The HSC is sponsored by the Department of Work and Pensions and is ultimately accountable to the Minister of State for Work, the Right Honourable Jane Kennedy MP.

New approved code of practice to help prevent occupational asthma

07 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has published a new Approved Code of Practice to help ensure substances that cause occupational asthma are properly controlled by employers. Occupational asthma is the most frequently diagnosed respiratory disease in Great Britain. HSE estimates that between 1,500 and 3,000 people develop it every year.

New innovative ways of handling dangerous substances and put British companies on top

06 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine Nominations for Good Practice Awards to recognise outstanding and innovative ways of handling dangerous substances by British companies, are being sought by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

New pilot project has been launched

05 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine Up to 13.4 million days a year are lost due to stress at work and although guidance has been available for almost a decade, the Health and Safety Commission wanted an innovative approach which would provide the tools for bosses and workers to tackle the challenge in their own firms.

New Guidance to tackle accidents at power presses

04 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has today published new guidance aimed at tackling one of the main causes of accidents at power presses. Accident data shows that poor maintenance was at the root of about 40% of incidents involving mechanical presses.

A new way to help protect workers’ backs

03 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) to help managers identify high risk manual handling jobs has been launched today by the Health and Safety Executive. The website http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac was also launched today. Employers, safety reps, health professionals and members of the public should find this site useful as it provides up to date information on health and safety relating to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) - the general name for conditions such as back pain and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

New help to tackle infection risks at work

02 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens today published new health and safety guidance on how to control the risks posed from infections at work, as part of the European Week for Safety and Health 13 -18 October 2003.

New Call Centre Community Sharing

01 May 2006 - HSE InfoLine A new approach of 'community sharing' in the call centre industry could improve their occupational health record and benefit UK industry overall, says the Health and Safety Executive today as it publishes the first major study of call centre working.

Asian audiences targeted with new HSE Worksmart series

21 April 2006 - HSE InfoLine Sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive, 'Worksmart', has already run in its more general form on ITV television networks across the country in 2001 and 2002. It achieved a 250% per cent increase in awareness of health and safety issues among viewers in the target audience. It was piloted with Granada Television, North West, where it ran for two years.

New offshore safety regulations become law today

07 April 2006 - HSE InfoLine The 2005 Regulations reflect the experience and changes in the offshore oil and gas industry since 1993. They will cut bureaucracy for industry and allow Health and Safety Executive inspectors to carry out more planned interventions.

Noise regulations come into force

06 April 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is reminding employers that the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 come into force today. The regulations replace the existing Noise at Work Regulations 1989 for all industries in Great Britain except music and entertainment, which have until April 2008 to comply.

Amendment to the management of health and safety at work regulations

06 April 2006 - HSE InfoLine The amendment changes the civil liability provisions in the Regulations so as to exclude the right of third parties to take legal action against employees for contraventions of their duties under these Regulations. This extends to employees the same protection against third party action as that provided for employers.

HSE begins public consultation on revised nuclear safety assessment principles

04 April 2006 - HSE InfoLine The safety of a nuclear plant is the responsibility of the licensee, who is required to submit to HSE a written demonstration of safety, or safety case, which is periodically updated to reflect changing conditions. The Safety Assessment Principles provide a famework for the technical judgements that HSE inspectors have to make to establish whether safety cases are adequate, thus ensuring a consistent approach to the assessment process.

Asbestos - updated information for schools

03 April 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has updated information on managing asbestos in schools. The potential exposure of teachers and pupils to asbestos remains low but HSE is re-issuing the guidance to remind those responsible of their duties relating to the management of asbestos.

Rail departs HSC/E

31 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The responsibility for railway health and safety regulation is transferring from the Health and Safety Commission and Executive to the Office of Rail Regulation on 1 April 2006.

Buying for life in public sector construction, Be the best, say health and safety minister

28 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine 'Each year approximately 17 workers are killed on essential projects procured by the public sector ', Lord Hunt, Minister for health and safety, said today at a major construction event. 'This human cost is too high a price to pay, both economically and ethically'.

HSE publishes discussion document on review of strategy for regulating new nuclear power station design

27 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is today inviting views and comments on a review of its strategy for regulating the design of new nuclear power stations. This follows a request from the Department of Trade and Industry, as part of the Government's Energy Review, for advice on the potential role of pre-licensing assessments of power station designs.

Is your workplace noisy?

27 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine Hearing loss caused by work is preventable but once your hearing, or that of your workers, has gone it won't come back. A communications campaign was launched today through key trade journals, direct mail-outs, online newsletters and press activity to remind people of the simple rules of thumb to see whether the new regulations may apply. If they do, employers can get help tackling noise at work through HSE's noise web pages and Infoline.

Cocklers tragedy highlights need for high safety standards

24 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine Following the successful prosecution for manslaughter following the death of 23 cockle pickers on Morecambe Bay in February 2004 the Health and Safety Commission has today taken the opportunity to re-empahsised the importance of worker protection imposed by health and safety legislation.

