a total of almost £16,000 and its director, Paul Prior, given an 8 week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and undertake 100 hours of unpaid community work after a worker fell 5 metres through a fragile roof.
Advanced Industrial Roofing & Cladding Solutions Ltd was fined a total of over £12,000 and its director, Stephen Ball, £3,500 after a worker fell through an unprotected skylight.
Fine Dimensions Ltd was fined a total of over £8,000 after a worker was seriously injured when he fell through a fragile skylight during minor roof work. Yes, the law applies to quick works too – the results can be just as catastrophic

Public protection

Martin McColl Ltd was fined a total of over £600,000 after two members of the public suffered injuries when they fell over construction work being carried out at a store. Work was being carried out during opening hours with wholly inadequate protection (barriers and signage) of the store’s patrons. The size of this fine demonstrates just how important public protection is in the eyes of the law.

Vibration

Design & Supply Ltd was fined a total of almost £52,000 after an employee developed HAVS from the use of a hand-held buffing tool over a 15 year period. No vibration assessment had been undertaken and, consequently, no controls had been implemented to safeguard employees’ health.

COMPANY NEWS

CITB Training Courses

Forthcoming 2018 dates currently in place and fees for the CITB courses are as follows. Courses are held at the WHS offices and fees include lunch, refreshments and all course literature.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please be aware that CITB specifies that candidates must be available to attend each session within the course; failure to do so may require a repeat course.

And don’t forget that CITB levy-payers can claim substantial grants against all these courses and more – which will help alleviate the cost considerably. Contact WHS for further details.

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
Duration: 5 days; 1 day per week
Dates: 28 February and 7, 14, 21 & 28 March 2018
17 & 24 April and 1, 8 &15 May 2018
Cost: £495 + VAT per person
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) Refresher
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 12 & 13 March 2018
10 & 11 May 2018
Cost: £265 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)
Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 22 & 23 March 2018
3 & 4 May 2018
Cost: £230 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)
CITB 1-Day Health & Safety Awareness
Duration: 1 day
Dates: 26 February 2018
29 March 2018
Cost: £125 + VAT per person (10% discount when booking 2 or more people)

If any organisation requires places for 6 or more employees, we can arrange a specific course at dates, times and a location to suit. Please contact the WHS office to discuss your requirements.

First Aid Training

Forthcoming 2018 dates for the WHS 1-day Emergency First Aid courses, also held at our offices, are as follows; the fee is just £75 + VAT per person:

19 February 2018
26 March 2018
25 April 2018
24 May 2018
25 June 2018

WHS Awards

Following the announcement in the December 2017 newsletter, we now take great pleasure in congratulating once again our very worthy 2017 WHS Safety Award winners:

Archway Products (UK) Ltd
Award for: Best Safety Culture

The Company designs, manufactures and operates its Roadmaster self-contained, very safe-to-operate, pot-hole repair vehicles throughout the UK.

Despite proving to be exemplary in its approach to health & safety last year and, thus, winning the 2016 WHS award for ‘Commitment Through Innovation’, Company management still continually shows an appetite for exploring further innovation towards improvement.

The award was accepted by Managing Director, Donal McNamee, and Training Manager, Mary Gildea.

Andy Collier of biT (Telford & Wrekin Council’s Architectural Design & Building Services)
Award for: Best Safety Manager

Over the 15 years that WHS has worked alongside and supported Andy, he has always proved to be totally resolute in his commitment to high standards of health & safety.

The award was accepted by Andy Collier, shown here with WHS Managing Director, Jackie Horsewood.

Richard Sherratt Builders Ltd
Award for: Best Small Contractor

Despite being a small contractor, Richard Sherratt Builders Ltd has consistently demonstrated total commitment to the wellbeing of its employees and the public, demonstrating that compliance is possible with just a bit of thought and effort rather than huge cash reserves.

Richard Sherratt himself is pictured here accepting the award from senior WHS consultant, Mark Roberts.

Morris Property Ltd
Award for: Commitment to Training

Contractor, Morris Property Ltd, (part of the prestigious Morris & Co group) has demonstrated extremely high standards of commitment to fully training their workforce at all levels; a commendable example to the industry of how much can be achieved.

