The Health and Safety People

Council fined following health and safety breach

2010-09-10T00:00:00+01:00

Newcastle City Council has been prosecuted following a health and safety breach in which a five-year-girl was injured at a museum.

The youngster - who cannot be named for legal reasons - visited the Floating on Air exhibit at the Discovery Museum and when she put her hand in an opening she touched rotating fan blades, which should have been protected by a guard.

An investigation by staff from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found there was no system in place to ensure the exhibit was safe to use.

HSE inspector Carol Foster said the serious injuries sustained by the child could have been avoided.

"It's important that councils, like any other organisation, must have systems and procedures in place to ensure that the safety of members of the public is not put at risk by their activities," she added.

Maplestead Limited was recently fined £1,000 after an employee injured his hand when it got caught in the cutter tool of a spindle molding machine.

Posted by James Hill

End of lunch hour 'is bad news for men's health'

2010-09-10T00:00:00+01:00

The end of the traditional lunch hour has had a negative impact on the physical condition of employees, one expert has stated.

Chief executive of Men's Health Forum Peter Baker said staff members would be more productive if they left their desks during their dinner break to have a walk.

"If men are lucky enough to have a gym at their workplace, they should take advantage of it if they possibly can," he added.

However, Mr Baker explained males do not have to visit a gym to get fit, they could walk briskly for half an hour five days a week, as this is proven to boost health.

His comments follow the release of research, which suggested unfit men who put in more than 45 hours a week at the office double their chances of dying from heart disease compared to those who work the same hours but are in good physical condition.

Posted by James Hill

Recession 'has led to a rise' in tribunals

2010-09-09T00:00:00+01:00

The number of tribunal cases has risen partly due to the recession, one specialist has claimed.

Head of employment at Thompsons Solicitors Rakesh Patel said some firms have used the economic downturn to engineer redundancy processes to get rid of staff they do not want.

"Multiple cases for failing to consult people over redundancies [and] multi-claimant cases have increased," he added.

Mr Patel noted he is sure the number of claims for breach of contract and unfair dismissal has also gone up.

He explained there is an obligation on the employer to consult employees when there are more than three positions under threat.

If bosses fail to do this, the staff member can bring an action for compensation as they have not been consulted on the process, he remarked.

The specialist's comments follow the release of research by the Tribunals Service, which revealed the number of accepted claims increased by 56 per cent, going from 151,000 in 2008-09 to 236,000 in 2009-10.

Posted by James Hill

Flexible approach rather than redundancies 'benefits everyone'

2010-09-09T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses should take a flexible approach to cost-cutting, as it benefits both them and their staff.

That is the view of chief executive of Acas, John Taylor, who said more employers have looked for innovative approaches rather than resort to redundancy during the recession.

"In the long term those organisations which have dealt with their workforce in a fair, open [and] transparent way will reap the rewards," he added.

Mr Taylor explained bosses will notice the advantages as the economy recovers, as there will be less staff absenteeism and a reduced labour turnover.

He stated enterprises could try asking individuals to work part-time for a temporary period, change their shifts, or even ask personnel if they want to take a sabbatical.

The expert's comments follow the release of recent research by the Institute of Leadership and Management Today magazine, which revealed firms that have opted for budget cuts and flexible-working schemes have seen trust in their chief executive officers increase among the labour force.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety event organised for construction workers

2010-09-09T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety event is being held in St Helens for construction workers in the North West.

The gathering has been organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in partnership with the construction sector and is part of the Working Well Together Initiative.

Experts will be on hand to raise awareness of safety issues such as falls from height, in a bid to slash the number of workplace accidents.

HSE Inspector Alan Pojur said a lot of building activity is taking place across the region and the organisation wants to ensure it is being carried out in a safe manner.

"That's why we've teamed up with experts in the construction industry to offer support and advice on health and safety," he added.

Earlier this week, a report by the Trades Union Congress revealed around 20,000 people are killed prematurely by their job every year.

The poll found there are 1.2 million Brits claiming to suffer from a work-related illness.

Posted by James Hill

Workplace health and safety 'is crucial'

2010-09-08T00:00:00+01:00

Approximately 20,000 people are killed prematurely by their job every year, a survey has indicated.

According to the report from the Trades Congress Union (TUC) entitled The Case for Health and Safety, the results contradict the notion Britain is one of the safest places to work.

The poll revealed around 1.2 million individuals in the UK think they are suffering from a work-related illness including stress, heart disease, depression and musculoskeletal disorder such as neck and back pain.

General secretary of the TUC Brendan Barber said health and safety is no joke for those injured or for the relatives of those killed.

"Regulation works, as long as it is enforced and it saves lives and prevents the contraction of unnecessary illnesses. That is why the UK continues to need strong regulation and enforcement," he added.

Mr Barber noted fatalities are real people with families and are not just statistics.

The TUC is made up of 58 affiliated unions that represents more than six million working people in Britain.

Posted by James Hill

Boarding school fined following health and safety breach

2010-09-08T00:00:00+01:00

A £25,000 fine has been issued to a boarding school in Shropshire following a health and safety breach when a building collapsed and killed a construction worker.

Moor Park School appointed a self-employed builder to demolish a classroom in August 2007, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered in its investigation.

He then employed four members of staff - none of whom had formal training or relevant experience. Mark Evans from Ludlow was one of them.

The 40-year-old died when the 2.4-tonne roof of the structure caved in on top of him.

HSE inspector Nic Rigby commented: "Had [the school] taken reasonable steps to properly consider the demolition work, they would have appointed a competent and experienced contractor, and avoided the roof collapse."

This follows a £30,000 fine which was issued to a Doncaster-based housing developer after a health and safety breach left one of its workers paralysed from the chest down.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety advice issued to those in agriculture industry

2010-09-07T00:00:00+01:00

Farmers in the East Midlands are being urged to wear safety straps when they are in their tractors.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) made the plea and stated those who do not use restraints are at greater risk of being thrown from the cab and crushed between their vehicle and the ground.

HSE inspector Stuart Perry said safety cabs have been successful in reducing fatalities since they were made compulsory in the 1970s, but some drivers are still injured as they fail to utilise the belt.

"Lap straps can be fitted at [a] relatively low cost when there are already mounting points on the seat, so [this] could be considered a small price to pay for a potentially lifesaving bit of kit," he added.

Ann Poyner from the HSE recently advised farmers and those in the agriculture industry to assess the risks when carrying out roof work.

She noted employees should always have the correct safety equipment if they are planning to carry out work from height.

Posted by Claire Archer

Employee suffers injuries to hand in health and safety breach

2010-09-07T00:00:00+01:00

A building company has been fined £1,000 after a health and safety breach in which an employee suffered a serious injury to his hand.

Maplestead Limited was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when Rondeo Schoeman's hand was caught in the cutter tools of a spindle molding machine.

An investigation by members of the HSE found the firm failed to provide machine guarding and there was a lack of training which could have prevented the incident.

Inspector Jack Wilby from the regulator said all companies are responsible for supervision and training.

"Limited cutter projection tooling is a recognised standard of guarding for spindle molders that has been compulsory since December 2003," he added.

Mr Wilby claimed Mr Schoeman would not have suffered the "horrendous" wounds had suitable precautionary measures been put in place.

James Burt of JBB Homes in St Petersgate Square in Stockport recently pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety work regulations, after an employee sustained injuries in a fall form height.

Posted by James Hill

Industrial firm prosecuted for health and safety breach

2010-09-07T00:00:00+01:00

An industrial firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an employee was seriously hurt in an explosion.

The 33-year-old worker - who does not want to be named - was carrying out welding activities for Fluorocarbon Bakeware Systems when a spark ignited vapours from a can of thinners.

HSE inspector Sian Tiernan said the incident, in which a man received 60 per cent burns, could have been avoided if precautions had been taken.

"HSE's investigation showed that there was little in the way of direct supervision of the work and no risk assessment was undertaken for the activities carried out in the workshop," she added.

Ms Tiernan noted a review would have found thinner is highly flammable and so should have been stored safely.

Graeme W Cheyne Builders was recently ordered to pay a fine of £9,000, after a health and safety breach led to the boiler suit of a joiner going up in flames and causing serious burns to his face.

Posted by Claire Archer

Voluntary work 'does not always save money'

2010-09-06T00:00:00+01:00

Voluntary work will not necessarily play an influential role in cutting business costs, one expert has stated.

Tina Thompson, director of Third Sector Management, said organisations may not save money if they have individuals doing things for free that they used to do for cash.

"You need to recruit volunteers, train them and support them and often it's a mistake to think that they are a free resource," she added.

Ms Thompson claimed volunteering is good for those who give up their spare time because it helps them feel part of the community, along with breaking down language and cultural barriers.

She explained if individuals and businesses want to continue utilising volunteers, they will have to know how to recruit, support, manage and train them.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a study by People Count Third Sector, which revealed staff turnover in the voluntary sector fell in the 12 months leading up to March 2010.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Solar panels to grow in popularity?

2010-09-06T00:00:00+01:00

Solar panel installation has grown steadily because of the feed-in tariff, one specialist has suggested.

Technical director at the Renewable Energy Association Stuart Pocock said the scheme has got off to a good start.

"What we want to see happen is strong growth that can be supported by the emerging supply chain," he added.

Mr Pocock explained he is "reasonably confident" the initiative will have good growth rates, rather than a boom-bust scenario.

He noted the commercial sector is also starting to see increased uptake of photovoltaic panels (PV), but things will move slower, as businesses have a lot more "hoops to jump through".

Mr Pocock stated equity investors are showing interest in PV and the rates are high enough at the moment.

The expert's comments follow the release of figures from energy regulator Ofgem, which revealed a record number of UK homeowners had solar panels fitted using the feed-in tariff scheme in August.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Building firm prosecuted for health and safety breach

2010-09-06T00:00:00+01:00

An Aberdeen-based building company has been fined £9,000 following a health and safety breach in which a joiner suffered burns to his face.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also ordered Graeme W Cheyne Builders to pay the injured employee £4,000.

George Forbes' boiler suit was set alight when he attempted to move a fuse cut-out, as he wanted to fit new plasterboard behind it.

HSE inspector Liz Standen said it was lucky Mr Forbes was not more seriously hurt or electrocuted when the cable exploded in his face.

"Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) should have checked that all redundant electrical services on the property had been proven to be dead by a competent person before working on or near them," she added.

Lupton Fabrications formerly owned by Peter Critchard and Dennis Brunt were recently ordered to pay a fine of £2,001 after a member of staff had his fingers crushed when a protection device on a piece of machinery was not in use.

Posted by James Hill

Managers need more training on dealing with volunteers in the workplace

2010-09-03T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses that make use of volunteers need to ensure they have enough time and resources to manage them, one expert has suggested.

Director of Third Sector Management Tina Thompson said bosses need to have a specific skill set in order to do this.

"Managing volunteers is a specialist area - it is very different from managing paid staff - and volunteers are often the only reason that some services keep going," she added.

Ms Thompson explained issues can arise if supervisors are unable to keep hold of those who give up their free time due to a lack of training and this can have serious consequences for firms that rely heavily on volunteers.

The specialist observed motivation is a vital issue, as these staff members do not come to work for the money.

According to a study published by Skills - Third Sector on behalf of Valuing Volunteer Management, almost 50 per cent of those who manage volunteers have never received any training that would help them with their role.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employers 'do not know' how to deal with depression

2010-09-03T00:00:00+01:00

Employers are clueless when it comes to handling mental health in the workplace.

That is the view of Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, who claimed "by and large" bosses do not know what to do when faced with a staff member who suffers from depression.

He claimed awareness of such conditions is still extremely low in businesses across the country.

"What isn't really understood is that work is incredibly good for your mental health. Being unemployed and out of work is incredibly bad for your mental health," Mr Bell added.

He explained mental health problems can be as detrimental for an individual's life expectancy as being obese.

According to a recent study by Turning Point, half of all people admitted they have been depressed about their financial situation over the past year.

Men are more likely to link their depression to the economic downturn, whereas their female counterparts are more affected by relationship or family issues.

Posted by Claire Archer

Building company fined £30k for failing to incorporate adequate health and safety features

2010-09-02T00:00:00+01:00

A Building firm and its director have been fined after an employee sustained serious injuries in a fall from height.

James Burt of JBB Homes of St Petersgate in Stockport pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety work regulations.

Nicholas Roberts broke some teeth, fractured his pelvis in three places and bruised his groin in the incident.

Inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Debbie John said Mr Roberts was "extremely lucky to survive" after the fall from a height of approximately nine metres.

"Falls from height remain the single-biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury and construction companies must not leave safety of their workers as an after-thought," she added.

Ms John stated JBB Homes and James Burt failed to prevent falls from scaffolding and provide a safe system of work.

Laing O'Rourke Construction and Expanded Structures were recently prosecuted by the HSE after an incident in which a staff member was seriously injured.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety guidance issued on electric gates

2010-09-02T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued advice on electric gates following the recent deaths of two children.

Designers, manufacturers, installers and those who maintain the devices have been urged to offer more protection to users and fit extra safeguards to those in public areas.

The guidance is also aimed at people who maintain the gates and advises them to carry out regular risk assessments.

Director of field operations at the regulator David Ashton said the gates are created to stop if individuals get in the way, so installers must make sure this actually does happen.

"They must take their responsibilities seriously to make sure that anti-crushing, shearing and trapping safety protection devices are correctly set and maintained," he added.

In July, inspectors from the HSE helped officers from Greater Manchester Police with their investigation into the death of a young girl in an incident involving an electric gate.

Housing developer fined £30k following health and safety breach

2010-09-01T00:00:00+01:00

A Doncaster-based housing developer has been fined £30,000 following a health and safety breach in which an employee was left paralysed from the chest down.

Anton Burrows was crushed by a steel beam when he was working as part of a brick laying team for Strata Homes Yorkshire, of Quay Point, Lakeside, when the incident occurred.

The 24-year-old suffered extensive injuries and his spine was also damaged.

Alasdair Green, an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said the wounds Mr Burrows received have changed his life forever.

He claimed the event could have been avoided if the lifting operation had been properly planned and supervised in line with regulations.

"Today's prosecution must serve to remind all employers of their duties and responsibilities in protecting workers during lifting operations so that others do not suffer in this way," Mr Green added.

The HSE recently prosecuted Robert Fordham of Tring Road, Long Marston, after he pretended to be an engineer affiliated with the Gas Safe register.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Company directors prosecuted after health and safety breach

2010-09-01T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted two Leeds-based company directors following a health and safety breach in which an employee had his fingers crushed.

Inspectors from the body found the light curtains on the press, used to protect personnel, were not in operation and had not been for a number of years.

Lupton Fabrications formerly owned by Peter Critchard and Dennis Brunt were fined £2,001 and the pair's new firm Stealsafe was also found guilty of flouting the same regulation.

HSE inspector Angus Robbins said the worker - who does not want to be named - suffered a severe injury and could have lost most of his hand.

"Preventing access to dangerous moving parts by having operational guards or other protective devices is essential," he added.

Mr Robbins explained the standards of protection for hydraulic presses are commonplace within engineering companies.

Last month, Tyneside enterprise Formica of Coast Road, North Shields was fined £8,000 after a staff member's hand was drawn between two metal rollers.

Posted by James Hill

Businesses 'should improve disabled access'

2010-09-01T00:00:00+01:00

Improving facilities for disabled people should be a priority for UK businesses in the lead-up to the 2012 Paralympic Games, the government has stated.

With approximately one million disabled visitors expected to arrive in London for the event in two years' time, ministers have urged companies to begin their preparations now.

A report from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Office for Disability Issues, claims improving disability access makes commercial sense, as well as enabling firms to become more socially responsible.

According to the document, disabled people can account for up to 20 per cent of an average company's customer base.

"This report makes a clear economic case that businesses that are more accessible will be more profitable," commented business minister Mark Prisk.

Minister for disabled people Maria Miller added the 2012 Paralympics will offer "a powerful opportunity for the private sector to reach out to disabled customers".

Rosa Monckton, the mother of a child with Down's syndrome, recently called for improved levels of disability education in schools.

Posted by James Hill

'More protection needed' for businesses against criminal actions by staff

2010-08-31T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses need greater protection from criminal activity carried out by staff members.

That is the view of chairman of the recruitment society Steve Huxham, who said the current economic climate is likely to lead to more incidents of unlawful behaviour.

"It is important that they do have that right to defend themselves and to demonstrate what they have done to minimise the risk both to themselves and to the public, other businesses, et cetera," he added.

He explained companies will need to incorporate an audit trail to display steps taken in which a court of law would deem reasonable to avoid the possibility of staff members from committing criminal acts.

According to research from the RSA published earlier this year, 54 per cent of personnel have confessed to stealing from their boss, while 90 per cent of enterprises admitted they do not have systems in place to protect against such acts.

Posted by James Hill

Workman fined £8k after health and safety breach

2010-08-31T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a workman who claimed to be a registered gas engineer.

Robert Fordham of Tring Road, Long Marston, Tring has been fined £8,000 for carrying out work and pretending to be affiliated with the Gas Safe register.

HSE inspector Darren Aldis said Mr Fordham purposefully misled customers about his qualifications to make money.

"There is a very good reason for the registration scheme - to give customers the confidence that their engineer is competent," he added.

Mr Aldis noted the body will not hesitate to discipline those who break the law and put lives at risk by doing work without being registered.

He advised individuals planning on having gas work done to always check the fitter is part of the Gas Safe register and to verify this by phone or online.

Vikas Patel, owner of Rushi Construction, was recently fined £15,000 by the HSE after an investigation found he had fitted a boiler in residential property despite not being a member of Gas Safe.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Farming partnership prosecuted by Health and Safety Executive

2010-08-31T00:00:00+01:00

A farming partnership in Moray has been fined £13,500 following a health and safety breach in which a schoolboy died after falling through the roof of a farm building.

Austin Irvine fell approximately 13 feet to the ground and suffered serious injuries when a skylight collapsed as he walked across the roof.

An investigation by officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered there were no measures in place to stop falls through the corrugated asbestos cement sheeting.

HSE inspector Ann Poyner said the tragedy could have been avoided it the risks has been properly assessed.

"Farmers and those working in agriculture frequently carry out roof work, yet fail to appreciate the risks involved are always substantial," she added.

Ms Poyner advised workers to avoid fragile roofs and warned employees to ensure they always have the right safety equipment if they need to carry out work from height.

Gwyndaf Davies was recently left with life-changing injuries when he fell from the roof of a farm building.

Posted by Claire Archer

Mobile phones makers more environmentally aware?

2010-08-27T00:00:00+01:00

Mobile phone manufacturers are putting extra effort into being environmentally responsible because of business reasons, one expert has suggested.

Editor of CNET UK Flora Graham said operators are constantly seeking new ways to make their handsets stand out from the devices created by competitors.

"They can differentiate themselves from their hardware and they can differentiate themselves on other things like the environmental impact," she added.

Ms Graham noted the amount of energy and chemicals that go into a mobile phone needs to be reduced and consumers should put pressure on the makers in order for this to happen.

She explained customers will give manufacturers the motivation to boost their green credentials.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a new eco mobile phone rating system launched by O2.

According to the scheme, the Sony Ericsson Elm has the highest score, getting 4.3 out of five and the ranking details the environmental impact of the handset.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and Safety Executive reveal staff not at increased risk of cancer in Scottish factory

2010-08-27T00:00:00+01:00

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed employees at a Scottish semi-conductor plant are not at an increased risk of developing cancer.

The research looked at the work carried out by women with breast, lung and stomach cancer and men with brain cancer.

It found the number of personnel with the illness was within the normal range expected in such a workforce.

Dr John Osman, co-author of the study and the HSE's chief medical advisor said this type of study does not prove any workplace is completely safe.

"This is an independent, robust piece of scientific research and we have taken our responsibilities to the workforce very seriously," he added.

Dr Osman observed he hopes current and previous staff members find comfort in the results and that is offers clarity and reassurance.

Earlier this year, the HSE revealed the number of individuals killed at work in Britain dropped to a record low.

Posted by Claire Archer

More people working past retirement age?

2010-08-27T00:00:00+01:00

More Brits are working past retirement age because they cannot afford to stop, one expert has suggested.

Director of Churchouse Financial Planning Keith Churchouse said some people are not able to give up work as they rely on their wages.

"I would suggest that they check their state pension using a BR19 forecast form. I would then make sure that they get themselves up to speed with the value of any private or company pension schemes that they may have," he added.

Mr Churchouse noted individuals should plan ahead and those who do not think they have large assets should explore their situation to see if they can determine a budget to give them a better idea of when they will be able to retire.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a survey by Baring Asset Management, which revealed ten per cent of the working population currently have no plans to ever give up their jobs.

Posted by James Hill

Landlord fined £4k following health and safety breach

2010-08-26T00:00:00+01:00

An Exeter-based landlord has been fined £4,000 following a health and safety breach in which the lives of tenants were put at risk after a gas boiler was fitted illegally.

Richard Elliot was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and was also ordered to pay costs of £1,787.

Inspector Simon Jones from the HSE indicated work carried out on pipes in a flat could have led to an explosion after Mr Elliot failed to cap the gas pipe.

"Working with gas supplies is a specialised job and must only be carried out by trained engineers who are members of the Gas Safe Register, to minimise any risk of death or serious injury," he added.

Mr Jones advised individuals to always get a fitter who is an affiliate of the Gas Safe Register and urged people not to carry out any work themselves.

Earlier this week, the HSE prosecuted Formica, of Cobalt Business Park in Newcastle, after a worker suffered injuries to their hand when problems with a faulty machine were not rectified.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Haulage firm fined £5k following health and safety breach

2010-08-26T00:00:00+01:00

A haulage firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after one of its personnel suffered brain damage.

Nicholas Holmes was hit on the head by a 290 kg panel saw when he was unloading a vehicle.

Mr Holmes had not received training on how the items were secured in the lorry, so when he went to remove them the load became unstable.

HSE inspector Jean Edgar said it was a horrific incident and it is imperative haulage companies ensure information is properly communicated between drivers on how goods are secured.

"This is particularly important where the delivery driver did not load the vehicle - and has little information on the precise strapping method used to secure it," she added.

Rafferty Chimneys Engineering was recently prosecuted by the HSE when one of its employees was injured when he fell from scaffolding.

The regulator fined the establishment £8,000 after the incident in which Kevin Ford was left with a serious wound to his heel.

Posted by James Hill

Construction firms fined for failing to follow health and safety procedures

2010-08-26T00:00:00+01:00

Fines totalling £125,000 have been issued to two construction companies for their roles in an incident in which a worker was seriously injured.

Steven McColgan suffered life-changing injuries when he fell 21 metres from an unsupported working platform when on the construction site of Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary in October 2006.

Laing O'Rourke Construction and Expanded Structures have both been hit with the charges for failing to follow health and safety procedures and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Victoria Wise said the companies did not fulfil "their duty of care" to Mr McColgan.

"Falls from height are the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain," she remarked, adding it is "imperative" companies ensure the safety of workers when they are engaging in such a "high risk" activity.

Earlier this month, the HSE fined Rafferty Chimneys Engineering £8,800 after one of its workers was injured when he fell from scaffolding.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employment law changes needed to address pay inequality?

2010-08-25T00:00:00+01:00

UK employment law changes may help address the issue of earnings inequality between genders, which one expert has described as "unacceptable".

A spokesperson for the Women's Resource Centre made the comment after figures showed current trends would mean it takes 57 years for the gap between men and women to be closed.

Female salaries rose by 2.8 per cent in the last year, compared to 2.3 per cent for their male counterparts, according to the Chartered Management Institute and XpertHR.

And the Women's Resource Centre representative noted the government is taking steps to counter the effects of unequal pay, but called for more effort to be made to ensure the problem is tackled.

Female employees should not face an "uphill slog" to earn the same as men, she argued, adding: "Evidence has consistently shown that where women are paid equally and treated equally at work companies perform better and workplaces are more family friendly."

Posted by Liam Lawrence

HSE calls for offshore safety improvements

2010-08-24T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety standards in the offshore oil and gas industry still need to be significantly improved.

That is the suggestion of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which noted 50 major injuries were reported in 2009-10.

According to the organisation, the figure represents an increase on the average of the last five years and is 20 more than in 2008-09.

However, for the third consecutive year there were no deaths during activities regulated by the HSE.

Head of the offshore division of the HSE Steve Walker welcomed the latter finding, but reminded companies of the hazards associated with working in such environments.

"This year's overall health and safety picture is simply not good enough," he said. "The industry has shown it can do better and it must do in future."

Last month, the HSE announced a new inspection programme in a bid to ensure ageing infrastructure does not create safety problems at offshore oil and gas installations.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety failing results in loss of finger

2010-08-23T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety breach that led to a worker losing a little finger and parts of other fingers has resulted in a fine for the company concerned.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) noted that Formica, of Cobalt Business Park in Newcastle, failed to address production problems with a machine - with staff typically attempting to rectify faults themselves.

North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard Gary Burke's glove was caught and drawn between two rotating metal rollers, causing the damage to his right hand.

Formica was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay more than £4,700 in costs as a result as the incident, which occurred in November 2009.

HSE inspector Andrea Robbins observed: "The incident could have easily been prevented if the company had implemented safe systems of work for fault finding and ensured that guards were in place to prevent access to dangerous moving parts."

Last week, Workington-based A.C.P. (Concrete) was fined after an accident at a factory saw a steel cable shoot through a worker's shin.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Rise in unfair dismissal cases expected?

2010-08-20T00:00:00+01:00

There may be an increase of unfair dismissal cases because more employees are working unpaid overtime, one expert has indicated.

Chief executive officer of Work Wise UK Phil Flaxton said pressure on businesses means some personnel are working around 50 hours per week.

He explained staff - particularly those in small and medium-sized enterprises - could be asked to put in additional hours and some workers may react by taking legal action.

"With the cost of redundancy being as expensive as it is in many cases, I'm sure there are unscrupulous employers out there that would put undue and unlawful pressure on staff," Mr Flaxton added.

He observed the trend for legal action will probably continue for the foreseeable future, because the UK employment market is heading into a period of uncertainty.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a statement from Contact Law, which revealed a 15 per cent rise in the number of individuals seeking employment-related legal advice during July, compared to June.

Posted by Claire Archer

Onion firm prosecuted for health and safety breach

2010-08-20T00:00:00+01:00

An onion packing company has been fined £6,000 following a health and safety breach in which an employee broke his shoulder when he fell from a ladder.