Watch out for your bin man

24 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine 'Watch out for your bin man' is the Health and Safety Executive's call to the people of Leicester this week, following the launch of an initiative designed to make householders more aware of the safety of the people who collect their waste and recyclables.

Oil company ordered to pay out £14,000 for inadequate safe system of work after explosion at refinery

23 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine Total Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited has been fined £14,000 following a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive after an explosion at its refinery in Immingham, North Killingholme. HSE's investigation found that TLOR failed to adequately manage risks posed to workers carrying out maintenance on its behalf on a crude oil storage tank.

HSE warns of dangers to children playing on powered rolling doors

22 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has today issued an information document to the owners of vertically opening powered rolling doors following a number of serious and fatal accidents to children riding on these doors.

HSE warns of dangers to children playing on powered rolling doors

22 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has today issued an information document to the owners of vertically opening powered rolling doors following a number of serious and fatal accidents to children riding on these doors.

HSE urges caution over retractable type fall arresters

21 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is today reminding industry of the dangers of misusing retractable type fall arresters, sometimes referred to as 'inertia blocks', following the interim findings of a research project commissioned by HSE.

HSC Consults on proposals for amended biocidal products regulations

17 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission today published a consultative document seeking comments on proposals for the Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2006. Biocidal products are used in a variety of industries to control unwanted organisms, such as animals, insects, bacteria, viruses and fungi. They are intended to kill or otherwise exert a controlling effect by chemical or biological means.

Inadequate safe system of work leads to £13,000 fine for train maintenance company

15 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine West Coast Traincare was yesterday fined £13,000 following a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive after a train maintenance worker's hand was run over by a train. HSE's investigation found that there was an inadequate system in place for safely carrying out the work.

HSE prosecutes following fall from height fatality

14 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine Henderson General Services Ltd, a construction company based in Putney, London, was fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,296, at the Old Bailey on Monday 13 March 2006. The prosecution, brought by the Health and Safety Executive, followed its investigation into the death of Mr James Grimes who died when he fell from a ladderwhile he attempted to access a scaffold.

HSE Chief Executive outlines the new challenges of regulating British industry

13 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive Geoffrey Podger, in a speech, today at the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health conference, has set out the challenges facing a modern regulator.

New research confirms low risk of exposure from Asbestos containing textured coatings

13 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine New research on asbestos confirms that risks from asbestos containing textured coatings are much lower than previously thought. The new research published today supports the proposal that work with textured coatings will no longer require a licence.

Preventing back pain and other aches and pains to kitchen staff – HSE issues new guidance

10 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine Back pain and manual handling injuries are among the most common occupational ill health problems in the UK. In catering and hospitality industry kitchens there are many tasks that without proper controls can cause back pain or upper limb injuries.

Nine fatalities in eight weeks – HSE issues safety alert to Waste and Recycling industry

01 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has today issued a safety alert to the waste and recycling industry following nine reported fatalities in eight weeks. In seven instances, people were killed by being struck by a vehicle.

Workers' Safety Adviser Challenge Fund award winners announced

01 March 2006 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, minister responsible for health and safety, today announced the 13 award winners from the third round of the Workers' Safety Adviser Challenge Fund. The aim of the fund is to increase worker involvement and consultation.

New advice for employers on involving workers in health and safety management

28 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today launches new resources for employers to help them involve workers in health and safety management. Published as part of a new 'worker involvement' website the tools provide a wealth of sound help and advice to businesses.

HSE announces new timetable for construction design regulations

28 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine Today, the Health and Safety Executive announced the revised Construction (Design and Management) Regulations would be implemented in Spring 2007. The Regulations will revise and bring together provisions in the existing CDM Regulations 1994 and the Construction Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1996 into a single regulatory package.

New service to reduce estimated £10 billion cost to UK economy

23 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt of Kings Heath today launched Workplace Health Connect, a new free advisory service on workplace health for smaller businesses: 'This new confidential advisory service for small businesses offers cost-effective and simple solutions to help cut workplace injuries and ill-health. It is simply unacceptable that UK small businesses incur major costs because they are unaware of effective and efficient solutions to manage health and safety.'

HSE issues precautionary advice to fuel depot operators

21 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today issued precautionary advice to operators of fuel storage sites following the publication of a progress report by the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board on the joint investigation by HSE and the Environment Agency.

Stress Workshop Tackles Sickness absence in the police

20 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine 'Stress is the main cause of sickness absence in the public sector,' Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive, will today tell Human Resource Directors in the police service, 'but there is a growing realisation that it can be tackled effectively.'

Stress Workshop Tackles Sickness absence in the police

20 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine 'Stress is the main cause of sickness absence in the public sector,' Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive, will today tell Human Resource Directors in the police service, 'but there is a growing realisation that it can be tackled effectively.'

Transport case prompts HSE reminder on the importance of radiation protection controls

20 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today issued a reminder to companies working with radiation on the importance of protection control measures, including basic monitoring. The reminder follows the conclusion of a case brought jointly by HSE and the Department for Transport against specialist contractor, AEA Technology plc.

