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A plastics manufacturer, which specialises in the manufacturing of traffic barriers and cones, has been fined after an employee’s finger was severed due to inadequately guarded machinery.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 5 November 2018, the 36-year-old employee of Melba Products Limited had been refilling the hopper of a blow moulding machine with plastic granules from bags at their site on Manchester Road, Bury. Work gloves that had been inside one of the bags fell into the hopper and through the guard. Whilst reaching through a large gap in the top of the hopper guard to retrieve the gloves, his middle finger contacted dangerous parts of the blender resulting in it being severed down to the knuckle of his second finger.The HSE’s investigation found that the blender had not been sufficiently guarded to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. There was a large gap of approximately 4 x 5 inches towards the top of the hopper guard. The injured employee had only been operating the machine for one week prior to the incident.Melba Products Limited failed to carry out a risk assessment of the blender, to put in place appropriate control measures to prevent access to dangerous parts and to implement a suitable system of training and supervising of new starters.Melba Products Limited of Bury, pleaded guilty of breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £125,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,387.HSE Inspector Alex McFarland said after the hearing: “This injury was entirely preventable and could have been avoided by ensuring the machine was being operated safely, with a suitable guard in place. Adequate supervision should also have been in place to ensure the machine was being used safely by newer operatives.“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/melba-products-limited-fined-after-employee-was-injured-by-mach... -
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Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd has been fined £333,344 and ordered to pay costs of £16,183 after a child was left with life-changing head injuries after being thrown from a ride.
The incident happened at the theme park in North Yorkshire on 30 May 2019. The child was ejected from the Twister ride. North Yorkshire Police responded to a call at approximately 11:30am. A statement released at the time read: “The child was conscious when officers arrived at the scene and has been taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be life threatening.According to the HSE investigation, the theme park’s procedures for the ride stated that anyone between 1.2m and 1.5m tall must wear seat belts, but the procedure was not always followed. This was proven by CCTV footage and was mentioned in statements by members of the public. On examination of the restraining systems, many belts were not functioning correctly. On several occasions, the final position of the lap bar restraint allowed significant gaps to remain in the containment and did not fully contain smaller passengers.Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Andrea Jones said: “Our investigation found that the theme park did not implement suitable operating procedures and monitoring of ride operators in relation to the ride restraints.“This was an entirely avoidable incident. Several children were put at risk and Lightwater Valley has now been held to account for their failings.”The child’s mother said “the little boy I took to Lightwater Valley that day is not the same boy that woke up after the surgery. I still grieve for my little boy.”At the time of the incident, the theme park issued the following statement: “We can confirm that following an incident on one of our rides this morning, a child is receiving treatment at a local hospital.“We take the health and safety of our visitors very seriously and are committed to providing support to the affected family. We will continue working closely with the HSE and emergency services.“The ride concerned will remain closed until a full investigation has taken place.”In the days following the incident Ian Cunningham, Lightwater Valley’s Chief Executive, apologised to the boy’s family. He said: “Everyone at Lightwater Valley Theme Park is very pleased to hear that the condition of the young boy who fell from our Twister ride is improving.“As a father myself, I can imagine only too well how it must have felt for everyone involved when the incident happened, and in the hours since. Our thoughts and concerns are completely focused on the child and his family at this difficult time.“I would like to say how sorry I am personally for the upset and anxiety that this incident has caused. We are committed to offering our full support to the family.“Establishing the cause of the incident is now in the hands of the authorities — we are co-operating fully with the Health & Safety Executive investigation that is now underway.“Until the investigation is complete it will be too early and inappropriate for us to speculate on any aspect of the incident, or answer any specific questions about it.”Woman killed on same rideIn 2001, a 20-year-old woman was killed on the same ride when she suffered head and neck injuries as two carriages collided.A hearing in 2004 heard that faulty wiring was to blame for the incident. The park’s owners and an electrician admitted breaching health and safety laws and were fined a total of £157,000.In 2017, owners of Lightwater Valley were fined £40,000 after a girl suffered horrific injuries on one of its rides. The five-year-old suffered crushing injuries to her ankle after her leg was caught in a gap between the carriage and the edge of a disembarking platform on a children’s rollercoaster.Earlier this month, SHP reported that a fairground ride inspector had been fined after he issued a safety certificate for a rollercoaster without ensuring he had a crucial safety report for it. The ride at M & D Theme Park subsequently derailed causing serios injury to those on board.
