News

This month’s news

Mine workers win compensation

Former Welsh miners suffering from lung diseases and vibration white finger,
or their families, have now received nearly £100m in compensation, the
Government has said. A record 22,000 medical assessments have now been
completed in the country, added Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

HSE issues safety reminder for roofers

A new safety alert for the roofing industry has been issued by the HSE. The
alert aims to ensure the industry is working to the same fragility
classification when constructing or repairing roofs.

Global asbestos ban

The TUC has stepped up its campaign against asbestos, calling for a global
ban on its use. Employers are to be made to establish a public register of
asbestos in their workplace and a fairer deal for the victims of asbestos,
particularly South African miners.

Passport for safety

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and the Safety Pass
Alliance have launched a "passport" safety scheme to raise standards
of workplace safety. Contractors whose workers are in possession of a passport
will be able to prove they have knowledge of accredited health and safety
training.

For further details, tel: 0116 2573180.

Back pain in drivers

A leaflet to help combat the risk of back pain among people who drive to and
at work has been published by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. It
includes tips on posture, choosing a car and issues such as how to avoid using
the car as an office.

Driving – The Hidden Costs is available by sending an A5 stamped addressed
envelope to the society, at 14 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4ED or it can be
downloaded from its website, www.csp.org.uk

H&S advice for new businesses

Business start-ups are being offered health and safety tips through a new
website launched by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and
backed by the Health and Safety Executive. 
The site offers start-ups advice on general principles and legal requirements
for health and safety at work.  www.safestartup.org

Hazardous substances

The Health and Safety Commission has published a consultative document
setting out new regulations for controlling hazardous substances and lead at
work. It is available online.  

Roof accident fine

Insulation firm McDonald’s Insulation and Maintenance and the London Borough
of Havering have been fined more than £10,000 between them over an incident
last year where a worker fell three metres through a fragile roof.

Help reduce asthma at work

A package of measures designed to cut occupational asthma by 30 per cent has
been agreed by the Health and Safety Commission. Measures include the 30 per
cent target, an approved code of practice and more guidance for employers.

New health and safety guidance

New guidance for the construction industry has been issued by the HSE. The
guidance, Health and Safety in Construction, has been updated and a new
publication is aimed at smaller building firms. Absolutely Essential Health and
Safety Toolkit for the Smaller Construction Contractor is available from the
HSE, tel: 01787 881165.

Safety advice for food packers

The Health and Safety Executive has published new guidance leaflets on safeguarding
three common types of packaging machinery. Food information sheets 26, 27 and
28 deal with thermoform, fill and seal machines, palletisers, depalletisers and
pre-formed rigid container packaging machines. About 7 per cent of injuries in
the food and drink industry are caused by machinery, and half of these by
packaging machines, said the HSE.