Health & Safety Archives
August 19, 2008
Bosses told 'kick out high heels'
Bosses who force employees to wear high heels as part of their work dress should reconsider their policy, the TUC union body has said.
Continue reading "Bosses told 'kick out high heels'"
August 15, 2008
HSE proposes cutting red tape
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new consultation paper on proposals to remove several legislative form-filling requirements that apply to most businesses operating from a factory, office or shop in Great Britain.
Continue reading "HSE proposes cutting red tape"
August 8, 2008
Report highlights cost of health and safety to small firms
A new report published by the Better Regulation Executive has examined how health and safety regulation affects low risk and small businesses.
Continue reading "Report highlights cost of health and safety to small firms"
July 25, 2008
HSE gears up for European risk management campaign
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign pack for the European Week for Safety and Health at Work for 2008/09, which will focus on risk assessment and run from 20 to 26 October 2008.
Continue reading "HSE gears up for European risk management campaign"
Rolls Royce fined after workers exposed to hazardous substances
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned companies to have safe systems of work in place for employees in contact with hazardous substances.
Continue reading "Rolls Royce fined after workers exposed to hazardous substances"
Fleet driver should be better prepared for driving abroad
Norwich Union has warned that fleet drivers need to be better prepared before driving abroad by learning the driving laws for the countries they will be visiting.
Continue reading "Fleet driver should be better prepared for driving abroad"
July 11, 2008
Government response to MPs HSE report "disappointing"
The Government's response to a major report from MPs on the work of the HSE has been condemned as "disappointing" and "complacent" by Mike Macdonald, a lead negotiator for the Prospect union.
Continue reading "Government response to MPs HSE report "disappointing""
July 4, 2008
Health and safety awareness should be taught at schools
The teaching of basic health and safety awareness should be integrated into the National Curriculum to make the loss of young lives in workplace accidents a thing of the past.
Continue reading "Health and safety awareness should be taught at schools"
June 27, 2008
Capita to take over from CORGI
With effect from 1 April next year, the registration scheme for gas installers, which has been run for a number of years by CORGI, will switch to Capita.
Continue reading "Capita to take over from CORGI"
June 26, 2008
Fleet drivers have more accidents
Worrying new statistics reveal that fleet drivers have more accidents, take less care of their vehicles, fail to carry out basic checks and frequently fill up with the wrong fuel. The figures come from the RAC’s latest Vehicle Fault Analysis report.
Continue reading "Fleet drivers have more accidents"
EU to tighten pesticide controls
EU agriculture ministers have approved stricter controls on the use of pesticides, after two years of debate.
Continue reading "EU to tighten pesticide controls"
June 4, 2008
Buncefield oil fire the result of negligence
During a preliminary hearing Mr Justice David Steel, High Court judge, ruled that the Buncefield oil fire in 2005 was the result of negligence.
Continue reading "Buncefield oil fire the result of negligence"
June 3, 2008
Dangers of working under vehicles
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to repair and maintenance engineers of the dangers of working under vehicles following a case in which a man was killed while working on a refuse removal vehicle.
Continue reading "Dangers of working under vehicles"
May 16, 2008
Tories table plans to amend health and safety laws for police
Plans to amend the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 to ensure police officers can do their jobs unhindered have been tabled this week by the Conservative Party.
Continue reading "Tories table plans to amend health and safety laws for police"
May 9, 2008
Centre for Corporate Accountability slams HSE
The safety charity, the Centre for Corporate Accountability (CCA), has slammed the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to publicise "the vast majority" of its convictions — including those involving deaths.
Continue reading "Centre for Corporate Accountability slams HSE"
May 1, 2008
Safety should be a higher priority for bosses
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has released the results of new research revealing that a large number of bosses put other business concerns ahead of worker safety, according to their staff.
Continue reading "Safety should be a higher priority for bosses"
April 25, 2008
REACH fees agreed
The European Commission has now agreed the fees and charges to be made for the management of chemicals under the new EU Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) registration procedures.
Continue reading "REACH fees agreed"
April 4, 2008
Law firm slams corporate manslaughter panalities
The law firm, Eversheds, has slammed the recommendations of the Sentencing Advisory Panel (SAP) with regard to suggested penalties under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.