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/leisure-and-entertainment/leisure-and-entertainment-lightwater-valley-th...
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A plastics manufacturer, which specialises in the manufacturing of traffic barriers and cones, has been fined after an employee’s finger was severed due to inadequately guarded machinery.Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 5 November 2018, the 36-year-old employee of Melba Products Limited had been refilling the hopper of a blow moulding machine with plastic granules from bags at their site on Manchester Road, Bury. Work gloves that had been inside one of the bags fell into the hopper and through the guard. Whilst reaching through a large gap in the top of the hopper guard to retrieve the gloves, his middle finger contacted dangerous parts of the blender resulting in it being severed down to the knuckle of his second finger.The HSE’s investigation found that the blender had not been sufficiently guarded to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. There was a large gap of approximately 4 x 5 inches towards the top of the hopper guard. The injured employee had only been operating the machine for one week prior to the incident.Melba Products Limited failed to carry out a risk assessment of the blender, to put in place appropriate control measures to prevent access to dangerous parts and to implement a suitable system of training and supervising of new starters.Melba Products Limited of Bury, pleaded guilty of breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £125,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,387.HSE Inspector Alex McFarland said after the hearing: “This injury was entirely preventable and could have been avoided by ensuring the machine was being operated safely, with a suitable guard in place. Adequate supervision should also have been in place to ensure the machine was being used safely by newer operatives.“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/melba-products-limited-fined-after-employee-was-injured-by-mach... -
A Glasgow based company has admitted a health and safety offence after an employee fell through a fragile plasterboard ceiling, sustaining life-changing injuries.A 24-year-old warehouseman was retrieving stock from a mezzanine in his company’s warehouse when he stepped on to an unguarded area of fragile plasterboard, Glasgow Sheriff Court was told. The incident happened on 5 November 2017.The employee fell through the plasterboard, landing on a concrete floor at the bottom of a stairwell. A drop of more than five metres. He was taken to hospital where he was initially unresponsive and diagnosed as having a skull fracture, bleeding on the brain and other significant injuries.He has been left with cognitive difficulties, hearing loss, facial palsy and problems tasting food and the family has been significantly impacted.The case was investigated by Glasgow City Council who found that the company had a generic risk assessment for a wide variety of activities within the premises. The risk assessment did not refer to or identify any risks associated with working on or accessing the mezzanine level. The company had not implemented any control measures for employees working near the plasterboard. Stock was being stored very close to the plasterboard and employees were regularly called upon to access this area to retrieve stock.The investigation found that it was entirely foreseeable that an employee might step onto this unguarded plasterboard. The incident had happened as a result of the company’s failure to identify the risks of staff accessing the stock items stored near to the plasterboard ceiling on the mezzanine area.Since the incident, the company has changed its working practices.Alfa (Wholesale) Limited, a wholesale grocery, catering supply and household goods company, pled guilty to a contravention of Sections 2(1) and Section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £120,000.Alistair Duncan, Head of Health and Safety Division said: “This was a foreseeable and avoidable accident resulting in the severe injury and permanent impairment of a young man. It is easy to imagine this having been a fatality. “Alfa (Wholesale) Limited accepted liability and the Crown accepted their guilty plea to the contraventions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.“This was an accident that resulted in life changing injuries that could have been avoided if the appropriate measures had been in place at the time.“Hopefully this prosecution and the sentence will remind other employers that failure to fulfil their obligations can have serious consequences and that they will be held to account for their failings.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/alfa-wholesale-limited-fined-120000-for-failings-that-led-to-fa... -
Four people have died, and another has been injured in a ‘large explosion’ at waste-water treatment works near Bristol.A large explosion occurred in a silo that held treated biosolids at Wessex Water’s premises on an industrial area on Kings Weston Lane in Avonmouth. The BBC reported that firefighters were called the scene at 11:20 GMT on Thursday 3 December. Three employees of Wessex Water and a contractor were confirmed to have been killed in the blast, an investigations into its cause continues. The men have been named as Luke Wheaton, 16, Ray White, 57, Brian Vickery, 63, and Mike James, 64.A fifth person was injured, but is not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.Avon and Somerst Police declared a major incident and urged members of the public to avoid the area. It also reassured the public there is ‘not believed to be any ongoing public safety concerns following the incident’ and that the explosion was not being treated as terror-related. