Building sites fail to pass HSE inspections
One in five construction sites failed health and safety checks during the latest national inspection blitz in March by the Health and Safety Executive. Inspectors visited 1,759 refurbishment sites and were forced to take action in 348 cases, either to stop work immediately or order improvements to be made. Almost 500 notices were issued.
Rospa leadership survey
Members of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are being urged to give their views on the best way to enhance the director-level leadership of health and safety within businesses and organisations. But members wishing to take part had better hurry, as the survey closes on 5 June.
Bakers at risk of asthma
Thousands of British bakers could be at risk of developing occupational asthmas unless they take precautions, the Health and Safety Executive has warned. Bakers are about 80 times more likely to develop occupational asthma than the average British worker, the HSE has estimated, with 27,000 of the 100,000 UK bakers regularly working with flour, which can cause asthma unless precautions are taken.
Work-related death toll
Four workers across the world die every minute from work-related accidents or ill health, a report from The British Safety Council has concluded. Work-related deaths, injuries and ill health cost the world $1.25 (US) trillion every year, amounting to 4% of the global gross domestic product, it added.