Continue reading "Law firm slams corporate manslaughter panalities"
March 28, 2008
Call for inquiry into contaminated aircraft air
A global advocacy group has called for a public inquiry into what it claims is the ongoing exposure of passengers and crews to contaminated air on UK transport aircraft.
Continue reading "Call for inquiry into contaminated aircraft air"
March 24, 2008
Government review promises 'radical changes' to work related health
The National Director for Health and Work, Dame Carol Black, has promised "radical changes to work-related health services" as she published the Government’s first ever review into the health of the working age population.
Continue reading "Government review promises 'radical changes' to work related health"
March 17, 2008
Ill health 'costs economy £100bn'
Ill health costs the British economy over £100bn a year - the same as the cost of running the NHS for a year, a report is set to say.
Continue reading "Ill health 'costs economy £100bn'"
Employees face trial over deaths
Two Thomas Cook employees are facing trial over the deaths of two British children in Corfu, the company said.
Continue reading "Employees face trial over deaths"
March 14, 2008
IOSH campaign for tougher corporate manslaughter sentences
Suspension of all or part of a company’s board of directors should be one of the sentencing tools at a court's disposal when convicting under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.
Continue reading "IOSH campaign for tougher corporate manslaughter sentences"
March 11, 2008
Pollution 'alters brain function'
An hour sniffing exhaust fumes may not just give you a headache - it could even alter the way the brain functions, Dutch researchers have suggested.
Continue reading "Pollution 'alters brain function'"
February 22, 2008
Health Secretary urges employers to promote greater well-being
The Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, has called on employers to do more to promote the health and well-being of their staff, in particular with respect to stress and mental health.
Continue reading "Health Secretary urges employers to promote greater well-being"
February 11, 2008
Training doesn't prevent work induced back pain
Finnish researchers writing in the British Medical Journal have concluded that providing advice or training in working techniques does not prevent back pain.
Continue reading "Training doesn't prevent work induced back pain"
January 11, 2008
Improved diet could save 70,000 lives a year
New preliminary research published by the Government’s Strategy Unit (SU) in the Cabinet Office, as part of a project looking long-term at UK food policy, has concluded that improving diet in the UK could save 70,000 lives a year — 1 in every 10 deaths.
Continue reading "Improved diet could save 70,000 lives a year"
December 14, 2007
Employers more aware of employees health say TUC
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) says more employers are becoming aware of the need to promote a healthy lifestyle for employees, but that they should address problems like stress and poor office design in order to best support employee health.
Continue reading "Employers more aware of employees health say TUC"
December 10, 2007
Work pressure leads to rule breaking
People who use their cars for work are being pushed into breaking the law by excessive work loads, according to a new report.
Continue reading "Work pressure leads to rule breaking"
November 30, 2007
Chancellor launches major review of business health and safety law
The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, has launched a major review of business health and safety laws
Continue reading "Chancellor launches major review of business health and safety law"
November 23, 2007
Pub landlord finded for breach of smoking ban
A pub landlord has been fined £500 and ordered to pay £2000 in prosecution costs after he admitted flouting the smoking ban in public places in England.
Continue reading "Pub landlord finded for breach of smoking ban"
November 2, 2007
Clocks go back - whats the impact for health and safety?
The clocks may have went back but the concerns over road safety remain the same.
Continue reading "Clocks go back - whats the impact for health and safety?"
August 29, 2007
£400,000 in fines in ICL case
ICL Plastics Ltd and ICL Tech Ltd have each been fined £200,000 at the High Court in Glasgow, having pleaded guilty to safety breaches in relation to the major explosion and building collapse at the Stockline Plastics factory in Glasgow on 11 May 2004.
Continue reading "£400,000 in fines in ICL case"
August 28, 2007
Collapse of silo killed worker
Demolition companies have been warned by the HSE of the importance of finding out as much as possible about the buildings or structures that they are about to demolish, following a case in which the collapse of a silo killed a worker.
Continue reading "Collapse of silo killed worker"
August 24, 2007
Bosses urged to "step up" to accident prevention challenge
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging directors to "step up" to the accident prevention challenge, as the safety organisation campaigns to emphasise the key role of business leaders in saving lives and reducing injuries at work.