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and emergency services are investigating the cause of the explosion.Colin Skellett, Wessex Water Chief Executive, released the following statement in the days after the incident: “We are all absolutely devastated by what has happened.“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives during this tragic event.“I know from thoughts and comments I have received from so many, that this has affected the whole Wessex Water family.“I know Avonmouth, I worked there for many years, and I know the people, some who whom have lost their lives during this terrible incident.“We have never had a fatality at Wessex Water before. Despite all of our procedures, systems, protocols and training, this awful event has happened.“We are determined to find out what happened and why and we will worth with all the relevant authorities to do just that.”Giles Hyder, HSE’s Head of Operations in the South West said: “We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically died. It is important a joint investigation with the police is carried out.“We will provide specialist support to what is likely to be a complex investigation under the command of the police.”A witness reported hearing a “very loud explosion” that “shook buildings”.What are biosolids?Biosolids are solid organic matter recovered from a sewage treatment process and used as fertilizer. According to Wessex Water biosolids, or ‘treated sludget, is a by-product of is treatment process. It says “we treat sludge in anaerobic digesters to produce agricultural fertiliser and renewable energy.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/news/avonmouth-warehouse-explosion/ -
An engineering company has been fined after a worker was diagnosed with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).Prior to 22 October 2018, an overall lack of management relating to the use of vibrating tools at AIM Engineering Ltd led to an employee being diagnosed with HAVS, Manchester Magistrates’ Court was told. Regular use of vibrating tools causes the painful and disabling disorder which, in this case, has left the employee with irreparable nerve damage to the hands and arms.The HSE’s investigation found that AIM Engineering Ltd of Wythenshaw, Manchester did not monitor how much work the employees were doing with vibrating tools. In addition, the company did not have any health surveillance in place, which would have picked up early signs of the disease. In 2017 an external company made recommendations to reduce employees’ exposure to vibration when working with vibrating tools, and to implement health surveillance. This resulted in an employee being diagnosed with HAVS.AIM Engineering Ltd of Southmoor Industrial Estate, Southmoor Road, Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching of Regulation 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 and was fined £300,000 with costs of £7,831.90.Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Jennifer French said: “This was a case of the company completely failing to grasp the importance of controlling employees’ exposure to vibration. Had appropriate controls been in place to reduce the amount of vibration workers were exposed to, and appropriate health surveillance put in place, the employee’s condition would not have been allowed to develop to a severe and life altering stage.
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/noise-and-vibration/aim-engineering-ltd-sentenced-after-employee-suffers... -
Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd has been fined £333,344 and ordered to pay costs of £16,183 after a child was left with life-changing head injuries after being thrown from a ride.The incident happened at the theme park in North Yorkshire on 30 May 2019. The child was ejected from the Twister ride. North Yorkshire Police responded to a call at approximately 11:30am. A statement released at the time read: “The child was conscious when officers arrived at the scene and has been taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be life threatening.According to the HSE investigation, the theme park’s procedures for the ride stated that anyone between 1.2m and 1.5m tall must wear seat belts, but the procedure was not always followed. This was proven by CCTV footage and was mentioned in statements by members of the public. On examination of the restraining systems, many belts were not functioning correctly. On several occasions, the final position of the lap bar restraint allowed significant gaps to remain in the containment and did not fully contain smaller passengers.Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Andrea Jones said: “Our investigation found that the theme park did not implement suitable operating procedures and monitoring of ride operators in relation to the ride restraints.“This was an entirely avoidable incident. Several children were put at risk and Lightwater Valley has now been held to account for their failings.”The child’s mother said “the little boy I took to Lightwater Valley that day is not the same boy that woke up after the surgery. I still grieve for my little boy.”At the time of the incident, the theme park issued the following statement: “We can confirm that following an incident on one of our rides this morning, a child is receiving treatment at a local hospital.“We take the health and safety of our visitors very seriously and are committed to providing support to the affected family. We will continue working closely with the HSE and emergency services.“The ride concerned will remain closed until a full investigation has taken place.”In the days following the incident Ian Cunningham, Lightwater Valley’s Chief Executive, apologised to the boy’s family. He said: “Everyone at Lightwater Valley Theme Park is very pleased to hear that the condition of the young boy who fell from our Twister ride is improving.