HSE to prosecute Corus UK LTD following incident in November 2001

16 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive yesterday served two summonses on Corus UK Ltd for breaches of health and safety law, following the conclusion of its investigation into the explosion at Blast Furnace 5 at their Port Talbot site in November 2001. The explosion killed three men, Len Radford, Andrew Hutin, and Stephen Galsworthy.

Statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations

16 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine A statement on incidents at nuclear installations in Britain that meet Ministerial reporting criteria is reported to the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry and for Scotland and published every quarter by the Health and Safety Executive.

HSE seeks views on domestic gas safety

15 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, Minister with responsibility for health and safety, is launching the review by opening a stakeholder forum on 20 February at HSE's London offices. He said today: 'Every year between 20-30 people are tragically killed through carbon monoxide poisoning. I want to ensure that we have an effective regime to improve gas safety.'

Sorting slips and trips in construction

02 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine 'If you see it, sort it' is the message from Stephen Williams, the Chief Inspector of Construction at the Health and Safety Executive, as construction inspectors begin a nationwide inspection programme targeting building sites with poor housekeeping.

Patient safety & health & safety: two sides of the same coin: minister addresses patient safety

02 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine Addressing healthcare staff and patient safety experts at the National Patient Safety Agency's event 'Patient Safety 2006', Lord Hunt pointed out: 'Injuries from incidents such as falls account for around a third of patient injuries. For health services staff, 54% of major reported injuries are due to slips, trips and falls, compared with 34% across all employment sectors. Given that the vast majority of such injuries result in broken bones, the costs to the health services in staff absence are phenomenal, while those injured endure a great deal of pain and suffering.'

Egg carton manufacturer fined £50,000 over asbestos

02 February 2006 - HSE InfoLine Yesterday the Great Yarmouth based company was fined a total of £50,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £86,000 at Norwich Crown Court, after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety law. This criminal case follows an investigation by HSE into the condition of asbestos containing materials at the firm's site in South Denes Road in October 2003.

Absence costs UK economy £12 billion every year

31 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt of Kings Heath yesterday underlined the cost of sickness absence to the British economy. The latest estimate puts the cost to the economy at around £12 billion per year, with absenteeism in the private sector making up around £8 billion of the total.

HSE and EEF launch ground-breaking partnership to promote health and safety in manufacturing

27 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today signed a ground-breaking partnership agreement with EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, to promote effective health and safety management across manufacturing industries.

Watch your step in construction

24 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine Over 1,000 construction workers fracture a bone or dislocate a bone every year. This February, as part of an initiative to reduce the number of slips and trips on construction sites, Health and Safety Executive inspectors will be carrying out a nationwide 'Watch Your Step' inspection programme.

HSE to contribute safety report to energy review

23 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive confirmed today that it is to produce a report on health and safety issues relating to significant energy sources and technologies, as a contribution to the Government's Energy Review.

Custodial sentence for construction company owner

20 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine Construction company proprietor Wayne Davies of A & E Buildings, based in Knighton, Powys, was today sentenced to an 18-month custodial sentence following a prosecution brought by the Crown Prosecution Service. The case heard at Hereford Crown Court, followed a joint investigation between the police and the Health and Safety Executive into the death of Mark Jones.

HSC consultation on asbestos ends in two weeks

18 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine The draft package implements changes to the european asbestos worker protection directive and tightens statutory protections for those working with asbestos, by introducing a single, lower control limit for worker exposure to all types of asbestos and requiring specified training for all employees who are liable to be exposed to asbestos.

Rehabilitation and managing sickness absence conference provides key to huge rewards in manufacturing

16 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive's manufacturing sector has announced a 'best practice' conference on rehabilitation and managing sickness absence among employees in manufacturing industries.

HSC announces independent chair of Buncefield investigation board

12 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission today announced the appointment of the Rt. Hon. Lord Newton of Braintree as the independent chairman of the board supervising the investigation into the Buncefield oil depot incident on 11 December 2005.

Good intentions fail because changes seen as too costly to implement

10 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine The majority of resolutions to make business improvements this year will not stand the test of time according to an opinion survey released today by the Health and Safety Executive as part of its Better Business campaign. The results show that 57 per cent of small businesses make New Year's resolutions, but that 21 per cent of these will break them within a fortnight, and 43 per cent will break them within one month.

Views of owners of businesses based near the Buncefield oil depot

10 January 2006 - HSE InfoLine At a routine meeting at Dacorum Borough Council, the Buncefield Investigation Manager, Taf Powell, was invited to listen to the views of owners of businesses based near the Buncefield oil depot following the incident at the site on 11 December 2005.

HSC orders HSE investigation of Buncefield oil depot incident

20 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission has formally asked the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency to investigate last week's incident at the Buncefield oil depot; to appoint an Investigation Board with an independent chair and to make a special report to the HSC as soon as possible.