Continue reading "Bosses urged to "step up" to accident prevention challenge"
August 17, 2007
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health slams disparity in company fines
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has slammed the "stark contrast" between the hefty fines handed out by the UK courts for financial offences and the comparatively small fines given for offences causing death in the workplace.
Continue reading "Institution of Occupational Safety and Health slams disparity in company fines"
August 13, 2007
Unions claim Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act is a "hollow victory"
Unions have called the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 a "hollow victory" for workers, and have pledged to continue to campaign for the imprisonment of company directors in cases where their actions lead to a death.
August 1, 2007
Office printers 'are health risk'
The humble office laser printer can damage lungs in much the same way as smoke particles from cigarettes, a team of Australian scientists has found.
Continue reading "Office printers 'are health risk'"
July 27, 2007
Poor H+S advice could cost lives and money
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has said that many businesses could be failing to get the quality of health and safety advice they need, potentially endangering lives and costing money.
Continue reading "Poor H+S advice could cost lives and money"
July 20, 2007
Centre for Corporate Accountability challenges HSE over right to information
The Centre for Corporate Accountability (CCA) has asked the Information Commissioner — the UK’s official freedom of information watchdog — to review a refusal by the HSE to provide information to the charity on deceased workers.
Continue reading "Centre for Corporate Accountability challenges HSE over right to information"
July 16, 2007
'New tests needed' for chemicals
Thousands of chemicals should be re-assessed for possible toxicity to human and environmental health, according to a new study.
Continue reading "'New tests needed' for chemicals"
July 1, 2007
Johnson hails 'popular' smoke ban
The smoking ban in England is the "single most important public health legislation for a generation", Health Secretary Alan Johnson has said.
Continue reading "Johnson hails 'popular' smoke ban"
June 29, 2007
'Zero Mercury' in EU by 2011
Exporting mercury from the European Union will be banned from 2011, the EU governments agreed yesterday.
Continue reading "'Zero Mercury' in EU by 2011"
June 22, 2007
IOSH fully supports smoking ban
A source at IOSH’s Fire Risk Management Specialist Group emphasised that IOSH fully supports the smoking ban, which has enormous health and fire safety benefits, but there is concern as to where businesses might locate smoking shelters.
Continue reading "IOSH fully supports smoking ban"
June 18, 2007
IOSH calls for plans to tackle workplace stress
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for a major government and employer initiative to help tackle workplace stress.
Continue reading "IOSH calls for plans to tackle workplace stress"
June 8, 2007
Soil dioxin levels 'in decline'
The level of dioxins - a group of carcinogenic chemicals - in soil and vegetation has fallen by about 70% over 20 years, a UK-wide survey suggests.
Continue reading "Soil dioxin levels 'in decline'"
June 6, 2007
Sydney's traffic pollution could kill more people than road accidents - Lord Mayor
If Sydney does not act now to tackle pollution, poor air quality could be killing one person every four hours by 2030 - eight times the current rate for road deaths in the city.
June 5, 2007
Man crushed by pet food machine
An engineer was crushed to death as he tried to clear a blockage in a machine at a pet food factory in Northamptonshire, an inquest heard.
Continue reading "Man crushed by pet food machine"
Businesses need to show sign of intent over smoking ban
Businesses in England need to ensure the no-smoking signs they are obliged to display from 1 July meet the format set out by the Government, the Department of Health (DoH) has warned.
Continue reading "Businesses need to show sign of intent over smoking ban"
April 30, 2007
Nanotechnology worries unions in USA
A group of unions and civil society organisations in the USA have released a joint statement rejecting a proposed voluntary risk assessment approach for the control of health and safety and environmental risks associated with nanotechnology.
Continue reading "Nanotechnology worries unions in USA"
April 27, 2007
REACH is a concern for us all
A Byzantine piece of legislation coming out of the EU with the aim of monitoring the use of chemicals and ensuring public and environmental safety will impact on everyone, not just the chemical industry.
Continue reading "REACH is a concern for us all"
April 20, 2007
Worker dies underground at mine
A worker has been killed in an accident underground at the UK's only potash mine.
