SAFETY ALERT ON QUICK HITCHES
HSE has issued a safety alert to users of excavators fitted with quick hitch
devices. There have been a number of serious incidents in the construction
industry, including four fatalities, since December 2006. This alert
outlines the precautions which need to be taken with these devices. The
initial enforcement expectations for HSE inspectors will be to take robust
enforcement action where quick hitches are found to be in use without
adequate precautions.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/quickhitch.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=01REDUCING MUSCULOSKELETAL RISK IN HANDLING HEAVY BLOCKS
Stakeholder Forum - HSE, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS
Manual handling is a key health issue that HSE and industry are addressing.
The handling of heavy blocks can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (more
commonly known as aches, strains and sprains) where the damage can be
gradual and progressive over a substantial period of time.
This event aims to look at the handling issues concerning heavy blocks from
different perspectives. Talks will be given by an HSE inspector, a designer,
a contractor the Concrete Blocks Association and the Builders Merchants
Federation.
The main emphasis is on discussion and debate focussing on:
- Does 2-person handling work in practice?
- How to reduce risk?
- What alternatives are available?
- What are the design alternatives?
- What does an enforceable standard look like in practice?
Limited places 'first come first served' - book now to reserve your place
http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/diary.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=02EEF/HSE Vibration surgeries 2008
HSE is continuing its partnership with EEF - The Manufacturers'
organisation, to hold three vibration surgery events. The surgeries are for
anyone using machinery or hand-held vibrating tools or other vibrating
equipment who would like to learn more and share their experiences in
managing vibration risks.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/newsandevents.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=03RECENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY
Read details of some recent HSE prosecutions in the construction sector and
find sources of relevant advice.
Work at Height
In 2005/06 a total of 46 workers died and a further 3351 employees suffered
major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Preventable
deaths and injuries still occur and it is vital that such tragic incidents
are used a reminder to review existing arrangements and precautions.
7 December 2007: HSE has warned construction companies to take the safety of
their employees working at height seriously. The warning follows HSE's
prosecution of a Liverpool construction company for failing to implement
safe systems of work for working at height after repeated warnings.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2007/gnnnw13207.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=0430 November 2007: HSE warns on dangers of work at height following
prosecution of North Wales roofing contractor in relation to an incident
where an employee sustained serious injuries, and later died, after a 25ft
fall through a skylight.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2007/gnnwal66507.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=0529 November 2007: HSE warns employers that they must ensure proper edge
protection is in place when working at height. This follows HSE's
prosecution of Liverpool company, Copelare Ltd, after an employee was
injured when he fell from a roof.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2007/gnnnw11907.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=0623 November 2007: Health and Safety Executive warns employers and the
self-employed to ensure safe systems of work are in place when working at
height. The warning follows HSE's prosecution of a Stourbridge glazing
company after an employee was injured in a fall.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2007/gnnwm35007.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=07Further information on working at height
HSE's Falls from Height webpages contain practical information on work
including;
- selecting suitable equipment;
- selecting competent contractors;
- protecting against falls during minor roof maintenance work;
- selecting and using fall protection equipment and;
- safe use of ladders and stepladders.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/index.htm?ebul=cons/dec-07&cr=08Excavation work
29 November 2007: HSE issues a warning to construction firms to make safety
a priority when carrying out excavation work following a fatal accident in
Sheffield which has resulted in the prosecution of a site foreman and the
company for which he worked.
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=334699&NewsAreaID=228&NavigatedFromSearch=True
16 November 2007: HSE warns construction companies and employees of the
dangers they face when working in excavations, following the prosecution of
two North East firms in connection with an incident in which one worker was
killed and another seriously injured.
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=331343&NewsAreaID=173&NavigatedFromSearch=True
Further information on excavation work
Construction Information Sheet: Safety in excavations
www. hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis08.pdf
