Category Archives: Uncategorized


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FFI a year on…

The HSE has fined UK firms more than £5.5 million for health and safety failings under its Fee for Intervention (FFI) scheme.
Following a Freedom of Information request , it has been revealed that businesses were fined a total of £5,532,565 for health and safety failings since October 2012.
Under the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012, companies that break health and safety laws are liable for fines to cover HSE-related costs, which include call-outs, inspections, investigations and taking enforcement action.
According to the findings, the breaches ranged from slips, trips and falls to not providing enough toilets or washing facilities. The sectors that received the most fines were manufacturing (38 per cent) and construction (36 per cent), while at the bottom of the list were water and waste management (3 per cent) and agriculture (2 per cent).
Companies need to take simple measures to boost their health and safety policy and avoid getting fined, including having a comprehensive plan in place for dealing with HSE inspections, and ensuring that staff members are aware of the parts they have to play.
Contact us if you require assistance.
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Highways work begins as part of Telford Town Centre expansion

Work will begin today on the road infrastructure in Telford town centre to aid the £450m redevelopment of Southwater and Telford Shopping Centre.

Work will start with improvements to Malinslee Roundabout which are expected to be completed by February 2014 in time for the opening of the new ASDA store and the Southwater development.

The Highways Agency will also be installing traffic lights on the Forge roundabout and widening the carriageway around the island to three lanes to improve traffic flow to and from the M54 with the aim of reducing queues on to the motorway. The work will be completed before March 2014.

Work to make the Box Road two way will be completed by March 2015 with each section of the road opened to two way traffic when completed.

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Costs for PPE-related Accidents Each Year!

The PPE Regulations 1992, Regulation 4 states:

‘Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work, except where and to the extent that, such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective’.

This means in practice that PPE should only be used as a last resort but can be used in conjunction with other control measures. The PPE Regulations 1992 are supplemented by PPE requirements in other regulations such as those relating to asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemicals.

The PPE Regulations 1992 also require you make sure that:

  • The PPE is assessed for suitability.
  • It is compatible with other types of PPE that is also needed.
  • It is properly maintained and cleaned.
  • Accommodation e.g. a locker or bag, is provided for it to prevent damage or contamination.
  • Training is provided for your staff so that they know how to wear the PPE, any restrictions on use and how it protects them.

By virtue of Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, no charge can be made to your staff for the provision of PPE which is used only at work, so you need to provide this for them.

Why PPE Fails and What You Must Do 

Even though PPE is provided, accidents still happen. This is because:

  • The wrong PPE is provided and does not protect the worker e.g. a respirator for dust is      provided when the hazard is a vapour.
  • The worker does not wear the PPE, maybe because it’s not comfortable.
  • The PPE does fit properly.
  • The PPE is not compatible with other types of PPE.
  • The PPE is broken or poorly maintained.

You should:

  • Properly assess your PPE and make sure it’s suitable.
  • Choose good quality products which are CE marked.
  • Choose equipment that suits the wearer and is comfortable – consider the size, fit and weight.
  • Instruct and train people on how to use it.
  • Supervise people and never allow exemptions for those jobs that only ‘take a few minutes’.

It’s very easy to think that once PPE is provided, the job is done – in practice, it’s only just begun. Take action now to prevent PPE accidents in your workplace.

If you need advice, contact us

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Hairdressing health and safety laws

The National Hairdressers’ Federation (NHF) has welcomed a recent decision by the European Commission (EC) not to press ahead with proposed changes to health and safety laws affecting salons.

As part of its drive to cut red tape, the EC has announced it will not be taking forward proposals which, the NHF said, could have banned salon staff from wearing high heels, required them to wear elbow-length gloves when washing hair and limited the amount of time they could spend with clients on the salon floor.

According to the NHF, the reforms could have cost salons and barbers in the industry as much as £75 million a year, if enacted to the full, based on calculations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

While welcoming the news of the shelving of the proposals, a source at the Federation said the hairdressing industry should not assume the proposals are “dead and buried”.

There are plans for the EC to carry out impact assessments in early 2014 on the cost of introducing the laws.

If you require assistance, please contact us

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Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Many jobs now require the prolonged use of display screen equipment and legislation places specific duties on employers regarding its use. Take a look at our thoroughly revised and updated topic to make sure you are aware of what needs to be done.

Display screen equipment (DSE) is covered by the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended), which promote the safe and effective use of DSE.

All aspects of the equipment and workstation are considered part of work with DSE.

The way in which DSE is used may lead to upper limb disorders, fatigue, stress or eye discomfort.

Excessive force, repetitive activities and poor postures are the three components perceived to be the biggest contributors to ill health associated with DSE work.

Appropriate set up of all features of the workstation can prevent discomfort from work with DSE. Contact us if you require a workstation assessment.

Selection of peripheral items for use with DSE can greatly improve the user’s comfort and effectiveness. Items must be selected for the person or the task to ensure suitability.

Rest breaks and changes of activity are essential in ensuring safe and effective work with DSE.

Checklists can be used to assess DSE work and ensure the workstation is suitable for the user to complete the required tasks.

Contact Walker Health & Safety Services for your health and safety requirements.