Continue reading "Worker dies underground at mine"
April 3, 2007
Radiation risk 'less significant'
Air pollution may be a bigger risk to health than exposure to radiation, such as that after the Chernobyl disaster, a study suggests.
Continue reading "Radiation risk 'less significant'"
March 13, 2007
Office workers 'risk blood clots'
Workers who spend excessive amounts of time at their desk could be putting their lives at risk, research suggests.
Continue reading "Office workers 'risk blood clots'"
March 5, 2007
Buncefield aftermath to inform new planning regs
The magnitude of the Buncefield explosions and fire in December 2005 was such that it was a little short of a miracle no one was killed. Nonetheless, the incident has had serious implications for land use planning in close proximity to petrol storage sites.
Continue reading "Buncefield aftermath to inform new planning regs"
February 23, 2007
Indian study to gauge pollution impact on children
The Indian state of Maharashtra is setting up a study of the effects of air pollution on the respiratory health of children in its cities.
Continue reading "Indian study to gauge pollution impact on children"
February 4, 2007
Employers’ liability insurance premiums set to rise
The cost of employers’ liability insurance premiums could increase by eight per cent following the introduction of Injury Cost Recovery (ICR) legislation, the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has warned.
Continue reading "Employers’ liability insurance premiums set to rise"
January 29, 2007
Busy roads hinder lung development
Living near a busy road can lead to asthma and stunt lung development according to a Californian study involving almost 4,000 children.
Continue reading "Busy roads hinder lung development"
January 22, 2007
Worker fatally crushed under bus
A worker died after being trapped under a bus he was working on at a repair facility in Warwickshire.
Continue reading "Worker fatally crushed under bus"
January 19, 2007
HSE comments on employer responsibility in light of sever weather
With severe weather warnings issued this week by the Met Office in parts of the UK, the HSE has been urging staff and employers to be aware of the risks of working outside and at height during such times.
Continue reading "HSE comments on employer responsibility in light of sever weather"
January 16, 2007
Inquiry into Teesside chemical spill continues
A major inquiry into an accident at a chemical factory which left dozens of workers injured is expected to leave no stone unturned.
Continue reading "Inquiry into Teesside chemical spill continues"
January 7, 2007
Man trapped by 1,500 tonne press
A man was trapped for nearly an hour under a 1,500 tonne metal press at a factory in Coventry.
Continue reading "Man trapped by 1,500 tonne press"
December 2, 2006
EU draws up toxic chemicals law
The European Parliament and EU governments have struck a deal on wide-ranging legislation to control the use of toxic chemicals in industry.
Continue reading "EU draws up toxic chemicals law"
November 15, 2006
Remove mercury from more industries, say NGOs
Mercury may have been banned from European thermometers this week but campaigners have turned up heat on the toxic metal and are pushing for wider restrictions.
Continue reading "Remove mercury from more industries, say NGOs"
November 14, 2006
Alert to radioactive gas dangers
A health watchdog is to target firms to raise awareness about the dangers of high levels of radon gas in premises.
Continue reading "Alert to radioactive gas dangers"
October 25, 2006
European ban on cancer-causing PFOS imminent
An EU-wide ban on PFOS, a cancer-causing chemical used in carpets, textiles and other products, may soon be adopted by the European Council after Euro-MPs gave proposals the go-ahead this week.
Continue reading "European ban on cancer-causing PFOS imminent"
October 19, 2006
Firm fined £10,000 for man's fall
A demolition company has been fined £10,000 after an employee suffered severe injuries when he fell through a roof he was working on.
Continue reading "Firm fined £10,000 for man's fall"
October 18, 2006
Chemical campaigns 'misleading'
Leading toxicologists have warned green groups are "misleading" the public with chemical contamination campaigns.
Continue reading "Chemical campaigns 'misleading'"
October 11, 2006
HSE named as UK's REACH watchdog
The Health & Safety Executive will oversee the implementation of new European moves to regulate the chemical industry and the manufacturers which rely on its products in the UK.
Continue reading "HSE named as UK's REACH watchdog"
EU backs strong law on chemicals
An EU committee has endorsed tough new laws on chemicals, against the wishes of industry and European ministers.