Quarry industry beats hard target

15 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine In an event held to celebrate the achievement, Health and Safety Commission Commissioner, Hugh Robertson, congratulated all those who had helped reach the target. He said: 'Well done to everybody in the industry who has risen to the challenge of the 'Hard Target, to cut reportable injuries by 50% by 2005. The quarry industry has shown that a competent management and a genuinely involved workforce will deliver targets making it an exemplar to other traditional heavy industries.'

HSE statement: Buncefield Oil Depot investigation

15 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine Following the excellent work of both the Police and Fire Services, as well as many other agencies, and the successful existinguishing of the fires on the Buncefield Oil Storage site, Hertfordshire Constabulary has now started its phased withdrawal from operations.

HSE publishes up to date guidance on safe operation of vehicles in the workplace

14 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine Workplace Transport Safety: An Employers' Guide (HSG136) was launched by HSE at the Health and Safety Partnership Conference held today at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.

Plan to involve workers - Lord Hunt tells local authorities

14 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt, Minister responsible for health and safety at work, today called on local authorities to ensure that they make worker involvement a key element of their health and safety work programme for 2006/7. His announcement heralded the launch of the Health and Safety Commission's local authority phase of its Worker Involvement Programme.

Staff have to be happy, healthy and here to realise efficiency gains

12 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine 'Managing employees' health and wellbeing can make a big difference to organisations' productivity and efficiency.' This is the message given by Jonathan Rees, Deputy Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive, in his speech Health and Wellbeing: its contribution to efficiency today. The speech was delivered to the public sector's second annual Efficiency Delivery Conference, Putting policy into practice, at the QEII Conference Centre.

HSE publishes investigation report into major incident at ConocoPhillips' Humber refinery

01 December 2005 - HSE InfoLine Announcing the report, Kevin Allars, Head of HSE's Hazardous Installations Chemical Industries Division, said: 'The fire and explosion at the Humber refinery was a very serious event and could have been catastrophic. It shows the potential harm that arises from major hazard plant. Our investigation revealed that as well as failing to inspect pipework at its site adequately, the company's management had not correctly analysed the effects of an operating change, nor recorded it. This led to operators, inspection and monitoring staff not having a common understanding of the actual operating arrangements at the plant.'

HSE publishes new guidance on Whole Body Vibration

30 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has published further guidance on Whole Body Vibration. The guide, 'Whole Body Vibration: The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005' gives advice to employers of what can be done to reduce and control the risks of WBV under the Control of Vibration Work Act 2005 which came into being earlier this year.

Responding to the better regulation challenge

29 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today published its initial draft simplification plan, as part of its commitment to deliver the wider better regulation agenda, on its website. We want to know what you think.

Rail public inquiries: Work on recommendations heads for completion

24 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission today published its tenth progress report on recommendations made following Public Inquiries into the Southall and Ladbroke Grove rail incidents and Joint Inquiry into Train Protection Systems.

Statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations

23 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine A statement on incidents at nuclear installations in Britain that meet Ministerial reporting criteria is sent to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Scotland and is published every quarter by the Health and Safety Executive.

New qualifications to help reduce accidents and ill health on farms

21 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine New health and safety qualifications aimed at people working in farming have been recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. A Health and Safety Executive initiative, vocational qualifications for health and safety in agriculture are the first such qualifications designed specifically for the farming industry and will pave the way for a new generation of training courses to tackle the industry's poor health and safety record.

Construction company fined for roadworker death

18 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine Construction company Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd of Thornton Heath, Surrey, was today fined a total of £60,000 and ordered to pay £45,000 costs at Wolverhampton Crown Court, after pleading guilty to breaches of health and safety legislation. The case brought by the Health and Safety Executive follows its investigation into the death of employee Stephen Haywood during construction of the Nesscliffe Bypass in Shropshire on 4 October 2002.

New offshore safety case regulations laid before parliament

18 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine New regulations to replace the Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 1992 have been laid before Parliament. The Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005 will become law on 6 April 2006.

School caving trip death HSE statement

16 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine Justin McCracken, Acting Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive, said today in response to the tragic incident in North Yorkshire earlier this week:

Revamped RSI database aims to reduce repetitive strain injuries

14 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine A new database expanding and updating existing information on important Court judgments in repetitive strain injury cases, will be of direct and immediate benefit to the Health and Safety Executive who funded it, and to legal and health professionals working in the field RSI, trade unions, insurers and designers. The longer term aim is reducing the number of sufferers from this debilitating industrial injury.

Warehouse prosecution highlights important safety issues

14 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine A serious injury to a young warehouse employee has prompted the Health and Safety Executive to emphasise a number of important safety issues to employers in the warehousing and commercial storage sectors. These include supervision of inexperienced workers, planning work at height and ensuring safety procedures are maintained outside normal working hours.

Construction fatal and injury rate reducing, but industry still short of summit targets

08 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine Statistics released today by the Health and Safety Executive show the rate of fatal and major injuries in the construction industry is reducing.

HSE condemns bullying in the workplace

08 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive strongly condemn any form of harassment or bullying at work and are supporters of Ban Bullying At Work Day (7 November 2005).