Richard Webster fell three metres when he was covering boxes with plastic at Moulton Bulb Company.

This injury he sustained meant he had to stay off work for one month to recover.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Jo Anderson said it is vital employers make sure work is planned, as falls from height are the biggest cause of deaths in the workplace.

"As a result of this the company has changed its procedures to eliminate the need to work at height by applying polythene sheeting at floor level and then lifting the boxes up," she added.

Earlier this week, Argyll and Bute Council was prosecuted by the HSE for a health and safety breach which resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man who drove over an unprotected edge in a car park in Dunoon.

Posted by James Hill

More young people 'needed' to work in energy industry

2010-08-19T00:00:00+01:00

The government needs to work with those in the energy sector in order to attract young people, one expert has suggested.

Zoe Robinson, ethical business development manager at Warren Evans, said training and opportunities should be made available to those who choose not to go to university.

"The industry itself should be proactive in providing education and apprenticeships, in partnership with the government, to school leavers and the long-term unemployed," she added.

Ms Robinson noted the UK can only become a world leader in the green energy revolution if the country has the necessary skills.

She also observed the regime will now have to find alternative ways of delivering the green agenda because it has made £34 million of cuts to low-carbon projects.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a report from Centrica, which revealed 25 per cent of parents would not recommend their offspring to undertake a career in the energy, science or technology divisions.

Posted by James Hill

Council fined £20k following health and safety breach

2010-08-19T00:00:00+01:00

Argyll and Bute Council has been fined £20,000 following a health and safety breach which resulted in the death of an elderly man.

Duncan MacGillivray drowned in September 2007 when he drove over an unprotected edge of a car park at Coal Pier in Dunoon.

Inspector Mike Orr from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the 75-year-old died in traumatic and tragic circumstances.

"A simple risk assessment would have identified the clear risks of an unprotected sheer drop into the sea at the edge of a car park - but sadly the council failed to do this," he added.

Mr Orr said it is unacceptable the council did not identify risks to members of the public when it took over the maintenance of the site.

Earlier this week, London Tower Crane Hire and Sales was fined £18,000 after a four-tonne weight crashed to the ground, narrowly missing a footpath used by college students.

Posted by James Hill

The government 'needs to help' businesses reduce their waste

2010-08-19T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses need access to reasonably priced recycling services, one expert has suggested.

Spokesman for Waste Watch Mike Webster said there are a number of barriers that can get in the way of recycling as far as small and medium sized businesses are concerned.

He claimed motivational tactics such as landfill tax will not work.

"It does look like it will be easier for local authorities to collect business recycling as well as household recycling - so that they will be able to collect it all on a single collection," Mr Webster added.

He explained responsibility deals are a good way of getting sectors to comply with initiatives.

The specialist's comments follow an announcement by environment minister Lord Henley, who observed the government wants to work with enterprises to help them increase recycling and reduce their waste.

And the Federation of Small Businesses recently remarked small firms want to go green, but in order to do this, the government needs to expand the current loan scheme to help them reach carbon emission reduction targets.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Does owning shares make employees work harder?

2010-08-18T00:00:00+01:00

Staff members who have shares in a company are more likely to be involved in its interests, one expert has indicated.

Performance and reward advisor for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Charles Cotton said those with a stake would "become more business aware".

"Employees, because they have these shares, are therefore more interested in what makes the shares go up or down in value," he added.

Mr Cotton noted personnel may be more understanding when it comes to what the company is trying to achieve, as they will be appreciative to what rewards are on offer.

He said firms may want to introduce other benefits if they have had to decrease wages, but this would all depend on cost.

Mr Cotton explained it would be better to have a healthier workplace than have medical insurance, as that way employees will not need the cover as they would not get ill.

The specialist's comments follow the release of the Global Workforce Index, which revealed 53 per cent of UK workers believe they would be more productive if they had a stake in an enterprise or could share the profits.

Posted by James Hill

Motor body shop staff to pay more attention to health and safety?

2010-08-18T00:00:00+01:00

Individuals who work in motor vehicle repair body shops are being advised to do more to protect themselves when spraying vehicles.

The warning follows the release of a new study from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which indicated some personnel are still putting themselves at risk.

Representatives from the regulator predict vehicle spray painters are 80 times more likely to suffer occupational asthma than the average UK worker, as they often fail to take the correct precautions.

Louise Rice from HSE said managers and shop owners seem to more aware of the risks of isocynates and what needs to be done to protect the labour force, but the message is not reaching everyone.

"Occupational asthma destroys careers and lives. We appreciate that sprayers work to tight deadlines and time pressures, but they should not be gambling with their health," she added.

Prowash Systems, which operates a car wash firm in Essex, was recently fined £6,750 for failing to provide adequate insurance to protect its staff.

Posted by Claire Archer

Firm fined £18k for health and safety breach

2010-08-18T00:00:00+01:00

A crane company has been fined £18,000 following a health and safety breach when a four-tonne weight crashed to the ground.

London Town Crane Hire and Sales was also ordered to pay £15,837 in costs after the load narrowly missed a footpath used by college students.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Norman Macritchie said it was a matter of luck that no-one was injured in the incident, which should have been avoided.

"Those undertaking lifting operations have absolute duties to plan, supervise and carry them out safely," he added.

Mr Macritchie explained maintenance staff had identified safety-critical faults in the equipment, yet controls to stop the defective machinery were not put in place.

He claimed a lack of communication and teamwork, along with poor supervision contributed to the health and safety breach.

Rushi Construction was recently fined £15,000 by the HSE after it was discovered the owner Vikas Patel had installed a boiler into a property despite not being registered with Gas Safe.

Posted by James Hill

Fall from height leaves worker with life-changing injuries

2010-08-17T00:00:00+01:00

A worker has been left with life-changing injuries after he fell while working at height.

Gwyndaf Davies plunged three metres to the floor from the roof of a farm building, following a health and safety breach.

Mr Davies cannot walk without a stick and has been left blind in one eye after the incident.

Delme L James was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to take precautions to stop workers from falling form height.

HSE inspector Anne Marie Orrells said Mr Davies' injuries could have been avoided.

"Falls from height are one of the major causes of death and serious injury in the construction industry. The regulations are clear and well established but HSE continues to see tragic cases such as this," she added.

Anglia Lead was recently fined £10,000 following a health and safety breach in which employees were exposed to high levels of lead.

Posted by Claire Archer

Steeplejack firm prosecuted for health and safety breach

2010-08-17T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted Rafferty Chimneys Engineering after one of its employees was injured when he fell from scaffolding.

Kevin Ford received a serious wound to his heel in the incident and the HSE fined the firm £8,000.

Guy Dale is an inspector at the regulator and he said the event has highlighted the real dangers associated with working at height.

"With the right equipment and a proper risk assessment this could have been prevented," he added.

Mr Dale noted there were numerous instances and potentials for falls throughout the day that led to the health and safety breach and claimed it was lucky more serious injuries were not sustained.

Klaruis UK was recently fined £8,000 by the HSE and ordered to pay £1,892 in costs after a staff member broke his back when working at height.

Barry Derbyshire was immobilised for more than six weeks when he crushed a vertebra and fractured another.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employees 'want performance-related pay'

2010-08-16T00:00:00+01:00

Demand for performance-related pay is growing among employees, one expert has suggested.

Performance and reward advisor for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Charles Cotton indicated bosses could motivate staff by improving their personnel reward schemes.

"Quite a lot of individuals [have] said they'd like [pay to be] linked to either their performance, the performance of their team or the performance of their organisation," he added.

Mr Cotton noted there are a number of ways of offering staff incentives including having income in shares or if employees are able to purchase stakes in the business at a discounted price.

He explained bonuses through profit-share schemes are also an ideal way to reward the labour force for their efforts.

The specialist's comments follow the release of figures from the Office for National Statistics, which revealed average earnings growth decreased in the year to June 2010 from 2.7 per cent in May to 1.3 per cent in June.

Posted by James Hill

Small businesses 'need financial help' when implementing green changes

2010-08-16T00:00:00+01:00

Small firms need financial support to stop them from going into the red when they make changes to reduce energy emissions, it has been suggested.

A report from the Federation of Small Businesses noted the government needs to ensure going green is economically viable, as many small enterprises understand the benefits of being energy-efficient, but struggle with the cost.

National chairman of the establishment John Walker said it is imperative carbon emissions are reduced, particularly with the predicted rise in the cost of energy over the next ten years.

"Small businesses can play a huge part in the UK's fight against climate change and we urge the government to harness this potential when it publishes its energy bill, expected later this parliament," he added.

However, a spokesman for the Centre for Alternative Technology recently claimed the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme could give companies the opportunity to buy carbon credits rather than reduce emissions.

Posted by Claire Archer

Flexible working 'helps people get back into work'

2010-08-16T00:00:00+01:00

Hiring staff on a part-time basis or through flexible working helps get individuals back into employment, one expert has indicated.

Co-founder of Bikeworks Jim Blakemore noted such schemes are particularly important for small enterprises.

"We employ lots of part-time staff, including mums and being able to offer part-time or flexible working is great for any small business, where predicting future growth is not an exact science," he added.

Dave Miller, co-founder of Bikeworks, remarked their employment policies have been successful because they have looked beyond the traditional graduate pool.

And he explained because they have given others a chance they have found committed outstanding people who care about their place of work.

According to official figures by the Office for National Statistics, the number of people in work has reached 7.84 million, boosted by 115,000 part-time staff.

Director of corporate marketing at Orange Max Taylor recently noted firms can save cash if they let personnel work flexibly.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety advice issued to farmers

2010-08-13T00:00:00+01:00

Farmers in Somerset have received health and safety advice at an awareness event in Cannington.

Attendees had the chance to watch practical safety demonstrations, which included the six main activities associated with farming - including machinery safety, livestock handling, telehandlers, quad bikes and roof and height work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) organised the gathering and agricultural champion Sandy Blair said there are more work-related deaths in farming than any other sector.

"Modern agriculture of course still requires very hard work over long hours, but it doesn't need to be the most dangerous occupation in Britain," he added.

Mr Blair noted more needs to be done to improve health and safety within the divison, as this would prevent future tragedies from occurring.

Earlier this week, Leiths Scotland was prosecuted by the HSE after a worker was crushed to death when a five-and-a-half tonne digger rolled backwards and landed on top of an employee.

Posted by James Hill

Ageism 'is still rife' for people over the age of 50

2010-08-13T00:00:00+01:00

Ageism is still a huge problem for individuals over 50, one expert has suggested.

Editor of Saga Magazine Emma Soames said the fact the default retirement age has been removed is a positive step, but it is questionable whether it will make it easier for older workers to find employment opportunities.

"Unless they are extraordinarily self-disciplined people, I think it's extremely difficult for the unemployed over-50s and very depressing," she added.

Ms Soames noted those in the 50-plus age range make great employees, as they do not clock watch, they have a stabilising influence on the team and are very reliable.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a survey by Age UK, which revealed there are now a lot more older workers who are in long-term unemployment.

Furthermore, the figures show the number of those aged 50 and over who are out of work has swelled by 50 per cent in the last 12 months and is at a ten-year high.

Posted by James Hill

Aberdeen firm fined £96k after health and safety breach

2010-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

An Aberdeen-based quarry firm has been fined £96,000 after an employee was crushed to death.

The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted Leiths Scotland after Arthur Jamieson died when a five-and-a-half-tonne digger rolled backwards and landed on top of him.

HSE inspector Norman Buchanan said the tragic indecent should never have happened, as Mr Jamieson should have received training from his place of work.

"It is wholly unacceptable his employers left him unsupervised to devise his own means of working on such a risky repair job," he added.

Mr Buchanan noted the fatality could have been prevented had Mr Jamesion been adequately supervised, as he would not have been able to start working underneath the vehicle.

Earlier this week, Rushi Construction was fined £15,000 after it put the lives of two customers at risk when a boiler was fitted by Vikas Patel - who was not registered with Gas Safe.

Posted by James Hill

Will the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme work?

2010-08-12T00:00:00+01:00

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme gives businesses the chance to buy carbon credits rather than reduce emissions, one expert has stated.

A spokesman for the Centre for Alternative Technology said the initiative could end up with some companies making huge profits without reducing carbon emissions.

"It's problematic that public organisations and private companies are competing in the same carbon market," he added.

The spokesman claimed the project will encourage firms to "dump" their emissions elsewhere and outsource various energy intensive parts of their enterprise to organisations not covered by the systems.

He explained some corporations could relocate their call centres or factories to other countries and this would reduce their emissions and therefore costs, but the carbon will still be emitted.

The specialist's comments come as energy and climate minister Greg Barker urged businesses to register for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and participants have until September 30th to sign up.

Posted by Claire Archer

Retirement 'is not a solution' to poor performance

2010-08-11T00:00:00+01:00

Employers should no longer consider retirement as a resolution to poor performance, one expert has indicated.

Principal fellow researcher at the Institute for Employment Studies Helen Barnes said many businesses are worried about the employment law change in regards to the retirement age, because they do not do "performance management well".

"Historically, if they've had someone whose performance hasn't been that great but who has been there a long time and was coming up to retirement, they have retired out their problems," she added.

Ms Barnes noted many bosses may have seen retirement as a way out of an "uncomfortable" situation of flagging up a fall in work levels among long-term personnel.

She explained establishments that separate performance management and retirement will end up the most confident when it comes to the default retirement age.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a report from human resource firm Croner, which revealed since a review on retirement age was announced there has been a 56 per cent increase in the number of calls from confused staff members.

Posted by James Hill

Building firm fined £15k for health and safety breach

2010-08-11T00:00:00+01:00

A building firm and one of its directors have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after two clients were put at risk of serious illness or death.

Rushi Construction, owned by Vikas Patel, was fined £15,000 by the body after it was discovered a boiler had been fitted by Mr Patel who was not registered with Gas Safe.

Mr Patel exposed the homeowners to carbon monoxide when he tried to use a washing machine vent to extend the flue.

HSE inspector Stephen Manley said everybody involved in the construction industry needs to think about the effect extension builds may have on the safe operation of gas flues and appliances.

"Mr Patel's clients could have died because of the unsafe situation he created in their home. HSE will always take action when we see examples of such blatant disregard or ignorance of regulations, guidance and common sense," he added.

Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering and Multibuild recently pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation after a 44-tonne machine crashed into a busy main road.

Posted by James Hill

Retirement 'could be a struggle' for many

2010-08-11T00:00:00+01:00

People may find it difficult to fund their retirement, a study has suggested.

According to a report from Scottish Widows, many individuals who have given up work struggle to cope with the changes and 27 per cent found the move difficult.

Of those quizzed, 15 per cent noted having less of a social life is a big challenge and 23 per cent of respondents claimed they miss the structure when it comes to working life.

Savings expert at Scottish Widows Alison Morris said it is not just financial changes retirees have to cope with but also lifestyle alterations.

"For many retirees the shift from a busy working life to having time on their hands is extremely stressful so they need to plan ahead to ensure this change doesn't come as too much of a shock," she added.

In July the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced the Default Retirement Age is under consultation by government officials and will be phased out from April 2011.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Staff 'without leadership skills' are being promoted to management

2010-08-10T00:00:00+01:00

Workers without leadership skills are being appointed as managers due to a lack of foresight, one expert has suggested.

Senior partner at the Impact Factory Tina Lamb said there are numerous reasons why this is becoming a common occurrence.

"The task associated with training somebody up to do something new seems too much," she added.

Ms Lamb also noted another issue is down to personality, as those hiring do not think they will get on even better with someone who is taken on externally.

She explained some individuals show "great capabilities" with certain aspects of their job and then end up with a promotion, but bosses tend to forget people skills are needed.

Ms Lamb claimed it is common in the NHS, as you can have a great nurse who then becomes a staff nurse with a team of eight working under her, even though she may not have any management skills.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a survey from the Chartered Management Institute, which revealed more than half of managers misjudge their strengths in the workplace.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety advice issued to those in catering industry

2010-08-10T00:00:00+01:00

A national health and safety warning has been issued to employees who work in the catering industry.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) - which was established in 2000 to protect the public's health in relation to food - has published an article on its website highlighting the dangers of food poisoning and Campylobacter in particular.

Personnel at Nottingham Council revealed a report they received in June showed there had been six outbreaks affecting 194 people during the last three months of 2009.

Principal environmental officer George Shorter said they decided to contact the Health Protection Agency and the FSA when they received the results as they wanted others to learn about the dangers.

"It was frustrating to see so much illness when the cause was known and it was so easy to prevent," he added.

Paul Dales, food and health and safety team manager for Nottingham Community Protection noted businesses at risk of causing such outbreaks will receive a letter advising them of best practice.

Posted by James Hill

Man prosecuted for health and safety breach

2010-08-09T00:00:00+01:00

A man has been fined £800 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after he fitted gas fires in domestic properties despite not being a member of recognised safety body Corgi.

Those who work with gas should be registered and Michael Higgins of Warmly had carried out work at a house that was later found to be defective.

He was also ordered to pay £200 costs when he appeared before North Avon Magistrates.

HSE inspector Nigel Long said it is dangerous and illegal for people to work on gas installation if they are not part of the Gas Safety Register.

"Members of the public should check that gas fitters are members. Do not be tempted to use unregistered engineers or friends - you could be putting your life at risk," he added.

The HSE recently fined United Biscuits £10,000 after one of its employees had two fingers sliced off when they tried to unblock an industrial machine.

Posted by James Hill

Lead firm prosecuted by Health and Safety Executive

2010-08-09T00:00:00+01:00

A sheet metal firm and its director have been fined £10,000 following a health and safety breach in which staff were exposed to high levels of lead.

Staff from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found personnel at Anglia Lead could have ingested lead dust, absorbed it into their skin or breathed the substance in.

Inspector from the HSE Julie Jarvey said exposure to the matter can damage health and can cause long term ill-effects.

"Anglia Lead and its director failed to discharge their duties, meaning the company's processes fell significantly below the expected standards required for working with the material," she added.

Ms Jarvey also explained the HSE will not "hesitate to prosecute companies" who neglect their legal obligations in ensuring the health and safety of employees.

Klaruis UK was recently fined £8,000 following a health and safety breach after a member of staff broke his back when working at height.

Posted by Claire Archer

Two construction firms prosecuted by Health and Safety Executive

2010-08-09T00:00:00+01:00

Two construction firms have pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation.

Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering and Multibuild were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a machine weighing 44 tonnes crashed into a busy main road.

HSE inspector Dave Redman said the violation could easily have resulted in disaster and it was a miracle no one was killed in the incident.

"It is every company's responsibility to ensure that employees and members of the public are not exposed to danger from heavy construction machinery," he added.

Mr Redman explained the prosecution should act as a reminder to other businesses that they need to stick to the extensive guidance put in place to protect employees.

Cornish-based company Gregory Distribution was recently fined £200,000 following the death of a man who died when empty wine bottles fell on top of him as he unloaded a lorry.

Simon Jones, from the HSE, observed the dangers of unloading heavy goods using a tail lift were highlighted by this tragic incident.

Posted by James Hill

Health and Safety manager urges kids to stay away from building sites

2010-08-09T00:00:00+01:00

Parents should warn their children of the dangers of playing on building sites over the school holidays.

That is the message from Philip White, chief inspector of construction at the Health and Safety Executive, who said such areas are hazardous for youngsters.

"Without proper precautions, construction sites are dangerous places for those who work on them day in day out, never mind the risks to children who simply see them as exciting playgrounds," he added.

Mr White explained children need to play outdoors in order to make the most of their vacation, but warned against venturing on to a building site.

He also advised managers at such sites to make sure the area is secure, especially those that are based in areas where lots of children live.

Assistant secretary for employment conditions and rights at the National Union of Teachers Amanda Brown recently claimed there is no solid evidence that health and safety legislation is preventing kids from learning new sports skills.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Staff 'should be rewarded' for working extra hours

2010-08-06T00:00:00+01:00

Bosses need to ensure a work-life balance is available for employees, one expert has indicated.

Head of public affairs at the Chartered Management Institution Mike Petrook said non-fiscal benefits need to be negotiated.

"Employers are increasingly offering benefits like flexitime and increased training and development - because they cannot afford to offer people pay increases," he added.

Mr Petrook noted managers should make an effort to optimise the yield from staff.

He claimed the average supervisor works an extra 43 days worth of hours beyond their contract every 12 months, but there is little point in this if the time is not spent productively.

The specialist's comments follow research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which revealed there has been a shift from full-time to part-time employment.

It is believed this is because staff have been working shorter hours in a bid to help their employers reduce labour costs.

Posted by James Hill

Firm fined £200k in health and safety breach

2010-08-06T00:00:00+01:00

A Cornish-based distribution firm has been fined £200,000 following the death of a man after a health and safety breach.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also ordered Gregory Distribution to pay costs of £16,993.

The owner of Polmassick Vineyard died after empty wine bottles fell on top of him when he was unloading a lorry, which was being driven by an agency driver.

George Musgrove received fatal head and chest injuries when the load fell from the trucks tail lift.

HSE inspector, Simon Jones, said the danger of unloading large and heavy goods using a tail lift has been highlighted by this tragic case.

"Where employers use the services of agency staff they should ensure that they are aware of the systems of work in place," he added.

Mr Jones advised companies to make sure tail lifts are examined at least every six months to check they are safe to use.

Eric and Robert Murray were recently found guilty of health and safety offences and fined a total of £13,000 after a worker was left with a crushed skull when he fell through a roof.

Posted by James Hill

People with mental health issues 'should have equal employment opportunities'

2010-08-05T00:00:00+01:00

Improved diagnosis of mental health problems can help people get back into work, one expert has suggested.

Executive director at the Shaw Trust Sally Burton said it is clear a stigma about mental illness still exists.

"Diagnosis marks the beginning of appropriate treatment and support for an individual, so clearly, more effective and earlier diagnosis is a significant part of the solution," she added.

Ms Burton claimed Britons with mental health issues should be able to enjoy the same employment opportunities as everybody else.
She explained the distorted perceptions about mental health illnesses needs to change.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a study from mental health charity Together, which revealed 62 per cent of Brits have admitted they had had one period in their life were they have struggled to cope mentally.

And the three most common difficulties reported by the public are stress, anxiety and depression, the research showed.

Posted by James Hill

Staffordshire firm fined £8k in health and safety breach

2010-08-05T00:00:00+01:00

A Staffordshire-based firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an employee broke his back when working at height.

Klaruis UK has been fined £8,000 by the body and was also ordered to pay £1,892 in costs.

Barry Derbyshire crushed a vertebra, fractured another and was immobilised for more than six weeks following the fall.

He had been conducting maintenance on a piece of machinery when the incident occurred and he fell off the edge of scaffolding that did not have a guard rail.

Lynne Boulton, HSE inspector, said the establishment did not understand the risk involved and Mr Derbyshire has been left with life-changing injuries as a result.

"If Klarius UK had used the right equipment and ensured there were guardrails on the scaffolding, it would never have happened," she added.

Earlier this week, Ron Couch Building Contactors was fined £2,500 by the HSE after unlicensed asbestos removal was carried out.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employers 'are breaking the law' when it comes to interns

2010-08-04T00:00:00+01:00

Employers need to know the consequences if they do not pay interns in accordance with the law, one expert has indicated.

Co-founder of the Graduate Recruitment Bureau Dan Hawes said a lot of bosses are taking advantage of university leavers, as there are so many in the marketplace.

"Most proper internships have a period of work where you are getting involved in different areas and then at the end of the programme there is a position for you," he added.

Mr Hawes stated it is illegal for a business to take on somebody and not pay them, unless it is part of a degree course or for a charity.

He noted at the very least firms should provide expenses for the first three months and then the minimum wage and explained to hire interns and not remunerate them could be described as exploitation.

The specialist's comments follow a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research and campaign group Internocracy, which revealed employers are breaking the law when it comes to interns.

Bosses wrongly believe they can take on graduates without pay if both parties agree it is a voluntary decision.

Posted by James Hill

Age 'will not prevent' older people from changing careers

2010-08-04T00:00:00+01:00

Age is no longer a barrier for people in their 50s who want to pursue a new career path, one expert has claimed.

Senior consultant at Forster AGEncy Donna Tipping said the retirement age being abolished means there is no reason why older workers should not change jobs.

"With a minimum of ten to 15 years left to work, why wouldn’t 50-somethings want to transfer their skills to another sector, or improve their work-life balance?" she added.

Ms Tipping noted many personnel may decide to swap jobs for financial reasons, but this should be welcomed as they are refusing to be left on the scrap heap.

She stated it is now up to bosses to recognise the value that a person with age and experience can bring to the workplace.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a poll from HSBC, which revealed 30 per cent of individuals in their 50s have opted for a career shift later in life.

Posted by Claire Archer

Low-carbon systems 'require new legislation'

2010-08-04T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses need to know where carbon emissions are coming from if they are to go green, one expert has suggested.

A spokesman from the Centre for Alternative Technology said firms should introduce some kind of audit so they know how much energy they are using.

"Until you've done that you don't know what the key areas are to tackle. Once you have an understanding of where your emissions are coming from, you can look at the different options for reducing them in those areas," he added.

The representative noted the government could do more to incentivise low-carbon technologies and recommended officials introduce legislation that makes it more expensive to continue using high-emitting systems.

His comments follow the announcement the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has launched a review of waste policies.

This will explore what options can be introduced to cut down on the amount of emissions generated and to increase the notion of reusing and recycling.

Posted by James Hill

Does health and safety stand in the way of children learning sports skills?

2010-08-03T00:00:00+01:00

Risk is inherent in all physical activity and needs to be examined and managed appropriately.

That is the view of Amanda Brown, assistant secretary for employment conditions and rights at the National Union of Teachers.

She said there is no solid evidence that health and safety legislation is standing in the way of youngsters learning new sports skills.

"It is neither possible, nor desirable, to seek to remove all risks. Significant risks, such as those associated with sports involving a high degree of physical contact, must, however, be recognised," Ms Brown added.

She explained this way, parents will be confident their offspring are participating in activities that are both enjoyable and safe.

The specialist's comments follow an announcement by professor Allyson Pollock, director of Edinburgh University's Centre for International Public Health Policy, who called for a ban on rugby scrums at school.

A study of 190 matches revealed 37 injuries occurred, with 20 of the players requiring hospital treatment.

Posted by James Hill

Building firm fined £2.5k in health and safety breach

2010-08-03T00:00:00+01:00

A building firm has been fined £2,500 following a health and safety breach in which unlicensed asbestos removal was carried out.