“As a father myself, I can imagine only too well how it must have felt for everyone involved when the incident happened, and in the hours since. Our thoughts and concerns are completely focused on the child and his family at this difficult time.“I would like to say how sorry I am personally for the upset and anxiety that this incident has caused. We are committed to offering our full support to the family.“Establishing the cause of the incident is now in the hands of the authorities — we are co-operating fully with the Health & Safety Executive investigation that is now underway.“Until the investigation is complete it will be too early and inappropriate for us to speculate on any aspect of the incident, or answer any specific questions about it.”Woman killed on same rideIn 2001, a 20-year-old woman was killed on the same ride when she suffered head and neck injuries as two carriages collided.A hearing in 2004 heard that faulty wiring was to blame for the incident. The park’s owners and an electrician admitted breaching health and safety laws and were fined a total of £157,000.In 2017, owners of Lightwater Valley were fined £40,000 after a girl suffered horrific injuries on one of its rides. The five-year-old suffered crushing injuries to her ankle after her leg was caught in a gap between the carriage and the edge of a disembarking platform on a children’s rollercoaster.Earlier this month, SHP reported that a fairground ride inspector had been fined after he issued a safety certificate for a rollercoaster without ensuring he had a crucial safety report for it. The ride at M & D Theme Park subsequently derailed causing serios injury to those on board.
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/leisure-and-entertainment/leisure-and-entertainment-lightwater-valley-th... -
A plant hire company has been fined after an apprentice avoided a potentially fatal crush injury from a mobile crane.During proceedings at Knights Chamber, Nightingale Court, in Peterborough it was heard that on 3 August 2016, an apprentice at M&J Engineers Limited had climbed on to the roof of an accommodation cabin to attach a power float to the chains of a mobile crane. The crane operator, who had not been appropriately trained, began to extend the boom and move the crane into position. The crane had not been set up correctly and the boom of the crane toppled over toward the apprentice. The apprentice jumped out of the way of the boom avoiding a potentially fatal incident. However, his fall from height caused injuries to his leg and back.The HSEs investigation found the company did not have a safe system of work in place and the crane operator had not been adequately trained. There was no clear instruction concerning the use of the crane or which areas the crane was prohibited from operating. They also had no way of ensuring that the apprentice was suitably managed.M&J Engineers of Cashel Works, Cadwell Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) Health and safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £220,000 and ordered to pay costs of £65,443.72.Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Nigel Fitzhugh said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to provide adequate training to their employees so that they can operate equipment safely and devise safe methods of working. This includes providing the appropriate information, instruction and training to their workers.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/mj-engineers-sentenced-after-apprentice-narrowly-escapes-seriou... -
A titanium supplier has been fined after an employee sustained multiple fractures to his leg whilst operating a metal cutting band saw machine.Steven McDonald, a VSMPO Tirus Limited employee, was seriously injured by a falling titanium plate, Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court was told. Almost 1.5 tonnes of titanium plate fell from the bed of a metal cutting band saw machine trapping his leg underneath. The sheets being cut were significantly larger than the machine bed. The incident happened at The IO Centre in Nash Road, Redditch, on 20 September 2017.The HSE’s investigation found the company had failed to suitably and sufficiently assess the risk of material falling from the machine bed and failed to put in measures to control the risk. An extension to the machine bed or stanchions with back stops would have prevented the material from falling from the machine bed.VSMPO Tirus Limited of Nash Road, Redditch, Worcestershire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,293.15.Steven McDonald said: “This has been the worst couple of years of my life. I feel I have been dealt a bad hand. I have come through it, but I have a long way to go. My recovery isn’t going to be a quick fix and I think everyone knows this. My friends, family and the company have supported me.”HSE inspector Elizabeth Thomas added: “A simple, cost-effective solution could have prevented this horrendous injury.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/vsmpo-tirus-limited-fined-after-machine-operator-suffered-serio... -