HSE prosecute Network Rail and Amey Rail

04 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive announced today that it will prosecute Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd and Amey Rail Ltd in connection with the partial derailment of a high-speed train near Southall station, West London in November 2002.

HSC consults on amended asbestos regulations and approved code of practise

03 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission today published a consultative document seeking comments on proposed amendments to its asbestos regulations and an Approved Code of Practice.

Government commitment for HSE's stress management standards

02 November 2005 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions Minister for Health and Safety today emphasised the strong benefits to individuals, organisations and society who effectively manage stress at work .

HSE issues updated guidance for food manufacturing industries

25 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has published a new edition of its guidance for food manufacturing industries, A recipe for safety: Occupational health and safety in food and drink manufacture. This publication provides practical advice for management, supervisory staff and workers' representatives in the food and drink manufacturing industries. It also aims to increase understanding of the injury and ill health picture in these sectors and to stimulate awareness of priority areas for attention.

HSE publishes new guides to improve ladder safety

24 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has published new free guides to help raise awareness of the risks associated with ladder use and to give advice on how to use ladders safely. The guides are aimed at all users of ladders and their employers and have been published as part of HSE's campaign to reduce falls from height.

Targeted enforcement improves health and safety

20 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today published its sixth annual Offences and Penalties Report 2004/5. The web only publication can be accessed at: www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/off0405/index.htm

HSE prosecution decision on Potters Bar train derailment

17 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine Allan Sefton, Director of Rail Safety at the Health and Safety Executive, said today that a decision on whether to prosecute for health and safety offences in relation to the Potters Bar train derailment will be taken after a Coroner's Inquest is held.

Changes to the genetically modified organisms regulations

12 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine Amendments that clarify and simplify working with contained Genetically Modified Organisms have recently come into force. Key requirements of the regulations include:

HSE issues mobile plant warning to construction industry

07 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has today issued a warning to the construction industry about possible dangers with two items of mobile plant commonly used by construction companies, mobile elevating working platforms and telehandlers.

HSE announces conclusions on Sizewell B safety review

06 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today announced that it is content for the Sizewell B nuclear power station to operate for up to a further ten years, subject to continued satisfactory safety performance.

HSE publishes revised firework display guidance

06 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has published updated guidance on organising public firework displays safely.

Partnership with large organisations the way forward

04 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive and the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services jointly launched the Large Organisation Partnership Pilot today. The pilot will focus on developing closer partnerships to improve health and safety.

HSE Grants decommissioning consent for Chapelcross

04 October 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has granted consent to Magnox Electric Ltd for a decommissioning project at the company's Chapelcross nuclear power station in Dumfries.

Ladders are not banned but they should be used sensibly

12 September 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive spoke on BBC's Newsnight programme last Friday (9 September) to dispel the myth that window cleaners can no longer use ladders because they are banned by the Work at Height Regulations. Sensible risk management is the key to securing compliance with health and safety regulations, including the WAHR.

Offshore health and safety targets will not be met without renewed impetus from industry

08 September 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today urged the offshore oil and gas industry to increase its efforts to meet the 2010 target of safest sector in the world, as set by the industry's own Step Change in Safety initiative.

Construction Health and Safety campaign back on the road

06 September 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Construction Industry Advisory Committee, are pleased to announce that the industry's leading health and safety campaign, Working Well Together, will once again visit construction workers at their places of work during a five week nation-wide roadshow.

HSE publishes revised Personal Protective Equipment guidance

30 August 2005 - HSE InfoLine A revised version of guidance designed to help employers who supply and use personal protective equipment at work meet their duties under the law has been published by the Health and Safety Executive.

HSE advises caution in the use of gas forges

30 August 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has recently investigated several complaints relating to flame failure devices on gas forges used primarily by farriers. The key issues are the purchase of suitable equipment and safe operation of the forge.

HSE clarifies health and safety responsibilities for public paddling pools and tidal pools

08 August 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has issued a note clarifying guidance for managing health and safety in public paddling pools, tidal pools and segregated areas of rivers, lakes and the sea. HSE has issued the note in response to requests from operators of such facilities to make clear their responsibilities.

Corus Inquest: HSE statement following verdict

08 August 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Inquest into the deaths of three men, which resulted from an explosion at the Corus steelworks at Port Talbot, Wales, on 8 November 2001, has resulted in a verdict of accidental death. The verdict was announced on Friday 5 August at Swansea's Guildhall.

HSC Consults on proposed amendments to nuclear reactors (environmental impact for decommissioning) regulations

01 August 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission has today published a Consultative Document outlining proposals to amend the Nuclear Reactors (Environmental Impact Assessment for Decommissioning) Regulations 1999 (EIADR99).

Construction deaths down in 2004/2005 But not a time to be complacent

29 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine Statistics released yesterday by the Health and Safety Executive show the total number of fatal injuries to workers in construction for this year is 72, a small increase on 71 workers in 2003/04. However, due to a continued rise in employment, the fatal injury rate has fallen by 3% to 3.48 per 100,000 workers, continuing the downward trend of the past four years. This is the lowest level seen on record.