Continue reading "EU backs strong law on chemicals"
October 2, 2006
Europe waters down air directive
The European Parliament appears to have contradicted itself this week by calling for more to be done to protect air quality and then voting to scrap parts of an important piece of legislation which would do just that.
Continue reading "Europe waters down air directive"
September 19, 2006
Boy loses arm in mincer accident
A 15-year-old boy has had his right arm amputated after it was trapped in a butcher's mincer for two hours.
Continue reading "Boy loses arm in mincer accident"
September 18, 2006
Mercury ban imminent
Europe has come a step closer to banning the use of mercury in medical devices such as thermometers but environmental NGOs want Brussels to extend the ban to cover household barometers.
Continue reading "Mercury ban imminent"
September 10, 2006
Babies exposed to toxic chemicals whilst in the womb
The latest study showing developing foetuses are being exposed to alarming levels of chemicals via the mothers' blood has found all pregnant women in a sample of over 300 had at least one gender-bending pesticide in their placenta.
Continue reading "Babies exposed to toxic chemicals whilst in the womb"
August 15, 2006
Scots roll out regulations on oil storage
Regulations designed to protect against oil spills north of the border have been introduced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) - which is now offering advice to industry on how to ensure its tanks comply.
Continue reading "Scots roll out regulations on oil storage"
July 28, 2006
Green light for new asbestos regs
The Health and Safety Commission has approved revised regulations which would reduce maximum exposure limits and require workers to receive in depth training before dealing with asbestos.
Continue reading "Green light for new asbestos regs"
June 22, 2006
Man dies after coal mine accident
A miner has died at the UK's biggest pit at Daw Mill colliery near Nuneaton in Warwickshire
Continue reading "Man dies after coal mine accident"
June 12, 2006
Indian air 'unfit to breathe'
A survey of air quality in India has claimed that millions of people are exposed to levels of toxic gases up to a staggering 35,000 times higher than would be considered safe in developed countries.
Continue reading "Indian air 'unfit to breathe'"
May 25, 2006
TV star gives work safety warning
More than 600 people in the West Midlands region were injured last year when falling only a few feet at work.
Continue reading "TV star gives work safety warning"
Man dies in cement plant accident
A man has died following an accident at a cement plant in Rugby.
Continue reading "Man dies in cement plant accident"
May 10, 2006
Toxic fears hit Highbury auction
Arsenal have had to abandon plans to sell off 38,500 seats from Highbury to fans because small traces of toxic metal cadmium have been found in them.
Continue reading "Toxic fears hit Highbury auction"
May 8, 2006
We should learn from asbestos mistakes - nanotech professor
A Scottish academic who is a nationally respected authority on nanotech has warned that without proper safety testing the tiny technology could come back to haunt us as asbestos did.
Continue reading "We should learn from asbestos mistakes - nanotech professor"
April 18, 2006
Chernobyl death figures 'too low'
The health effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine 20 years ago have been grossly under-estimated, says an environmental charity.
Continue reading "Chernobyl death figures 'too low'"
April 6, 2006
Improved air quality can extend life expectancy
The strategy designed to cut air pollutants which can adversely affect human health is to be reviewed across the UK.
Continue reading "Improved air quality can extend life expectancy"
March 23, 2006
1 October to be Implementation Date for Fire Safety Reform
The government has finally announced an implementation date for the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) that was due to come into force in April this year.
Continue reading "1 October to be Implementation Date for Fire Safety Reform"
March 18, 2006
Euro MPs back tougher stance on mercury
Euro MPs called for a tougher stance on mercury pollution in Europe, pushing for a ban on mercury use in all new thermometers, limits on emissions from coal-powered stations, crematoria, and the safe storage of waste mercury.
Continue reading "Euro MPs back tougher stance on mercury"
March 6, 2006
Link between pollution and heart disease explored
While not the biggest risk factor air pollution plays a significant role in worsening, or even sparking, heart disease.
Continue reading "Link between pollution and heart disease explored"
Harmful industrial gases put on tighter leash
New guidelines have been published to protect those living near industrial sites from a variety of irritant gases.
Continue reading "Harmful industrial gases put on tighter leash"
March 3, 2006
Dutch asbestos ship sparks protests in Poland
A Dutch ship containing at least 180 tonnes of asbestos sent to Poland for a re-fit has caused controversy after the extent of its contamination was revealed.