Liverpool housing association company Onward Homes Ltd has been fined after four employees developed a debilitating nerve condition over a period of several years.Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that the affected employees developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), whilst working at various sites carrying out ground maintenance and general construction work using vibrating power tools on a daily basis. Regular use of vibrating tools causes the painful and disabling disorder which, in this case, has left the employees with nerve damage to the hands and arms; making everyday tasks and leisure activities difficult or impossible.The HSE’s investigation found that Onward Homes Ltd failed to prevent or reduce its employees’ exposure to intensive and protracted vibration. Employees were not provided with information and training in relation to the risks of exposure to vibration, and were unaware they were at risk, or of the need for health surveillance and ways to minimise exposure using controls. Had the employees been aware, exposure could have been reduced or eliminated.Onward Homes Ltd of Hanover Street, Liverpool pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulation 5(1), 6(1) and 7 of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. The company was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,293.10Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Emily Osborne said: “If exposure to vibration is not controlled, workers can end up being diagnosed with HAVS, which can be the cause of significant ill-health, triggering painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints. Under these circumstances HSE can and will investigate; and prosecute where appropriate.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/onward-homes-ltd-sentenced-after-employees-suffer-debilitating-... -
Several people have been injured after a large explosion ripped through a warehouse near Bristol. Eye-witnessses reported seeing “at least ten ambulances” rush to the scene along with police and fire crews from six different stations. South Western Ambulance described the incident, which occurred on King’s Weston Lane, as “serious”. The service said: “We have been called to a large explosion at 11.22am in a warehouse in Avonmouth on Kings Weston... -
RECYCLING FIRM FINED £264K OVER SHREDDER DEATH
24th November 2020
Image credit: HSEA recycling firm in Scotland has been convicted of safety failures fined £264k after a waste machine worker was fatally struck by a heavy object.On 28 March last year, two employees were attempting to remove waste that was trapped between a heavy magnet and a hopper on a mobile shredder machine.Martin Kane, 28, manually removed the locking pins that were keeping the magnet, which weighed more than a tonne, in place. The magnet fell and struck him on the head and he died of his injuries.Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigators found that his employer, Enva Scotland, failed to provide employees who cleaned and used the shredder with adequate training, information and instruction on the deployment of the magnet fitted to the machine.HSE inspector Russell Berry said it should have been a relatively simple task to clean the shredder using the controls on the machine, as it was designed to be self-cleaning.'On this occasion, the employer failed to ensure [Martin] had received adequate information, instruction and training regarding the safe operation and methods of cleaning the machine. It led to him adopting an unsafe method for moving the magnet whilst trying to clean the machine manually, resulting in this tragic but entirely preventable incident.'Enva, which has 29 sites in the UK and Ireland – including eight facilities in Scotland – and has been in business for more than 70 years, was ordered to pay £264,000 after pleading guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act at Paisley Sheriff Court. -
ICC’S OWNER FINED £400,000 AFTER STAGE BOSS HIT BY FALLING WEIGHT
20th November 2020
iStockA conference venue has been fined after an 11.5kg scenery prop hit a stage manager on the head.Birmingham City Council prosecuted the National Exhibition Centre after the incident on 11 January 2019 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), which it owns.A freelance stage manager was struck on the head by a scenery counter-balance weight which had fallen from a high-level stage platform. The victim suffered a serious head injury, requiring extensive surgery.The falling weight also hit another person on the stage, who was not seriously hurt.The court heard how the stage manager was assisting in the set-up of scenery ropes on the stage for a performance by Chinese dance company Shen Yun, when the 11.5kg weight fell from the platform 11 metres above him.Investigators found that the measures in place on the stage’s fly-platform were inadequate to deal with scenery weights, in particular they should never be stored higher than the toe board to prevent them falling off.The risk assessment failed to address the risk of scenery weights falling from that side of the platform, if stored higher than the toe board.Earlier this week (16 November) National Exhibition Centre Ltd was fined £400,000 with costs of £8864 after pleading guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act.Following the incident, the National Exhibition Centre appointed a contractor to install fencing on the fly platform to ensure the incident could not happen again.Councillor Philip Davis, chair of the city council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: 'This shows what can happen if a business fails to ensure that adequate control measures are in place proportionate to the potential risk of harm.'Heavy objects falling from height are well known to cause serious or fatal injuries. The council will continue to act where minimum standards of health and safety are not met or flouted. This was a horrific accident and I hope the injured party makes a full recovery.'The stage manager has since returned to work, a spokeswoman added. -
Woman, 53, dies after catching fire at petrol station
James Robinson for MailOnline 5/11/2020
Woman, 53, dies after catching fire at petrol station© Provided by Daily Mail MailOnline logoA woman who caught fire at a petrol station has died of her injuries, police have today confirmed.
