HSE workplace transport sample e-bulletin

++ HSE is re-running a campaign that warns about the dangers of falls from vehicles. When companies are investing in new fleet vehicle buyers should require basic safe design features. HSE advises that the specification for new vehicles and trailers should include safety steps, handrails/hand holds and slip resistant floors

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2009/e09009.htm

Further information can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/fallsfromvehicles .

To illustrate the workplace risks behind this campaign the HSE recently warned about the dangers of falling from vehicles following the death of a Central Scotland tanker driver who fell three metres from the top of his vehicle because his employer failed to provide a safe place to work. Carntyne Transport Ltd of Glasgow, pleaded guilty to a charge laid under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires employers to provide a safe place and safe systems of work. For more information see http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2008/coisco15808.htm

++ A passing HSE Inspector was so appalled at the state of yard surface used by LGVs, forklift trucks and some pedestrians that she went in and not only served a Notice requiring improvements but also prosecuted the owner, Salvesen Logistics Ltd, as there were potholes large enough to potentially cause a lift truck to overturn and the yard was also used by vehicles belonging to other companies, to whom it was sublet . The company pled guilty in a Magistrate's Court to a charge under Regulation 12 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Chair of the bench said that under current guidelines they could only be fined £2500, plus full costs of £2241, for allowing the yard at their Easton, Grantham depot to fall into a state of disrepair over a period of years. The Chair of the bench said that "it was a derisory amount to fine such a nationally and internationally known company" but his hands were tied.

It is likely that this fine would be significantly higher had the new Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 been in place at the time of the incident. This Act has recently come into force and raises the maximum penalties available to the courts in respect of health and safety offences. Included in the Act are the following:

- The maximum fine that can be imposed by the lower courts (Magistrate's Court) has been raised from £5,000 to £20,000 for most offences

- Prison sentences are now an option for most health and safety offences in lower and higher courts

- It is now possible for certain offences, which can currently only be tried in the lower courts, to be tried in either the lower or higher courts.

The Act will only apply to offences committed on or after 16 January 2009, and will not change any of the existing legal duties on businesses. Further information can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2009/e09011.htm

++ The HSE has called on employers in the removals and haulage business to ensure proper training and safe systems of work are in place, even for routine tasks. The message follows an incident in Louth, Lincolnshire in which a worker, acting as a banksman, was crushed between a 17-tonne removals van and a brick wall. Fox Group (Moving & Storage) Limited was fined £3,515 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs by Skegness Magistrates today after pleading guilty to breaching the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and contravening regulation 9 (1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, for failing to undertake sufficient risk assessment and training for employers. Further information at http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2009/coiem84209.htm

OTHER NEWS

++ The HSE has investigated a number of serious incidents, including deaths, which occurred when roller shutter door shafts moved relative to the support plates. These included incidents that occurred when the door was struck by moving vehicles, internal failure and failure of the support structure.

The Door & Hardware Federation worked closely with the HSE to reduce the number of these incidents by producing their new guidance note "Best Practice for the Methods of Restraining Roller Shutter Door Barrels". It is aimed at manufactures and installers of roller shutter doors who should consider what design modifications are required to prevent relative movement between the support plates and barrel shaft. Examples of good practice are provided.

The guidance is welcomed and endorsed by the HSE as an effective initiative which should significantly reduce the frequency of this type of incident, and is available at http://www.dhfonline.org.uk/downloads/pub131.pdf

CONTACT US

++Infoline++

HSE's public enquiry line for workplace health and safety information, guidance and expert advice

http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/index.htm

Or telephone 0845 345 0055

++Workplace Transport Safety Advice Line++

Free, confidential and impartial advice can be obtained from the Advice Centre on 0870 099 0099

++Workplace Transport Safety Forum++

This forum is free to join and enables the sharing of ideas, experiences, information, best practice and questions with other interested managers, organisations and individuals.

http://www.wptsforum.org/home?group=safety

++RIDDOR++

Report a workplace incident

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm

Or telephone 0845 300 9923