Construction Infonet is a free e-Bulletin from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to provide a regular update on health and safety issues for all in the construction industry.
HSE Construction inspectors are carrying out an intensive inspection initiative during February and March 2012, focusing on the refurbishment/building site risks that make construction one of Britain’s most dangerous industries – working at height safely, good order on site, and the risks associated with the removal of asbestos.
HSE will not hesitate to take action if we find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers and the public at risk.
Many incidents are completely avoidable by taking simple commonsense precautions. Find out what you can do to improve health and safety on your site before an inspector calls:
HSE’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday 14 March 2012. The meeting will be held in the City/Cathedral Room at Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS. It will begin at 10 am and finish at around 1 pm.
There is no charge for admission to the meeting, but it is necessary to register in advance, as places are limited. Register online.
Apprentice tradesmen in the region are set to benefit from a new e-learning package to help them better understand the risks from asbestos. Those who train or take on apprentices will get the opportunity to find out how they can use the interactive resource, developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at a free training event on Tuesday 20 March at the Dryden Centre, Evistones Road, Low Fell, Gateshead.
To find out more or to request a booking form for the free Asbestos Vocational Learning Package event, which runs from 9am until 1pm on 20 March, please contact Tina Donaldson, HSE Visiting Officer, on 0191 202 6306 or email: tina.donaldson@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Sale for use outside 'industrial installations' is already banned, and from 6 June 2012 all use of DCM-based paint strippers by professionals outside industrial installations will have to cease. DCM (or mixtures containing it) sold and used for other purposes (e.g. degreasing) aren’t banned and can continue to be sold and used (although not for stripping paint).
There is a possibility that use by professionals who have had certain specific training might be allowed. HSE is considering whether and how to achieve this.
Read details of some recent HSE prosecutions and enforcement action in the construction sector and find sources of relevant advice.
27 February 2012 - Two Nottingham companies have been fined after a worker fell more than nine metres from a mobile tower scaffold, injuring his back.
24 February 2012 - A Llanelli construction firm has been fined £3,000 with costs of £4,847 after a worker suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a concrete beam.
Improve the health and safety of your business by attending a health and safety event near you. Most of the Working Well Together (WWT) events we list are FREE and all provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people, see interesting new equipment and get confidential advice.
Plus many more WWT events over the forthcoming year.
The Health for work adviceline provides free advice and information for your organisation on all health issues affecting your employees.
We issue e-Bulletins on a regular basis and would welcome your feedback and views as well as any suggestions/contributions for future articles.
Contact us - construction-manager@bulletins.hse.gov.uk
View past e-Bulletins – http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ebulletins/index.htm
News on support for the e-Bulletin and How to sign up -http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/infonet.htm
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