Emergency crews rushed to the BP petrol station on Northern Road in Cosham, Hampshire, after witnesses reported that a person was on fire.
CCTV of the petrol station forecourt appears to show the woman had poured fuel on herself before she was engulfed in flames during the incident on Sunday.
In the footage, a passer-by can also be seen taking off his shirt in a bid to help the woman. Hampshire Police confirmed this morning that the 53-year-old woman had died in hospital after suffering serious burns.
Emergency crews rushed to the BP petrol station on Northern Road in Cosham, Hampshire, after witnesses reported that a person was on fire A spokesperson for the force said: 'We were called at 10.35am on November 1 to a report of a concern for welfare for a woman at Cosham Filling Station on Northern Road, Portsmouth.
'The 53-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious burns. We can now confirm that she has sadly died in hospital.
'Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported. The death is not being treated as suspicious.'Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said a member of the public helped to put out the fire as crews arrived at the scene.
A spokesperson added: 'Crews from Southsea fire station and Cosham fire station were mobilised to the incident.
'Due to an ambulance passing the incident, South Central Ambulance Service were at the scene when the fire crews arrived.
'A member of public assisted in putting out the fire prior to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's arrival. The victim was taken by SCAS to hospital.'Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service crews checked the welfare of the forecourt staff and members of the public.
Crews also conducted a scene safety check.'Crews were at the scene for nearly an hour before a stop message was issued at 11.30am. -
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The dead or ‘flat’ battery you’ve just thrown into the
recycling pot in the kitchen drawer can still do significant damage
if a child swallows it and it gets stuck in their food pipe.
Many accidents happen without an adult knowing and with a child too
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prospect. Happily, the solution is very simple as long as
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Stewart Gosling of RDD, UK importers for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, believes the way in which businesses return to work could be pivotal — with visionaries seizing the opportunity to review their entire operation: the loads they move, the methods and equipment they use, and the number, safety and effectiveness of the staff on site. In short, is everything still fit for purpose?It’s no surprise that the return to work has been slower and more tentative than many predicted. Most employers are acutely aware of their responsibilities, and staff are understandably concerned about their welfare… and job security.To help you figure that out, RDD has created a resource centre containing free, practical guides, how-to videos, posters, checklists and case studies showing ways that companies have cut costs or solved intractable problems.Stewart says: “For me, the most interesting and valuable of these is a purpose-built Back To Work Health Check, which we’ve made available as a PDF or an interactive online questionnaire. Deceptively simple yet comprehensive, it allows a busy manager to review their storage and handling operations for both the short and longer term.”For convenience, and because functions may be divided among a number of colleagues, the survey is split into three areas:Site – puts the focus on what may have changed in recent times and what could affect future activities.Equipment – explores whether handling equipment meets HSE guidelines (and forthcoming changes in legislation), the adequacy and safety of storage, as well as potential health issues from emissions.People – covers everything from training regimes and pedestrian segregation, to materials handling procedures and social distancing measures.Top tips for improving materials handling safety and efficiency on site
Use that human touch
“We are aware that this is a time for listening and working with the wider community to help people find the best possible outcomes,” emphasises Stewart Gosling. “By talking to someone who’s done it all before, users of materials handling equipment can familiarise themselves with the latest techniques and technologies — many of which may been introduced since the customer was last in the market.“That’s why we are making available, without any obligation, the services of our national network of site survey specialists. They can help a manager review and examine ways to adapt and improve operations — often at low or no cost.“It was their idea to create the Back to Work Health Check. They appreciate more than anyone the importance of the most appropriate site configuration as well as the correct number and types of trucks for each specific application.