Ron Couch Building Contactors was also ordered to pay £1,250 in costs after the incident.

Employees from the Pontypool-based company had removed a cupboard door that had an asbestos insulation board (AIB), but a supervisor from a licensed contractor saw the board and warned the personnel of the presence of AIB.

Steve Richardson inspector at the Health and Safety Executive, said the work should have been stopped as soon as asbestos was discovered.

"AIB poses less of a risk if not damaged, but this work exposed the edges of the board increasing the risk of releasing asbestos fibers, which could be inhaled by the workers and anyone else using the premises," he added.

Earlier this week, United Biscuits was fined £10,000 after a worker had two fingers sliced off when she tried to clear a blockage in an industrial machine.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Flexible working 'has many benefits'

2010-08-02T00:00:00+01:00

Flexible working can boost the self-esteem of staff, as well as reduce overheads for employers, one expert has indicated.

Director of corporate marketing at Orange Max Taylor said businesses are able to save cash if they let personnel work flexibly.

"Setting up an employee to work from home needn't involve significant investment, just the willingness to give them the tools they need to get the job done," he added.

Mr Taylor noted managers need to have the ability to shift their leadership styles to suit the change in working practices and they should ensure those working outside of the office are kept in the loop.

He remarked employers should evaluate their labour force based on objectives, rather than just what they can see, as well as making sure schedules are managed.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a study from the telecoms firm, which revealed out of 1,000 graduates, 53 per cent expect flexible working to be offered by a business.

And 69 per cent admitted the option to work flexibly is important to them.

Posted by Claire Archer

Biscuit firm prosecuted by Health and Safety Executive

2010-08-02T00:00:00+01:00

United Biscuits has been fined £10,000 for a health and safety breach in which a staff member had two fingers sliced off.

The employee – who did not want to be named – tried to clear a blockage in an industrial-sized mixer.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the worker had to climb a ladder to get to the machine, pour the mixture in and then restart the apparatus.

However, the blades were still rotating when the employee did this and the firm was prosecuted by the HSE for its failings.

Inspector for the body Rachel Brittain said the incident was unacceptable, especially at such a large-scale food manufacturer.

"Preventing access to moving parts and fitting guards is an elementary and essential precautionary measure and inexpensive," she added.

Last week, David Charnock from the HSE observed steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of personnel when working at height.

He commented after Alan Hind was left with a crushed skull when he fell through a roof.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

New guide to encourage a mentally healthy working environment launched

2010-08-02T00:00:00+01:00

A guide aimed at exploring some of the myths surrounding the understanding of mental health in workplaces has been introduced by Friends Provident and mental health charity Mind.

Targeted at employers, the new document is designed to help them understand mental health problems and comes with information on how they can encourage a mentally healthy working environment.

According to Friends Provident, mental health problems made up 29 per cent of all group income protection claims paid out by the firm in 2009 and it is calling upon employers to address the issue, which is often a long-term cause of absence.

"It is no secret that growing numbers of us will experience mental health problems in our lifetime," commented Declan White, group protection marketing manager at Friends Provident.

Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress recently welcomed new legislation barring payments made for travel and subsistence tax relief from counting towards the national minimum wage.

Posted by James Hill

Offshore rigs subject of new health and safety drive

2010-07-30T00:00:00+01:00

An initiative designed to ensure offshore oil and gas installations are not ageing in a manner that could affect safety, has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Inspectors from the body will visit rigs in the UK and the North Sea to check safety management plans are in place, as more than half have or are due to exceed their original design life.

Steve Walker, the HSE's head of offshore safety, said ageing offshore platforms run the risk of deterioration.

"The safety of 28,000 workers is dependent on systems and structures being in good working [order] now and in the future," he added.

Mr Walker noted the body will want evidence the operators are incorporating the issue of ageing in to their asset integrity management plans.

Earlier this month, Tom McLaren from the HSE's Offshore Safety Team featured in a podcast where he explained how the industry is regulated in the UK.

Posted by James Hill

Worker's skull crushed in health and safety breach

2010-07-30T00:00:00+01:00

Steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of employees working at height.

That is the view of construction inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) David Charnock, who commented after a worker was left with a crushed skull when he fell through a roof.

Alan Hind from Corrie Common suffered multiple injuries in the health and safety breach and had to wait six months to have a titanium plate inserted into his skull.

"It was a frightening time. There was nothing to protect my brain - just skin. I was worried to go out," he added.

Mr Hind has been unable to work since the incident and is now deaf in one ear and blind in his left eye.

Two brothers, Eric and Robert Murray, were found guilty of health and safety offences and fined a total of £13,000.

Earlier this week, a quarry firm was prosecuted by the HSE after a 30-tonne wheel loader vehicle slid 16ft down a pile of sand because no safety barriers had been erected.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Architect and construction firm fined £195k after fatal health and safety breach

2010-07-30T00:00:00+01:00

An architect company and a construction firm have been fined a total of £195,000 following a health and safety breach that led to the death of a worker.

Express Park Construction Company was fined £75,000 and Oxford Architects Partnership £120,000, after David Cairns fell nine meters to the ground when he was working on a roof.

Mr Cairns had been fixing an air conditioning unit on a platform with a parapet that was not high enough to prevent a fall.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Sue Adsett remarked: "HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any company or individual who fails to carry out their health and safety duties, especially when that failure results in a tragedy, as in this case."

Earlier this month, Gee Construction was ordered to pay costs of £4,514 and a fine of £10,000 after a HSE inspection revealed there was inadequate edge protection on lift shafts to prevent staff from falling.

Posted by Claire Archer

Quarry firm fined £30k in health and safety breach

2010-07-29T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety breach in which a 30-tonne wheel loader vehicle overturned and slid almost 16ft down a pile of sand has been described as "inexcusable" by an examiner from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Inspector Richard Noble from the HSE said the accident could have been avoided if edge protection had been put in place.

The body fined Humberside Aggregates and Excavations of Newport Road, East Yorkshire £30,000 and ordered the firm to pay £10,590 in costs.

An employee - who does not want to be named - was transporting sand when the access ramp gave way and the vehicle he was driving dropped over the edge because no barriers had been erected.

The staff member suffered concussion in the accident and needed hospital treatment.

Earlier this week, Deeba Husain of Birkby pleaded guilty to two health and safety and one food offence, after a council officer discovered a wire cable had been connected to next door's electricity supply, posing a health and safety risk to staff and customers.

Posted by James Hill

Businesses to embrace renewable energy?

2010-07-29T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses need to embrace renewable energy sources, one expert has indicated.

BusinessGreen.com's Andrew Charlesworth said it makes sense for bosses to incorporate green strategies into their firms, as it will save money.

He remarked "green is economically efficient" and putting cash in to insulation and energy conservation means a likely return of about 15 per cent on what was invested.

Furthermore, Mr Charlesworth explained establishments that stick with traditional energy sources will have to fork out more in the long term, as fossil fuels are rising in price and will continue to do so in the future.

The specialist's comments follow the release of the Annual Energy Statement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, which revealed the UK needs to stop using traditional energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

And it noted doing this would also help to boost the availability and affordability of diverse energy sources.

Posted by James Hill

Change to minimum wage law welcomed by TUC

2010-07-28T00:00:00+01:00

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has welcomed news legislation will be changed to prevent payments made for travel and subsistence tax relief from counting towards the national minimum wage.

According to the TUC, some employers had been using such arrangements to avoid paying National Insurance contributions.

General secretary of the organisation Brendan Barber said many workers have lost out on a range of benefits, including maternity pay, tax credits, sick pay entitlements and pension payments.

"The TUC is in favour of taxation that is fair and vigorous in application. Employers and workers have a clear duty to pay their fair share to the Exchequer," he added.

Furthermore, Mr Barber noted the minimum wage has to provide a strong pay floor that helps and supports vulnerable personnel.

Earlier this week, associate director for the Work Foundation Stephen Overell claimed bosses need to up their efforts to encourage flexible working, as both managers and staff can benefit from it.

Posted by James Hill

Homebuilders using more green materials?

2010-07-28T00:00:00+01:00

Homebuilders are leading the way when it comes to sourcing green materials, one expert has suggested.

Founder of newhomesforsale.co.uk Vernon Pethard said people are becoming more conscious of environmental issues - particularly those responsible for constructing property - and they are working hard to create energy-efficient dwellings.

"Builders are continually researching environmentally-friendly ways of construction, better methods of heating and insulating," he added.

Mr Pethard noted homebuilders are also providing white goods that have the highest energy ratings.

And he explained many are preserving the local landscape and keeping trees and shrubs where possible, while a lot are using recyclable materials.

The specialist's comments a follow recent announcement by housing minister Grant Shapps, who said developers and local councils may be given more flexibility to meet eco-standards in the bid to ensure all new abodes are zero carbon from 2016.

Mr Shapps stated he will explore the ways in which builders could make payments to fund community projects, including district heating schemes and wind farms.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Construction industry 'deserted by government'

2010-07-28T00:00:00+01:00

A recovery in the construction industry could be stalled by government cuts, one expert has indicated.

General secretary of the Union of Construction, Allied Traders and Technicians Alan Ritchie said abandoning the Building Schools for the Future scheme shows the regime has discarded the sector when support is needed.

His comments come as figures from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) revealed workloads for small construction firms have continued to drop in the last few months.

This is the tenth consecutive quarter this has happened, but there are signs the figures are going to even themselves out, remarked Director of external affairs at the FMB Brian Berry.

He noted 46 per cent of establishments are undertaking private accommodation and 60 per cent new social housing.

However, Mr Ritchie claimed the FMB's survey should be treated with caution, as there is "a great deal of conflicting evidence about the recovery in the construction industry".

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and Safety worries mean postmen will no longer use bikes

2010-07-28T00:00:00+01:00

Postmen will no longer deliver mail on bikes due to concerns the heavy bags carried by staff pose a health and safety risk.

Currently, 14,500 bicycles are used by postmen during their rounds, but now they will travel in vans and then use trolleys to carry letters and parcels.

Royal Mail's field operations director Paul Tolhurst commented on the move in a letter to minster David Willets, after Mr Willets campaigned against getting rid of bikes in his constituency in Hampshire.

Mr Tolhurst noted mail is now a lot heavier than in previous years, because more bulky goods are being posted.

"We have also seen an increase in accidents linked to the use of cycles on busy road networks when workers are carrying bags. It is a matter of safety," he added.

More than 155,000 people in the UK are employed by the Royal Mail Group and they deliver approximately 71 million items to 28 million addresses.

Posted by Claire Archer

Bosses 'should do more' to promote flexible working

2010-07-27T00:00:00+01:00

Employers should increase their efforts to encourage flexible working, as there is a strong demand for it.

That is the view of Stephen Overell, associate director for the Work Foundation, who said both bosses and staff can benefit from the practice.

"Patterns of working can change very quickly and it is more common for people to work from home or work during school term time only. All of these patterns are arising quite quickly," he added.

Mr Overell claimed in the future there will be additional forms of flexible working and more individuals may adopt it.

He also noted the practice is particularly suitable for meeting the needs of customers outside of normal working hours, something that can benefit both clients and personnel.

A report from Hays revealed 55 per cent of business owners welcome proposals by the government to introduce legislation requiring them to give all employees the option of working flexible hours.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety breach leads to £10k fine

2010-07-27T00:00:00+01:00

The owner of a takeaway store in Manchester has been ordered to pay £10,000 following a health and safety breach.

An officer from Manchester City Council discovered a wire cable had been connected to next door's electricity supply in an "extremely dangerous" manner.

One electrical engineer described the wiring at New Sajan Sweet Centre in Levenshulme as the worst he had seen in more than 20 years.

Deeba Husain of Birkby pleaded guilty to two health and safety offences and one food offence.

Manchester City Council's executive member for the environment councillor Nigel Murphy said customers and staff at the establishment could have received an electric shock from the cables.

"Husain was running her business with no concern for her customers and they should be relieved to learn she is no longer operating this takeaway," he added.

Earlier this week, a Somerset construction company was fined £10,000 after an employee had to have his lower leg amputated when it was crushed under machinery.

Posted by James Hill

Ageism still rife in the workplace?

2010-07-27T00:00:00+01:00

Bosses need to know workplaces often thrive when they are made up of a diverse range of age groups, one expert has suggested.

Rachel Krys, campaign director for the Employers Forum on Age, said the recruitment industry has yet to realise a group made up of identikit people is not always the strongest option.

"What they're really missing is that a mixed-age team - having people of all different ages - makes a much stronger and much more adaptable team," she added.

Ms Krys noted there has been a drop in public sector ageism in other sectors, but not in recruitment and unspoken age discrimination is still occurring on a regular basis.

Furthermore, she claimed a lot of 50 or 60-year-olds seeking employment feel as though they are not getting past the first shortlist, despite being qualified for the role.

The specialist’s comments follow the release of figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government, which revealed age discrimination was the most common form of prejudice experienced during 2009-10.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Construction firm prosecuted in health and safety breach

2010-07-26T00:00:00+01:00

A Somerset construction firm has been fined £10,000 following a health and safety breach.

John Wainwright and Company was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker had to have his lower leg amputated when it was crushed under machinery.

Alan Seviour had been using a surface paving machine and his foot became trapped when he tried to clear debris away from the front of the apparatus.

The HSE's Annette Walker said it is not safe to work in front of a surface paver, as the noise it makes means communication is difficult.

"Mr Seviour suffered life-changing injuries because the machine was in motion and the driver had limited forward visibility because of the way the machine was designed," she added.

Last week, Gee Construction was prosecuted by the HSE for failing to protect personnel against falls from height.

Inspectors from the body visited one of the establishments' sites and found there was not enough edge protection on lift shafts to stop employees from falling.

Posted by James Hill

Health and Safety breach leads to £30,000 fine for automotive firm

2010-07-26T00:00:00+01:00

An automotive company has been fined £30,000 after an employee was injured by a manufacturing robot in a health and safety breach.

Dura Automotive Body and Glass Systems UK was also ordered to pay £20,000 in costs following the incident.

Michael Brewer stepped into an unguarded box as he tried to repair the piece of equipment and was then struck by the robot, resulting in damage to his voice box and the nerves on the left side of his body.

Edward Fryer, inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said maintenance staff often had to work within the guarded area and safe arrangements must be provided.

"There was a culture of violation in this factory and it is very sad that it took an almost fatal accident for the company to identify this," he added.

Last week, frozen food firm Pinguin, was prosecuted by the HSE after an employee lost one of his fingers trying to straighten some boxes on a loading machine.

Posted by James Hill

Employees 'have the right' to request flexible working hours

2010-07-23T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law legislation means staff can request to work flexible hours and doing so may increase the quality of life of employees if they are able to work from home, one expert has suggested.

Principal consultant at Workforce Logistics Ken Beaumont said if employers allow their staff to this, it could help them to retain good personnel.

"The higher up in an organisation people are the more likely they are to enjoy flexible working, because they are the people who decide whether or not they can work professionally in this manner," he added.

However, Mr Beaumont noted not all job roles will allow for flexible hours or working from home, as manufacturing positions, for example, rely on the use of machinery.

Last month, Sir Reg Empey claimed working parents in Northern Ireland will be pleased to hear of a new employment law that allows parents of children aged up to 16 to request flexible rotas.

Posted by James Hill

Construction company 'failed to protect' workers at height

2010-07-23T00:00:00+01:00

A construction firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to protect its workers against falls from height.

Staff from the HSE visited a site where Gee Construction were based and found there was inadequate edge protection on lift shafts to stop employees from falls.

The company were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,514.

David Kilpatrick from the HSE said there were clear failings that put the safety of personnel at risk.

He added, as Gee Construction was the principal contractor on site, it was responsible for everyone's health and safety.

"It had previously received warnings from HSE and its own safety consultants about safely working at height, but clearly this advice had been ignored," he added.

Earlier this week, William Bedford, who was trading as B and J Scaffolding, was fined £4,000 after a scaffold rig collapsed in the street.

An investigation by the HSE discovered the structure was missing vital components which should have been used to stabilise the platform.

Posted by Claire Archer

Frozen food company fined £10k for health and safety breach

2010-07-23T00:00:00+01:00

A frozen food firm based in Lincolnshire has been £10,000 following a health and safety breach after a worker lost one of his fingers.

The employee had tried to straighten some boxes on a loading machine at the Pinguin Food factory.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a number of personnel had been given parts to use which effectively overrode safety systems that were in place.

Scott Wynee from the HSE said staff members regularly gained access to the equipment and the apparatus could easily have caused more severe injuries as it can carry up to a ton of boxes.

"Pinguin should have had robust supervision and monitoring that should have identified staff were overriding interlocks and stopped it happening," he added.

Earlier this week, a Telford-based firm was ordered to pay £10,000 after one worker lost three fingers when her hand became trapped in power-press machine.

Posted by James Hill

Worker loses three fingers in health and safety breach

2010-07-22T00:00:00+01:00

A Telford-based firm has been fined £10,000 for a health and safety breach after one of its employees lost three fingers.

The worker – who does not want to be named – got her hand trapped in a 130-tonne power press when she tried to remove aluminum foil that had become trapped

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) assessment revealed the equipment did have some protective guards but they were not sufficient to clear such blockages.

HSE inspector Katherine Walker said although the injuries were not life threatening, they were life changing.

"Adequate safety mechanisms, to discharge the pneumatic energy automatically rather than manually, could have prevented this incident from occurring," she added.

Earlier this week, a worker at Conder Solutions Limited had his hand severed following a health and safety breach.

The firm has been fined £15,000 for the incident, which left the man unable to use his hand despite several operations.

Posted by James Hill

Firm fined for health and safety breach after scaffold collapses in the street

2010-07-22T00:00:00+01:00

A Teesside company has been fined £4,000 following a health and safety breach that saw a scaffold rig collapse in a public street.

An inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed the rig was secured to a property in Jedburgh Street and equipment used to stabilise the structure was missing.

The HSE prosecuted William Bedford, who was trading as B & J Scaffolding and he was also ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

Natalie Wright from the HSE said the platforms had been in place for five days and could have collapsed at any time, putting the public and employees of the firm at risk.

"Contractors need to ensure that they meet the relevant standards in their work to erect safe and stable scaffolds, so that they do not expose workers and members of the public to risk," she added.

Another scaffolding company was recently fined £3,500, after a roofer fell six metres when one of the platforms collapsed.

The HSE carried out an investigation, which discovered the structure, erected by Advanced Scaffolding GB, was not suitable for its intended purpose.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

The gender pay gap 'still exists'

2010-07-21T00:00:00+01:00

There is still a long way to go before the gender pay gap is closed.

That is the view of a spokeswoman from the Trades Union Congress, who said although girls have outperformed boys at school for the last decade, this has yet to translate to the workplace and result in the sexes being matched in salary.

"Only by lifting the veil of secrecy around pay, better valuing work traditionally done by women and increasing the availability of high quality part-time and flexible working, can we hope to make significant inroads," she added.

The spokeswoman noted a lot of females have ended up in the breadwinner position due to the recession and said now is the ideal time to make the workplace more male-friendly so they can have more leave rights and access to flexible working to reflect this.

According to the Women and Work Survey, carried out on behalf of Grazia magazine, almost 50 per cent of ladies questioned earn more or as much as their husband or partner.

And the report revealed one in ten women has a 'house husband'.

Posted by James Hill

Worker breaks leg in health and safety breach

2010-07-21T00:00:00+01:00

Tyre manufacturer Pirelli has been fined £9,000 for a health and safety breach after an employee was hit by a forklift truck.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the firm for neglecting to manage the risks for pedestrians in the area, after Allan Miller was struck from behind by a pallet being carried on the vehicle.

Inspectors heard many of the forklift truck drivers had obscured vision on a number of occasions, because loads had to be lowered to avoid obstructions above.

Michael Griffiths, from the HSE, said workplace transport is still one of the biggest causes of serious injury and death in the UK.

"Site operators should provide contractors with appropriate health and safety information, so that they can do their work safely," he added.

Econ Engineering Ltd was recently fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs after one of its staff members suffered serious injuries to his hand while using machinery that was not fitted with a guard.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Firm fined £10,000 after man lost part of his finger in health and safety breach

2010-07-20T00:00:00+01:00

A Newcastle-under-Lyme company has been fined £10,000 following a health and safety breach.

An employee - who does not want to be named - at Building Adhesives Ltd – had to have part of his finger amputated after his hand got stuck in a machine.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation into the incident and discovered the apparatus had been modified when the incident occurred.

HSE inspector Mhairi Duffy said the injuries could have been avoided had the guarding been fitted to the device properly.

"The fixed guard had been replaced with an incorrectly-fitted interlocked guard meaning this was an incident waiting to happen. This man sustained serious injury and he was lucky that it was not worse," she added.

Earlier this week, a scaffolding enterprise was fined £3,500 after a roofer fell six metres as a result of a platform collapsing.

The HSE found the structure, erected by Advanced Scaffolding GB, was not fit for its intended purpose.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety breach results in firm being fined £6,600

2010-07-20T00:00:00+01:00

A steeplejack firm based in Grantham has been fined £6,600 after one of its workers suffered serious injuries in a health and safety breach.

The staff member – employed by The Cedars Steeplejack (Midlands) Ltd - fell more than six metres as he was cleaning and removing bird debris from the bell chamber at the Church of St Peter in Lincolnshire.

An investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered workers had laid scaffolding down over rotten floor boards, which then gave way when the unnamed employee stepped on to them.

Inspector at the body Martin Giles said the worker was extremely lucky to survive, but has now been left unable to work, as he has long-term injuries.

"Falls from height are the biggest causes of workplace deaths and it's crucial that employers make sure work is properly planned and appropriately supervised," he added.

Tyre manufacturer Pirelli has been prosecuted and ordered to pay £9,000 by the HSE after a worker broke his leg when he was hit by a forklift truck at the firm's base in Carlisle.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Scaffolding firm fined £3,500 in health and safety breach

2010-07-19T00:00:00+01:00

A scaffolding firm has been fined £3,500 after a roofer was seriously injured when he fell almost six metres as a result of a platform collapsing.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered the rig, erected by Advanced Scaffolding GB, was not fit for its intended purpose.

The structure should have had a cantilever projection added due to a bay window at the front of the property.

Self-employed contractor Stephen Martin sustained head injuries and fractured three ribs and small bones at the base of his back in the fall.

HSE inspector Geoff Clark said Mr Martin could have been killed as the scaffolding was poorly planned.

"Too many lives are shattered as a result of falls from height at work and I hope today's prosecution serves to remind all employers that proper precautions must be taken at all times," he added.

Last week, Econ Engineering Ltd was fined £8,000 following a health and safety breach, in which a 25-year-man received serious injuries to his hand because of machinery that did not have a guard installed.

Posted by James Hill

Employment law plans on greater transparency of salaries is 'welcome'

2010-07-19T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law proposals to make salaries more transparent will be welcomed by professional women, one expert has suggested.

Spokesperson for City Women's Network and managing director of Sapphire Partners Kate Grussing said more compensation offered in a standard format, across all sectors and levels, can only be a positive step.

However, she noted plans to implement quotas to deal with gender imbalances are a contentious debate, as no woman wants to sit on a board if she is only there to meet a requirement.

"Our members are divided on quotas and what we need to focus on is greater transparency of how the board appointments are made so that women are on the shortlist where they deserve to be," she added.

The specialist's comments follow reports in various media outlets that laws surrounding pay secrecy will be lifted in line with the new Equality Act, which will come into force in October.

Posted by James Hill

Landlords 'need more help' to minimise risk of tenant arrears

2010-07-16T00:00:00+01:00

Landlords need more protection over the risk of rental arrears, one expert has suggested.

Spokesman for Let Insurance Services Malcolm Harrison said proprietors should have legal expenses cover, along with a rental guarantee.

"It is a very important part of risk management at the moment because nobody knows what is happening with their jobs or with cuts or anything else," he added.

Mr Harrison also noted tenants can get into trouble and miss payments through no fault of their own, due to the current economic situation.

He explained those in need of such cover will be best discussing their needs with an advisor, that way the correct policy will be taken out.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a survey from moneysupermarket.com, which revealed one in three landlords had customers with outstanding instalments last year.

According to the findings, consumer demand is continuing to rise and the number of new landlords planning to purchase property is also on the up.

Posted Liam Lawrence

Expert: Victims of bullying in the workplace should seek support

2010-07-16T00:00:00+01:00

Bullying in the workplace can have repercussions on mental health, one expert has suggested.

Policy campaigns manager at Mind Emma Mamo said anyone who is a victim should not suffer in silence, but instead seek help from a senior member of their team.

"Feeling victimised and fearful day-in, day-out while you are trying to do your job is an obvious path to unhappiness and no workplace should take bullying lightly," she added.

Ms Mamo explained the way people can feel about their jobs can have a huge impact on their personal lives and can even damage their overall wellbeing, as well as affect self-esteem.

She also noted the bully may not realise their behaviour is intimidating and a word from a senior employee should make them act in a more appropriate manner.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a survey by Reabur, which revealed 21 per cent of Britons feel bullied by their boss, while 28 per cent feel the same about a peer in the workplace.

Posted by James Hill

Health and Safety procedures 'need to be in place to protect construction workers'

2010-07-15T00:00:00+01:00

Bosses who employ staff to carry out work at height need to ensure they have adequate health and safety procedures in place, one expert has suggested.

That is the view of Ian Bentley, a construction inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who made the comments after one man fell eight metres through the roof of a building.

The body prosecuted barn owner John Long and Adrian Evans and Andrew Oliver, who he had hired to carry out the work and they were fined a total of £5,000 following the incident in Sale.

According to the investigation, there was no protection or scaffolding in place to protect David Pass, who ended up in a coma for several days and is now partially blind in one eye.

Mr Bentley said Mr Pass's fall could easily have been fatal.

"Workers at the site were expected to balance dangerously on the steel structure, while they knocked through bolts on fragile sheets," he added.

Last week, plastics firm TS (UK) Ltd was fined £140,000 after a worker was crushed by a pallet of bags.

Posted by James Hill

Is discrimination against the learning disabled rife?

2010-07-15T00:00:00+01:00

The learning disabled are finding it increasingly difficult to find work because the discrimination against their disability precedes them, one expert has suggested.

Rosa Monckton – who has a daughter with Down's syndrome – said disability education needs to start at school and should be mandatory.

"Children learn to accept other children no matter how different they may appear to be at first," she added.

