LOCAL PARTNERS IMPROVING HEALTH AND SAFETY IN LONDON

HSE press release E096:03 - 12 June 2003

A new London-wide inspection campaign got underway recently with inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Camden Council visiting 60 workplaces to check on health and standards over two days.

The campaign is the result of a new working partnership between HSE and some local authorities in London. The campaign will provide a co-ordinated and streamlined approach to inspections of small businesses.

In addition to carrying out workplace checks the inspection team also identified 70 new premises requiring inspection.

Mike Gibb, Principal Inspector with HSE's Field Operations Directorate, London said: " In general, we found good standards. However there were some significant deficiencies that required action and inspectors issued three Prohibition and six Improvement Notices."

The Notices were issued in a variety of workplaces including dry cleaners, printing works, food factories, garages and distribution firms. The Notices dealt with unguarded machinery, lack of edge protection for mezzanine floors, dangerous electrical equipment, exposure to ultraviolet light from printing equipment, assessment for manual handling activities, lift truck driver training, inadequate washing facilities, unsafe spray painting and consultation with employees.

Mike continued: "As part of each visit we gave businesses a new leaflet produced jointly by HSE and Camden Council. This provides advice on local sources of information on health and safety issues and was well received."

Vicki Wallas, in Camden's Licensing and Safety Team said: "The council is keen to help businesses in Camden and make sure they provide safe and healthy working environments. Initiatives like this one help us achieve that aim. The cooperation between HSE and the council ensured businesses were only visited by one health and safety regulator."

Charles Horsefield, Head of Operations in HSE's London Division said: "This is one of many initiatives HSE is taking to improve working standards in London. Increasingly we are taking a strategic approach by working in partnership with local authorities and business organisations to improve health and safety standards. Poor standards of health and safety cost firms a lot of money. Our recent free Woodworking Safety Awareness Day and Motor Vehicle Repair Safety Awareness Event were designed to help small firms understand and comply with legal requirements and help them avoid accidents and ill health."

Notes to editors

1. HSE enforces Health and safety legislation in manufacturing premises, construction work, health care, education premises and a variety of other types of business;

2. Local Borough Councils enforce health and safety legislation mainly in offices, shops, hotels, and catering and leisure activities.

3. This initiative contributes to the planned programme of inspections in London to take place over the year. It will to cover both specific industries and general businesses.

4. Copies of the leaflet are available from the Press Office (journalists)

Press enquiries

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