Surfing for safety

HSE Press Release: E126:04 - 3 September 2004

A new website for the surface engineering industry has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The site, which can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/surfaceengineering, is designed to give everyone working in the industry access to free, up to date advice on health and safety.

Principal Inspector John Powell from HSE's Manufacturing Sector said:

"I am so pleased to launch the surface engineering webpages. Sadly, the industry has seen incident rates increase over the last six years, whilst rates for the manufacturing industry have dropped. By book marking this new site as a 'favourite', people who work in the industry will be a 'click away' from sensible health and safety advice which will help them protect themselves and their business."

David Elliott, Chief Executive of the Surface Engineering Association (SEA) representing the industry, said:

"The HSE and SEA have been working together to publish best practices within the industry. This site will be a prime source of easy to understand and current information. We represent a diverse range of industries many of which are small businesses. Access via the internet enables the health and safety message to be disseminated quickly and effectively."

Notes to editors

1. Surface engineering refers to a wide range of technologies designed to modify the surface properties of metallic and non-metallic components for decorative and/or functional purposes. Examples include improving corrosion and wear resistance to extend component life; making items more visually attractive; and giving special properties such as non-stick surfaces.

2. Most of the approximately 2000 surface engineering companies in the UK industry operate in the sub-contract sector; i.e. offering processing techniques to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The majority are small companies employing less than 50 people and specialise in specific processes. A number of larger companies have their own 'in-house' processes finishing their own manufactured components. In total, the industry accounts for over £1 billion of sales per annum and employing over 10,000 people in the UK.

3. The industry has significantly higher accident rates (for fatal, major and 3-day injuries) than manufacturing as a whole. Whilst accident rates for manufacturing have dropped over the last six-year period, in surface engineering industries they have increased. The numbers of fatal accidents occurring in industry are published on the HSE web site.

4. HSE's central contact with the industry is mainly through the Surface Engineering Association's Health Safety and Environment Committee which, for over 10 years, has co-ordinated the interests and activities of all those involved with health and safety in the industry.

5. HSE's manufacturing sector covers a wide range of industries, including engineering, shipbuilding and repair, motor vehicle repair, textiles, printing, wood working, paper, rubber, plastics, metals, foundries, ceramics, quarries, glass, concrete, cement, and waste recycling - in all employing around 4 million people.

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