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06/04/2019

Changes to incident reporting site.
The HSE has updated its incident reporting platform. Why has it done this and is there anything to watch out for if you need to make a report?
A change to the law? Firstly, it’s the system that’s being overhauled, not the legislation; the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013(RIDDOR) are not affected.

Why? The previous system wasn’t easy to use and didn’t work well with certain browsers. Because some users had problems filling in the forms, mistakes were often made and inaccurate reports were filed. In theory, the new system will address these issues.

Warning. The eBulletin that publicised the update makes it absolutely clear what the HSE does with reports. It says they are used to “identify where and how risks arise, and whether they need to be investigated” . In short, reports dictate where inspectors choose to visit.

Tip. If you have to report an incident under RIDDOR , assume that it will be followed up by the HSE, either by phone or by an inspector in person.

Requirements. There has been no change in the legislation, so the reporting requirements remain the same.

Tip. Always check the explicit requirements on the HSE’s website before making a report. You should only make a report if you’re required to.

Download. The one major change is that previously the system would e-mail a copy of the completed report to the individual who filed it. This will no longer happen.

Tip. To retain a copy of what’s been reported to the HSE, download a copy of the form at the point of submission.

13/05/2017

Buy diesel” the government said “it’s greener and more efficient”. But now the green bubble has burst the advice has changed. Where does this leave you?

Those driving older diesel vehicles could be hit in the pocket. For example, the T-charge will cost drivers in central London £10 per day. Vehicles that meet the Euro VI standard are a safe bet - for now anyway.

13/05/2017

HSE sector plans

The HSE is in the process of publishing 19 separate plans that detail how it’s planning to tackle safety in different sectors. What’s to know?

New setup. The HSE used to operate two distinct sectors - one covered construction, the other everything else that falls under the HSE’s enforcement remit. However, “to help Great Britain work well” it has now split workplaces into 19 sectors. These are based on industry type and risk profiles.

Tip. Although you may have a clean record, others in your sector may not, so that you’re dragged into the inspection net. So use the HSE’s reports to identify whether you could be in line for some of its “help” in the future.

The HSE is here “to help Great Britain work well”. Be warned that this means visits and charges for its time.

13/05/2017

ISO 45001 replaces the OHSAS 18001 standard. It provides a framework for those looking to formalise their health and safety arrangements. The new standard should be published in November 2017. Those who follow 18001 will have up to three years to move over.

Is this the final DRAFT version?
This draft has been released for consultation purposes, so if questions are raised about the technical content, these will have to be investigated and addressed.

If the standard passes through the consultation process unscathed, it will be published in late November 2017, but if the content is called into question, it will be March 2018 at the earliest.

17/02/2017

ENGLAND Water deregulation - what’s happening?

In April 2017 the commercial water market will change and it could bring plenty of benefits in terms of savings and water efficiency.

From April 2017 the water supply market will be opened up. This will allow you to choose the supplier offering the best package for your business - rather than being stuck with your local supplier. Be aware that there are likely to be teething problems with the switching process. Also, better deals may come in time.

17/02/2017

Simple certification of management system

You’ve seen ads for “ISO 14001 in 30 days” and similar plastered all over the Internet. So is achieving certification against the standard really as easy as it seems?

Word of Warning
You will be signing to state that you understand your legal duties and will follow the arrangements detailed in the document, etc. This is all well and good until something goes wrong, e.g. you cause pollution. It’s fair to say that the Environment Agency will be less than impressed if you’re claiming to have appropriate systems in place (hence the ISO certificate) but the truth is somewhat different.

Off-the-shelf solutions offered via an online search might tick all the appropriate boxes. However, be warned that a cheap and cheerful solution might not satisfy client demands. You could be putting your business name to policies that won’t be implemented and you may have to purchase “extras” before obtaining certification.

17/02/2017

Printer cartridges classified

Legal obligation
Cartridges and toners with electrical parts fall within the scope of the Waste Electrical and Electrical Equipment Regulations 2013. As such, manufacturers and/or importers are responsible for financing the collection, treatment, recovery and environmentally sound disposal of waste cartridges.

The rules covering the recycling of printer cartridges and toners are complicated. However, the good news is that they’re not classified as waste until the processor has deemed them to be a waste product.

17/02/2017

KFC fined for gravy burns

Hot sauces are a significant scalding hazard in commercial kitchens, and as a case against KFC shows, catering businesses need robust procedures to protect their staff.

17/02/2017

Fee-for-intervention fees hit a record high

The numbers. Law firm Pinsent Masons has published research which identifies that the HSE charged businesses £15 million in 2015/16. It also found that the amount charged has increased year on year since the fee-for-intervention scheme’s introduction in 2012.

22/01/2017

The HSE’s fee-for-intervention scheme is facing a judicial review. This should happen early in 2017.

Towards the end of 2016 a legal challenge was launched against the HSE’s fee-for-intervention scheme. OCS Group UK is seeking to quash it on the basis that it’s unlawful or being operated in an unlawful manner. The justification for this is that the HSE is its own judge when operating the scheme.

The date for the judicial review hasn’t been fixed. However, it should be in the early part of 2017. We will keep you posted on the outcome. If the case is kicked out, it will be business as usual for the HSE. If it loses, we suspect it will result in an appeal. Either way, don’t expect the scheme to disappear just yet.

22/01/2017

Work-related stress results in 11.7 million lost working days per year. Statistics show there are no signs of improvement so it remains an enforcement priority. Formalise your arrangements in your safety policy and support your staff.

According to the HSE, in 2015/16 stress accounted for 37% of all work-related ill health cases and 45% of all working days lost to ill health. The total number of cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety was 488,000. The number of new instances was 224,000. The impact of these cases was 11.7 million lost days.

22/01/2017

Research by the HSE shows that some disposable face masks don’t match up to manufacturer claims.

Dust masks, which are now properly referred to as filtering facepieces (FFPs) or disposable respiratory protective equipment (RPE), are simple face masks which protect workers from particles and aerosols in the air.

On testing only 50% of models passed with a completely clean bill of health.

What to look out for, (1) visible splits in the material; (2) holes through the heat-welds holding the straps in place; (3) a missing exhalation valve in a mask which was designed to have one; (4) a broken nose-clip; (5) a mask which was excessively crumpled; and (6) material which allowed through twice the amount of particulate it was supposed to.

Beware what was evident the five faultless models were the priciest ones out of the ten tested. This may reflect higher quality control standards in manufacture.

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