Safety Matters - october 2005

Welcome to the October 2005 edition of the Mesh Consultants Safety Matters email newsletter.

This newsletter is available on free subscription only and is our way of keeping you informed about developments in Health and Safety. To review or amend your subscription details, please see the notes at the end.

In this issue:

Statistics confirm mental ill health and MSDs as most common causes of work-related ill health

Research reveals widespread bullying in the public sector

Network Rail and Balfour Beatty receive massive fines following the Hatfield trial for worst-case industrial negligence seen

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes information for businesses on compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Act 2005

The HSE looks to dispel myth that ladders are illegal or banned

HSE announces launch of ladders week (14-18 November 2005)

HSE issues warning to construction industry on the use of mobile plant

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) issues new guidance on mobile phones and driving

HSE target construction "fit out phase"

Property developer fined £11,000 following allegations that employees had been exposed to asbestos

Norfolk animal charity fined after three workers inhale toxic fumes

Derbyshire firm ordered to pay £32,600 in fines and costs after a worker died from crush injuries

Statistics confirm mental ill health and MSDs as most common causes of work-related ill health

The findings as reported by specialist occupational health doctors, found that:

• MSDs, affecting mainly the back and upper limbs, were associated to guiding or holding tools, followed by heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and keyboard work. Included in the groups most at risk were typists, metal plate workers and road construction workers.
• The highest recorded incident rates of work related mental ill health were seen in the UK armed forces, followed by medical practitioners, who experienced rates of 16-17 times the national average. Consistent reporting identifies that it is professional and managerial groups who are most at risk of work related stress, anxiety or depression; particularly teachers, nurses and other public sector occupations.

Are these issues in your organisation? Are you losing valuable resources to sickness absence? Call MESH for help in training your staff to recognise the hazards and develop successful controls that can save your company money.

Research reveals widespread bullying in the public sector

A study of executives across both the public and private sectors revealed many senior managers are subjected to bullying and psychological intimidation. The research identified a lack of awareness of how to deal with workplace bullies.

The key findings included that:

• One third of directors admit to being bullied;
• Six in ten believe bullying has increased over the last 3 years;
• The top reasons given for bullying were a lack of management skills and a failure to deal with bullies.
  

Network Rail and Balfour Beatty receive massive fines following the Hatfield trial for worst-case industrial negligence seen.

The Institution of Occupational Safety (IOSH) welcomed the £13.5 million fines imposed on Balfour Beatty and Network Rail, but said it finds it hard to believe that in "the worst case of industrial negligence" seen by Mr Justice Mackay, manslaughter charges were unable to be proven.

IOSH president, Lawrence Waterman said: "Though we are very pleased that the court has treated these health and safety offences with the gravity they merit, we believe such cases further illustrate the need for urgent legislative reform.

"The new corporate manslaughter law will be better, because it will remove the need to prove a 'directing mind' in large corporate bodies for avoidable deaths arising from work. We believe that the stigma from being prosecuted for manslaughter, coupled with fines such as those handed out today [October 7], will be an effective deterrent to health and safety negligence."

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes information for businesses on compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Act 2005

The Act introduces new requirements for employers to reduce and control the risks associated with hand-arm vibration (HAV) and is of particular importance to industries where the use of power tools is extensive, such as construction, mining and manufacturing.

In the publication, 'Hand-arm Vibration: Control Of Vibration At Work Regulations 2005', the HSE presents practical guidance on issues including risk assessments, vibration exposure and health surveillance.

The HSE says that ladders are not banned, but should be used sensibly

The HSE have looked to set the record straight that the Work at Height Regulations do not ban the use of ladders, as has been rumoured in a number of industries (such as window cleaning).

Ian Greenwood, head of HSE`s Falls from Height Programme said "HSE champions sensible health and safety. These regulations do not ban ladders but say they should be used only when other safer alternatives for work at height have been ruled out. A risk assessment must show that the task is low risk and of short duration, or that there are site features that mean other equipment is not appropriate. If so, then ladders can be used."

Are you aware of how to comply with the new Work at Height Regulations? Do you and your employees need some advice or training? Then contact MESH - we can offer expert advice in this area.

HSE announces launch of ladders week (14-18 November 2005)

During 'Ladders Week', each HSE local office is organising its own events, many in partnership with trade associations, local employers and equipment hire companies.

These events include Safety and Health Awareness Days, practical demonstrations of alternative equipment to ladders and breakfast meetings with employers and health and safety professionals.

The HSE said that it would work with ladder users and their employers to look at the current use of ladders and suggest sensible measures to improve safety.

