HSA makes an impact
The Health and Safety Executive has had, and will have more of, an impact in raising the level of workplace safety than April’s Corporate Manslaughter Act, the hauliers’ body Freight Transport Association has suggested. Global supply chain policy manager Chris Macrae said existing legislation was likely to have more of an impact.
Control fall risks
Companies have been warned by the Health and Safety Executive that they must control the risks from falls in the workplace following the prosecution of Wellingborough firm Spray-Craft Coating. An employee fell more than two meters from the top of a spray booth, resulting in several fractures and bleeding to his brain. The company was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £1,100 costs.
Injured return too early
Victims of workplace accidents are being forced back to work before they are ready because of the rising cost of living, according to a survey by the National Accident Helpline. More than half of the respondents said they would return to work early to make ends meet, despite the possibility of worsening health, while more than two-thirds agreed their finances had come under increased pressure since their accident.
Ensure workers’ safety
Garage owners have been reminded to ensure that workers are safe when working in or near vehicle inspection pits. The warning from the Health and Safety Executive follows London Central Bus Company being fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £15,347 costs after an incident in which an employee fell into a pit and suffered spinal injuries just over a year after another employee died in similar circumstances.