“It’s important to remember that equipment is extremely cheap when compared to the cost of an operator — so it pays to make sure they have the tools to get the job done… along with the appropriate skill-set and training.”Future-proof your decisionsIn a world that has seen so much change in such a short space of time, Stewart Gosling urges businesses to do everything possible to future-proof their decisions.“In terms of motive power, for example, the HSE is increasingly critical of the use of IC engine trucks in confined spaces. Where LP gas or diesel can’t be avoided, the buyer should be aware that all new trucks will need to comply with Stage 5 emission standards.“Similarly, if you’re serious about employee welfare, you’ll want to make sure your next forklift comes equipped with measures to prevent the spread of airborne dust particles which are a real health hazard in indoor spaces.”Meet HSE guidelines for unexpected benefitsPart of the survey addresses the use of hand pallet trucks. If you are using them frequently or to move loads at their maximum capacity, you might well be in breach of HSE guidelines. Switching from a manual hand pallet truck to an electric one reduces the cumulative strain on operators and lowers the risk of absenteeism due to injury.Open your horizons“After all we’ve been through, there’s a natural tendency to focus solely on what we are forced to do in order to comply,” sums up Stewart Gosling. “My message to businesses is to take a moment and explore ways to go back better. What have you got to lose? Armed with this online survey and with the option of calling in someone to provide some specialist knowledge you can not only make your site COVID-secure, but financially robust and fully geared for the challenges — and opportunities — ahead.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/uncategorized/is-your-materials-handling-equipment-still-fit-for-purpose... -
Supported by the Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) Programme, Transaid has launched an urgent response to support heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers in Uganda, as Africa reacts to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.Transaid
is working with local partners to roll-out driver-specific COVID-19 safety advice and provide hand-washing facilities, cab sanitisation materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep drivers safe, reduce transmission rates and build community confidence in the safety of the logistics sector.Transaid CEO Caroline Barber told SHD Logistics Magazine that truck drivers were facing hostility as a result of the measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Road transport is vital for delivering food, medicines and essential goods; but the race to control the outbreak in Africa means truck drivers are facing increased scrutiny whilst enduring evermore challenging and unpredictable hazards to keep supply chains running.“Truck drivers entering the country are perceived by some to be facilitating the spread of the virus, and have faced hostility from communities and long delays at borders, often with no access to sanitation facilities. Securing this funding means we can start work immediately to improve the preparedness of drivers to meet national guidelines on the use of PPE, cab sanitisation and social distancing.”“We are developing driver-specific factsheets as well as short information videos to be sent to drivers’ phones to raise awareness and reduce the risk of exposure. Road safety messaging has been integrated into these materials to warn how changing conditions – such as how fewer vehicles on the roads and reduced access to facilities en route could lead to increased speeds and fewer rest stops – may affect driving behaviours and the risk of road crashes, at a time when health systems are already overburdened.“Currently, the closure of businesses along transport corridors is making it difficult for drivers to access running water to wash their hands. To counter this, we are procuring soap and disinfectants for regular hand-washing and cab sanitisation, as well as locally made, washable and reusable face masks.”Transaid’s in-country partner Safe Way Right Way is also supporting transport associations at driver rest stops and border posts, to help keep drivers informed on the latest national guidelines. With official advice being updated regularly, it has been difficult for employers to communicate with drivers who may be on the road for days or weeks at a time without returning to base.E4D is a regional employment initiative funded by the German, Norwegian, and until recently the British government, and implemented by GIZ. Julia Mager, E4D Team Leader in Uganda at GIZ commented: “We’ve been working with Transaid and Safe Way Right Way for the last three years to build HGV driver training capacity in Uganda. Both organisations are well placed to deliver this critical work.”
from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/road-safety/transaid-project-launched-to-protect-hgv-drivers-from-covid-...