The award was accepted on behalf of Morris Property Ltd by Construction Manager, Steve Flavell, and Office Manager, Trish Empson (who has been instrumental in the organisation of the Company’s training needs). Pictured here (centre) presenting the award is WHS Associate Director, Laura Mort.

Jake Edis of Edis Developments Ltd
Commendation for: High Standards of Site Management

Since being appointed site manager in 2017, Jake Edis has demonstrated his very competent managerial ability and commitment to operating a safe site for the family company, something that prompted praise from a visiting HSE inspector a couple of months ago.

Jake is pictured here again with WHS Associate Director, Laura Mort.

Hearty congratulations are extended to all our worthy award winners. May we thank you all for your efforts, and for so enthusiastically allowing WHS to work alongside you to help achieve these high standards.

Old First-Aid Supplies

A huge thank you to all our clients who have kindly responded to our request for old first-aid supplies. We have amassed a large suitcase-full already, but can always use more. So, don’t throw out-of-date first-aid supplies away – undeveloped countries are delighted to accept them if they are still wrapped and sterile.

Please can you either give any unused, but wrapped and sterile items, to your WHS consultant when you next meet, post them to us, or let Vicki in the office know that they are available to collect. They will all be going direct to a small nomadic clinic in Mongolia. Many thanks indeed in advance!

HSE NEWS

Proposals to Reduce Health Surveillance for Asbestos Work Dropped

The HSE proposals to reduce the legal frequency of medical checks for asbestos workers to 3 years has been dropped. The consolation conducted during late 2017 resulted in an overwhelming rejection of the proposed amendment to the Control of Asbestos Regs. Sense prevails! Asbestos is much too serious an issue to lower the standards.

A pertinent reminder here that any contractor carrying out low-key but NNLW (Notifiable Non-Licensed Work) is under a legal obligation to also undertake health surveillance for all workers carrying out those tasks. If you need further advice, please contact the WHS office as we have access to persons qualified to carry out health surveillance.

Corporate Manslaughter Considered for Didcot

A pre-inquest hearing into the deaths of four workers at Didcot Power Station in February 2016 heard that Corporate Manslaughter charges are being considered by the HSE against demolition contractor, Coleman & Co. Ltd., for gross negligence and other offences. The deaths resulted from the collapse of two of the four units in the boiler house.

The HSE consideration of the Corporate Manslaughter law (although no charges have yet been laid against the contractor) sends a message to the entire industry that senior management can, and will, be held accountable for serious transgressions of health & safety law.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Urgent Product Recall

B&Q has recalled two remote-controlled plug sets due to a potential fire risk; the sets were on sale in their stores between September 2014 until November 2017:

REMOTE CONTROL ON/OFF SET TRIPLE SET Product barcode number: 5052931395033

REMOTE CONTROL ON/OFF SET TWIN SET
Product barcode number: 4895130705675

The product label (batch codes will vary)

If you suspect you may have purchased or used one of these sets, B&Q advice is as follows:

Switch it off at the wall
Remove the plug
Return it to B&Q who will give a full refund

SSiP Accreditation – Fees

SMAS Worksafe will be increasing its fees for SSiP accreditation, so do take note that the following apply from 2 April 2018 (all figures quoted ex-VAT):

Contractor: £220
Principal Contractor: £260
Designer & Principal Designer: £260
‘Mutual recognition’ (i.e. gaining SMAS on the back of CHAS, etc) £80
If your SMAS is up for renewal shortly, or you’re thinking of applying for accreditation through SMAS, make sure you get your application in well before the April deadline to save a little money.