220 work deaths last year

28 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine At the launch of the Health and Safety Executive's annual fatal injury statistics Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission called for all sections of industry to continue to improve their control of risk.

Work is essential for good health

27 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine HSE has launched a new guide for safety and other trade union representatives, offering practical advice on long-term sickness absence and return to work issues. The Health and Safety Commission in a new strategy for Workplace Health and Safety have recognised the need to strengthen the role of health and safety in getting people back to work. HSE has published advice to help trade union officials to implement solutions to reduce sickness absence in the work place.

Organisations sign first agreement to ensure consistent health and safety enforcement on national trust premises

25 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today signed an agreement with the National Trust and Swindon Borough Council to work together on health and safety at Trust premises. Senior managers from the three organisations met at the new Trust headquarters in Swindon to launch the agreement.

Fruit farm prosecution highlights important safety issues

19 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine Following the prosecution of a Berkshire fruit farming company last week, the Health and Safety Executive is using the case to emphasise a number of important safety issues to employers in the agriculture sector. These include: ensuring workers are properly trained; the need to carry out a risk assessment; and checking that machinery is suitable for the purpose for which it is being used. The prosecution followed HSE's investigation into the deaths of two Polish workers who became entangled in farm machinery used to coil rope.

HSE warns divers against dangerous and illegal fishing methods

14 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine The warning comes after a multi-agency investigation into illegal diving for razor fish (spoots) off Argyll and Bute on the west coast of Scotland. The investigation revealed that some fishermen operating in the area are dropping electrified cables, which consist of several un-insulated metal electrodes, into the water that are then dragged by the vessel across the seabed stunning razor fish as they go. A diver who follows the path of the cable then collects the fish. However, if the diver comes into contact or even close proximity to the electrodes there is a real risk of electrocution.

We need a common sense approach to risk management

14 July 2005 - HSE InfoLine Lord Hunt of Kings Heath today called for a common sense approach to risk management as he formally launched a debate on the causes of risk aversion in health and safety.

HSE research shows importance of safety representatives in the workplace

30 June 2005 - HSE InfoLine A Health and Safety Executive report, published today, confirms evidence of a positive link between the appointment of safety representatives and levels of health and safety awareness and performance.

New vibration at work regulations help prevent up to two million employees from occupational ill health

29 June 2005 - HSE InfoLine New regulations that will help both employers and employees to take preventive action from vibration risks in the workplace come into force on 6 July 2005, says the Health and Safety Executive. The European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive (Directive 2002/44) deals with the control of diseases caused by vibration at work from equipment, vehicles and machines.

Construction partnership provides free health and safety training for small builders

28 June 2005 - HSE InfoLine Today, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction, Rosi Edwards and Plymouth City Councillor Sue Dann, cabinet member for transport and human resources, visited a mobile unit used to deliver free health and safety training to take part in a training session and celebrate the success of the initiative. During the visit, the Chief Inspector and City Councillor also committed to further action to improve the South West and Plymouth's health and safety performance and discussed the benefits of sensible health and safety with successful delegate, Paul O'Leary.

Designers continue to improve their performance

27 June 2005 - HSE InfoLine The 2005 designer initiative in Scotland and Northern England has revealed that designers in the construction industry are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibilities to design out health and safety risks.

Better Backs for the waste and recycling industry

13 June 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is appealing to waste management and recycling industries to visit its 'Better Backs' micro site at www.betterbacks.hse.gov.uk or call 0845 345 0055, both of which offer practical tips on how to avoid back-related injuries in the workplace.

HSE urges safer systems for unpacking large sheets of glass

08 June 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health & Safety Executive is reminding those involved in the glazing and cladding industries of the importance of conducting suitable risk assessments and having safe systems of work in place for packing and unpacking large sheets of glass.

HSE warn motor vehicle repair trade of ramp safety following Peterborough crush near miss

24 May 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has warned the motor vehicle repair trade of the need to have its vehicle lifts and ramps regularly and thoroughly examined by a competent person after a Peterborough worker was almost crushed under a vehicle ramp.

HSE engages mattress manufacturing industry in drive to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and ill health

18 May 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is continuing its national initiative to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and ill health in mattress manufacturing and intends to engage the industry, through a partnership approach, at two free workshops next month.

HSE grants exemptions to heritage/charter train 'slam-door' operations

09 May 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has granted exemptions to enable twelve heritage/charter train companies, and other operators of their Mark 1 rolling stock to continue to run stock without central door locking.

HSE publishes research on performance of 'octopus' regulators for scuba diving

21 April 2005 - HSE InfoLine The breathing performance for a single demand valve and first stage regulator combination is set out in British Standard EN250. This, however, gives no indication as to how two demand valves would perform together when drawing on a single first stage regulator. This, along with evidence of divers struggling to use 'octopus' systems in genuine emergencies, prompted the research.

Work at height - HSE explains what the regulations mean for the construction industry

13 April 2005 - HSE InfoLine New regulations came into force on 6 April 2005, applying to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. To assist the construction industry the Health and Safety Executive has today published a Question and Answer Brief to explain what the new regulations mean in practice and the standards HSE expects the industry to meet. It is available on the HSE website.