"With a little more planning and assessment of the risks, understanding of the limitations of ladders, proper maintenance and checking that users are competent, many accidents could be avoided," said Ian Greenwood, the HSE's falls-from-height team leader. Ladders are the number one cause of workplace deaths.

HSE issues warning to construction industry on the use of mobile plant

The warning was issued in relation to possible dangers from using two items of plant commonly used in the industry -mobile elevating working platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers. With both pieces of plant there has been a history of fatal accidents occurring.

A HSE spokesperson commented, "It should be relatively simple to assess whether you might have a problem."

The danger highlighted with the use of MEWPs is that of the operator becoming trapped against overhead and adjacent objects whilst in the platform. With the telehandler the danger is to pedestrians being struck by the vehicle when the driver has impaired visibility while travelling on site.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) issues new guidance on mobile phones and driving

RoSPA has produced a leaflet that gives clear, simple advice on how employers can reduce the risks. Research shows that using a mobile, whether hand-held or hands-free, makes you four times more likely to have an accident because of the distraction of the telephone conversation. Tips for employers include:

• Consulting staff on the organisation's mobile phone policy;
• Raising awareness of the dangers of using hands-free sets whilst driving;
• Stressing the importance of line managers not expecting staff to make or receive calls whilst driving;
• Reviewing work practices to ensure that they do not pressurise staff into using their phones when driving.

"If employers provide a phone, they have a responsibility in law to ensure that it is used safely," said RoSPA's Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions.

Do you need assistance in developing a policy that keeps your employees safe and ensures you as an employer meet your legal obligations? Then contact MESH - we can offer expert advice in this area.

The HSE target construction "fit out phase" in a campaign to reduce the number of falls and trips

Figures reveal that falls and trips caused 50 per cent of major injuries in construction in 2003/04 and throughout October HSE inspectors are visiting sites across the UK to ensure:

• That principal contractors are managing the work of painters, decorators, electricians, floor fitters, joiners and other contractors who may all be working together on site;
• That they have chosen safe working methods and equipment for working at height;
• That sites are kept tidy.

The HSE recognise that there is a higher risk of falls and trips in the "fit out phase" of construction projects because of the number of different trades people working at the same time, with areas more likely to be cluttered with tools and materials.

Tripping hazards can be easily avoided if sites are well organised and kept tidy. All workers on site should take ownership.

Property developer fined £11,000 following allegations that employees had been exposed to asbestos

Maddox Homes Ltd was fined £11,000 following an investigation by the HSE into allegations that employees had been exposed to asbestos during a refurbishment and construction project. The company pleaded guilty to the charges.

Abosede Ogunsekan, HM Inspector of Health and Safety commented: "Recent research has shown that the largest group currently at risk from exposure to asbestos fibres are construction workers and those in associated trades such as demolition. The fact that the onset of the disease following exposure is not immediate does not diminish the severity of the hazard."

Mr Ogunsekan warned companies to complete an asbestos survey on the premises prior to refurbishment or demolition and concluded: "This case indicates that the courts take exposure to asbestos seriously."

Norfolk animal charity fined after three workers inhale toxic fumes

The charity and two of its managers were fined a total of £30,100 and ordered to pay £21,120 costs by the court. This was a result of three workers being badly affected by inhaling toxic fumes from rat poison. All pleaded guilty to all charges.

During March 2004 the two managers had decided to take action to deal with a rat problem, although they did not have the authority, nor had they been trained in the safe use of the chemical. The managers applied the chemical in a barn, but this particular rat poison should only be used outside, not in a confined space.

The following day three workers were stacking hay in the barn without being informed the poison had been applied. All needed hospitalisation after being exposed to the gas given off by the poison and all have since suffered long term health problems.

Have you assessed the risks for all the chemicals used in your organisation? If you're not sure and feel you may need assistance see the companies that MESH has helped with COSHH assessment.

Derbyshire firm ordered to pay £32,600 in fines and costs after a worker died from crush injuries

Glebe Mines Ltd admitted failing to ensure the safety of driver Charles Green, who collecting a consignment of chemicals when he was trapped between a loading shovel and a forklift truck.

The firm also admitted failing to carry out a risk assessment, contrary to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Kevin Wilson, who investigated the accident, commented: "Transport accidents are one of the most common ways workers are injured, and a little while spent planning how vehicles and pedestrians can move safely round a site can save lives.

Have all of your operations been risk assessed, if not are you prepared to plead guilty in court? Do you need professional assistance to identify the main hazards in your workplace and ensure the correct controls are in place? Take a look at the companies that MESH has helped with risk assessment.