Ms Monckton stated establishing this mindset early on will change the way society deals with having disabled adults in their midst.

She noted nobody wants to be isolated and everyone likes to feel as though they are part of the community.

Her comments follow the release of a report by Turning Point, which revealed 51 per cent of Britons think people with learning disabilities are the most discriminated in our society.

Furthermore, a third of respondents think those with learning disabilities can not live or work independently.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Businesses 'would be prudent' to take action on CRC scheme

2010-07-15T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses may be interested to hear the comments of one expert who thinks the coalition government will continue with the CRC Energy Efficient scheme.

General manager for the Carbon Trust Harry Morrison claimed the initiative is unlikely to be adapted by officials.

"I think it is important to realise that the CRC has been passed, parliament has agreed with all the details and we are now firmly in the implementation phase with the Environment Agency," he added.

Mr Morrison explained climate change is a key part of the Conservative Party's agenda.

However, he stated policies do change on a regular basis and he believes enterprises would be prudent to take action and follow the order precisely.

According to a report by the Strategic Forum for Construction and the Carbon Trust, temporary cabins on construction sites are thought to be one of the main sources of carbon emissions.

It claimed they do not have controls for heating and lighting like permanent buildings and many are poorly insulated.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety investigation launched into death of 15-year-old girl

2010-07-14T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety investigation has been launched at Cotswold Water Park after a 15-year-old girl was found face-down in water.

She was pulled out of the water by a member of the public, thought to be a young boy who was playing football nearby. She has since died in hospital.

A lifeguard at the park resuscitated the girl until paramedics arrived.

Stroud Life has reported an investigation is now underway by Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire Police to see if any health and safety breaches were the cause of the incident.

The council is responsible for health and safety at the park and the newspaper claimed some visitors had expressed concerns the 40 sq mile, 140-lake park was not adequately staffed.

Speaking to the publication, Cotswold Country Park and Beach operations director Adrian Davey said: "All of the staff at the beach were very quick to act. While the closest lifeguard resuscitated the girl, the other three lifeguards resumed their duties, monitoring the beach, bathing and boating areas."

Gloucestershire Police has asked the young man who is believed to have pulled the teenager from the water to get in touch.

Posted by James Hill

Engineering firm fined £8,000 for health and safety breach

2010-07-14T00:00:00+01:00

An engineering company in Caerphilly has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after one of its employees suffered serious injuries to his hand.

Econ Engineering Ltd was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs after the incident, which saw Rhys Davies lose four fingers as he was on a machine used to mill titanium plates.

Surgeons managed to reattach three of the 25-year-old's digits and he is still having treatment.

Chief inspector of the HSE Steve Curry said the wounds could have been avoided if the equipment had been fitted with a guard.

"Employers have a legal duty to ensure that when employees are working with machinery, adequate guarding is provided to prevent workers being injured," he added.

Last month, Prospect Joinery was fined £3,000 after a breach in health and safety caused David Bell to lose his index finger.

An investigation by the HSE discovered the machine Mr Bell fed wood into did not have a safety guard.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Organisation fined £25,000 for health and safety breach

2010-07-13T00:00:00+01:00

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been fined £25,000 following a health and safety breach.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed the organisation exposed several staff members to the risk of infection of E.coli O157.

Experts discovered the HPA had not examined the danger involved in the disposal of the bacteria and also failed to train staff in accordance with the correct procedures.

Jennifer Higham, HSE specialist, said the HPA should have created a system of work for dealing with E.coli O157.

"Equipment should have been well maintained and employees should have had appropriate training," she added.

As well as the fine, the HPA has also been ordered to pay more than £20,000 in costs.

Last week, TS (UK) Ltd were prosecuted by the HSE and ordered to pay a £140,000 fine following the death of a worker who was crushed by a pallet of bags.

Posted by James Hill

Two staff from the HSE awarded fellowship

2010-07-13T00:00:00+01:00

A prestigious fellowship has been awarded to two staff members from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Head of HSE's Nuclear Directorate Mike Weightman and HSE chair Judith Hackitt were given the honour for their work in the engineering industry.

Ms Hackitt said it was a "real accolade" to be recognised by colleagues and the awards highlight the expertise within the body.

"Regulating industries as diverse as offshore exploration, nuclear power and major construction projects, it is easy to see the significance of engineering to the health and safety of both workers and the wider public," she added.

The duo are now fellows – after being nominated by peers and colleagues - of the Royal Academy of Engineering and president of the establishment Lord Browne explained the expertise of fellows is a "unique national resource".

Meanwhile, free health and safety training is being offered to businesses across Southampton.

The Estates Excellence campaign is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises identify areas of health and safety in which they need to improve.

Posted by Claire Archer

Company policy 'should be checked' when using social networking sites in the workplace

2010-07-12T00:00:00+01:00

People should familiarise themselves with company policy when using social networking sites at work, one expert has suggested.

Online news editor of SC Magazine Dan Raywood said employers need to ensure their staff are aware of any rules or legislation surrounding the use of sites such as Facebook.

He noted it is down to managers to decide whether such applications are allowed in the workplace.

"If you want to attract the best and want the best performance, you give them what they want," Mr Raywood added.

He also explained that when he was prevented from using such sites he wanted to access them more, but when they were unblocked he barely used them.

Mr Raywood advised bosses who let their labour force use social media during working hours to ensure security systems are up to date and secure.

The specialist's comments follow the release of a report from forensics malware tools provider Norman, which revealed social media platforms are being used by cybercriminals to spread malicious software.

Posted by Claire Archer

Right software 'is essential' for businesses to comply with the CRC Energy Efficiency scheme

2010-07-12T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses need to select the right IT systems in order to comply with the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, one expert has suggested.

Vice-president of ecoSoftware Sonny Masero said effective data management is vital for this legislation because firms could be audited and supporting evidence is crucial to avoiding a fine.

"The use of a centralised management system rather than spreadsheets, emails and word documents means that errors can be minimised and the results can be easily verified," he added.

Mr Masero noted companies need to address broader sustainability performance issues so they can spot the relevant potential issues that may arise and risk the business.

He also indicated prioritisation will help in the definition of the data requirements in terms of granularity and scope, as it will then be easier to identify the sources.

The specialists comments come as CA Technologies revealed 79 per cent of enterprises stated they rely on spreadsheets to manage their energy and carbon data.

Health and Safety event to cut work-related deaths in agriculture

2010-07-09T00:00:00+01:00

More work-related deaths occur in Britain's agriculture industry than any other sector, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Figures from the HSE reveal 38 employees were killed during farm work in 2009-10, a substantial difference to the previous year's 25 fatalities.

The organisation will be at the Great Yorkshire Show next week (13th July) to raise awareness of safety in the farming world.

A stand featuring the stories of farmers who have lost their lives or been injured during the course of their work will be provided by the establishment.

HSE's regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber David Snow noted the fact high numbers of deaths occur in farming is concerning, especially as many fatalities happen in family-run businesses.

"Incidents involving moving vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles and telehandlers are the biggest cause of fatal injury in the region," he added.

Farmers in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk had the chance to attend a free health and safety event yesterday (July 8th).

Qualified instructors were on hand to give advice on how to prevent accidents while in the workplace.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety investigation launched following fatality on a Scottish farm

2010-07-09T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the death of a farm worker in Scotland.

Neil Abercromby died on Monday afternoon (July 5th) when he was spreading seed from a tractor, the Scotsman reports.

It is thought the 70-year-old suffered crush injuries when the machine he was towing broke free from the tractor as it was being pulled up a hill.

A spokesman from Tayside Fire and Rescue told the news provider when they arrived at the scene the trailer was in an unsecured position so the crew winched it up to prevent it from falling any further.

The victim was freed by firefighters but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Last month, Sandy Blair was promoted as the new face of safety in the agricultural industry.

She pledged to work with farmers in a bid to promote safety awareness and noted a lot of work needs to be carried out to ensure those in the profession do not neglect their health and safety responsibilities.

Posted by Claire Archer

Governments confirms licensing debate over

2010-07-09T00:00:00+01:00

The Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) will not be extended, the government has confirmed.

Over the last six months the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has explored the regulatory environment and licensing legislation but noted an extension of the GLA is not required.

The GLA safeguards the welfare and interests of employees in the construction industry.

Commenting on the news, the REC'S chief executive Kevin Green said the organisation is pleased the government dealt with the matter so quickly, as it can now put its efforts into looking at other issues affecting the industry.

"The REC was concerned that an extension of the GLA would simply lead to a costly scheme, which wouldn't catch rogue providers operating without a license," he added.

Mr Green also explained the REC will carry on working with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and government officials to ensure the minority who flout the rules will be caught.

The Labour party had been keen to extend the GLA and according to the party's manifesto it thought it was the best way to protect workers.

Posted by James Hill

Tribunal claims on the up?

2010-07-09T00:00:00+01:00

The number of tribunal claims has risen as the effects of the poor economic climate continue to be felt.

According to figures from the Tribunals Service, there has been a sharp increase in the amount of actions brought against bosses, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Partner at law firm Eversheds Owen Warnock said the swelling is probably due to multiple claimant cases, which have gone up by almost 90 per cent on the previous 12-month period.

"Unions are pursuing more claims by using the tribunal route rather than industrial action, which is quite common in a recession," he added.

Mr Warnock also noted employers can justify measures such as pay freezes during a downturn as it is a way of protecting jobs and this means they can avoid strikes by their labour force.

D-Link Middle East recently claimed flexible working can boost productivity in the workplace.

The organisation stated remote working allows staff to access to a range of documents and data wherever they are.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and Safety event organised for farmers

2010-07-08T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety event is being set up for farmers across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and injuries within the industry.

The meeting will take place today (July 8th) at Chippenham Park Estate in Newmarket.

Health and Safety inspectors will be on hand to offer advice, as will qualified instructors who will give demonstrations on the most common types of accident scenarios.

HM principal Inspector of Health and Safety David Head stated the occasion will give individuals the opportunity to see how easily accidents can happen and will let them know what precautions they need to take to protect others from harm.

"We expect farmers to put the safe systems of work demonstrated at the event into practice," he added.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recently explained all employees should be involved in health and safety matters, regardless of the role they have within a company.

Posted by James Hill

Health and Safety training available for small businesses in Southampton

2010-07-08T00:00:00+01:00

Free health and safety training is on offer for businesses on industrial estates across Southampton.

The Estates Excellence scheme has been created to help small and medium-sized enterprises identify areas of health and safety that they need to improve on.

Health and Safety Executive head of operations for the south-east Mike Willcock said: "Estates Excellence will address all the commonly asked questions about areas of health and safety, but also tailor support to each individual business and its needs."

He added good health and safety is vital for business and urged bosses in the region to get involved and take advantage of the free support on offer.

The project launches on July 13th and has been organised by the HSE, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, the Federation of Small Business and Southampton City Council.

Lifesaving advice on health and safety is also available for construction workers in Merseyside on July 14th.

The HSE and Wirral Borough Council are behind the initiative and hope it will prove invaluable in reducing the number of work-related fatalities and injuries.

Posted by Claire Archer

Businesses 'should make use of transferable skills'

2010-07-08T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses need to make the most of their employees' transferable skills, one expert has suggested.

Spokesman for the Chartered Management Institute Mike Petrook said enterprises are bringing in different sets of people with diverse sets of skills.

He noted companies would benefit from making sure transferable qualities are used within other parts of the firm.

Mr Petrook indicated this was "a good thing for an organisation's development and also for staff learning new skills and gaining new experiences".

His comments follow the release of a report by Capita Learning and Development, which revealed a significant skills gap in the British workforce may damage businesses' responses to the economic downturn.

And 70 per cent of bosses cited inadequate staff skills are the biggest threat to their efforts to capitalise on the recovery.

Of those quizzed, more than two-thirds of employers confessed their under-trained labour force are finding it hard to cope with expanded job remits following the recent waves of redundancies.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Plastic manufacturer fined £140,000 following health and safety breach

2010-07-08T00:00:00+01:00

The death of a worker who was crushed by a pallet of bags has led to a £140,000 fine for a plastics manufacturer.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted TS (UK) Ltd after Abel Lages' death, which happened as he cleaned up a spillage in the yard at premises on the Stakehill Industrial Estate in Middleton.

John McGrellis, one of HSE's principal inspectors for Greater Manchester, stated the fatality was caused because the firm did not treat the health and safety of its workers as a priority.

"There were labels on the polypropylene bags that made it clear how they should be stored safely, but this advice was ignored," he added.

Mr McGrellis said the business has since changed the way it stacks the pallets, however had this been done sooner the death could have been avoided.

Earlier this week, Comet was fined £75,000 following the death of Paul Alker, who fell through the ceiling when he stepped on to a roof light.

He suffered multiple injuries and the HSE stated Comet did not protect the fragile lights or provide Mr Alker with the correct safety equipment.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety confusion 'should be tackled' by government

2010-07-07T00:00:00+01:00

Confusion over health and safety issues needs to be addressed by the coalition government, an expert has argued.

Richard Jones, policy and technical director at the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, called for "root causes" to be tackled, with myths being dispelled in order to allay fears of civil litigation.

He also suggested the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) resources should not be depleted as a result of public spending cuts, stating: "We think the coalition must do more to support the work of HSE in raising awareness and enforcing standards in accident prevention and ensure they are adequately resourced for this."

Mr Jones welcomed a recent HSE study that showed fatal accidents at work have declined, with the 151 people killed in 2009-10 representing a record low.

However, he described an increase in agricultural deaths as concerning and urged the government to implement recommendations from a Rita Donaghy report that investigated reasons for accidents on construction sites.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety failing sees worker hit by forklift truck

2010-07-06T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety breach that led to a worker being struck by a forklift truck has led to a fine for the company concerned.

Elliott, a portable toilet hire company, admitted the charge and was ordered to pay £7,000 in addition to costs of more than £3,000.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Raymond Morris was struck by the reversing truck when standing in the yard at Elliott's depot in Hertforshire.

The area was found to have been badly designed, with the view of drivers obstructed and routes not adequately segregated for pedestrians and vehicles.

Inspector at the HSE Rauf Ahmed commented: "This incident could and should have been prevented. Workplace transport is a priority area for health and safety and workers being hit by reversing vehicles is a well-known danger."

The organisation recently revealed All Metal Services had been fined over an incident that saw a worker's leg damaged when he was run over by a forklift truck in Bolton.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Comet fined following health and safety breach

2010-07-05T00:00:00+01:00

The death of a worker at a Comet store in Wrexham has led to a £75,000 fine for the electrical retailer.

Paul Alker had been working for a contractor when he stepped on a roof light and fell through, suffering multiple injuries that resulted in his death.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Comet did not ensure the fragile lights were protected, while Mr Alker was not provided with the appropriate safety equipment.

Inspector Debbie John commented: "Companies must ensure contractors are competent to do the work they are hired to do and they need to understand their responsibilities. A safe system of work must be agreed."

Comet pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations and was ordered to pay more than £24,000 in costs in addition to the fine.

Last week, the HSE revealed a total of seven lives were lost at work in 2009-10 - an increase of two compared to the previous 12-month period, but down from the annual average of 13 for the last five years.

Posted by James Hill

Health and Safety Executive investigates West Midlands death

2010-07-02T00:00:00+01:00

An investigation is underway following the death of a worker at an industrial site yesterday (July 1st).

West Midlands Police revealed officers were called shortly after 14:20 BST, with a 42-year-old man pronounced dead at the scene.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating alongside the force, with the man said to have been trapped between a lorry and a forklift truck.

It comes after the HSE revealed efforts to improve awareness of health and safety requirements and procedures have helped bring about a significant decline in work-related deaths.

The average for the region over the last five years is 22, but 2008-09 saw ten people killed at work.

However, principal inspector Steve Flanagan suggested more needs to be done.

"Many of these unnecessary deaths could have been avoided if simple and sensible precautions had been in place and if workers had been involved in dealing with the risks they face," he said.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety improvements 'contributing to record low death rate'

2010-07-01T00:00:00+01:00

Efforts to engage employees and promote good practice in workplace health and safety have been cited as major reasons for a decline in fatal injuries.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed 151 people were killed at work in 2009-10, compared to 178 in the previous 12-month period.

It represented a record low and a fall in accidents on construction sites contributed as the figure for fatal injuries to such workers went from 52 to 41.

HSE chair Judith Hackitt welcomed the performance, but noted further work needs to be done to ensure the rate continues to drop.

"As with all health and safety statistics, today's announcement is a combination of encouraging news about improvement but also a salutary reminder of the tragedies of lives lost at work," she said.

The HSE recently highlighted the danger of construction sites after two Gloucestershire companies were fined over a worker's fall from height.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Sleep training to boost workplace productivity?

2010-06-30T00:00:00+01:00

Companies could improve productivity by including sleep training in their health and safety remits.

Jessica Alexander of the Sleep Council explained certain techniques, such as visualisation exercises, can be learned to help people who are having trouble nodding off.

Asked whether human resources teams should offer sleep training sessions, she replied in the affirmative.

But Ms Alexander also acknowledged that this may not be possible for smaller companies, noting that larger ones tend to focus more on health and wellbeing.

All firms, however, can help to avoid the "vicious circle" of stress causing sleep loss, which in turn creates more stress.

Ms Alexander urged anyone suffering from stress-related insomnia not to lie in bed and worry because they cannot sleep, as this will make the situation worse.

A recent report by Travelodge found 75 per cent of employed Britons are not getting eight hours of sleep a night, with work worries cited as one of the biggest reasons for sleep loss.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety measures 'should account for ageing workforce'

2010-06-30T00:00:00+01:00

Employers have been given advice on maintaining health and safety standards for older workers.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) covered the issue at a conference that took place yesterday (June 29th).

Entitled Age Management for a Maturing Workforce, the event covered issues such as employment law, stress and accidents at work.

RoSPA said the matters need to be tackled because an increased retirement age and greater longevity is leading to an older workforce.

Deputy chief executive Errol Taylor noted that "most workplace safety practices make age-related assumptions about a worker's capabilities".

The conference took place at RoSPA's Birmingham-based headquarters.

Earlier this month, RoSPA welcomed Lord Young of Graffham's review of health and safety law.

Chief executive Tom Mullarkey said that while existing legislation is adequate, changes need to be made in its implementation, with the larger issue being companies not carrying out proper health and safety measures, though some are being over-cautious.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Recession 'harming plans' to attract females to the boardroom

2010-06-30T00:00:00+01:00

Women in financial services have been hindered from getting to top spots by the economic slump.

This is according to India Gary-Martin, president of the City Women's Network.

She explained working mothers find it harder to keep up with firms' increasing needs for longer hours and more rigidity in working patterns.

"Initiatives to increase the number of women on boards are less attractive to companies whilst fighting through a recession," Ms Gary-Martin observed.

She noted that in 2004, 13 per cent of FTSE 100 bank boards were female, but last year the figure was nine per cent.

The professional added companies frequently say their commercial concerns are the reason they cannot work as hard on incentives to assist female workers.

Data from the Confederation of British Industry has shown that companies are still experiencing low-level business, even though financial services activity has gone up in the last three months.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

HSE chair rejects health and safety myths

2010-06-30T00:00:00+01:00

The head of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has spoken out against misconceptions surrounding her organisation.

Judith Hackitt spoke to the Guardian about health and safety myths as a review of legislation in the area by Lord Young of Graffham got underway.

She expressed sympathy for people who are not clear about health and safety law, accepting that the HSE could have offered greater clarity in the past.

Ms Hackitt added, however, that there is little the HSE can do, other than make factual corrections, when health and safety law is misinterpreted because it is a non-political, public sector body.

She rejected claims the HSE wants schools to stop going on outings or have interesting demonstrations in science lessons, though she stressed the real dangers of loud noise and asbestos.

The HSE releases a "myth of the month" regularly on its website and has published a calendar to highlight some of the misconceptions it has been fighting.

For further information on any of our Healthy and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

RoSPA: All workers have part to play in health and safety

2010-06-30T00:00:00+01:00

All employees should be involved in health and safety matters, no matter what their role is.

This is according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Scotland, which is planning a conference to help Scottish workers play their part within this element of employment law.

Directors, HR staff and other professionals are expected to attend the RoSPA Scotland Occupational Safety and Health at Work Congress in September at the Hilton Glasgow.

Public health minister Shona Robison will make the keynote speech at the event, which has the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives as its sponsor, while new research will be unveiled.

RoSPA had a presence at the recent Royal Highland Show's Road Safety Village, having been part of the first one ever last year.

The village was designed to help drivers at work to learn more about health and safety and protecting themselves and others.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Productivity 'boosted by flexible working'

2010-06-29T00:00:00+01:00

Allowing flexible working can help to improve productivity, it has been claimed.

D-Link Middle East explained the benefits of being able to work remotely and declared: "Mobility increases productivity."

The organisation explained remote working allows staff to access certain documents and data wherever they are, saving the need to get to the office first.

Additionally, it makes them more easily contactable and quicker to receive or send emails and files.

Remote working also allows people to set their own work agenda and enjoy greater flexibility.

D-Link Middle East quoted IDC data that indicates more than a billion people will be working remotely by the end of this year, a figure that is set to hit 1.2 billion by 2013.

Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses recently called for employment law to be more inclusive of flexible working.

He said it is good for productivity, although he accepted it would not suit every industry.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Right to flexible working extended in Northern Ireland

2010-06-29T00:00:00+01:00

Working parents will be glad of extensions to flexible working possibilities in Northern Ireland, a politician has said.

Employment and learning minister Sir Reg Empey spoke of new employment law which allows parents of children aged up to 16 to request flexible working.

Current employment law covers people with children under six, disabled children under 18 or those who care for dependent adults.

Sir Reg explained that while firms must consider requests for flexible working, they can refuse them if they are not feasible for the business.

He added, however, that about three-quarters of such applications are granted by employers and flexible working could be good for relations with staff.

The new employment law comes into force on July 18th.

Data released last year by the Government Equalities Office showed 53 per cent of working parents feel they are denied time with their families as a result of their jobs.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety warning for farmers

2010-06-29T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety warning has been given out to farmers regarding telehandlers.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said more cases have been occurring in which telehandler buckets have hit people.

It explained the machines should not be used to push in fencing posts, as this can make the buckets come loose and strike those who are nearby.

Two people were killed last year and another seriously hurt in May due to such accidents and farmers were reminded to use telehandlers only as instructed and warned the HSE would take action if it became aware of dangerous use.

The HSE recently held an event in Dunmow, Essex, to help educate farmers about health and safety in their sector.

Participants were given information about how to prevent common accidents such as falls from height.

According to the HSE, farming is one of the most dangerous industries, with 26 people being killed from 2008 to 2009 and 1,500 badly injured annually.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Effects of minimum wage to be investigated

2010-06-29T00:00:00+01:00

An investigation is to be carried out to assess the impact of the national minimum wage.

The Low Pay Commission announced it wants to know how this aspect of employment law is affecting both companies and workers.

It operates such studies all over the UK and the next visit will take place in Wrexham tomorrow (June 30th).

Low pay commissioner John Hannett said fact-finding operations such as this represent "an important part of the commission's work".

Under current employment law, national minimum wage is £4.83 an hour for people aged 18 to 21 and £5.80 an hour for workers over that age.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) recently welcomed the government's plan to increase the level to £5.93 for over-21s.

Workers aged 16 and 17 will get £3.64 an hour, while the rate will rise to £4.92 for 18 to 20-year-olds.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber suggested there would be a positive response to such change.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Business minister aims to gain insight into SMEs

2010-06-29T00:00:00+01:00

A politician is to spend time with smaller firms to learn about issues that affect them.

Mark Prisk, business and enterprise minister, started the Week in Small Business scheme by taking a day to work with DIY Kyoto, a small company in Bethnal Green.

He said the initiative is intended to help him learn how the government can assist businesses in the recovery from the recession.

The Week in Small Business is a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills programme to assist the government in becoming more aware of the requirements for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

DIY Kyoto, which makes wireless electricity meters, has welcomed the minister and co-founder Richard Woods stated he would be telling Mr Prisk, himself a former business owner, about investment.

In recent employment law news, Emyr Williams of Bytestart.co.uk complained about the difficulty of securing loans for small firms.

He suggested business owners are being penalised for financial providers' poor judgment.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety breach leads to loss of worker's finger

2010-06-28T00:00:00+01:00

A carpentry firm has been fined £3,000 after a breach of health and safety regulations caused a worker to lose a finger.

David Bell lost the index finger on his right hand, broke the middle finger and was severely cut on others as he fed wood into a machine at Prospect Joinery.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the Stourbridge-based company, which pleaded guilty at Stourbridge and Halesowen Magistrates Court.

Prospect Joinery was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs in addition to the fine.

It had not guarded the machine properly, nor had it installed a safe tooling arrangement to protect workers.

HSE inspector John Glynn stated: "The risks associated with woodworking machinery are well known and should have been adequately controlled."

Another worker recently lost three fingers and a thumb after using a blender at a food company.

The HSE prosecuted Smith Weston of Elvedon Road, Park Royal and Kolak Snack Foods, which owned the site and was responsible for machinery maintenance.

In total, the two firms were fined £15,000 and made to pay £3,365 in costs by City of London Magistrates Court.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Mental health problems 'not fairly recognised' by employment law

2010-06-28T00:00:00+01:00

Changes are needed to employment law to allow for mentally ill people, a solicitor has said.

Writing for the Guardian, Kiran Daurka gave the example of a client who was offered a job by an international law firm, only to have the offer withdrawn when she revealed she suffered from depression, ostensibly due to a recruitment freeze.

Ms Daurka explained that under current employment law, people need to prove they have a disability in order to be protected by anti-discrimination legislation.

But it can be difficult to prove mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and depression to within the legal definition of a disability, she said, adding there is a belief that mental illnesses are over-diagnosed.

Although a tribunal ruled legal tests to find whether her client was disabled had not been used, it also failed to clarify employment law relating to mental health.

Time to Change, the anti-discrimination body, responded in March to Office for National Statistics data concerning attitudes towards mental illness.

In 2009, 13 per cent of people knew a quarter of people would have a mental illness at some point in their lives, while the figure rose to 16 per cent in 2010.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Building firm "lucky" to avoid injury on unsafe site

2010-06-28T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety breaches have caused a building firm to be fined £6,600.

Alexson Homes of Ashmore Park in Wolverhampton pleaded guilty at Stafford Magistrates Court after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated its practices and prosecuted.