SMAS still have favourable rates if you employ 5 or more people (including sub-contractors don’t forget) and are far easier to communicate with that some of the other SSiP providers. However, if you are a very small company (less than 5 employees in total), the following price comparisons may be useful:

CHAS (all disciplines)

Contractors:
1 employee: £174
2-4 employees: £199
5-15 employees: £299
16 and above employees: £369 – £629
‘Mutual recognition’ Contractors & Principal Contractors: £140 – £399

Designer & Principal Designer: £355 – £425

An extra fee of £60 – £120 applies to all hard-copy submissions (i.e. not submitted on-line)

Safe Contractor (all disciplines)

1 employee: £229
1-4 employees: £329
5-15 employees: £439
16 and above employees: £569 – £1099

All submissions must be on-line

Asbestos

Those of you who have received asbestos awareness training from us will be familiar with our doubts as to whether it’s possible for asbestos to be creeping into, not only imported construction materials, but also normal household products as has already happened in the U.S. and Australia…..including Peppa Pig crayons!!
http://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/officeworks-pulls-crayons-from-shelves-amidst-asbestos-fears-20150911-gjkpac.html

WHS asks…is enough being done to check the contents of materials from places such as China where the use of asbestos is still perfectly legal? Australia is leading the way in stringently checking imported materials – but are we following suit to the degree required? It costs very little for a material sample to be analysed for possible asbestos content so, if you’re importing materials from outside the E.U, it may be as well to check.

And, on the domestic front, just look at this appalling case recently reported in the U.K:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5234379/Woman-cancer-caused-asbestos-gets-clear.html

Poor Danielle is thought to have ingested asbestos fibres from her teddy bear 20 years ago when she was 3 years old. Admittedly, this may then have occurred (however inexcusably) before the blanket ban on the import and use of all types of asbestos which came into effect in January 2000, but it begs the question…how many of these potentially lethal children’s toys are still in circulation?

Asbestos – Memorials

Asbestos-related deaths are so prevalent that some areas of the country have set up their own memorials to highlight the issue and to ensure their deceased loved-ones are never forgotten. For example:

Clydesdale established Clydesdale Action on Asbestos many years ago and holds a memorial service every April
Rochdale erected an International Asbestos Memorial opposite the Town Hall; Rochdale has been particularly hard hit as asbestos-based products were manufactured in the area.
Asbestos – Fake RPE Filters

We have highlighted the serious issue of fake PPE before – it has now come to light that there may be fake RPE (respiratory protective equipment) filters out there, something that would have very severe repercussions if they are being relied upon to protect against asbestos (or any other types of) dusts.

Always make sure that you purchase all your PPE and RPE from reputable suppliers. Never cut corners to save a few pounds; it doesn’t really make sense now, does it?

Dusts

And while we’re on the subject of exposure to ‘dusts’…

Principal Contractor, MY Construction & Carpentry, has been fined £40,000 plus costs for allowing workers on a refurbishment site to be exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (‘RCS’) found in brick dust. Workers were found to be dry-cutting bricks to shape a bay window surround; work had not been properly planned or assessed and workers had been given no information about the hazards of inhaling brick dusts.

It’s astonishing that, in this day and age, main contractors still flaunt the law. This is not a question of over-zealous legal requirements; laws such as this (COSHH) are there to protect everyone from harm. Well over 1 million workers are at risk of inhaling RCS within the construction industry alone and, although figures are difficult to verify, it has been estimated that up to 50 double-decker bus loads of people die every year from respiratory diseases – so any company that blatantly disregards the need to dust control, deserves everything it gets from the legal system.

Dust Prevention – Face-Fit Testing

ELIMINATE – REDUCE – CONTROL (the essence of the legal ‘general principles of prevention’)

Prevention of dusts is the key; good design (etc) can help ELIMINATE the need for cutting, shaping, abrading, etc. on site.

If that’s not possible, contractors must REDUCE airborne dusts by dust suppression or capture (damping down, filter attachments, etc)

A reminder that the use of RPE (respiratory protective equipment – dust masks) is only a CONTROL measure so is naturally (and in law) a last resort only, or an additional safeguard. And that, every time RPE is used, there is a legal; requirement to have face-fit testing (FFT) as we have stressed many, many times before.

An important note on ‘press-to-check’ masks

There is a dangerous misconception within the industry that the commonly used ‘press-to-check’ masks don’t require face-fit testing; this is NOT true.

The press-to-check essentially creates a vacuum; this is negative pressure when the filters are checked when first worn but this weakens over time, meaning that the mask may not fit as it should after a couple of hours (or less).

The press-to-check facility, although it does provide a valuable additional feature, is a marketing tool. It is being misinterpreted and now there is widespread belief that face-fit is not required. As most reputable RPE manufacturers stress on their websites (e.g. 3M), face-fit testing is still required by law for this type of mask.