Continue reading "Dutch asbestos ship sparks protests in Poland"
February 27, 2006
Asbestos removal industry told to protect workers
More needs to be done to stop illness and death among workers, the asbestos removal industry has been told by the Health and Safety Executive.
Continue reading "Asbestos removal industry told to protect workers"
February 21, 2006
Air-petrol mix 'Buncefield cause'
Devastation caused by the fires has delayed the investigation
Evidence points to a mixture of petrol and air which ignited being the cause of the Buncefield oil depot explosions, the lead investigator has said.
Continue reading "Air-petrol mix 'Buncefield cause'"
February 6, 2006
Row over risks of farm chemicals
Scientists have criticised a report on crop spraying and its risks to health.
Continue reading "Row over risks of farm chemicals"
January 29, 2006
Lax lawmaking leaves RoHS in chaos
Whether by error or omission many European states have botched attempts to add new hazardous substance laws to their statute books, according to industry groups.
Continue reading "Lax lawmaking leaves RoHS in chaos"
January 23, 2006
Evidence accumulates for cadmium cancer link
Belgian researchers have shown a definite link between exposure to industrial pollutant cadmium and the risk of contracting lung cancer, arguing that living in a heavily contaminated area is almost as dangerous as smoking.
Continue reading "Evidence accumulates for cadmium cancer link"
January 20, 2006
Work stress 'heart disease link'
Stress in the workplace is a major factor in the development of heart disease and diabetes, a study says.
Continue reading "Work stress 'heart disease link'"
January 11, 2006
Taxi travel pollution 'highest'
Taking a taxi may be a relatively luxurious form of transport - but it might also increase your exposure to common pollutants.
Continue reading "Taxi travel pollution 'highest'"
December 16, 2005
REACH stumbles over latest hurdle
The latest manifestation of the controversial REACH agreement has been passed by European ministers, but environmentalists claim it has had more teeth knocked out in the process.
Continue reading "REACH stumbles over latest hurdle"
December 14, 2005
EU backs landmark chemicals law
European Union ministers have approved a landmark law on chemicals, after two years of discussion and lobbying.
Continue reading "EU backs landmark chemicals law"
November 30, 2005
Pollutants link to diabetes risk
Exposure to high levels of a class of environmental pollutants may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, research suggests.
Continue reading "Pollutants link to diabetes risk"
November 24, 2005
Toxic leak reaches Chinese city
A huge swathe of toxic water has reached Harbin in north-eastern China after drifting down the Songhua river which is the city's main water source.
Continue reading "Toxic leak reaches Chinese city"
November 23, 2005
Study tracks health effects of mobile phones on the young
A long-term study has been launched in Australia in an attempt to discover whether children are at higher risk than adults from radiation emitted by mobile phones.
Continue reading "Study tracks health effects of mobile phones on the young"
November 21, 2005
Probe into pollution's suicide link
Scientists in America have carried out a series of studies that appear to link high levels of pollution to rocketing suicide rates, brain cancer and even child abuse.
Continue reading "Probe into pollution's suicide link"
November 17, 2005
Euro-MPs back major chemicals law
The European Parliament has approved far-reaching legislation which will lead to the safety testing of thousands of chemicals used in everyday products.
Continue reading "Euro-MPs back major chemicals law"
November 14, 2005
Asbestos compensation bid starts
Lawyers are set to mount a bid to win compensation for thousands of workers who have been struck down by an asbestos-related health condition.
Continue reading "Asbestos compensation bid starts"
November 7, 2005
Electricity 'no link to illness'
There is no scientific proof exposure to electrical equipment causes ill health, say scientists.
Continue reading "Electricity 'no link to illness'"
October 17, 2005
Evidence mounts for PCB sperm damage
A new report has added to the growing body of evidence against gender bending chemicals but has also thrown up a few surprises.
Continue reading "Evidence mounts for PCB sperm damage"
October 6, 2005
1918 killer flu 'came from birds'
The Spanish flu virus that killed 50 million people in 1918-19 was probably a strain that originated in birds, research has shown.
