6th June 2016
Corporate manslaughter refers to a criminal offence in English law that involves a death caused by a corporate entity. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide (CMCMA) Act came into effect on April 6th, 2008, and on the 1st February 2016, changes were made to the law regarding the sentencing of companies found guilty of corporate […]
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4th May 2016
Employers have a duty of care to protect members of the public, as well as their own staff and other workers who may be sharing the job site. One of the biggest risks on construction sites where work is being carried out at height is the potential for falling objects, such as tools, equipment and […]
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22nd March 2016
MEWPs, or mobile elevated working platforms, are powered access machines, used in a huge range of construction and warehousing sectors. MEWPs are available in two basic types: boom (cherry pickers) and vertical (scissor lifts). Boom lifts have two types of operation, static or mobile. These are covered by different training and qualifications. Vertical lifts can […]
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17th March 2016
Scaffolding is the solution to many access issues, providing a safe and legal means of access for workers at height. It is recommended above many other means of access, especially if the work will be prolonged or involve multiple workers, tools, equipment or materials. However, scaffolding is not completely safe. The National Access & Scaffolding […]
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14th March 2016
Mental health is a problem that affects approximately 1 in every 4 people each year, yet there is still little guidance available to employers on how to manage and help employees who may be struggling with a mental health problem. It is thought to cost UK employers approximately £1000 per person, per year, yet […]
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10th March 2016
The experts at The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) are predicting a growth in the construction industry that will see housebuilding return to pre-recession levels by 2020. In order for this growth to be sustained, they anticipate the sector will need to recruit an additional 230,000 workers over the next four years, in order to […]
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23rd February 2016
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed that many employers are allowing new forklift operators to be trained casually, by existing forklift operators, rather than by an accredited training provider. If that wasn’t enough cause for concern, they also stated that many of the operatives carrying out this casual training may have received their […]
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17th February 2016
Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) are the safest way of positioning workers at height for temporary jobs as they provide efficient access to high areas and protect the workers from the risk of falling. Trapping & Crushing However, MEWPS are not completely risk free. One of the biggest safety concerns for workers on MEWPs is […]
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10th February 2016
Construction workers are most at risk of death than any other type of worker in the UK. The construction industry has held first place in the most dangerous jobs list for quite some time, above a whole host of occupations you might think are more risky, such as lorry driving, mining & rig work, and […]
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5th February 2016
For the second year running, the construction sector in the North East has been thriving, and with a renewed confidence in the areas construction contractors, this seems set to continue. Alongside the recent increases in construction projects for the leisure and retail markets, as well as large regeneration projects in some city centre areas, new […]
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20th January 2016
As the homebuilding and construction industries continue to recover and expand, the skills shortage is becoming a bigger cause for concern as employers struggle to fill vacancies. However, alongside the usual job adverts and recruitment agencies, there are other places to look to bolster your ranks and ensure you have enough workers for your upcoming […]
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15th January 2016
No matter what industry you work in, or what level you work at, training to improve your effectiveness at your job is always desirable when progressing your career. However, finding the time and funding to undertake further training is not always easy, so many people are turning to online training courses. We understand that online […]
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6th January 2016
A firm in the North East, operating from Hartlepool Dockyard, have been fined £400,000 and made to pay over £100,000 in costs, following an incident that resulted in the death of an agency worker. Mr Harrison, a father of three, had been working onboard a ship at the dock, loading steel pipes into the hold. […]
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4th January 2016
Warehouses and their stock are extremely valuable, and every effort should be made to provide protection against all kinds of hazards and threats; from criminal activity and accidental damage to rodent infestation, all can have very costly consequences! Alongside the usual employers’ liability insurance and product liability cover, you will need buildings and contents cover […]
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21st December 2015
New sentencing guidelines were released at the beginning of November that could see businesses facing tougher penalties for offences relating to corporate manslaughter, health & safety and food hygiene. The guidelines cover all businesses and organisations in England and Wales found to have caused death, illness or injury through unsafe or illegal working practices. This […]
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15th December 2015
A recent study by Cerico found that workplace deaths have risen by almost 7%, from 133 to 142, over the last year. Whilst this is a very concerning statistic, the study also found that in the last 3 years, the number of criminal prosecutions for serious breaches of health and safety law has risen by […]
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