Offshore safety regulators commit to global standards

08 April 2005 - HSE InfoLine A group of offshore oil and gas industry safety regulators, which includes the Health and Safety Executive, has announced a commitment to producing common standards and further co-operation in the name of global consistency and improved international health, safety and environmental performance.

New explosives regulations laid before parliament

06 April 2005 - HSE InfoLine New regulations on the manufacture and storage of explosives have been laid before Parliament, the Health and Safety Executive announced today (5 April). The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 will come into force on 26 April.

HSE taking designers to site

04 April 2005 - HSE InfoLine Health and Safety Executive construction inspectors will again 'Take a Designer to Site' during April and May 2005, continuing the campaign to reduce the number of incidents involving falls from height in the construction industry.

New approach to good practice and exposure limits for chemicals

01 April 2005 - HSE InfoLine From 6 April, a new focus on good practice will help employers prevent their employees' health being harmed by the chemicals used in their workplace. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.

HSC undertakes review of riddor

31 March 2005 - HSE InfoLine A key element is to ensure that any future reporting requirements are easy to understand and that businesses can achieve compliance without undue administrative costs. It is also essential that any reporting system is unbureaucratic and does not burden business unnecessarily.

Statement of incidents at nuclear installations

24 March 2005 - HSE InfoLine A statement on incidents at nuclear installations in Britain which meet Ministerial reporting criteria is reported to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Scotland and is published every quarter by the Health and Safety Executive.

HSE launch initiative with waste and recycling industry to reduce injuries

21 March 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has launched a three-year initiative with the waste and recycling industry to address the high number of fatal and serious incidents that occur during collection and processing of municipal waste and recycling activities.

HSC Consults on Redrafted Guidance for Nuclear Reactors Decommissioning Regulations

10 March 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission has published a consultative document seeking comments on redrafted guidance from the Health and Safety Executive on the Nuclear Reactors (Environmental Impact Assessment for Decommissioning) Regulations 1999 (EIADR99).

HSC Consults of draft regulations which deal with employees' civil liabilities

24 February 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission has today published a consultative letter containing proposals for regulations concerning the civil liabilities of employees. The proposed changes are being made to address concerns raised, in particular by Public Concern at Work and the TUC.

HSC offer noise control help for textiles and footwear industries

31 January 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission's Textiles Industry Advisory Committee is holding an open meeting in Leicester to offer practical advice on controlling noise in the textiles and footwear industries.

Constructing better health receives financial boost

28 January 2005 - HSE InfoLine Constructing Better Health, the construction industry's occupational health pilot scheme, received a welcome boost this week when the Association of British Insurers pledged a contribution of £100,000 for 2005, with the potential for a further £100,000 donation in 2006.

HSE announce new tool for SME's to assess their health and safety performance

20 January 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today launched a new web-based tool to assist SME's track and assess how well they are managing their own health and safety performance supported by the DTI's Small Business Service.

Chromium VI In Cement: New COSHH Regulations

17 January 2005 - HSE InfoLine The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (COSHH 2004) will prohibit the supply or use of cement which has a chromium VI concentration of more than 2 parts per million.

HSE statement on paddling pools

06 January 2005 - HSE InfoLine Following recent press coverage on health and safety issues relating to paddling pools run by local authorities, Justin McCracken, Deputy Director General of the Health and Safety Executive, said: 'What all pool operators must do is weigh up the risks and provide precautions which match the level of risk they have identified, and they have had to do this by law for 30 years. Each situation has to be assessed on its own merits and, for paddling pools, issues such as the size, depth and usage of the pool will determine what measures are appropriate.

HSE issues warning over forged diver qualification certificate

22 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The warning comes after the prosecution of Nicholas Alfred Arrowsmith who had applied to HSE for a replacement Part II (AODC transitional certificate) commercial diving certificate. HSE carried out routine checks of Arrowsmith's qualifications and found he was only qualified to the lower Part I level. Further investigation revealed that the copy of the certificate Arrowsmith sent to HSE had been tampered with so as to make it appear that he had reached the Part II level.

Changes to the inspection of diving cylinders

21 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive is advising owners of diving cylinders to note that from 1 July 2006 the regulations covering the periodic inspection and testing of their cylinders will change. In the future, persons conducting cylinder inspections in the UK will be subject to a third party conformity assessment.

HSE Rail chief to lead HM Railway Inspectorate into ORR

13 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine Dr Allan Sefton, head of the Health and Safety Executive's HM Railway Inspectorate, is remaining in post until HMRI's forthcoming merger with the Office of Rail Regulation. This extension to Dr Sefton's contract beyond his planned retirement date of 14 April 2005 has been agreed by both HSE Director General Timothy Walker and ORR Chairman Chris Bolt.

Statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations

09 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine A statement on incidents at nuclear installations in Britain which meet Ministerial reporting criteria is reported to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Scotland and is published every quarter by the Health and Safety Executive.

