The Hickson and Welch Explosion of 1992
The Hickson and Welch explosion in 1992 was a catastrophic event at a chemical plant in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England. […]
Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Who Regulates Workplace Health and Safety in the UK?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the primary body responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation in the United Kingdom. Established under the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, the HSE’s mission is to prevent work-related death, injury, and ill health.
The Role of the HSE
Regulatory Functions
As a regulator, the HSE has the authority to create regulations, guidelines, and codes of practice related to health and safety in the workplace. These regulations apply to various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
Inspection and Enforcement
The HSE conducts inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Inspectors have the power to enter any workplace without notice, although notice may be given where the inspector thinks it is appropriate. In cases of non-compliance, the HSE can take enforcement action, including issuing improvement and prohibition notices, and prosecuting offenders.
Research and Statistics
The HSE conducts research to understand better the risks associated with different industries and job roles. It also collects and publishes statistics on work-related health and safety, including data on the types and causes of reported injuries and illnesses.
The Impact of the HSE on Workplace Safety
Since its establishment, the HSE has significantly contributed to improving workplace safety in the UK. The number of fatal injuries to employees has decreased by over 50% since the early 1980s, and the rate of self-reported work-related ill health has also seen a downward trend.
Challenges and the Future of the HSE
Despite these improvements, the HSE faces ongoing challenges. Emerging technologies, changing work practices, and economic factors all influence the nature of work-related health and safety risks. The HSE must continually adapt and evolve to meet these challenges and ensure the continued health and safety of workers in the UK.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of workers in the United Kingdom. Through its regulatory, inspection, enforcement, and research functions, the HSE helps to reduce work-related death, injury, and ill health, contributing to safer workplaces and healthier workers across the country.
Yorkshire
10 Lessons from the Hickson and Welch Explosion (1992) Every Industrial Safety Manager Should Know
Industrial accidents can have devastating consequences, as seen in the Hickson and Welch explosion in 1992. This tragic event at
United Kingdom
Wembley food manufacturer fined £150,000 for safety failings – Harrow Online
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi, with support from HSE paralegal officer Imogen Isaac. Never miss
Wembley food manufacturer fined £150,000 for safety failings – Harrow Online Read Post »
Suffolk
Bernard Matthews Fined £400,000 Over Safety Breaches
Bernard Matthews Food Ltd has been fined £400,000 following two separate incidents where employees were seriously injured. Colin Frewin was
Bernard Matthews Fined £400,000 Over Safety Breaches Read Post »
Glasgow
Kerry Ingredients Fined £300K Over Workplace Safety Failings
A multinational food company has been fined over £300,000 after a worker lost four fingers on his right hand while
Kerry Ingredients Fined £300K Over Workplace Safety Failings Read Post »
United Kingdom
Health And Safety Prosecutions – Some Recent Cases – Employment and HR – United Kingdom
Tim Ridyard reviews recent Health and Safety Executive prosecutions highlighting persistent issues with vehicle and pedestrian safety, …
Essex
Tyre Firm Fined £54,000 After Worker Is Dragged Into Machine
An Essex-based tyre refurbishment company has been fined £54,000 after a worker sustained severe injuries when he was pulled into
Tyre Firm Fined £54,000 After Worker Is Dragged Into Machine Read Post »
Bristol
Worker Killed in Wall Collapse at University of Bristol Site
A man has tragically died after a wall collapsed while he was working near the University of Bristol’s halls of
Worker Killed in Wall Collapse at University of Bristol Site Read Post »
Rhondda Cynon Taf, United Kingdom
National Grid Fined £3.2million after Pylon Worker Suffers Life-Altering Burns
The National Grid has been fined £3.2 million after a catastrophic failure in safety procedures left Justin Hollins, a father-of-two,
National Grid Fined £3.2million after Pylon Worker Suffers Life-Altering Burns Read Post »
Cheshire
Kier Fined £4.4M for Overhead Power Line Safety Failings
Safety is a paramount concern in the construction industry, where hazards are commonplace. Proper planning and risk assessment are critical
Kier Fined £4.4M for Overhead Power Line Safety Failings Read Post »