Three men, including two company directors, had been dismantling a roof in February, but no safety measures were put in place to stop them from falling.

Additionally, there was no rubble chute provided for removing materials from the roof and they were simply being dropped off the side.

HSE inspector Martin Overstall said Alexson Homes was "extremely lucky that no one was injured when working in such unsafe conditions".

A recent incident highlighted what can happen when people fall from height at work, with the HSE prosecuting Woodgate Sawmills and Stanley John Frederick Stephens of the Longhope Welding Company after a worker fell through a skylight and suffered serious injuries to his head.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Expert welcomes IR35 review

2010-06-28T00:00:00+01:00

A review of employment law for freelancers has been welcomed by an industry expert.

John Brazier, managing director of freelancers' association PCG, said he was pleased with the coalition government's plan to review IR35 tax.

He called it "a cumbersome and ill-thought-out piece of legislation that has been a blight to freelance workers for over ten years".

Mr Brazier stated tax was owed in only about ten of 1,500 cases his organisation had been involved with regarding IR35.

He drew attention to the importance of freelancing, pointing out that more and more people are doing it to help their lifestyles while enhancing their work.

Additionally, he urged the government not to be hasty in reviewing the tax, but to make sure it carries out the job properly.

In related news, the Federation of Small Businesses recently revealed one-fifth of smaller firms cite pay-as-you-earn tax and National Insurance contributions as the greatest hindrances to their growth.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Fluctuating energy costs affecting carbon footprint management?

2010-06-25T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management could be affected by uncertainty over costs, as an expert has highlighted problems with European permits.

Economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Simon Bullock noted there is a "widely fluctuating" price range for industrial energy users - which are given permits for how much they can use - across the continent.

With bills changing annually, he explained: "It's very difficult for businesses to plan strategies on how much energy to use if they've no idea, from one year to the next, how much they're expected to pay."

Mr Bullock agreed with EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, that energy taxes should be reformed - although he admitted this could be quite complicated.

EEF published a report this week in which it criticised the government's current climate change policy, suggesting it threatens the competitiveness of companies in the UK, but does not do enough to encourage changes in behaviour.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Developer fined after ignoring health and safety warnings

2010-06-25T00:00:00+01:00

Ignoring warnings over health and safety has led to a developer in Oldham being fined.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued two formal notices to Mahmood Khokhar over a pit that had been dug as foundations for an extension to a home.

He was advised to put up fencing to prevent people from falling in, as well as make the excavation safe to ensure it would not collapse.

After failing to do so, Mr Khokhar pleaded guilty to two offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £2,000 at Trafford Magistrates' Court, in addition to being ordered to pay £1,725 in costs.

Construction inspector at the HSE Laura Moran said on one occasion she had seen a child's ball in the bottom of the pit.

"I dread to think what could have happened if they’d tried to fetch it, as the sides of the trench were starting to collapse," she added.

An accident on a construction site recently led to a fine for Woodgate Sawmills and Stanley John Frederick Stephens of The Longhope Welding Company, after a worker fell five metres from a roof and suffered head injuries.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

HSE issues warning after health and safety failing leads to death

2010-06-24T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety breach that led to the death of a worker in Coleshill has resulted in a fine for the company concerned.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed brick manufacturing firm Hanson Building Products was ordered to pay £280,000, in addition to costs of more than £29,000.

Peter Clarke, 57, was responsible for removing concrete blocks for quality checking as they were transferred from a kiln to a packaging area on a conveyor.

Warwick Crown Court heard another employee changed the direction of the conveyor as he leaned forward, trapping Mr Clarke's head between the blocks and a metal platform.

HSE inspector Peter Snelgrove noted other workers were aware the are was dangerous, but Mr Clarke had only been on the site for two weeks and had not been informed of the risks.

"Employers should understand that where failing standards in the workplace result in serious injury or death, HSE will prosecute," said Mr Snelgrove.

Earlier this week, the body suggested a worker at Cheshire-based WSR Recycling was lucky to be alive after a health and safety breach saw his leg crushed by a truck.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Construction site accident leads to fine

2010-06-23T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined two Gloucestershire companies involved in an accident which saw a worker suffer head injuries.

Woodgate Sawmills Limited and Stanley John Frederick Stephens of The Longhope Welding Company were fined £13,320 and £26,660 respectively for breaching health and safety regulations.

Robert Stephens, the son of the company manager, was working for his father when he fell five metres from the roof of the Woodgate Sawmills building and landed on the concrete floor below.

Annette Walker, inspector for the HSE, said: "This incident highlights the extremely serious risks posed by working at height if adequate safety protection measures are not in place. Robert's fall could easily have proved fatal."

HSE chair Judith Hackitt recently warned that many businesses making unpopular decisions are unfairly blaming health and safety regulations for their actions, giving good risk assessment practice a bad name.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Businesses urged not to tolerate casual absence

2010-06-23T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law does not mean businesses have to tolerate casual absences and not doing so can help bring down non-genuine sick day numbers, it has been suggested.

According to Sue Hayday, senior research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), a culture of strict absence allowances should be implemented in company policy to beat truancy.

The expert suggested return-to-work interviews, collection of data about the amount of time staff spend away from the office and training line managers in dealing with absences can all help reduce false sick days.

"Non-genuine absence due to domestic responsibilities or problems should be tackled by flexible working arrangements … or changed starting and finishing times, or making the hours up at a later date," Ms Hayday advised.

Figures from financial protection firm Unum recently revealed that long-term absences due to stress have dropped ten per cent in the past four years and now only account for 23 per cent of all time off.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Fine for health and safety breach at factory

2010-06-23T00:00:00+01:00

An accident that left one worker with broken bones and a lost finger has resulted in a £26,000 fine for the Ashton-under-Lyme factory involved.

The facility, owned by ADA Machining Services, received the penalty after the unnamed 53-year-old got his overalls tangled in a 14-foot-high metal-shaping machine and was pulled into the device.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the firm was found to have failed to prevent access to the dangerous part of the machinery, which contravened safety regulations.

David Norton, the investigating inspector for HSE, said: "One of ADA's employees suffered devastating injuries and is still unable to return to work, more than two years after he was trapped in the machine."

The HSE recently fined Adam Stephen Walker, director of Steven Walker and Sons, after one of his employees fell through a roof skylight onto a machine and bruised his lower back while working on the building.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

TUC rejects employment law proposals

2010-06-22T00:00:00+01:00

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said that employment law recommendations in a report by the Confederation for British Industry (CBI) are unfair.

Released yesterday (June 21st), the Making Britain the Place to Work paper claimed strikes damage economic growth and called on the government to change rules so that 40 per cent approval is needed before action can go ahead.

However, Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said industrial action in the UK is currently at an all-time low, is less prevalent than in other countries and is supported by most employment law officials.

"Any further restrictions would be extremely unfair and almost certainly breach the UK's international human rights obligations," he explained.

Mr Barber added that the CBI's proposals would lead to a curtailing of rights in the workplace and restrictions on strikes are already tough, with many well-supported and justifiable actions closed down in court.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Worker 'lucky to survive' health and safety breach

2010-06-22T00:00:00+01:00

A neglect of health and safety rules which led to one worker having his leg amputated following a near-fatal accident has resulted in a fine for the company responsible.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) fined Cheshire-based WSR Recycling Ltd £10,000 and ordered it to pay costs of £6,338 due to the incident, which saw the unnamed 46-year-old employee crushed by an 18-tonne shovel loader truck.

Chris Goddard, investigating inspector for the HSE, suggested the worker could have easily lost his life and measures should have been taken to ensure staff were kept away from moving vehicles.

"This worker … was very fortunate not to have been killed. He was run over by a very heavy vehicle, so his injuries could easily have been much worse," Mr Goddard explained.

American Airlines was recently fined £70,000 after a Heathrow Airport worker had to have his leg amputated when he was run over by a 70-tonne vehicle used to push aircraft around the facility.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Agriculture champion to promote health and safety measures

2010-06-22T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety in the agricultural industry is to be promoted by a new face after Sandy Blair was promoted to a key role in the sector.

The board member for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will now take over Judith Donovan's role as the organisation's agricultural champion and has vowed to work with farmers during her tenure.

"Having lived in rural communities for the past 25 years, I appreciate the challenges farmers face in trying to make a living in this difficult economic climate and why corners are sometimes cut," she said.

However, one farmer every week dies while carrying out their work and Ms Blair suggested a lot of work needs to be done to make sure agricultural workers do not neglect their health and safety responsibilities.

The HSE recently warned farmers not to use semi-automatic quick hitches if they are missing a retaining pin following the deaths of five workers in under five years due to unchecked equipment.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Confirmation of rise in minimum wage is welcomed

2010-06-22T00:00:00+01:00

The government's announcement that the national minimum wage is to be increased from the current rate has been praised by one industry group.

According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the news that the rate, which stands at £5.80 per hour for adults at the moment, will rise by 13p to £5.93 per hour is one that should be welcomed by employees across the UK.

Young workers aged 16 and 17 will also receive a 7p increase to £3.64 per hour, 18 to 20-year-olds will get a 9p boost to £4.92 per hour and 21-year-olds will receive the adult rate of £5.93 when the rules are introduced in October.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: "The minimum wage has been a great success and if this announcement means that this is an area that will see continuity rather than change, it will win wide support."

The government's decision to alter national minimum wage rates comes after it accepted recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety successes celebrated at exhibition

2010-06-22T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety event has seen praise for the efforts of the UK's quarry industry in reducing the number of deaths and injuries among its workforce.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), spoke at the Hillhead 2010 quarry exhibition today (June 22nd) and celebrated a 76 per cent drop in reported accidents over the last ten years.

"The quarrying industry has demonstrated what can be achieved when an industry sector commits to improvement in health and safety," Ms Hackitt told the conference audience.

She praised the work of employers, unions and trade associations in the industry, but warned against complacency at the positive results and encouraged the sector to continue its commitment to keeping injury numbers down.

The HSE launched its Hard Target initiative for the quarry industry in 2000 and is now looking to complete its Target Zero scheme, which aims to reduce the number of reported incidents to zero.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employment law should boost job creation, says CBI

2010-06-21T00:00:00+01:00

The government has been advised to bring in a raft of new employment law measures to ensure the jobs market recovers.

In a report entitled Making Britain the Place to Work, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) claimed flexible working needs to be embraced, certain regulations must be blocked and industrial relations legislation should be changed.

The organisation wants higher bars to be set before strike action is allowed to take place and consultation periods for collective redundancies to be reduced from 90 days to 30 days to keep the economy moving.

John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI, stated: "As we enter a period of fragile recovery, we need to do everything we can to create a jobs market that works for Britain."

Stephen Alambritis, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, recently said that employment law needs to accommodate flexible working to make sure small businesses run efficiently.

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety breaches lead to fine for gas fitter

2010-06-21T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined a man from Hertfordshire for carrying out gas fitting work without being registered.

Dermot Healy, who was trading as D Healy Plumbing and Heating, also sold his services despite not having a necessary Competence Certificate and has now been fined £500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500 after two customers were poisoned.

Healy pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety rules at the City of London Magistrates' Court, which heard of an elderly Edgware couple who were taken to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning due to the trader's work.

Charles Linfoot, inspector for the HSE, said: "The couple in this instance were lucky, but the outcome could so easily have been a tragic one. [Healy] acted illegally in that he was an unregistered gas engineer and carrying out work he was not qualified to do."

Chris Bradshaw, a gas fitter from Tywyn, was recently fined £38,000 by the HSE for neglecting to stick to health and safety regulations by carrying out work while being suspended from the Corgi register.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

RoSPA welcomes health and safety review

2010-06-18T00:00:00+01:00

A review of health and safety law and practice is being welcomed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Tom Mullarkey, chief executive of the organisation, hopes the review will consider facts as well as people's opinions as they try to sort out concerns about health and safety.

He said: "Good safety is all about good judgement - avoiding the intolerable, ignoring the trivial and, in between, getting the balance right between risk and the cost of precautions."

But he believes many people are not achieving the correct balance, with a lot of accidents happening because not enough care was being taken.

Recently a manager was fined for what could be regarded as a preventable accident, after he injured one of his employees by driving a forklift truck when not trained.

However, it is possible to be too cautious, with Mr Mullarkey admitting some people are "going too far".

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By James Hill

Small businesses 'finding loans hard to get'

2010-06-17T00:00:00+01:00

Small businesses may be struggling as their banks are reluctant to lend them the money they need.

Emyr Williams, director of Bytestart.co.uk, reckons company owners are having to pay for the financial providers' previous poor decisions as they become less willing to loan out money.

"The major reason small businesses have been dissatisfied with the service from their bank is because of their reluctance to lend money," he said.

Mr Williams added that even when loans are granted, they find it hard to pay the money back as the interest rate is often as high as ten per cent, while the base rate is only 0.5 per cent.

He was speaking after the Federation of Small Businesses showed a quarter of firms were unhappy with the support they received from their banks over the past year.

Almost half of their bank managers are not based locally, even though 26 per cent of respondents believe a good working relationship with the person is one of the most important factors in choosing a branch.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By James Hill

Health and Safety Executive 'to help small businesses'

2010-06-17T00:00:00+01:00

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is helping small businesses across the south east by giving advice and training to workers.

By teaming up with a number of organisations, the HSE is getting specially-trained staff to visit firms around Swale and provide tips for managers and employees on how to 'get it right', 'get efficient' and 'get fit for work'.

Heather Bryant, project director of Estates Excellence at the HSE, said: "There has been a great response from business to this work in other regions and we aim to help many local businesses in the coming weeks."

Free workshops, training, advice and guidance will be given as part of the project and will be directed specifically at the needs of individual companies.

These measures could help reduce the risk of injuries caused by breaches in health and safety, such as a recent case where a manager was fined after he fractured an employee's ankle by operating a forklift truck when not trained to do so.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By James Hill

Employers 'must be consistent' when punishing lateness

2010-06-16T00:00:00+01:00

Employers have been urged to ensure they are treating all staff equally when it comes to discipline over timekeeping.

James Carmody of Reculver Solicitors noted bosses may have the right under UK employment law to dismiss someone for tardiness, as long as fair disciplinary procedures have been followed.

But he suggested it is important firms are consistent in the action they take, avoiding using lateness as "an expedient to get rid of someone for an ulterior motive".

"In the majority of cases, it should not be necessary to escalate minor lateness issues to a formal disciplinary procedure," Mr Carmody added.

His comments came after Career Builder UK revealed 15 per cent of bosses would terminate a member of staff's employment if they were tardy on two or three occasions.

A further 12 per cent consider four of five late arrivals to be grounds for dismissal, although many said they are not concerned as long as work is completed to a good standard.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Watching World Cup at work could break employment laws

2010-06-16T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses allowing their employees to watch the key games of the World Cup at work could be going against employment law.

Some firms may just be expecting to let their staff watch the England games, but with employers having an increasingly diverse group of employees they could have to let others watch their home nations.

Nick Poole, of Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks, warns: "Adopting a policy of granting time-off requests only for England matches could give rise to claims for race discrimination."

He suggested that companies should also think about those who do not wish to watch the games, as not all employees will follow football.

If time off was given just to those wanting to watch the World Cup then it could be perceived as preferential treatment.

Businesses could also be caught without a TV licence, after the Federation of Small Businesses suggested some employers do not know one is required if games are being watched online.

Construction industry could be hit by job losses

2010-06-15T00:00:00+01:00

People in the construction industry could lose out on jobs if fewer new homes are to be built.

A report from Shelter warned the government that cuts to housing could lead to 19,000 job losses.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of the charity, said: "We know from the last recession that it took years for the construction industry to recover and we simply cannot afford [to] let this happen again."

He also expressed his concerns that skills would be lost forever if the job cuts take place.

The report estimated £610 million of funding for new homes is at risk and 12,625 fewer houses may be built.

Job losses could hit the north-east the hardest as around one in 12 workers are employed in construction.

This comes after housing minister Grant Shapps told the Financial Times that projects to build new houses could be scrapped due to a lack of funding.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By Claire Archer

Gas fitter fined over health and safety breaches

2010-06-14T00:00:00+01:00

A "blatant disregard" for the need to observe health and safety procedures has led to a gas fitter from Tywyn being fined £38,000.

Chris Bradshaw was suspended from the Corgi register in November 2007 after installing a boiler that had numerous faults.

But in November 2008 he carried out work at another property and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explained there were "numerous risks" associated with the pipework used.

Mr Bradshaw pleaded guilty to working despite having been issued with a prohibition notice and was ordered to pay £10,000 for that charge, while 14 separate breaches of gas safety regulations carried a fine of £2,000 each.

HSE inspector Gary Martin commented: "Fitters who try to work beyond their assessed competence are not only breaking the law, but could also cost lives."

Last month, Anthony Grove of McDivitt Walk, Essex was fined after being found to have provided false Corgi registration details to customers.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144
Posted by Claire Archer

Employees 'missing out on daily breaks'

2010-06-14T00:00:00+01:00

Employees may be missing out on breaks to which they are entitled under employment law due to their large workloads.

Ben Willmott, senior public policy advisor for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, advised employers that "people are under a lot of pressure if they are consistently working through their lunch breaks".

He believes working through a lunch break and putting in excessive hours are signs that employees are not coping with the work.

Mr Willmott added that the recession is beginning to be felt in the workplace, as an increasing amount of people are reporting they are under pressure on a daily basis.

His views follow a survey from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which showed a quarter of people complete their day without taking a break, with many blaming their large workloads as the reason.

It also highlighted 46 per cent of workers are feeling stressed as a result of their company being short-staffed.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Watching the World Cup at work could be breaking the law

2010-06-11T00:00:00+01:00

Small businesses are being warned they could be breaking the law if they allow employees to watch the World Cup without a TV license.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) highlighted the risk of not getting a license after a third of employers were found to be unaware that one was needed to watch matches online.

Over half of small companies plan to let their employees watch key games throughout the tournament, but could face legal issues if they aren't fully equipped.

Mike Cherry, policy chairman at the organisation, said: "A worrying number [of businesses] are not aware they need a TV licence to watch the matches online and could risk being fined."

The FSB also advised employers that although England's games are generally outside of working hours, they need to be aware of the risk of staff over-celebrating and being absent from work the following day due to a hangover.

Staff absences can cause problems for employers and last year 27 million working days were taken off as 'sickies', according to the Confederation of British Industry.

For further information on any of our Employment Law or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By Claire Archer

Manager fined for lack of health and safety procedures

2010-06-11T00:00:00+01:00

Not having sufficient health and safety training has cost a manager £2,500 after one of his trainees fractured their ankle.

Andrew Baillie, general manager of Sub Surface Engineering, pleaded guilty to using a forklift truck when not trained to do so.

Mr Baillie was operating the vehicle when a plate, which contained a large sheet of steel, was not properly secured and fell onto the ankle of 17-year-old worker Jonathan Holmes.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector, Tracey Cartwright, said that such instances highlight "the responsibility that individual managers and staff have for the health and safety of their colleagues".

She added: "Simply spending a little time considering health and safety can stop incidents like this from happening."

The accident happened in April 2008 and Ms Cartwright believes it shows adequate training is needed before operating vehicles such as forklift trucks.

Small businesses were recently warned of the risk of not supplying sufficient training to temporary summer employees by Aviva.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By James Hill

Recession 'making fewer people call in sick'

2010-06-10T00:00:00+01:00

Employers who have invested in the health and wellbeing of their staff could be reaping the rewards as fewer employees are taking time off work during the recession.

Sue Hayday, senior research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies, believes companies taking absence management seriously is one of the reasons behind the drop in sickness days.

"Employers can learn that their staff are more willing to come into work in the present climate and that their wellbeing initiatives are having positive benefits for their organisations," she said.

Ms Hayday was speaking after a study from the Confederation of British Industry and Pfizer found absence from work to be at its lowest rate since the survey began in 1987.

The results showed that sick days cost employers almost £17 billion in 2009, after 180 million working days were lost through illness.

It revealed that the average person took 6.4 days off due to sickness last year, compared to 6.7 days in 2007.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By Liam Lawrence

Not paying interns could be breach of employment law

2010-06-09T00:00:00+01:00

Companies that are employing graduates without pay could be breaking employment laws, according to one expert.

Dan Hawes, co-founder of the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, said: "There does come a point where it could be viewed as exploitation.

"There are laws against not paying people who work for you, [they] shouldn't do it for nothing."

However, Mr Hawes did admit many graduates enter into schemes under the agreement they will not be paid due to the valuable nature of such experiences.

He believes graduates can gain contacts, as well as training through internships, which could help them gain a job in the future

A study from the Trades Union Congress showed one-in-three interns are not being paid for their work, with many employers unaware that non-payment could be a breach of employment law.

The study also showed 40 per cent of employers believe work experience is more valuable than qualifications.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By James Hill

Pair fined for not following health and safety procedures

2010-06-08T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety procedures were not adhered to by a pair of roofers who have been fined £200 for failing to take appropriate measures.

The two workers, who are self-employed, were working on a private building in Wiltshire without any safety nets or edge protection.

Anthony Sweet and Christopher Cole both admitted the charges to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

HSE inspector Simon Chilcott stated that falls from height are the most common cause of injury in the construction industry.

"As self-employed workers, they had the duty to protect themselves and others while working on this project," he said, adding that they should have taken into account any possible risks.

Mr Chilcott warned others about the danger of not following health and safety procedures, noting the HSE will "always seek to take enforcement action where we find poor safety standards in roof work".

Small businesses are being informed of possible health and safety risks in employing students for the summer season, with Aviva urging companies to give the necessary training.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By Claire Archer

Health and safety training 'needed for temporary staff'

2010-06-07T00:00:00+01:00

Small businesses are being warned of the health and safety risks involved in employing students over the summer period by one insurance firm.

Aviva is encouraging companies not to take shortcuts when it comes to training temporary workers, ensuring they benefit from the same amount of health and safety instruction as full-time employees.

Phil Grace, liability risk manager at the company, said: "Temporary workers will often not be at all familiar with their new working environment and therefore not recognise the potential risks."

He added that a lack of experience could put young workers "at greater risk of injury".

European statistics from Derbyshire County Council back up Mr Grace's view, showing non-fatal incidents at work are 50 per cent higher in the 15-24 category than any other age range.

This comes after Stephen Overall, associate director of The Work Foundation, called for there to be an increase in the amount of government training schemes made available for employees.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

By James Hill

Green agenda could create more jobs

2010-06-07T00:00:00+01:00

More jobs could be created in the construction industry thanks to the government encouraging a new green agenda, one expert has stated.

Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), believes new jobs will be made available as people add more energy-efficient initiatives into their homes.

He added: "In terms of the retrofitting market and energy efficiency, that is where the job creation will be in the next few years."

However, Mr Berry admitted there will be fewer opportunities for contracts from local authorities after the new government cuts back on public expenditure.

A report from his company also revealed that 30 per cent of building companies expect a fall in their workloads over the coming year.

More than half of those questioned do not expect to take on any new staff over the next six months, with a similar amount reporting a reduction in the amount of private sector housing work that has taken place during the first three months of the year.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

By Liam Lawrence

Employment law 'needs to address flexible working'

2010-06-04T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law needs to accommodate flexible working to make sure small businesses run efficiently, one expert has said.

Stephen Alambritis, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, believes that the system is commonsense in businesses with a small staff base.

"Ninety-nine per cent of all businesses employ less than 49 people and … 95 per cent employ less than five," he said. "Firms and employees need to be flexible."

He added that two-thirds of small businesses have flexible working for everyone and that the system increases staff productivity.

However, Mr Alambritis also acknowledged that it is not relevant in some industries - for example retail – where employees need to be available to customers on a face-to-face basis.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has reported that ahead of bonuses and other material perks, 41 per cent of men and 54 per cent of women rate flexible working as their most valued benefit.

The new government has pledged to address the issue and extend the right to the scheme to all employees.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Roadshow to 'provide tips on construction health and safety'

2010-06-04T00:00:00+01:00

Construction sites in the south-east could get a visit from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a bid to highlight the industry's potential dangers.

A two-week White Van Roadshow has been organised starting on June 7th and will stop off in Newbury, Newhaven, Maidenhead, Rochester and Coulsden.

Demonstrations on safety equipment will be given by advisors from the industry as well as members of the HSE.

Tim Shambrook, HSE project manager, believes the scheme will provide necessary health and safety tips to those working in the sector.

He said the aim of the tour is to show "construction workers that [they] understand the pressures of working on a construction site but that cutting corners when it comes to health and safety is never a good idea".

During 2008-09, 14 construction workers were killed in the south-east out of 53 fatalities across the country.

And in the last 25 years, a total of 2,800 people have died from injuries sustained working in the industry.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Developer fined for asbestos health and safety breach

2010-06-03T00:00:00+01:00

A developer based in Cornwall has been fined for failing to observe health and safety procedures relating to asbestos removal.

Norwegian Homes pleaded guilty to breaching regulations, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) observing it had failed to undertake a survey for the fibres at a demolition site.

Inspectors discovered asbestos insulation boards and Truro Magistrates Court heard protections were not in place for workers, while no measures were in place to carry out a proper removal of the dangerous material.

The firm was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay nearly £12,000 in costs and HSE inspector Martin Lee commented: "Asbestos is extremely harmful to human health and is the most serious occupational health issue in the country. More than 4,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases."

Last month, the HSE emphasised the importance of using competent, qualified surveyors to carry out checks for asbestos, with road shows taking place to highlight the issue.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Scaffolding collapse sees man fined for health and safety breach

2010-06-03T00:00:00+01:00

A worker has been fined for violating health and safety procedures, causing injuries to another man and himself, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Sohail Hussain, 40, received a £1,000 penalty and had to pay the same amount in costs after an unstable scaffolding platform, which he had put up, collapsed.

Mr Hussain - who trades under Haris Signs, based in Seaham – pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height regulations at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

Jonathan Wills, HSE Inspector, said: "Mr Hussain and the other man are lucky to be alive. The platform erected by Mr Hussain bore no resemblance to the correct standard. This incident was entirely avoidable."

He added that Mr Hussain's decision to use the platform to support a ladder was unacceptable.

Also in the north-east, a health and safety event was held to try and limit the amount of fatal and serious workplace incidents.

It took place after the revelation that 2,800 people have died in the past 25 years from injuries sustained in the construction industry.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Employment law 'should allow more training schemes'

2010-06-03T00:00:00+01:00

A review of employment law might be needed to make sure people are properly trained for the jobs they are doing, one expert has said.