Continue reading "1918 killer flu 'came from birds'"
September 14, 2005
Workers 'need mental health help'
Employers should do more to help support workers who are suffering from mental health problems, a study says.
Continue reading "Workers 'need mental health help'"
September 5, 2005
Smoke ban proposal 'half-hearted'
The government would be guilty of double standards if it did not enforce a full ban on smoking in public places, the British Medical Association says.
Continue reading "Smoke ban proposal 'half-hearted'"
August 16, 2005
Compensation over asbestos death
The family of a nurse who died after being exposed to asbestos dust at a hospital has been awarded £175,000 in damages from the Department of Health.
Continue reading "Compensation over asbestos death"
August 9, 2005
Store rapped over danger to workers
A Coventry supermarket has been fined £7,000 for health and safety offences.
Continue reading "Store rapped over danger to workers"
Cosmic rays 'harm pilots' sight'
Airline pilots may be at increased risk of eye damage because of their exposure to cosmic radiation, warn experts.
Continue reading "Cosmic rays 'harm pilots' sight'"
July 6, 2005
Europe bans chemical use in toys
The European Parliament has voted to permanently ban the use of a group of chemicals to soften children's toys following health concerns.
Continue reading "Europe bans chemical use in toys"
June 10, 2005
Power stations 'no cancer risk'
There is categorically no evidence that living near nuclear power stations increases the rate of childhood cancers, says a report.
Continue reading "Power stations 'no cancer risk'"
June 6, 2005
Toxins may pass down generations
Toxic chemicals that poisoned your great-grandparents may also damage your health, US research suggests.
Continue reading "Toxins may pass down generations"
June 3, 2005
Pylons 'may be a leukaemia risk'
Living too close to overhead power lines appears to increase the risk of childhood leukaemia, researchers say.
Continue reading "Pylons 'may be a leukaemia risk'"
May 16, 2005
Corporate manslaughter: the issues
Fresh from an election victory, the Labour government is widely expected to introduce a corporate manslaughter bill.
Continue reading "Corporate manslaughter: the issues"
April 21, 2005
Bug death accused breached safety
An architect has been found guilty of breaching health and safety laws after an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in which seven people died.
Continue reading "Bug death accused breached safety"
April 18, 2005
EU pollution deaths cost billions
The European Union could save up to 161 billion euros a year by reducing deaths caused by air pollution, the World Health Organization has said.
Continue reading "EU pollution deaths cost billions"
April 7, 2005
Stress and depression top benefit claims
Stress and depression have overtaken back pain as Britain's top claims for incapacity benefit, according to new figures.
Continue reading "Stress and depression top benefit claims"
April 6, 2005
HSE launches Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today launches a brief guide to the Work at Height Regulations. The guide outlines what people must do to comply with the Regulations, which come into effect on 6 April.
Continue reading "HSE launches Work at Height Regulations 2005"
April 4, 2005
HSE inspectors' blitz building sites
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) construction inspectors issued 214 enforcement notices across Great Britain during the March 2005 Healthy Handling blitz.
Continue reading "HSE inspectors' blitz building sites"
March 11, 2005
Firm fined after 'caustic' burns
A cleaning company has been ordered to pay nearly £10,000 after an employee was burned with caustic soda.
Continue reading "Firm fined after 'caustic' burns"
February 11, 2005
No breaches around cement works
Health limits for major pollutants are not being breached around the Rugby Cement works, a new study says.
Continue reading "No breaches around cement works"
February 4, 2005
Effect of racial discrimination on work stress
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new report on ethnicity, work characteristics, stress and health, which concludes that the combination of racial discrimination with gender and ethnicity is powerfully influential in work stress.
Continue reading "Effect of racial discrimination on work stress"
January 28, 2005
Impact of COSHH Amendment Regulations
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published two regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) that analyse the effects of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004.
Continue reading "Impact of COSHH Amendment Regulations"
January 26, 2005
Watch out for bogus health and safety invoices
Safety chiefs are warning businesses about a scam in which bosses are charged hundreds of pounds from a bogus health and safety organisation.
Continue reading "Watch out for bogus health and safety invoices"
January 21, 2005
Time off sick and heart attack risks
A team of Finnish occupational health specialists has concluded from a study of British civil servants that men who never take time off sick, even if they are ill, are doubling their risk of having a heart attack.
