7 June DBS and contractors (for schools) We are arriving at the time of year when schools have established plans for works to be carried out on site. This could be small or large construction projects, electrical work or estate maintenance. It’s important that schools consider the needs of DBS and ensure that all contractors have the correct type of DBS before … Read More
23 May CDM – Those in control of work I think that we would all accept that “those in control of work” have a responsibility to ensure that the work is carried out safely. Part of that responsibility is ensuring that there is a safe way of doing it (usually referred to as a safe system of work). The responsibility does not end there; … Read More
22 May Selection and Control of Contractors The Selection and Control of Contractors is an area that some businesses do not devote enough time to, and do not understand their responsibilities fully. Reliance on the use of contractors has increased dramatically over recent years in most employment sectors. Organisations are increasingly concentrating on core activities and operations and are taking on contract staff for … Read More
4 April Control measures need to be managed A recent case demonstrates that control measures need to be managed. Control measures are things that we identify in risk assessments and procedures that are intended to keep people safe. If control measures are not adhered to (ignored, or people not being aware of them) them people are not being kept safe, and they may … Read More
24 March Death of a Contractor The death of a contractor has resulted in a large fine for Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited. The self-employed contractor fell from a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) and later died from his injuries after a conveyor was started. In March 2015, the contractor had been working at the height of nearly five metres installing revised fire … Read More
20 March Construction failures – directors jailed Construction failures – directors jailed A Greater Manchester construction company (SR and RJ Brown Ltd) has been fined £300,000 for Corporate Manslaughter, and two of its directors have been jailed for 20 months after covering up the events that led to a worker’s death. The directors attempted to cover up events after the death of a worker. The court … Read More
26 January Health and Safety Failings – Trust and contractor fined over asbestos Trust and contractor fined over asbestos Key Facts A charitable trust hired a contractor to carry out refurbishment works Both parties failed to ensure safe work with asbestos They were fined a total of £27,000 plus costs of £25,000 The Case An HSE investigation was launched after concerns were raised about the treatment of asbestos … Read More
28 July Spotlight on – CDM 2015, the Principal Designer Role In response to the many questions being asked about the Principal Designer (PD) role under the new CDM 2015 Regulations, the HSE has posted some useful answers: Who can carry out the role of the Principal Designer (PD)? The PD must be a designer – an architect, consulting engineer or quantity surveyor, or anyone who … Read More
16 March Health and Safety Failings – Engineer fined for fraudulent Gas Safe claims Engineer fined £6,000 for fraudulently claiming to be Gas Safe Registered Key Facts: Self-employed man fined for multiple has safety breaches after putting homeowners lives at risk by taking on work he was not sufficiently competent to undertake He fraudulently claimed to be Gas Safe registered when he was not, and never had been. He … Read More
11 February February Newsletter – Health and Safety Follow this link to see a copy of the February newsletter on health and safety matters. In this month’s issue, there is a reminder that the new CDM Regulations will be with us soon. There is an article on some recent work-related manslaughter prosecutions and also a short case study of how we helped someone facing Enforcement Action … Read More