We’ve identified a few health and safety incidents that have had their outcomes determined in March 2018. They demonstrate how important it is to complete the necessary training and to manage your workforce and assets correctly!

12^thMarch 2018 – Company fined for unlicensed and unsafe asbestos removal in a primary school.

R F Gardiner Limited who are based in Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 8(1), 11(1) and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and was fined £28,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,141.80.

An investigation by the HSE found that the cause of the unsafe and unlicensed asbestos removal was caused by poor planning.

The workers on the project were exposed to high levels of asbestos (airborne) fibres whilst completing the work. This was due to the lack of water suppression and the failure of the company to face-fit test the operatives for the protective masks they were wearing.

The company also failed to ensure that the asbestos was contained during removal by not setting up a negative pressure enclosure, this led to the asbestos fibres spreading to the surrounding area. Alongside this, the operatives were not provided with a way of decontaminating on site.

7^thMarch 2018 – Company fined after driver is killed in an incident involving a forklift.

A delivery driver in the employ of Mark Doel Transport Ltd was struck by a forklift whilst delivering to Glynwed Pipe Systems Ltd.

The HSE investigation has determined that Glynwed Pipe Systems Ltd failed to properly manage their yard area and their workplace vehicles which led to employees and members of the public being at risk of being involved in an incident.

The investigation also found that the existing procedures and precautions in place were not sufficient and ultimately not safe.

The company was fined £1 Million.

21^stMarch 2018 – Company fined after worker suffers two broken legs.

K Two Sales ltd have been fined after an employee suffered two broken legs. The employee was injured when a stack of metal sheets fell onto him.

The employee accessed the back of a guillotine machine to measure some off-cuts. Whilst removing one of the off-cuts from a stack the remainder fell onto him and broke his legs.

The company were found to have improper procedures in place to prevent the metal sheets from falling.

The HSE investigation found that the incident could have been avoided if the risk was identified.

K Two Sales Ltd were fined £22,000 and ordered to pay costs amounting to £1647.20

22^ndMarch 2018 – Company fined after several health and safety failings.

Quainton Logistics & Storage Ltd have been fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £ 6,870.44.

The HSE investigation found that Quainton Logistics & Storage Ltd failed to implement measures that would manage the site work and also ensure the health and safety of their workers. The company also failed to implement the correct procedures for the removal of asbestos.

Workers smashed asbestos roof sheets with crow bars whilst removing them from a warehouse in Merseyside. There was also no PPE provided and workers were at risk of falling as no fall restraint equipment was used.

National Apprenticeship Week

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! We’d just like to say to all the apprentices and employers out there keep up the great work. Apprenticeships counter youth unemployment and help improve the skills base in the UK. This week is all about raising awareness of apprenticeships so please share this article and spread the word!

Evidently, apprenticeships are great for the apprentice. They give them the opportunity to learn outside the classroom and a route into an industry that they have an interest in. Some young people have no interest in formal education, however when they get involved in an apprenticeship they thrive and develop rapidly. We recently attended an event in Birmingham for young people looking for work opportunities. The passion and drive that was evident in many of the young people was great to see, and really demonstrates why apprenticeships are so successful.

Alongside the benefits to the apprentice, businesses also experience many different benefits to employing an apprentice. Increase in employee motivation, reduction of recruitment costs and an increase in productivity are just a few of the common reports from companies. Apprentices increase business productivity by on average £214 per week. 96% of businesses report that an apprentice is beneficial to their business. Clearly, an apprentice is a huge asset to a business.

Help is Available

One of the main stumbling blocks businesses have when employing an apprentice is the cost of the training. Therefore, there are numerous funding provisions to assist with the cost of training. This, combined with the lower wage costs for an apprentice really soften the impact on the bottom line. If you throw in the increase in productivity the investment in training is very worthwhile. The fencing apprenticeship that we offer is funded and many businesses take advantage of this. The reduced cost of training coupled with the gain of a skilled staff member is too good to miss!

So, National Apprenticeship Week is all about raising awareness and creating opportunities. However, an apprenticeship is not just great for the apprentice, they are equally as beneficial to businesses.

If you’re interested in our apprenticeship scheme give us a call on 0121 476 4731

or

Enquire Here!