Stephen Overell, associate director for The Work Foundation, believes that there is more to do in increasing the amount of government training schemes available.

"It is a perennial problem … that we are not doing enough training," he said. "It is to be hoped that the coalition government doesn't leave that area to sort itself out."

He added that compared to other European countries, the UK is also not spending enough on training.

A recent survey by chrysaliscourses.co.uk found that 60 per cent of Brits are unhappy in their job while 28 per cent believe their skills are going to waste.

It also revealed that one in five of those surveyed want to leave within the next six months and 40 per cent would walk out straight away if they had something else to fall back on.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employment law needs to tackle gender pay gap, says expert

2010-06-02T00:00:00+01:00

Changes need to be made to employment law to bridge the pay gap between men and women, says one expert.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has highlighted a 16.4 per cent difference between the income of men and women in some companies, even after 40 years of the Equal Pay Act.

A recent enquiry from the EHRC also found that the annual average gross salary of women working full-time is more than 50 per cent less than what men receive.

Jean Irvine, commissioner, said: "Employers need pay systems that are both transparent and fair ... Most employers should be able to measure their own pay gap, particularly those with combined payroll and human resource systems."

Ms Irvine added that businesses should also offer flexible parental leave and the EHRC will use enforcement powers to tackle persistent and significant problems.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, equal pay should be in place for women who carry out like work, work rated as equivalent by analytical job evaluation study or work of equal value.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Football club fined for health and safety violation

2010-06-02T00:00:00+01:00

A health and safety breach has led to a Premier League football club being fined, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Aston Villa admitted health and safety offences after a 34-year-old employee from Mechanical Cleansing Services fell through a roof light.

The club's contractor and the director of Mechanical Cleansing Services also acknowledged their part in the incident.

Carol Southerd, HSE inspector, said: "There was clear failure to warn the victim or his colleague of the dangerous condition of the roof or to provide safe access to the tank."

She added that if the internal ladder, which was blocked, had been used instead of a standard ladder on the outside of the building, the accident would not have taken place.

Stratford-on-Avon Magistrates fined the club £1,350 while the company and its director Damon Roe received a £1,000 penalty and were ordered to pay costs of £1,610.

Elsewhere, new construction industry awareness group Working Well Together North East has been launched in order to stop similar incidents happening in the north-east.

Health and safety group starts up in north-east

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

A new health and safety awareness group aimed at the construction industry has been launched.

Working Well Together North East hopes to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries in the sector.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, there have been 2,800 deaths in the trade over the last 25 years.

As part of the launch, a north-east health and safety event was organised and welcomed more than 200 construction workers.

Rob Hirst, principal HSE inspector, believes that it helped to pass on a lot of helpful advice to those who attended.

He said: "The day was a huge success and the fact that so many construction workers attended shows just how important the industry considers health and safety issues."

Last week, Roadways Container Logistics of Stourton was fined £250,000 and ordered to pay £100,000 costs after an employee was crushed to death under a two-tonne case of glass that was being unloaded.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Company fined for "immediately dangerous" gas pipe

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

A breach of the health and safety code has led to a loft conversion company being fined and ordered to pay costs of more than £1,000, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

JS Loft Conversions of Bracken Close, Lydney, pleaded guilty to violating the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 after installing a flexible gas flue pipe, described by an engineer as "immediately dangerous".

It was fined £2,000 while subcontractor Paul Joynes of Hazlewood Close, Cheltenham received a penalty of £750 and £250 in costs.

Dominic Goacher, HSE inspector, believes the alterations posed a serious risk to the family that had employed the company.

He said: "This family was at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, because the alterations made to their home were simply not safe."

Mr Goacher added the gas pipe "might have proved fatal" if left uninspected.

This is the second gas-related prosecution in a matter of days after Anthony Grove of McDivitt Walk, Essex was fined £850 when he illegally replaced boilers using false Corgi details.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

New employment law 'addresses gender imbalance'

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

A change in employment law to encourage more women into senior positions has been praised by a group of specialists.

Toni Eastwood, training director for everywoman, believes this employment law review has come at the right time following the poor representation of women in the FTSE 250.

She said: "Norway's announcement last year highlighted this gender imbalance, taking the bold step to introduce legislation so that boards had to be at least 40 per cent women."

The representation of women on boards of the FTSE 100 banks is nine per cent, while the number of female executive directors amounts to between one and two per cent, according to a report from the Treasury Committee.

Ms Eastwood hopes that more gender diversity at senior and board level will set a good example for the other stages of a business.

Her comments came as new guidelines from the Financial Reporting Council were released in order to encourage companies to base board-level employment on merit and with the benefits of diversity in mind.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employment law 'could give way to World Cup flexi time'

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law could be reviewed to give workers flexible working options during the world cup, according to a survey.

DLA Piper is urging companies to prepare for the tournament and the chances of employees missing work.

The company's findings showed that more than 50 per cent of UK employers are planning to consider flexible working options, 19 per cent will allow flexibility even for non-England matches and nearly 70 per cent have not yet set out guidelines during the tournament.

Tim Marshall, UK head of employment and partner at the practice, said: "After what has been a really tough couple of years, a lot of UK businesses are seeing the World Cup as providing a bit of light relief."

But Mr Marshall is also concerned that it could set "a precedent" for other sporting events such as tennis or athletics.

As well as the World Cup, which starts on June 11th, Wimbledon returns on June 21st as do the Commonwealth Games later in the year commencing on October 3rd.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

TUC calls for employment law changes

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

Changes should be made to employment law in order to ensure the right to strike is evident.

That is the suggestion of a spokesman for the Trades Union Congress (TUC), who argued such a move would benefit businesses as well as workers.

He described various pieces of legislation introduced since the 1980s as having undermined the right to take industrial action, calling for clarifications to be made.

"Complicated laws do not benefit employers nor employees and we want the laws reviewed so that the law on strikes is made much clearer," said the expert.

He was commenting after the TUC's Tony Woodley stated the right to strike is "hanging by a thread", with workers preferring to sue those taking industrial action rather than settling disputes.

Speaking at the Unite conference in Manchester, Mr Woodley urged Labour Party leadership candidates to pledge to challenge "anti-union" employment laws if they want to secure backing.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety/Employment Law/Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Health and safety breach exposes worker to electric shock

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

Failure to observe the correct health and safety procedures has caused a stationery manufacturer to be fined £4,000.

Chart Design pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act after an employee suffered an electric shock and was left permanently disabled.

He had been investigating a fault on a welding machine when his fingers came in close contact with components carrying several thousand volts - his hand and forearm being severely burned.

Several muscles were also damaged and the worker has not regained full use of the hand.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Kerry Williams commented: "It is the responsibility of all managers to make sure that all maintenance work is properly planned and recorded and that adequate guards are fitted to all machinery when it is in use."

In addition to the fine, Chart Design was ordered to pay more than £6,000 in costs.

Last week, the HSE revealed a plastics firm had been fined after parts of an employees' fingers were cut off by a high-speed fan.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety/Employment Law/Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Solar panels and boilers 'improve energy efficiency'

2010-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management could be improved by using solar panels and energy-efficient boilers, according to a specialist.

Mike Southall, national sales manager at Buderus, believes the two systems can vastly improve energy saving.

He said: "A solar thermal offering ... can work in conjunction with the boilers [and] give you far greater efficiency than just putting your solar system onto an existing appliance system."

Mr Southall added that companies are often cautious about their budgets when it comes to these schemes, which might explain a recent dip in commercial demand.

However, the Department of Energy and Climate Change's new energy bill, announced in the Queen's Speech, could actually lead to an economic transformation with the introduction of a Green Investment Bank for investment in low-carbon projects.

The bill also aims to regulate carbon emissions from coal-fired power stations and provide more information from energy companies to give consumers fair access to energy supplies.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Potential of sustainable products 'not being realised'

2010-05-28T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable products will not become mainstream if they are not utilised properly, says one expert.

It has been suggested that new products are being introduced for sustainable development but they are not being included regularly enough in building designs.

Vince Lunn, operations director of SIG, said: "Our biggest problem is that we can bring [sustainable products] to the marketplace, but unless people start designing them in and start using them, they won't become mainstream."

He added that products such as the copolymer, which heats and cools a room by reacting to certain temperatures, should be thought of as a system for various parts of a building rather than just in the walls in order to encourage utilisation.

Mr Lunn's comments follow the announcement from the Department of Energy and Climate Change that it will close the Low Carbon Building Programme to all new applicants, as part of the government's £6 billion cuts in departmental spending for 2010-11.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Flexible working 'could boost staff morale'

2010-05-28T00:00:00+01:00

Reformed employment law has received mixed reviews following the Queen's Speech earlier this week.

Michelle Singleton, assistant policy officer for UNISON, is pleased with the extension of flexible rights but feels disappointed by the employment law decision on paternity leave.

She said: "Unfortunately, it's giving with one hand and taking with the other; we're not now going to see the extra two weeks that fathers would have got for paternity leave."

Ms Singleton believes that although organisations may feel unsure about having workers at home, they could actually benefit from the system, particularly if it is worked out in small teams.

Research from the Government Equalities Office shows more than 30 per cent of working parents are hesitant about asking employers about flexible working because they might be seen as uncommitted.

But nearly 60 per cent believe that it would boost morale and 40 per cent think it would actually reduce absence.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

European employment law 'has not increased job numbers'

2010-05-27T00:00:00+01:00

The introduction of the Working Time Directive does not appear to have brought about the intended increase in jobs.

That is the suggestion of Katy John, spokesperson for Keep Britain Working, who noted the employment law changes in Europe do not seem to have had the desired effect.

She was commenting after the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) expressed concern over the directive, with employers thought to be unconvinced of its merits.

Ms John said changes are unlikely to be imminent, but argued for legislation to be revisited as the EU is struggling to recover from the economic downturn.

"Protecting existing jobs can only be a successful policy alongside the creation of new jobs, with people free to innovate and pursue new opportunities to work," she added.

Despite reservations about the Working Time Directive, a CIPD survey found employers support the minimum wage and other equality rights brought in since 1997.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Recycling company fined after health and safety breach

2010-05-27T00:00:00+01:00

A violation of health and safety procedures has led to a plastics recycling company being fined £15,000, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Roydon Granulation of Fieldhouse Road in Rochdale was ordered to pay the fine and £4,347 in costs following the incident, in which an employee had two fingers partially amputated when trying to fix a high-speed fan.

It was concluded that the procedure for repairing the equipment was not up to standard and the company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Richard Clarke, HSE inspector, said: "One of the factory's employees suffered serious injuries because basic health and safety procedures were not followed … sadly incidents like this are all too common."

Last month, Bread Factory in Hendon, Barnet was fined £3,500 after an employee's finger was cut off when his hand came into contact with an unguarded beater of a mixing machine.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Queen's Speech reviews carbon footprint management in energy bill

2010-05-26T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses could find it easier to manage their carbon footprints following a review of the energy bill in the Queen's Speech, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

The bill aims to provide support to homes and businesses that are looking to improve carbon footprint management by helping them to reduce their energy costs.

Commenting on the announcement, Rics said: "The establishment of the Green Infrastructure Bank within the energy bill is an important practical step, which will help support the funding of the transition to a low-carbon infrastructure."

However, Rics also wants to see the government enforce incentives through business rates and direct carbon taxes in addition to a Green Deal, which is considered by the body to be a beneficial first move.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change has also recently released a report about feed-in tariffs, which aim to make homes and businesses into generators – as well as consumers - of energy.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Company fined for violating health & safety regulations

2010-05-26T00:00:00+01:00

A breach of health and safety procedures has led to a company being fined more than £200,000 after a man was killed at work, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Waste management and recycling company SITA UK, based in Maidenhead, also had to pay £38,000 in costs after pleading guilty to violating section three of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

This follows an incident at the Cranford landfill site, in which Gary Carter, 32, from Carmarthenshire was crushed between a lorry and a bulldozer.

Roy Bush, HSE inspector, said: "Employers need to ensure their staff understand their roles and responsibilities in making sure sites like this operate to clear site safety rules. In this case … this has not happened."

According to the HSE, newly introduced working arrangements had not been risk assessed before being put into place.

Elsewhere, the body recently issued 21 enforcement notices to sites around Nottinghamshire after carrying out 66 inspections across the county.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144
Posted by Claire Archer

Businesses could reduce carbon footprint and save money, says expert

2010-05-25T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management could be financially better for businesses with the introduction of a new energy-efficient initiative.

James Murray, editor of BusinessGreen.com, is confident the feed-in tariff scheme, which aims to make businesses, householders and communities generators of electricity and not just consumers, will catch on because of the financial and PR incentives.

"The introduction of the feed-in tariff incentive scheme has significantly changed the financial cache," he said. "So you are going to start to see businesses … want to cut their carbon emission."

Mr Murray added that there is a lot of potential for businesses to use car parking space or excess land for wind turbines.

According to the Department for Energy and Climate Change, the scheme is expected to have resulted in 750,000 small-scale, low-carbon electricity installations and saved seven million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020.

It will work in partnership with the Renewables Obligation, which covers large-scale renewable electricity generation and the Renewable Heat Incentive, responsible for the generation of heat from all scales of generation.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Unregistered gas fitter fined

2010-05-25T00:00:00+01:00

A man who supplied false Corgi registration details to customers has been sentenced for breaking health and safety laws.

Anthony Grove of McDivitt Walk, Essex, was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a new boiler that he fitted was considered to be "immediately dangerous".

He later pleaded guilty to violating the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 and section three of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Steve Hook, HSE inspector, said that unqualified workers "are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution and a large fine, they are also putting their customers' lives at risk".

It was concluded that Mr Grove should pay £850 and costs of £500.

A Staffordshire motor mechanics was also recently investigated by the HSE, after it continued to use a gas heater that had been banned.

The Garage Bow Street was issued with a six-month conditional discharge and had to pay £500 costs after pleading guilty to the offence.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Claire Archer

Contractor fined after wall 'seriously injures' worker

2010-05-24T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety regulations have been highlighted at a construction site in Forest Gate after a wall fell and seriously injured a worker.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Jason Lunnon, 41, from Barnet, broke and fractured numerous bones including his ribs, back and hand when a recently-built wall fell on top of him.

The incident happened at a site in Field Road, Newham and Keith Gardner, trading as K P Gardner Builders, has been fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,969.50 after pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Paul Hems, HSE inspector, said: "Mr Lunnon is lucky to be alive … Mr Gardner was made aware of the wind affecting the newly-built walls, but failed to take appropriate action."

Mr Hems added that there were additional problems at the site and a "comprehensive failure" to apply important elements to the construction plan.

Recently, the HSE carried out a number of inspections in Lincolnshire, where over a third of the 17 construction sites that were seen failed safety tests.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Wales green scheme may aid carbon footprint management

2010-05-21T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management may become more accessible for properties in Wales, following the announcement of a new green home improvement initiative.

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) approved the £30 million plan to enhance energy efficiency in thousands of homes.

And this is planned to take place in at least 21 communities by March next year.

Nick Tune, director of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Wales, explained this is very good news for many families in Wales hoping to cut their fuel costs.

"This investment […] means that not only will families have significantly reduced energy bills, but new jobs will be created and CO2 will be reduced – it's a win-win-win," he commented.

Not only does the plan have a number of environmental credentials, but it could also create job opportunities.

The WAG stated it hopes the initiative will kick-start the economy and offer contracts to local firms.

It will also create green job and training opportunities, it revealed.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Nottinghamshire sites 'failed health and safety inspections'

2010-05-21T00:00:00+01:00

Many Nottinghamshire construction sites are failing with their health and safety procedures, according to inspectors.

Almost one-third were found to be unsuccessful in the checks, made by representatives from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

And 21 enforcement notices were issued, meaning improvements were required among a large number of firms.

HSE's principal inspector of construction for Nottinghamshire Nic Rigby said: "Companies have a legal responsibility to protect the lives of workers and site safety should be paramount."

Despite the faults found, most of the locations visited by inspectors showed good attitudes to this, he added.

The body revealed many of the notices issued covered work at a height being undertaken without proper health and safety precautions.

Checks were also made at construction sites in Lincolnshire, where one in three firms failed the inspections.

Richard Lockwood, HSE's principal inspector of construction for the East Midlands, reminded companies of their responsibility to workers when it comes to their wellbeing.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Flexible hours 'could benefit firms in summer'

2010-05-21T00:00:00+01:00

Employment litigation workers may be interested in advice that flexible hours can benefit companies, according to Louise Davies, communications manager at Kellogg's.

She said this is particularly the case during the period around the World Cup, although not all businesses can adapt.

"If you feel appreciated by your employer, then you are going to work harder for them and are more likely to stick with them," Ms Davies continued.

Kellogg's carried out a survey, which found 7.4 million UK workers plan on watching every match of the international tournament.

But just one in ten members of staff said they would be allowed to take time off to view the games.

Lawyers were found to be the most likely to watch every single game and sales and media workers are most prone to pull a 'sickie', it noted.

Ms Davies stated it can cost firms billions of pounds when staff take time off in the summer for these reasons.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Worker 'lucky to be alive' after health and safety breach

2010-05-20T00:00:00+01:00

A builder fractured his vertebrae in a fall that may have been prevented if better health and safety procedures were in place.

Danny Langdon was working for Hartog Hutton in Hertfordshire when he fell seven metres through a factory roof light and landed on machinery.

Since the accident in 2008 he has been unable to work and the employer was fined £10,000 for the breach of three health and safety regulations.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector John Berezansky said: "Mr Langdon is lucky to be alive. More than 4,000 employees suffered serious injury after falling from height last year and 15 were killed."

It could easily have been avoided because the dangers involved with this type of work are so well known, he added.

The HSE also recently revealed the case of another fall, in which a window cleaner injured his back and suffered broken ribs when he slipped while working at Lincoln College.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety Services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Lenient small business tax 'could create more employment'

2010-05-19T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law workers might be interested in calls to help smaller businesses when it comes to taxation.

Supporting such firms would allow them to take on more staff, providing their cash flow was strong enough to do so.

This is according to Sara Lee, spokeswoman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who said the upcoming emergency Budget must show leniency when taxing such companies.

The proposed rise in employers' National Insurance contributions should also be reversed, she claimed.

Ms Lee argued the increase could cost approximately 57,000 jobs, which is one of the reasons why they FSB has lobbied against it.

The body recently said 66 per cent of its members quizzed in a survey believe a cut in fuel duty could help growth, with 36 per cent saying they would welcome an increase in the personal tax threshold.

And some 93 per cent of small businesses wanted the government to show robust plans for cutting the country's Budget deficit, it was noted.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety concerns for Derbyshire construction sites

2010-05-19T00:00:00+01:00

Construction sites in Derbyshire might want to reconsider their health and safety practices, after a report found almost one-third of them are failing in this area.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sent out inspectors to 62 sites in the region, but many of them were deemed unsafe.

Nic Rigby, HSE's principal inspector of construction for Derbyshire, said: "We will continue to make unannounced visits and take enforcement action when necessary, until the message gets across. It simply isn't worth taking risks to try and save money."

This was highlighted in the number of enforcement notices issued, with a total of 18 given out.

Most of these were regarding unsafe work carried out at a height, the body revealed.

Construction firms in the north-west of England could receive guidance on the issue, as well as other health and safety concerns, due to the latest HSE initiative.

The White Van Road Show, part of the Working Well Together campaign, will travel around the country giving advice on the best health and safety practices.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Low carbon economy 'must be rapidly delivered'

2010-05-18T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management should be achieved by the new coalition government as soon as possible, an environmental campaign group has argued.

Amy Persson, senior policy adviser at Green Alliance, said there has already been a commitment offered on this topic, which is a positive step.

However, she added: "Real leadership […] will be judged on the speed they can deliver a credible framework in which a low carbon economy can flourish, not just by turning out the lights in Whitehall."

Renewable energy and other green technology may be required, after the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a pledge by the prime minister to cut carbon emissions by ten per cent in the next year.

David Cameron made the commitment, which the DECC said was ambitious, showing strong leadership on environmental issues and a positive approach to cutting the country's deficit.

The Green Alliance now hopes these plans will be put into action, Ms Persson noted.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

White van highlights health and safety

2010-05-18T00:00:00+01:00

Construction sites could receive health and safety guidance during a new initiative that got underway yesterday (May 17th).

The White Van Roadshow was launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a bid to cut the number of fatalities in the industry.

And the north-west of England will benefit from the tour, as it is due to visit sites in areas including Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

Wayne Crumpton, HSE's principal inspector for construction in Merseyside and Cheshire, said: "We'll be spending a day at each site to meet as many construction workers as possible and remind them of the dangers they face every day."

He reminded workers there need not be great expense involved in ensuring health and safety measures are taken.

Simple steps like keeping sites tidy or not doing roofing work when the weather is bad could prevent accidents, Mr Crumpton added.

The initiative is part of the Working Well Together campaign, which looks to advise businesses - particularly smaller firms - on how they can enhance health and safety.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

UK employment law 'confusing for New Zealand workers'

2010-05-18T00:00:00+01:00

UK employment law is confusing for many New Zealand workers who do not know where they stand because they are from outside of the EU, it has been suggested.

Changes in UK employment law procedures regarding who can work in the country has left some migrants unsure of what skills they now need to possess, Anna Groot, regional manager for the UK and Ireland for Kea, said.

As such, many individuals from New Zealand have decided to stay in their home country, rather than move to the UK, as many are unwilling to risk job security if they have doubts about UK employment law.

Ms Groot said the now-removed necessity for applicants of the highly skilled migrant visa to have a master's degree could have also had an impact.

"It's not as regular for New Zealanders to go on to master's after their bachelor's [degree] as it would be say for people in the UK and others in Europe," she explained.

Australia has recently made changes to the skills that people require when coming to work in the country, with hairdressers and cooks off the list.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Carbon neutral options 'make sense'

2010-05-17T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management can be achieved by using renewable energy and wind power might be one way to do this.

According to Nick Medic, head of communications at RenewableUK, not having any wind for certain periods is irrelevant to the total amount of electricity such devices give to the National Grid.

This is because their output averages out over the whole year and can still provide homes and businesses with fuel that is carbon neutral, he continued.

Mr Medic's comments follow the release of the Hartwell Paper on May 11th, which outlined where climate policy was heading.

It noted on January 4th a gas balancing alert was issued by the National Grid for the second time ever.

Mr Medic was asked whether a criticism from this report on the ability of wind power to generate electricity when it is most needed could cause a problem.

He explained as long as average amounts remain and are offsetting fossil fuels, it "still makes sense to use wind".

"We have energy and we have electricity and there should be a clear understanding of the difference," he added.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Best employment options for 'gritty, determined women'

2010-05-17T00:00:00+01:00

Women often have to put in more effort than their male counterparts in order to secure high-level jobs, it has been argued.

Training director for everywoman Toni Eastwood said many females need to demonstrate "gritty determination" to get executive positions.

Women who feel they were unfairly disregarded when applying for a new job may want to consider checking employment law to see if they can mount a legal challenge as a result of their treatment.

Ms Eastwood urged females not to change their personality in a bid to land a role, stating it is "essential" they "remain true to themselves, celebrating their feminine traits in their leadership and management roles".

She noted currently only 12 per cent of executive directors at FTSE 100 companies are women and urged companies to increase diversity at senior level, as this can have a positive impact on profitability and performance.

Her comments come after research from Duke University published in the Journal of Applied Psychology last week found women in top jobs are seen as more effective leaders than their male counterparts.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Sustainable procurement admin 'can be costly'

2010-05-14T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable procurement is something many builders are striving to achieve.

But in some cases, the administration costs involved in doing so can be so high that it simply is not worth it.

This is the view of John Tebbit, industry affairs director at the Construction Products Association, who said legislation surround this problem must be simplified.

The Code for Sustainable Homes is an important introduction and can show what will be needed in future properties, he stated.

However, "the admin side of it is unbelievably burdensome", Mr Tebbit explained, meaning it can be too costly to make certain changes like solar panel installation.

"Admin costs actually stop you doing things [that] are more sustainable," he continued.

Last month, the Department of Energy and Climate Change revealed two governmental schemes aimed at cutting carbon in the UK.

Feed-in tariffs and the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme aim to encourage people to generate their own electricity and cut fuel bills in the process.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

'Common sense' health and safety needed in construction

2010-05-14T00:00:00+01:00

Common sense health and safety precautions on a construction site could have prevented an injury.

This is according to Allen Shute, investigating Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector, who commented on the case of a worker employed on an office block build.

Part of the construction, designed by the Wallace Partnership and contracted to Jack Smith (Builders), collapsed when staff were present.

And one worker suffered a broken leg when the rubble, which fell from a concrete block pillar, landed on him.

"The consequences could have been much worse. This was a basic error [that] should have been spotted by both the building's designer and the principal contractor," Mr Shute stated.

He explained it was "common sense" that the supporting pillars should not have rested on the floor and should have instead entered the foundations.

The health and safety fines came to a total of £7,000.

According to the HSE, more than two million people in Britain work in construction, meaning basic precautions are essential on all building sites.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Sustainable procurement 'may be chosen for profitability'

2010-05-13T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable procurement is a possibility for businesses, even if the owners only do so to raise their profits.

This is the view of Simon Happner, managing director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, who said not everybody is embracing the policies for environmental reasons.

"Businesses will always look to how they can increase their profits and if they get more customers by adopting 'eco-friendly' practices, they will do so," he said.

And this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it still results in positive changes in terms of sustainability - regardless of the motive, Mr Happner continued.

Homeonwers could find it easy to make green improvements too, as ecofriendlyhouse.co.uk recent explained certain measures can result in carbon footprint management.

Insulating lofts, upgrading the boiler and not leaving appliances on standby are just some ways to do this.

Mr Happner explained as long as changes are actually being made by businesses and individuals - rather than simply "greenwashing" - this is a good thing for sustainability in the UK.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Health and wellbeing plan 'could cut work absence'

2010-05-13T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law officials might be interested in claims that health and wellbeing initiatives might reduce absence from work.

And training staff to manage these aspects in the workplace could also cut costs significantly, according to Let's Get Healthy.

Founder of the organisation Maria Bourke explained the programme makes it easier for people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

She said: "Eighty per cent of our programmes are delivered in organisations that either want absence to reduce or are running it as a cost saving programme."

The scheme runs over 12 months and teaches workers how to create a health plan to suit them.

Her comments follow reports from Business in the Community stating FTSE 100 companies monitoring employee health issues tend to outperform their rivals on shareholder return.