Safety in Roadworks

To prevent this nightmare scenario (pictured left)….

….one of our surfacing contractors has recently taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art Impact Protection Vehicle to safeguard their traffic management staff.

Congratulations to CH Contracting (and thanks to joint MD, Andy Hoddinot, for the photo)…as they say “every little helps” and use of this latest, high-spec vehicle will certainly vastly reduce the risks from the unpredictable driving public!

AND FINALLY

A snap-shot of recent prosecutions:

Plant & vehicle segregation

South West Highways Ltd was fined a total of well over £500,000 after the death of a worker who had been struck by a vehicle. Adequate TM controls had not been implemented – speed limits, signage and (what would have been more appropriate) a temporary road closure.

TM requirements cost money and inconvenience, yes, but the failure to properly control the traffic can be devastating in terms of both life and livelihoods.

CAV Aerospace Ltd was fined a total of well over £800,000 after a worker suffered horrendous injuries when he fell into the path of a MEWP; he was dragged along the floor for the machine’s length before it came to a stop. Where were the safe systems and segregated walkways?
RMB Contractors Ltd was fined a total of well over £99,000 after a worker was crushed between a stationary dump truck and a moving excavator and killed.

Vibration

Charter Housing Association Ltd was fined a total of almost £110,000 after exposing maintenance workers to uncontrolled hand-arm vibration. Six workers have developed symptoms of early-stage HAVS.

COSHH

Rodent Service (East Anglia) Ltd was fined a total of over £110,000 after unsafe storage of hazardous products. Canisters of a toxic biocidal compound were found to be stored in a filing cabinet! And, before anyone questions where the filing cabinet was secure, no, it was left unlocked and open to everyone!

Public protection

Martin McColl Ltd (a chain of convenience stores) and contractor, JMS Retail Concept Ltd, were fined a totals of well over £600,000 and £40,000 respectively after two elderly members of the public tripped and fell on separate occasions, both suffering broken bones, during the construction of a ramp in a Powys store.
Management liability
Both a construction company, House Design & Build Ltd, and its project manager, Neil Crow, were fined totals of over £100,000 and £15,000 respectively for multiple breaches of health & safety law. The prosecution resulted from HSE visits to two sites; there had been no accident.
Demolition contractor, S Evans & Sons Ltd, was fined totals of over £150,000 and its director, Samuel Evans, sentenced to 200 hours community work and a 10 month prison sentence suspended for 2 years, after a worker’s arm was trapped between two 10-tonne steel girders, resulting in amputation. Evans had been operating the machine to stack the girders and was, thus, found liable for both the choice of machinery and the method of working.

Sole trader liability

A misconception has crept into UK industry that sole traders are no longer liable for health & safety failings and won’t be prosecuted. As these cases demonstrate, this is not true.

Self-employed tree worker, Perry Regan, was fined over £2,000 and sentenced to 20 months (suspended) imprisonment after a branch he cut fell on a person helping below, resulting in severe head injuries.
Self-employed builder, David Guymer, was fined a total of almost £55,000 and ordered to complete 300 hours community work after installing an oven in a domestic property but without Gas Safe accreditation or safe systems. The result was an explosion that injured two occupants.

Just because you’re a sole trader, doesn’t mean that you don’t affect other people. So, in WHS’s humble opinion, it’s up to you whether you kill yourself or not (although we’d much rather you didn’t!), but if you injury others, you will be held liable.

And the last word is, as usual….work at height

BBC Studioworks Ltd was fined a total of well over £200,000, Elstree Film Studios Ltd £55,000 and Elstree Light & Power Ltd £69,000 after a contractor fell 10 metres and sustained life-changing multiple injuries during a de-rigging operation. No edge protection had been placed around hatches.

WHS is working for you; help us to help you.
Our aim is to keep people safe and to keep your company working.
To contact WHS, ring: 01952-885885

COMPANY NEWS

First Aid Training

Forthcoming 2018 dates for the WHS 1-day Emergency First Aid courses, also held at our offices, are as follows; the fee is just £75 + VAT per person:

19 February 2018
26 March 2018
25 April 2018
24 May 2018
25 June 2018