First Aid rules stay fit for purpose

09 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The review, conducted by the Health and Safety Executiv, attracted a large number of responses from the first aid community and employers, revealing majority support for continuing with the current framework. The Regulations are regarded as a cost effective way of ensuring delivery of first aid provision, although further work could be done to improve understanding of the system and the way it operates.

Language barriers mean new dangers at work

09 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine Concern that migrant workers could be missing out on crucial health and safety training because their employers are not providing safety material in any language other than English has prompted the Health and Safety Executive and the Trades Union Congress to produce new safety information translated into 21 different languages.

HSE issues warning on correct use of twin tailed lanyards

08 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has issued a warning on the importance of following manufacturers' instructions on the use of fall arrest equipment, in particular systems based on twin tailed energy absorbing lanyards. The warning has been prompted by a recent incident in Australia, where a worker was killed when his lanyard failed.

New partnership for central and local government working

08 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine A high level agreement has been reached by the Health and Safety Commission, with the Health and Safety Executive and the Local Government Associations, representing local authority interests, about building a new partnership to deliver health and safety enforcement.

HSE V Savill Fabrications Limited: Plan safe and stop falls from height

03 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine Savill Fabrications Limited was fined £4,000 at City of London Magistrates on 2 December 2004 following an HSE prosecution for a breach of health and safety law. The prosecution followed an HSE investigation into an incident on 25 May 2001 when Savill's employee Mr Robert Totham suffered serious injuries following a fall from height at a construction site at Kew Riverside, Surrey.

WSA Challenge fund second round opens for business

01 December 2004 - HSE InfoLine The aim of the fund is to inspire organisations to collaborate on projects that encourage and promote employees and their employers to work together to drive improvements in managing health and safety. The scheme focuses on small firms and organizations that lack such arrangements. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improve health and safety, support the work of a WSA to promote worker involvement and demonstrate the vitality of the partnerships they have established to achieve this aim.

New figures show a fall in work-related ill health and a mixed picture for injuries

18 November 2004 - HSE InfoLine Figures published today by the Health and Safety Executive show an increase in the number of reported workplace injuries, which could reflect improved reporting, and a decline in new cases of work-related ill health. The most significant improvements have occurred in areas where health and safety inspection, enforcement, advice and partnership working have been most evident.

Statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations

12 November 2004 - HSE InfoLine A statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations in Britain during the second quarter of 2004 is published today by the Health and Safety Executive. It covers the period 1 April to 30 June 2004. There are two installations mentioned in the statement.

HSE Launches new slips assessment tool

12 November 2004 - HSE InfoLine SAT has been designed for those with responsibility for assessing slip hazards on smooth floors prone to contamination from substances such as water, food, oil and dust. Already being used successfully by HSE and local authority enforcement officers, it is now being made available to the wider health and safety community.

Cleaning industry- new forum to drive improvements in health and safety

11 November 2004 - HSE InfoLine Representatives of the Health and Safety Executive and the UK's cleaning industry met last month to set up a new liaison forum. The cleaning industry is a major employer in the UK, and this first meeting is a major step in driving forward improvements in health and safety.

Major hazard industries - improving leadership to reduce risk

04 November 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today published new guidance designed to help directors and senior managers in major hazard industries to improve the effectiveness of their leadership. Leadership for the major hazard industries also aims to encourage senior managers to reflect on their current approach and challenge them to continuously improve health and safety performance in their companies.

Helping business cut the cost of work-related stress

03 November 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive today launches a new approach to help employers work with their employees to manage the risks from work-related stress.

HSC looks to the future

12 October 2004 - HSE InfoLine The HSWA resulted in the creation of the HSC. Working with others in the health and safety system in Great Britain, the HSC and Health and Safety Executive have seen and contributed to major advances in reducing injuries and ill health including established occupational diseases. Throughout that time, consultation with industry, unions, local government and other stakeholders has been a core principle of the way the HSC/E works and the open meeting provides an opportunity for that relationship to develop further.

HSE Updates costs to Britain of workplace accidents and work-related ill health

08 October 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Executive has prepared interim updated estimates of the costs to Britain of workplace accidents and work-related ill health. These indicate that in 2001/02 health and safety failures cost.

Rail companies must be properly trained and supervised, says the Health and Safety Executive

01 October 2004 - HSE InfoLine Two companies, McGinley Recruitment Services Limited and Balfour Beatty Rail Infrastructure Services Limited, today received fines totalling £325,000 in the Central Criminal Court, London. The prosecution, brought by the Health and Safety Executive, followed its investigation into the death of rail worker Michael Mungovan.

HSE and Kent's Local Authorities join forces for transport safety blitz

28 September 2004 - HSE InfoLine Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission announced today a partnership initiative between the Health and Safety Executive and Local Authorities in Kent to run the country's largest ever workplace transport safety campaign.

Rail Public Inquiries: Work on recommendations heads for completion

14 September 2004 - HSE InfoLine The Health and Safety Commission today published its third progress report on recommendations made following recent rail Public Inquiries.

Surfing for safety

03 September 2004 - HSE InfoLine 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,