Continue reading " Time off sick and heart attack risks"
HSE urges caution after the storms
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged North East businesses, and anyone else involved in clear-up and repair work following the recent damaging storms, to think carefully before they start.
Continue reading "HSE urges caution after the storms"
January 17, 2005
Worker dies in warehouse accident
A 51-year-old man has died while carrying out routine maintenance work at a warehouse.
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January 14, 2005
Fears about asbestos building site
Residents near Spodden Valley, Manchester, are campaigning against building plans for a site which was once home to the world’s largest asbestos textile factory.
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Dyslexia in the workplace
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has published a new report on dyslexia in the workplace, which it describes as the "hidden disability".
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January 11, 2005
Director jailed following roofwork fatality
The managing director of a building company has been sentenced to a 16-month jail sentence following a health and safety prosecution brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
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January 10, 2005
Britain's daily diet of stealth poisons revealed
Food and water presumed to be clean have been revealed to contain many toxic substances, sometimes above legal limits, according to a shock study by UK experts.
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Cadmium in partial EU battery ban
Controversial chemical cadmium will be phased out of use in certain batteries, following an agreement by EU Ministers, but will still be allowed for some purposes.
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January 6, 2005
New WHO occupational health website
The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations specialised agency for health, has launched a new occupational health website, available in English, French and Spanish.
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January 5, 2005
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004 No. 3386) were laid before Parliament on 23 December 2004 and will amend three sets of existing health and safety regulations.
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December 14, 2004
Firm fined over employee's death
A Coventry firm has been fined £105,000 over the death of one of its employees who was crushed under metal containers.
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December 10, 2004
European safety priorities for 2005
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has announced its priorities for 2005.
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European safety priorities for 2005
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has announced its priorities for 2005.
Continue reading "European safety priorities for 2005"
Language barriers mean new dangers at work
Concern that migrant workers are missing out on safety training because employers provide safety material only in English has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to produce a leaflet in 19 languages.
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December 2, 2004
Industry 'denies chemical risks'
Clear scientific evidence linking some substances with childhood illnesses is being rejected by the European chemical industry, a senior WHO official says.
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November 22, 2004
New regulations on the transport of petrol
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is seeking views from the petroleum and road haulage industries on proposals for new regulations covering the transport of petrol by road and rail.
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November 18, 2004
HSE publishes health and safety statistics for 2003/04
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published the latest statistics on workplace safety, work-related ill-health and enforcement action in Great Britain.
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October 20, 2004
TUC calls for more safety checks
Workers and the public are being put at risk because there are not enough visits being made by health and safety inspectors, says the TUC.
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September 20, 2004
Chemical treaty to extend scope
A week-long international conference on regulating hazardous chemicals gets under way in Geneva on Monday.
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September 15, 2004
Doctors called on to identify workplace-induced asthma
Doctors and practice nurses were today called on to identify the possible cause of asthma when diagnosing patients, especially where the disease may be traced to the workplace. New guidelines ask doctors and practice nurses to help prevent occupational asthma by, for example, asking patients about the nature of their work and their workplace.
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September 9, 2004
Company fined over death plunge
The UK's largest container port operator has been fined £250,000 over the death of a worker who plunged nearly 120ft to his death from a crane.
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August 26, 2004
Leamington company fined £2,500 after employee injury
Leamington building firm Clulee has been fined £2,500 after one of its workers fell from a roof.
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August 4, 2004
SMEs breaching health and safety laws
Three in ten small business bosses do not comply fully with the Health and Safety at Work Act despite being obliged to do so by law, according to research by Bibby Financial Services (BFS).
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July 30, 2004
Stress: health and safety managers feeling the strain
While often charged with lowering stress levels in organisations, health and safety managers themselves are suffering from unreasonable workloads, uncooperative colleagues and employers with little buy-in.
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July 28, 2004
£550,000 fine over forklift death
DIY giant B&Q has been fined £550,000 and ordered to pay £250,000 costs after a woman was crushed by a forklift truck while shopping.
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June 24, 2004
Air pollution damages lungs of unborn babies
The World Health Organisation has said that air pollution can damage the lungs of children even before birth.
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