Saltash industrial estates under health and safety spotlight

Date:

7 February 2011

Local industrial estates in Saltash will be the focus of an intensive week of inspections from next Monday (14 February) in a bid to improve health and safety.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Cornwall Council will be visiting businesses in Tamar View, Gilston Road, Parkway and Moorlands industrial estates in the town in an initiative aimed at improving safety standards.

Visits will be made to up to 100 premises on the four estates which together undertake a range of work activities from motor vehicle repair, woodworking and printing to warehousing, courier services and offices. Every employer is responsible for ensuring that their workplace is safe and that the risks from their operation are identified and kept to a minimum.

During their visits, inspectors will be looking at a series of issues including machinery safety, slips, trips and falls, manual handling, safe storage of chemicals, training for young workers and welfare facilities. They will also be asking how managers involve their workforce in promoting health and safety.

Rob Pearce, Principal Inspector of Health and Safety at Plymouth, said:

"Industrial estates are a hive of activity and if health and safety is not managed properly an accident could halt that work, resulting in lost productivity but even worse maybe a death of a worker.

"This inspection initiative will enable us to assess how well companies are managing health and safety and to offer practical guidance on particular issues. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with our local authority colleagues on this project"

He also warned that where there was a clear breach of the law, enforcement action would be taken.

Notes to editors

1. HSE and local authority inspectors both enforce health and safety law in workplaces. Broadly, local authority inspectors have responsibility for those providing leisure services or retail while HSE inspectors enforce other areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, waste and recycling and major hazard industries.
2. Accidents involving transport at work are among the biggest causes of workplace fatalities. In 2009/10 a total of 41 workers died and more than 5,150 were injured across Great Britain as a result of being struck by a vehicle, falling from a vehicle, being hit by materials falling from a vehicle, being hit against a vehicle while travelling in it or as a result of a vehicle collapsing or overturning.

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR (South West)