Ms Bourke said it is a more sustainable alternative for staff to deliver their own plan because this proves to be more financially viable for businesses.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety failure caused 'horrific injuries'

2010-05-13T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety in the workplace is always an important consideration and this should not be forgotten in different circumstances.

This was highlighted after an electrician was seriously injured following a fall from a ladder onboard a fishing boat.

Philip Parcell suffered a broken back in three places, a fractured skull and nerve damage when he was working onboard a boat owned by Our Julia Ltd.

The electrician had been fitting alarms when he fell from the ladder, which was found to be unsafe.

Paul Newton, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector, said the victims injuries were "horrific".

"Too many lives are shattered as a result of falls from height at work and I hope today's prosecution serves to remind all employers that proper precautions must be taken at all times," he explained.

Our Julia Ltd was fined £7,000 and must pay £2,028 in costs.

According to the HSE, more than one-quarter of falls from height are accounted for by ladders.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Sick employees 'return to work before completely fit'

2010-05-12T00:00:00+01:00

UK employment law concerning sick leave recently saw the introduction of fit notes in a bid to encourage staff to return to work.

But Kevin Murdoch, senior proposition manager at Aviva UK Health, warns of the dangers of doing so before being completely fit and healthy.

A recent study by the organisation found 78 per cent of employees would go back to work before fully recovering from an illness.

Some 68 per cent revealed family finances were a main concern when on sick leave.

Mr Murdoch explains those who do end their sick leave prematurely and do not have the right support could find their health suffers in the long run.

"Health is the most precious gift and we abuse it at our peril. Yet that's exactly what the majority of employees questioned in our survey claim to be prepared to do," he adds.

Fit notes recently replaced the traditional sick note and allow doctors to make recommendations to alter the working conditions of somebody in ill health, so they might be able to return to employment at an earlier date.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety breach 'injured worker's head'

2010-05-12T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety failures led to a worker being hit on the head with a "one tonne force".

This is the conclusion of magistrates at Shrewsbury Crown Court, who fined Magna Specialist Confectioners some £75,000 after the incident.

An employee had been trying to clean up a leak inside a machine with interlocked safety doors on a production line.

But as his head entered the doors the machine moved and closed the gap, although he was not completely trapped.

The worker was thrown from the machine, which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said was fortunate and prevented his death.

HSE investigating inspector Guy Dale said: "The injured man is only in his early 30s and had the promise of a healthy future but now has such permanent damage that his future prospects and employment potential are severely restricted."

The firm breached Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which states each employer must prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Employment law rules against redundancy scheme

2010-05-11T00:00:00+01:00

UK employment litigation against the previous government has concluded unlawful actions regarding a redundancy scheme.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union campaigned and said the scheme reduced staff's right over time.

Yesterday (May 10th), Mr Justice Sales made the ruling and the next government must now negotiate with the PCS on the matter.

General secretary of the body Mark Serwotka said the organisation would be reminding ministers of this legal obligation.

"We have always accepted that changes are necessary but all we ever asked is that they were fair and protected those who have given loyal service," he added.

And deputy general secretary of the PCS Hugh Lanning said: "This is a major victory for our members, who were being deprived of their rights by a government that refused to talk and reach agreement."

More than 300,000 people are members of the union, which is the fifth largest in the UK.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety risks of woodworking industry highlighted

2010-05-11T00:00:00+01:00

Employees in the woodworking industry face health and safety risks that people can be unaware of.

But a website launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) hopes to educate workers on the dangers they face.

Tim Small from the HSE's manufacturing sector says: "We hope it will help to reduce the unacceptably high number of incidents that can seriously affect people's lives."

The body explains this industry is one of the most dangerous in manufacturing, with more than 300 major injuries last year and more than 1,000 people taking time off work due to an accident.

Demonstration videos and information on how to use various machinery in a safe manner are all available on the site.

However, basic health and safety advice should also be followed, as the HSE reveals slips, trips and handling make up the majority of injuries.

Risk management, adequate training and supervision and workplace management could all keep accidents to a minimum, the organisation notes.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Carbon footprint management could begin at home

2010-05-11T00:00:00+01:00

Homeowners seeking carbon footprint management might consider heat pumps, which could be one way to meet expensive energy requirements.

According to Sarah Lonsdale from the Daily Telegraph, it could be possible to cut down on heating bills by using the devices.

The writer met Mark and Lucy Edwards, who installed the technology in their home after realising it was too costly to continue with existing methods of keeping warm.

And they had been inspired by their son, who learnt about the dangers of climate change at school and wanted to do something about it.

"I decided our new highly insulated home should also have its own renewable heat source and underfloor heating, which works most efficiently with heat pumps," Mr Edwards explained.

Loft insulation is another way to keep a home as warm as possible without using extra energy.

Directgov explains 80 per cent of energy used in a home is for heating, but various measures such as insulation and efficient boilers can be one way to cut this.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employment cuts 'would affect UK economy'

2010-05-10T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law could come into force as job losses and spending freezes are a possibility.

According to Unison spokeswoman Anne Mitchell, people may be reluctant to spend money during uncertain times and employment cuts could result.

Those who are losing their jobs will be less likely to go out and spend, which could have a wider impact on the British economy.

Reports from Incomes Data Services found an increase in pay freezes among public sector workers, with more than half those effective last month being felt among staff in this sector.

"Many local businesses rely on councils to provide them with services as well and if they start to get cut, that affects both the public and the private sector as well," Ms Mitchell explained.

This could then mean more Britons rely on benefits and fewer people pay tax, which means there may be less money being spent in the country as a whole.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Site waste management plans could consider EfW technology

2010-05-10T00:00:00+01:00

Site waste management plans could incorporate renewable energy, but recycling must be first considered, a spokeswoman for the Green Alliance claims.

She explains energy made form residual waste could indeed be used in the UK, but this should not replace reusing and recycling initiatives.

The comments follow a report by researchers at the Centre for Resource Management and Efficiency at Cranfield University, which said Energy from Waste (EfW) technology might be used to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets.

However, the spokeswoman said: "We should not take 'residual' waste as a given, but should seek maximum resource recovery from our waste."

This should involve more sophisticated equipment to encourage recycling and the use of greener products.

The report on EfW technology stated up to 50 per cent of the UK renewables targets could be met by 2020 if this was implemented.

Last month the government implemented two schemes aimed at cutting carbon emissions over the next ten years.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Builders in north-west 'risk health and safety'

2010-05-10T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety at building sites around Greater Manchester should be improved, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The body revealed some 148 enforcement notices were issued in 2009 by HSE inspectors concerning work at height.

And the notices meant work was immediately stopped because it was deemed unsafe.

On Tuesday May 11th the HSE is hosting a free safety event in Salford to explain the dangers of these conditions.

Neil Jamieson, principal inspector for the body in the north-west, said: "Falls from height kill dozens of workers every year and seriously injure hundreds more. But the number of deaths will carry on rising if firms don't accept they're putting their workers in danger."

It could be that certain roofing and building companies are trying to cut costs.

Some businesses could still be suffering from the effects of the global recession, which the UK exited from last year.

But Mr Jamieson warns it is not worth risking lives in order to save money.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Manufacturer fined for health and safety failings

2010-05-07T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety failings at a Wolverhampton manufacturer led to a teenage employee suffering a broken leg.

The 17-year-old worker was trapped under a load of steel while working at Dranson, based in Bushbury, when it fell off a trolley he was pushing.

Several metal plates and pins have been required to repair the injury and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Amarjit Kalay said it was the man's first job after leaving school.

Dranson pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £3,600.

An investigation found the condition of the floor had not been maintained, while the trolley should not have been used outside.

The HSE inspector added: "It should also act as a reminder to firms to carry out proper risk assessments. In this case it would have highlighted that incorrect work equipment was being used and something should have been done about it."

In 2007-08 more than 25,900 work-related injuries in the manufacturing sector were reported to the HSE.

Of these, 5,200 were major injuries.

Posted by Claire Archer

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Employers advised on job-cutting alternatives

2010-05-06T00:00:00+01:00

Workers involved in employment law cases might be interested in claims there will continue to be an increase in job vacancies in the near future.

This is according to Cheryl Morgan, spokesperson for recruitment portal Jobsite, who said the next few months will see a rise.

And employers who are considering cutting jobs to save money may consider advice for ways to avoid doing this.

Strategies such as looking at effectiveness of their recruitment methods or incentivising existing staff could all be alternatives, Mr Morgan stated.

Her comments follow a report published yesterday (May 5th) by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and KPMG.

It found marked increases in temporary and permanent staff appointments last month, although these were down from a peak noted in March.

Bernard Brown, partner and head of business services at KPMG, said: "It is now becoming increasingly clear that the long predicted public sector recession has started to hit the jobs market."

Ms Morgan commented that the strength of the recession means many companies may indeed by cautious about taking on new staff.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Landlords could make energy efficiency improvements

2010-05-06T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management and other environmental issues may not be a priority for many landlords.

This is according to Malcolm Harrison, private rented sector expert, who said potential tenants are not able to pick and choose whether the property they want is energy efficient.

Due to the growing demand for rental property, landlords are not forced to make their houses more environmentally friendly because they are still likely to find tenants.

"They are letting quite happily. It is a landlords market at the moment, Mr Harrison claimed.

But if improvements to energy efficiency were likely to result in a financial return, buy-to-let owners might be more likely to consider these options, he added.

According to the Residential Landlords' Association, there are many tenants who would like to rent energy-efficient property if they had the choice.

The Energy Saving Trust states one of the ways landlords could offer this would be by installing a condensing boiler.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Firms 'should invest in their own sustainable plans'

2010-05-06T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses that want to improve their carbon footprint management should look into ways of making their properties completely reliant on green energy.

This is the view of Antony Blakey of Ultra Green, who explained firms do not need to be "cash rich" to take advantage of green technology.

Installing a wind power system and a waste recycler - as well as a switching system so that use of the two can be alternated - will make it possible for an enterprise to become completely reliant on green power.

"Anybody can do it right now," he remarked, stating the benefits are no longer reserved for giant companies such as Google, which recently revealed it draws its power from two wind farms that generate 169.5 megawatts of electricity.

Mr Blakey described becoming reliant on green power is a "radical approach", but warned businesses not to expect any financial help from the government, which, he claimed, cannot afford to subsidise such initiatives.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Worker lost finger after health and safety failure

2010-05-05T00:00:00+01:00

A worker's finger was amputated after his hand came into contact with a beater on a dough mixing machine.

Health and safety failures by the employer - Bread Factory Limited - led to the injury, it was found.

Thambirasaiyah Roy had been using the spiral mixing machine, which did not have a guard to protect the beater.

And this was despite warnings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the device.

HSE inspector Anne Gloor said: "There were clear failings on this occasion. Had a simple guard been fitted to this machine then Mr Roy would never have suffered these injuries."

Those working in food manufacturing are made aware of the hazards involved, she added.

Mr Roy's employer was fined £3,500 and must pay costs of £2,926.

Portsmouth City Council explains there are many different machines used in the catering industry and workers must be warned about the dangers involved when cleaning the devices, as well as during their operation.

For further information on any of our health and safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Festivals 'present carbon footprint management challenges'

2010-05-05T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management at festivals around the UK could be improved, according to one blogger.

"For an event that usually takes place in a field, the average festival is far from a green affair," the Guardian's Green Living blog claims.

And previous research from Oxford University found the combined carbon dioxide emissions from 500 UK festivals totals 84,000 tonnes per year.

The blogger explains there are lift-sharing initiatives to get fewer cars on the road going to Glastonbury Festival.

But one of the main carbon footprint management challenges is how to deal with the waste.

The blog states a number of recycling facilities exist on site to make it simple for people to separate any rubbish.

But more could still be done to make the various music events and festivals across Britain a greener experience.

Glastonbury's organisers explain efforts made for this year's festival include installing 1,500 metres of solar panels on top of the cattle shed on site.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Pensions expert urges change to employment law

2010-05-05T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law needs to be changed to stop people being forced to retire at a certain age.

This is the argument put forward by Dr Ros Altmann of the London School of Economics, who described forced retirement as "a huge waste of resources".

Under current laws, workers are required to retire at 65 regardless of their ability to do their job, but Ms Altmann argued this system has negative effects.

It results in retirees paying fewer taxes and spending less due to their drop in income, resulting in less money flowing into the economy.

"If people are able and willing or even eager to work, why are we stopping them?" she questioned.

Research released by Age UK last month revealed around £3.5 billion in economic output is being lost as a result of workers being forced to retire early, £2 billion of which is lost earnings for those leaving their jobs.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety risks of overcrowded sites

2010-05-04T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety risks of working in an overcrowded area must be dealt with to avoid injury, according to an expert.

Monica Babb, inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), says such risks should be identified and lifting operations must be properly supervised.

Her warning follows reports of an injured worker Stephen James, 58, who was a slinger at John Doyle Construction.

Mr James's employment involved him directing crane drivers at a residential development and he had slung 20 steel beams onto chains attached to a tower crane when the accident occurred.

Some of the beams slipped from the chains, causing severe damage to the victim's right arm and leg.

He also now has a metal plate in his head and can no longer work.

Ms Babb states: "The site should have been tidier and there should have been a specific area set aside for lifting operations."

On April 6th, the HSE revealed new regulations stating the body must be notified of any conventional tower crane installations on construction sites.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Expert warns: Employment opportunities may be lost

2010-05-04T00:00:00+01:00

Demand for employment litigation services could remain strong over the next two years, as the jobless rate is expected to continue to rise in spite of growth in the private sector.

Simon Kirby, economist for the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, said "there probably will be some further net job loss[es]" this year, with problems continuing into 2011.

This is something that could cause those who are made redundant to study UK employment law to check whether their former employer's actions were legal.

"Moving into 2011, job growth will just not be strong enough to absorb the increase in the labour force," Mr Kirby predicted.

He noted the number of unemployed workers in the UK will climb by around 200,000 next year, but added it is "good news" the country has moved back into a period of economic growth.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics put the number of unemployed workers in the UK at 2.5 million - a high not seen since December 2004.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Carbon footprint management could involve new technology

2010-05-04T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses looking for carbon footprint management could consider a new technology allowing for greater energy efficiency.

Karen Ford, senior executive at powerPerfector, explains voltage power optimisation (VPO) allows power supply to be micromanaged at the source.

VPO reduces incoming voltage to its optimum level and enhances power quality, so could cut energy use in a number of businesses.

Ms Ford, whose company specialises in providing the technology, said: "This will save energy, cost and carbon … installation is very simple and savings begin overnight, as soon as it has been installed."

Power typically enters a building at an average of 242 volts, even though much electrical equipment runs at 220 volts, she explained.

But VPO could optimise these requirements and save energy, as well as money and carbon, Ms Ford added.

In its election manifesto, the Green Party pledged to introduce £2 billion worth of incentives to encourage energy self-sufficiency in the UK.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Age UK calls to scrap retirement legislation

2010-04-30T00:00:00+01:00

Employment litigation stipulating a default retirement age should be scrapped, according to one charity.

Age UK claims all three main political parties must commit to getting rid of forced retirement, which can be costly to the country's economy.

Some £3.5 billion worth of lost economic output occurred last year because of the litigation, the charity claims.

And the workers themselves lost a total of £2 billion by retiring at the default age.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director for the organisation, says: "While party leaders are gearing up to lock horns over the state of the economy, they should remember that scrapping the default retirement age is a simple step to boost public finances."

The leaders of the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have been debating over financial matters recently, which was one of the main topics at yesterday's (April 29th) televised debate.

Ms Mitchell says the legalisation is now outdated and nine out of ten older workers are opposed to the regulations.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

'Education needed' on sustainability

2010-04-30T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable procurement could become more common in the UK if education on the issue is improved.

This is according to Sara Parkin, founder, director and trustee of Forum for the Future, who recently spoke at the Green Collar Economy Forum.

She said: "Ideally, I would insist that anybody leaving public education should be sustainability literate."

Local sustainability is particularly important, she added, stating the example of a number of universities that are beginning to consider the issue and work with others in the area.

Hosted by Ultra Green, the forum looked at the decline of UK manufacturing and how renewable energy could revive this industry.

Ms Parkin explained it would be useful to have a debate on the issue and look at how scarcity is affecting everybody.

The vice-chancellor of Newcastle University has set an example by outlining the establishment's values and how it can respond to various challenges, she added.

For further information about any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Site managers win health and safety award

2010-04-30T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety practises at a company specialising in regeneration have been recognised by an award to two site managers at the firm.

Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East gave the Keith Wilkinson Memorial Trophy to the managers after the National House Building Council reported no health and safety risks present at the sites during inspections.

Stewart Barraclough, one of the recipients, told 24dash.com he was honoured by the trophy, which is a credit to FHM.

And he explained the wider community, as well as workers, is protected by their positive health and safety practices

"We take our responsibilities very seriously by getting involved with the community and visiting schools to discourage children from entering construction sites," he explained.

FHM is part of the Keepmoat Group and specialises in community regeneration by carrying out repairs, refurbishment, asset management and housing services, alongside other projects in various parts of the UK.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Green jobs 'would help sustainability in the UK'

2010-04-29T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable procurement options could be improved if more green jobs were created in the UK.

According to Tony Rooke, head of sustainability and environment for business and technology consultant Logica, Britons may be more likely to become environmentally friendly if the jobs were formed.

"If you know your job is related to the sustainability industry, or that your firm has a key commitment to that, then that actually really raises it up on your mental panorama," he claimed.

This should be sustainability more popular and widespread in the country, Mr Rooke added.

In its general election manifesto, the Labour Party pledged to create 400,000 new green jobs by 2015.

Low-carbon electricity would be raised to around 40 per cent by 2020, it also stated.

And the Liberal Democrats revealed plans to invest up to £400 million for the refurbishment of shipyards in the north of England and Scotland, which would allow for the manufacture of various renewable technologies.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you, please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

National Insurance rise 'could affect employee pay rises'

2010-04-29T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law officials may be interested in claims an increase in National Insurance contributions from employers could prevent pay rises.

This is according to Nigel Meager, director of the Institute for Employment Studies, who said there is a debate on the issue, which could see changes in April next year.

He warns: "The effects of any increase are more likely to be felt by employees, as employers keep wage increases down to try and recoup some of the extra cost."

But the impact on jobs felt by this move will probably be relatively small, Mr Meager adds.

His comments follow reports from the Chartered Management Institute, which found 82 per cent of businesses are still seeing negative impacts from the recession.

And 41 per cent of managers said their operations were still "severely hampered" by the economic downturn.

Mr Meager predicts employment growth in the private sector will occur, but at a slow rate for the rest of 2010.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Light exposure health and safety bill introduced

2010-04-29T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety regulations have come into force to protect workers from various sources of light.

As part of a European Union directive, the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations were enforced on April 27th.

Certain artificial light sources - such as that from lasers or UV radiation - are harmful to workers' skin and eyes, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

But the most common sources of artificial light, including photocopiers or computers, will not come under the legislation.

The HSE offers guidance to businesses on how to protect their employees in this matter.

It adds many companies will already know the health threats involved with such exposure relating to their line of work.

Employers of staff who work outdoors are advised there is no obligation stating they must provide sun cream or sunglasses for the employees.

But sun protection advice could be included in their training and workers should receive recommendations on wearing more protective clothing in the summer, the body notes.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Site waste management plans 'need new options'

2010-04-28T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses may wish to consider their site waste management plans after it was claimed there is a lack of investment in the area.

Peter Jones, former director of Biffa waste services, spoke about the issue at the Green Collar Economy Forum in London.

He said the UK is running out of landfill sites and certain substances are being banned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

"We've shut off the plughole but there is still water in the sink," he claimed.

Affordable options encouraging people to invest in waste management is needed, because new technology options seem too expensive, Mr Jones added.

The forum is hosted by Ultra Green and provides an opportunity for politicians and industry leaders to look at the ways UK manufacturing can be developed.

Renewable energy could play a part in the revival of Britain's industry but Mr Jones stated: "The problem is most of government is based on historical assumption and incremental change."

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety risks as worker fractures back

2010-04-28T00:00:00+01:00

Workers and their employers might reconsider health and safety precautions when working at a height after a member of staff fractured his back.

Matthew Morgan was sub-contracted to Anglian Water Services when he fell through a fragile roof light that had not been marked.

The 28-year-old from Leeds fractured his vertebra and still struggles with back pain since the fall occurred in 2007.

Penny Leede, inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the accident was "entirely avoidable".

"Falling from height is one of the most obvious and well known dangers for those working on roofs," she claimed.

Mr Morgan's employer, IETG from Leeds, admitted to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £1,500.

Business Link explains those working on roofs can suffer falls, but all accidents are preventable if the correct precautions are taken.

The first step to take is ensuring existing structures are stable and can support the weight of the worker, it advises.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employment tribunal backs fair pay case

2010-04-28T00:00:00+01:00

An employment law case concerning equal pay for male and female workers has been backed.

Birmingham Employment Tribunal yesterday (April 27th) decided to back a claim by Unison stating women working for Birmingham City Council were not receiving certain rights.

The female employees - whose jobs included work as cleaners and care assistants - appealed against a decision by the council not to pay the same bonuses received by male staff.

And such funds were worth up to 160 per cent of basic pay, Unison - which is the biggest public sector union in Europe - explained.

General secretary Dave Prentis said: "For too long Birmingham City Council has failed to live up to its responsibilities to pay these women workers fairly. This has cost council taxpayers' huge amounts of money in legal fees."

Yesterday, the tribunal judged the council's defence had failed and women are entitled to the same pay as their male co-workers.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Are potential employment opportunities "real"?

2010-04-27T00:00:00+01:00

Those involved in employment law might be interested to hear concerns that thousands of jobs potentially in the pipeline may not be created.

Tony Blakely, founder and group executive chairman of Ultra Green, questions whether chancellor Alistair Darling's talk of 400,000 new green jobs is "real".

Construction workers could be among those required to meet the country's aim of becoming greener in the near future.

But if jobs were created in the UK to manufacture within this industry, "there would have to be a major change in the way the UK approaches supporting green tech businesses", Mr Blakely advises.

Some 100,000 jobs in Britain could be produced by manufacturing wind towers, which is just one product among many, he adds.

According to recent reports by Ernst and Young, the US and China are the top two locations in the world for investment in renewable energy.

But the UK has become more attractive since the government announced certain initiatives, it claimed.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety breach results in £300,000 fine

2010-04-27T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety failures that led to a worker's death are behind a £300,000 fine for the UK's largest confectionery firm.

Tangerine Confectionery from Blackpool was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after Martin Pejril died at a factory in Poole.

The 33-year-old was clearing a blockage in 2008 and climbed into the machine.

However, the device restarted and the victim - who was pronounced dead at the scene - could not get out.

Simon Jones, HSE inspector, said: "A proper risk assessment would have highlighted the dangers of entrapment. All employees need to be adequately trained in correct company procedures."

He added it is vital workers ensure machines are safely isolated before attempting to carry out maintenance.

A total fine of £300,000 was issued to the company, which must also pay full costs of almost £73,000.

Tangerine Confectionery manufactures brands including Princess Marshmallows, Butterkist Popcorn and Barratt Sherbet Fountain.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Sustainable behaviour 'must become more affordable'

2010-04-27T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable procurement could be made more affordable if suggestions from business and technology consultants Logica are followed.

Tony Rooke, environmental manager for the company, said it is "absolutely critical" to increase affordability of sustainable behaviour in the UK.

Loans exist for people to make green improvements to their property, but this does not mean everybody can afford the changes.

Solar water heating is one way people can become more sustainable, but doing so is often only possible for the more well-paid members of society, Mr Rooke claimed.

In its election manifesto, the Green Party pledged to introduce incentives worth £2 billion each year to encourage energy-efficient action in Britain.

Some 40,000 jobs could be created in installation industries, the party explained.

Mr Rooke stated it is important for businesses to be responsible and promote others to follow suit, but the cost of doing so currently is too high for certain individuals.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Team building could benefit firms and employees

2010-04-26T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law officials may suggest trying certain team building activities to promote cohesion in the workplace.

Mike Emmott, employee relations adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, explained the benefits of such habits for many businesses.

"Undoubtedly team building is enormously helpful and significant amounts of money have been spent in the last ten or 20 years on team building activities. You can never do enough team building," he claims.

Discussion is a key element of its success and it allows employees to voice their concerns.

Mr Emmott's comments follow a study presented at the British Psychological Society's annual conference in Stratford-upon-Avon, which found team building activities in sport may not help members to bond.

Dr Moira Lafferty from the University of Chester and Dr Caroline Wright from Liverpool Hope University carried out the research and concluded many initiation practices in sport exist through tradition rather than success.

But Mr Emmott suggests it can be a crucial tool in the workplace and should be taught to businesses.

For further information on any of our Employment law services or to find out how we can assist you please contact us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety concerns over electrical devices

2010-04-26T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety must be taken into consideration when working with electrical appliances and these devices should be properly maintained.

This is the warning of Wayne Owen, inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

His comments follow reports of an employee who received a serious electric shock from a machine at Hickman Engineering in Cannock.

Ben Roberts had been manually loading a saw appliance when the shock occurred - despite the contraption being switched off at the time.

The company was fined £3,000 after an electrical cable on the device was found to have been repaired with unsuitable tape.

"Ben Roberts was very lucky as faulty wiring and electricity can kill. Every year there are around 1,000 incidents reported to HSE involving electric shocks or burns, around 30 of them fatal," Mr Owen stated.

The HSE advises those working with electrical equipment to carry out a risk assessment to identify appropriate health and safety measures.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Smart meters could help carbon footprint management

2010-04-23T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses considering carbon footprint management could find smart meters a good way to cut costs and reduce their environmental impact.

Andrew Gore, head of commercial and industrial at Siemens Metering Services, explains the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Saving Scheme has meant more people are looking at this option.

"Whichever way round you look at it, you've the industry issue of the carbon reduction commitment and the pure financials in terms of cost," he states.

Between ten and 20 per cent of company expenditure can come from fuel bills, which may be reduced by the devices.

The CRC scheme legislation was enforced on April 1st and means all large public and private sector organisations must subscribe to a scheme to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon dioxide omissions.

Mr Gore says take-up of smart meters was slower than expected at first, but organisations are now looking at installing the eco devices.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Employers 'not looking to recruit'

2010-04-23T00:00:00+01:00

Workers involved with UK employment law may be interested to hear a number of small firms do not plan to take on any more members of staff in the coming months.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 63 per cent of small businesses are not looking to recruit new employees in the next quarter.

This could explain results from the Office for National Statistics, which found unemployment has risen to 2.5 million, despite the UK officially exiting the recession.

It "confirms that the economy is still too fragile for small businesses to take on new staff", says John Walker, national chairman of the FSB.

But 16 per cent of the organisation's members thought their company would see an improved performance during the next three months.

This shows a certain level of optimism among members at present, the FSB stated, but also reveals caution among employers concerning their staffing levels.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Poor health and safety plans cause 'needless injuries'

2010-04-22T00:00:00+01:00

A lack of health and safety precautions led to a worker suffering serious injuries, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The employee was working for Robert Peter Mackie from Aberdeenshire when the incident occurred in 2008.

He had been fixing a roof sheet when the victim fell and landed on an adjacent roof below.

The worker broke his leg in two places, but the accident may have been avoided if guard-rails or other health and safety measures were in place.

HSE inspector Liz Standen said: "I find it very frustrating that people continue to be needlessly injured and killed because of a lack of basic planning and simple precautions."

Mr Mackie - who at the time traded as RDM Engineering - was fined £15,000 as a result of the incident.

Earlier this week it was revealed a director of manufacturing firm Steven Walker and Sons was fined £10,000 after an employee fell through a roof onto a machine below.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Eco-friendly initiatives could see growth

2010-04-22T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses or homeowners considering carbon footprint management may be pleased to hear the solar power market could see large growth in the near future.

Co-founder of Going Solar James Meynell says there is "increasing interest" in the area, which often helps people make their buildings more environmentally friendly.

The predicted growth could be due to the government's feed-in tariffs offering those with generating technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines the right to claim payment for their electricity.

"You're not only going to save yourself money by producing your own electricity, but then the government gives you a certain amount of money back just for producing that electricity," Mr Meynell explains.

And the extent of financial reward depends on the number of solar panels and electricity generated, so Britons may be encouraged to install even more systems, he adds.

Other green options include hot water-producing solar panels, but these have not yet been confirmed as part of the government's initiative.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Home improvements 'should consider environmental aspects'

2010-04-21T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management should be a consideration made by those carrying out home improvement projects.

This is according to the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), which advised homeowners to make efforts to increase their property's energy efficiency.

Andrew Leech, director at the NHIC, said water conservation could be one way to make a building greener.

Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects recently revealed 12 per cent of those making home improvements were trying to improve levels of energy efficiency.

Mr Leech stated this was "staggeringly low" and surprising because everybody should want to achieve this.

"All of us should be considering what needs to be done in our properties as far as energy efficiency improvements are concerned," he added.

Bathrooms are a good place to start and baths are now available that use less water than traditional styles.

Efficient showers and other products can be purchased to conserve as much water as possible, Mr Leech explained.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Skills could overtake employment litigation

2010-04-21T00:00:00+01:00

Employment litigation could become less important, with skills taking over from regulations.

This is the suggestion of spokesperson for the Chartered Management Institute Mike Petrook, who advised the incoming government to look at high-end skills.

He stated: "The main point there is that people need to know how to manage themselves and shouldn't be required to be 'nannied' into it."

And a report from the Institute of Directors seems to agree, with the body saying director often spend a large amount of time "handling government red tape".

It went on to claim the financial burden of administration could be as high as £80 billion each year.

Mr Petrook says legislation should enable those in charge to maximise their resources, but it currently can cause harm to companies in the UK.

This effect is occurring when businesses need to be allowed to innovate following the recession.

He added there is room for improvement among some firms for setting standards in the workplace.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Green Party sets out carbon-cutting plans

2010-04-20T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management and sustainable procurement could feature in plans by the Green Party for a more environmentally-friendly Britain.

The party released its election manifesto last Friday (April 16th) and explained how insulation and microgeneration initiatives could cut carbon emissions from UK buildings.

Homes would be encouraged to become more energy self-sufficient, with installations such as solar roofs being promoted.

The steps would also create many thousands of jobs in Britain, the Green Party's manifesto outlined.

Martyn Williams, parliamentary spokesperson for Friends of the Earth, said: "If you want to save lives in the winter, especially among elderly people who suffer from bronchitis, you have to focus on the fuel poor."

He added the plans are good because they take fuel poverty into account and look at ways to ensure everybody has insulation in their homes.

Other parties are tending to focus on loans to make property more energy efficient, which does not work for all households, Mr Williams noted.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

MD gets 5-year ban for flouting health and safety

2010-04-20T00:00:00+01:00

A managing director (MD) from Worcestershire has been banned from directing any company for five years after a number of health and safety breaches.

Brian Nixon was employed at Transtore (UK), where his workers were exposed to a host of health and safety risks.

These included a lack of safety equipment when working at a height and harmful chemicals such as lead - which can be toxic - being sprayed with inadequate protective equipment.

Mr Nixon was issued with the ban at Stratford-Upon-Avon Magistrates' Court yesterday (April 19th) and must also pay a fine of £17,000.

He was investigated by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visitors after a member of staff complained about the conditions.

Peter Snelgrove, HSE inspector, said it was "quite right" the employee had contacted the body, because the working circumstances were unacceptable.

"Mr Nixon deliberately flouted health and safety laws and paid scant regard to the safety of his employees," he added.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Employers urged not to dock wages of stranded Brits

2010-04-20T00:00:00+01:00

Employment litigation could come into play for the thousands of Brits stuck abroad unable to travel home to work.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), pleaded with employers to help members of staff affected by the current travel situation.

Ash clouds emanating from the erupting Icelandic volcano grounded flights in and out of the UK last Thursday (April 15th), with many British holidaymakers still stranded abroad.

Mr Barber said: "It seems unfair for employers to penalise staff because of events outside their control."

He asked companies not to dock the wages of those who cannot return to work and said there are a number of alternative options available.

If staff have used up their leave entitlement, employers could arrange for next year's quota to be taken.

This seems a fairer approach for those who will not allow personnel extra time off, rather than cutting wages, Mr Barber explained.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Breeam award-winning project 'a shining example'

2010-04-19T00:00:00+01:00

BRE Environmental Assessment Method (Breeam) status has been awarded to a housing development, which won first place in the Breeam Ecohomes category at Ecobuild.

Croydon's Sanderstead Road Development contains 38 flats and a number of semi-detached houses.

Sustainable procurement was an important part of the build, with responsibly procured timber frames being used in the development's construction.

BRE Global chief executive Carol Atkinson said: "This development is a shining example of land re-generation and shows what can be achieved using today's technology for tomorrow's community."

Previously a derelict brownfield site, the area now boasts access to public transport and is a "worthy winner", Ms Atkinson added.

The local council stated the project must meet Breeam certification - established in 1999 - in order to achieve funding and approval.

Mark Lydall from AHP Architects & Surveyors, explained the architects used were Breeam accredited, ensuring the environmental aspect was a priority throughout the scheme.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

'Foolhardy' employer lacked health and safety measures

2010-04-19T00:00:00+01:00

Employees whose jobs involve working at a height should have adequate health and safety protection to avoid injury.

The warning comes after an employee from Lincoln was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £13,484 in costs today (April 19th).

Ivan Pope was trading as Westwise Demolition and his employees had been removing roof tiles on a pub in Lincoln in 2008.

Mr Pope's son was climbing onto the roof of the building and collecting a bucket that another worker had been filling with the tiles.

But no scaffolding was in place to protect either member of staff from falling and those who were working below had no protection against loose debris from the dismantling process.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Martin Giles said: "This was foolhardy to say the least and could so easily have resulted in serious injury or even death."

Mr Giles added it was "particularly disturbing" the defendant had put his son's life at risk by ignoring the health and safety requirements.

Last month, Shane Homes in Driffield was fined £1,000 for using unsafe scaffolding on a construction site.

For further information on any of our Health and safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Sheffield landlord fined for health and safety breach

2010-04-16T00:00:00+01:00

The importance of health and safety is being stressed to landlords and those who work in the buy-to-let industry, following a potential case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Steve Kay, inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explained laws on carbon monoxide are there to protect tenants against a serious threat.

"Landlords are legally required to ensure the gas appliances at properties they own are checked and certified at least once a year to ensure they are working properly and safely," he stated.

But Mohammed Ikram, a landlord in Shiregreen, Sheffield, was found to have failed to check a gas fire and combination boiler in his property were safe.

The HSE requested Mr Ikram get the appliances checked by a registered Gas Safe engineer, but he ignored this on two occasions.

Magistrates fined the landlord £350 and ordered him to pay £750 in costs after he breached an Improvement Notice.

The HSE explains such notices give recipients time to comply with health and safety requests to improve standards.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Hill

Primary school aims for BREEAM rating

2010-04-16T00:00:00+01:00

A primary school is aiming for a BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) accreditation as work begins on its transformation.

Quarry Bank Primary School in the West Midlands is seeing a £7.6 million development, which will make the premises more environmentally friendly.

Carbon emissions from the school will be as low as possible, Stourbridge News reports.

And this is hoped to ensure the building meets the strict BREEAM criteria.

Natural light will be optimised and the school, which is being completely rebuilt, will feature state-of-the art technology.

Assistant director of children's services Dave Perret explains Dudley Council have been working with the school to make the building a success.

"We want to have the best possible learning environment that will encourage all children to reach their potential," he states.

BREEAM is widely used to assess buildings and their environmental credentials and is thought to be the world's leading method.

Quarry Bank Primary School is set to be finished in December next year.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Firms warned of night shift health and safety

2010-04-15T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety should remain a priority for employees working a night shift, firms are being warned.

The caution follows reports of a woman who was injured while cleaning a machine during a night shift from Bakkavor Fresh Cook.

She had been standing on the frame tank, which tipped food into other parts of the machine, but lost her footing and fell into the container.

The worker lost consciousness but was rescued by a colleagues who heard her shout as she fell.

Jo Anderson, inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, said: "This case highlights the need for employers to be aware of what goes on during the night shift. All staff have a right to the same standard of care irrespective of their working hours."

Employers did not realise staff were climbing in order to clean the machine, she added.

The Bakkavor Group acquired Fresh Cook in November 2006 and is based in Lincolnshire.

Magistrates fined Bakkavor Fresh Cook £3,500 for the health and safety breach.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Aim for carbon footprint management 'firmly entrenched'

2010-04-15T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management is most relevant in the built environment sector, it has been claimed.

According to a writer for the Western Mail, there is now a "culture of pursuing lower carbon footprint", which is "firmly entrenched".

Wales must aim to reduce emissions of the gas by three per cent every year for 40 years in order to reach the targeted 80 per cent overall cut by 2050.

And the publication explains how important the role played by workers in the construction and building sector is in this.

More than 100,000 people are employed in this industry, in areas such as civil engineering, building design and property maintenance.

The skills learnt by these workers should help Wales recover economically, as more jobs will be provided in the future, the writer added.

The Climate Change Act 2008 established carbon budgets, which the Department or Energy and Climate Change states it is trying to achieve.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Worker died after 'avoidable' health and safety breach

2010-04-14T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety failures at a plant hire company contributed to the death of a worker, it has been revealed.

Phillip Pearce was 55 years old and worked as a fitter at APlant, which provides the construction industry with portable accommodation units.

Mr Pearce was preparing the units and was standing on top of a stack of two of them to attach lifting chains.

But while he was carrying out his job, the 55-year-old fell more than five metres and died at the scene.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector John Underwood said: "This was a wholly avoidable incident which led to a tragic and totally unnecessary loss of life."

It shows how seriously health and safety must be taken and the need for measures to be properly implemented, he added.

APlant was fined £200,000 for their health and safety failings.

The HSE has previously launched a Shattered Lives campaign to highlight the dangers of falling from a height.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

CBI: Paternity leave litigation should be extended

2010-04-14T00:00:00+01:00

Companies may wish to take note of employment law clauses regarding paternity leave, after the Confederation of British industry (CBI) agreed the leave should be extended.

Director of employment policy for the CBI Katja Hall said doing so would allow families to work out the best solution for childcare.

"Businesses do their best to support flexible working styles and will adapt to new challenges as long as the plans reflect employers' need for clarity and certainty," she explained.

Her comments follow the publication of the Labour Party 2010 Manifesto, which stated paternity leave would be increased from two weeks with statutory pay to four weeks with full pay.

And parents could choose to share this extra fortnight between themselves, the proposals revealed.

Money saved through reforms to housing benefit would be used to fund the extension, according to the manifesto.

Employment legislation should reflect the fact that roles in caring for children are changing, Ms Hall added.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

UK small businesses 'harmed by sick-leave litigation'

2010-04-13T00:00:00+01:00

Employment litigation concerning long-term sick leave could be harming some small businesses, according to a poll.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)-ICM poll looked at a European Court of Justice ruling under the Working Time Directive.

And the ruling means statutory entitlement to paid annual leave can continue throughout long-term sick leave.

Over 1,400 people were polled and 71 per cent said it would affect the way their small business employs people.

For 38 per cent of these, they will adopt caution when considering employing staff suffering from health problems.

And 21 per cent would be less likely to employ new staff altogether, it was found.

National chairman of the FSB John Walker said the measures are "hampering small businesses' ability to do the job at hand and help tackle unemployment - which is at its highest for 17 years".

According to the body the UK is home to 4.8 million small businesses and 97 per cent of small firms have fewer than 20 employees.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Councillors commit to sustainable procurement

2010-04-13T00:00:00+01:00

Sustainable procurement is a consideration for many involved in the construction industry.

And it seems now councils are adopting such strategies, with Welwyn Hatfield Council committing to the approach.

Yesterday (April 12th) during a full council meeting in the borough, councillors approved the Sustainable Procurement Strategy.

Director Bob Baldock said this will ensure that any services commissioned by the council are as environmentally friendly as possible.

"The council is committed to protecting our environment," he added.

Any products used by the council will be assessed and their origins traced, so it can be established whether or not they are sustainable.

The organisation said carbon footprint reduction is another priority that is included in the strategy.

Fair-trade and job creation are also focuses of the scheme, that was agreed on during yesterday's meeting.

The council also recent revealed it would be getting a spring clean, with volunteers from the local university and probation trust helping to clean-up the town centre.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety breach found at care home

2010-04-12T00:00:00+01:00

Health and safety failures at a Manchester care home placed residents at risk of catching Legionnaires' disease.

This was the finding of magistrates in the city, who fined SJ Care Homes £5,000 following the breach.

Inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Sandra Tomlinson paid a routine visit to Beech House Nursing Home in Wythenshawe in February last year.

She found that legionella bacteria in the water system was not properly controlled and issued a warning to the company.

But when an inspector visited the home six weeks later, there was no change to the health and safety situation.

Ms Tomlinson explained: "Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, which mainly affects older people and those with poor health."

And care homes must make sure levels of the bacteria in hot water are kept at a safe level.

The potentially fatal lung disease was named after the first known outbreak occurred at a hotel hosting a convention of the American Legion organisation.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Carbon footprint management may be increasing in Wales

2010-04-12T00:00:00+01:00

Construction workers in Wales could find they increasingly understand the importance of carbon footprint management due to the number of eco builds in the country.

Kristian Hyde of Hyde + Hyde Architects explains: "Architects are becoming more conscious of carbon emissions and with domestic projects, clients are really getting on board with the idea of a carbon footprint."

And the Western Mail reports there have been 12 new buildings in Wales short listed for an award by the Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA).

Director of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales Liz Walder claims architects are responding to more demanding expectations from clients.

Television shows are contributing to this but there is also a growing appreciation of design among ordinary members of the public, she continues.

Some 40,500 people across the world are members of the RIBA, which aims to support its members by setting standards and offering training, it notes.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Councils warned of UK employment law changes

2010-04-12T00:00:00+01:00

Britain's councils are being warned of the results of employment law changes that could cost millions of pounds, according to experts.

Employment law specialist Lindsay Cartwright from Morton Fraser told the BBC: "Potentially, for teachers, they would be entitled to take their annual leave at the end of their maternity leave even although school is in at that point in time."

This is despite normal rules stating leave must be taken during school holidays, so councils could find the litigation expensive to enforce.

Council body the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) is also warning of the potential problem.

It revealed to BBC Scotland that it is negotiating with parties concerning the recent regulation.

And the website claims Glasgow City Council states it could cost them £2 million per year.

Cosla notes it exists to represent the Scottish local government but also acts as the employers' association for councils in the country.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Carbon monoxide poses health and safety dangers

2010-04-09T00:00:00+01:00

Construction site owners should take into account the health and safety dangers of carbon monoxide after the death of an employee.

A fine of £70,000 was issued at Hamilton Sheriff Court to Clyde Valley Housing Association following the fatality.

The construction site in Hamilton was being watched over by a security guard when the incident occurred in 2008.

Carbon monoxide fumes were present on the site and the security guard died from poisoning.

A petrol generator that was used inside the office on site was emitting the fumes, which proved fatal.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Many devices now exist to check carbon monoxide levels - both industrially and for the home.

A popular device used in homes is one similar to a smoke alarm, which sounds when levels of the gas are found to be at a potentially dangerous level.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Government green schemes 'encourage eco behaviour'

2010-04-09T00:00:00+01:00

Businesses will be encouraged to invest in carbon footprint management through renewable energy incentives, it has been claimed.

A spokesperson from The Renewable Energy Centre.co.uk explained the government schemes - such as Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC EES) and Feed in Tariffs - will help this cause.

CRC EES aims to encourage large businesses in the public and private sectors to change their behaviour and make energy efficiency improvements.

"This is one of the most positive initiatives which the government has implemented and one which will encourage businesses to invest because of the potential financial rewards," the spokesperson explained.

And the two schemes should help the government to meet energy efficiency targets by 2015 and 2020, she added.

However, the spokesperson explained that some of the smaller businesses will not be able to afford the initial costs involved which such schemes, as they are still emerging from the recession.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Britons 'should look to work as well as academic routes'

2010-04-09T00:00:00+01:00

Those involved in employment law could be interested in calls for more to be done to encourage people to work.

Not everybody needs to follow an academic route and more should be done to encourage people to look at other options, according to spokesperson for www.notgoingtouni.co.uk Sarah Clover.

Ms Clover stated the UK needs to "balance the skills of our young people with the roles which need filling", rather than forcing people into education.

Her comments follow the appointment of Steve Holliday, National Grid chief executive, as chairman of a new national Technical Council.

The body aims to meet the need for more workers in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, as well as scientific research.

Minister for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Pat McFadden stated this will create more people who have the right skills for the right jobs.

And this would offer employers the assurance that their workers' skills and knowledge have been assessed, he added.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Brits 'feel cheated' by carbon-cutting incentive

2010-04-08T00:00:00+01:00

Britons who have invested in carbon footprint management claim to feel "cheated" by new government incentives.

Anne and Chris Billing invested in a wind turbine to reduce their carbon footprint in 2008 and have used it to provide much of their Orkney home's electricity.

But Mr Billing told the Scotsman they now feel "punished" by the government's Feed In Tariffs, which will pay some householders 27 pence for each unit of electricity their small wind turbine generates.

However, those who installed the devices before July 15th 2009 - such as Mr Billing - will receive nine pence per unit.

"Now we feel utterly cheated by a government that wants to be seen to be green, but at the least possible cost," he told the publication.

The incentive, launched by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, aims to encourage more Britons to cut their carbon footprint.

By offering financial rewards for generating renewable energy, the government hopes more people will take up the challenge.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Many fathers stay at home while women 'thrive at work'

2010-04-08T00:00:00+01:00

Employment law changes mean that fathers are now able to play a greater role in the family and women can "thrive" in workplaces.

This is according to Julius Hinks, director of communications at parenting charity Families Need Fathers (FNF).

Mr Hinks explains: "Families have more choice about how they decide to bring up their children."

And this move benefits the whole family because children are found to be happier in life if their fathers are present.

Insurance firm Aviva stated yesterday (April 7th) that there has been a tenfold rise in the number of dads staying at home to look after youngsters in the past decade.

Women are the main wage earner for 16 per cent of couples with dependent children, it was also noted.

Three-quarters of stay-at-home fathers revealed they felt lucky to be able to spend time with their sons and daughters, with 29 per cent saying the task was more rewarding than going out to work.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Employment law change 'empowers staff'

2010-04-07T00:00:00+01:00

UK employment law changes allowing staff to request time off work to study or train have come into force.

Yesterday (April 6th) the government revealed that Time to Train would allow those working in companies of more than 250 people can legally request time off work for such training.

Kevin Brennan, skills minister, explained this will "empower" staff to talk about these opportunities to study or train.

And Lisette Howlett, spokesperson for recruitment agency source and online community Hirescores.com, agreed that it should give more confidence to individuals who want to explore these possibilities.

"It is a bit bureaucratic which is a downside but it is hard to mandate something to the detail that this is being mandated and avoid bureaucracy," she added.

Protective legislation exists to regulate the workplace and that is what it will do, Mr Howlett continued.

Mr Brennan explained there are already many firms that offer staff training opportunities, but this needs to be extended to all businesses.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Poor health and safety could have killed worker

2010-04-07T00:00:00+01:00

Poor health and safety maintenance could have led to a worker's death after he almost fell into a crushing machine.

This is the warning of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Gardabil Singh Tiwana, who explained the worker's employers let him down.

AB Waste Management employed the victim, who was cleaning a crushing machine on his second day working for the firm.

A guard-rail gave way on the machine and the man fell almost three metres to the ground.

He suffered a broken spine and deep cuts, with doctors stating he was lucky not to have died.

The HSE inspector agreed and said: "The employee could easily have been killed if he'd fallen into the crushing machine when it was in operation."

AB Waste Management - which offers skip hire and recycling services and is based at Stourbridge - was fined £12,000 and must pay £1,836 in costs.

The worker has undergone skin grafts and must now return for regular check ups at hospital.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Almost 1 in 4 construction sites 'fail health and safety checks'

2010-04-06T00:00:00+01:00

Almost one-quarter of the construction sites inspected last month by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) failed the assessments.

Some 2,014 sites were visited by HSE officials throughout March, but almost one in four of them breached health and safety regulations.

The body revealed that 691 enforcement notices were handed out by inspectors and 359 of these forced people to stop work immediately.

According to chief inspector for construction Philip White, this amount is cause for "serious concern", despite the fact that many firms have good health and safety schemes.

"I want to make it clear to these operators that we will not hesitate to take action where standards of health and safety are endangering workers' lives and livelihoods," he added.

Sites in Greater Manchester were among those visited by the HSE last month and more than one-quarter of the 163 inspected were deemed to be unsafe.

A total of 56 enforcement notices were issued at 42 construction sites, it was revealed.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Eco schemes could 'turn people off' green argument

2010-04-06T00:00:00+01:00

Government schemes to encourage carbon footprint management and other environmental projects may promote eco-friendly activity.

However, according to the founder of whatgreenhome.com: "There is a danger that you could start turning people off the whole eco argument and then they will just see it as something that the government will fix."

Gordon Miller went on to explain that the government may be wise to establish nationalised schemes rather than just encouraging actions.

Feed-in tariffs are now in operation so that homeowners who install renewable heating can save money on bills and will be paid for any energy they do not use that the national grid can benefit from.

Mr Miller explained the scheme offers homeowners the potential to make money and could consequently prove very popular.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change announced on April 1st that there would be two incentive schemes - the feed-in tariffs and the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme - to encourage Britons to cut carbon.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Open skylight breached health and safety legislation

2010-04-01T00:00:00+01:00

A company has been fined £10,000 for inadequate health and safety procedures that resulted in an employee falling through an open skylight.

Stephen Armstrong-Esther was working for Ammex, of Llannon Road, Pontyberem, when he was asked to re-clad a roof at Parc Trostre retail outlet.

He fell almost four metres through the unprotected skylight and fractured his back and ribs, suffered hearing and memory loss, as well as nerve damage to his leg.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Ammex was also ordered to pay costs of £6,750 under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

"Openings, such as skylights, in roofs must have suitable protection around them to prevent workers from falling into them," HSE inspector Anne Marie Orrells stated.

She added that accidents on construction sites often occur when working at height.

Slips and trips caused major injuries to over 10,000 employees in Britain during 2008-09, while falls from height during the same period resulted in more than 4,000 workers suffering a major injury.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Flexible working 'should be encouraged by employees'

2010-04-01T00:00:00+01:00

Workers involved in UK employment litigation may be interested in a new government initiative that encourages flexibility in firms.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are promoting flexible working as part of a Family Friendly Taskforce.

Senior public policy advisor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Ben Willmot believes there is "a strong business case" for flexible working.

"Employees who are more satisfied with their work/life balance are more likely to be satisfied with their job and are more likely to be effectively engaged and go the extra mile for their employer," Mr Willmott continued.

But the needs of a business and economy must be prioritised when offering such options, he added.

The DWP revealed that there must be a good business case against offering flexible or part-time working and it will otherwise be presumed this is the case.

A taskforce comprising business leaders and organisations will be compiled to champion this cause, it was added.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Small businesses 'need more support to go green'

2010-03-31T00:00:00+01:00

Carbon footprint management may be an aim for many companies, but a number of small businesses do not have the right support to do this.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the government should better inform small firms about how they can become more environmentally friendly.

Chairman of the FSB David Caro said: "The FSB believes that the government needs to give small businesses the incentive to proactively embrace the low carbon agenda rather than force them through heavy handed regulation."

The body surveyed its 10,000 members and found that 57 per cent of businesses thought they could save money through green initiatives but did not have enough advice on how this can be achieved.

Mr Caro explained the Carbon Reduction Commitment, which will apply to large companies, has worried many smaller firms into thinking they face similar rules.

The government explains that the scheme - now known as the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme - comes into force on April 1st and encourages businesses to be more aware of green issues.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

UK employment law for sick leave 'about to go live'

2010-03-30T00:00:00+01:00

Employers should be ready for the change to employment law, which will see the introduction of the fit note.

As of April 6th, GPs will have the right to assess whether or not an ill member of staff could return to work if their conditions were adapted.

Formally called the Statement of Fitness for Work, Aviva explains the note will replace the sick not - or MED3 - and aims to cut the cost of sick leave for the UK economy.

Expected to save some £240 million over the next decade, the note can include suggestions such as amendments to duties or contracts.

Liability risk manager for Aviva Phil Grace said: "Employers will undoubtedly need to make changes to the employees' usual terms and working environment."

But earlier this month Aviva UK Health carried out a study which found that only five per cent of workers thought the note would cut absence rates.

And many businesses claimed to be unsure about the effectiveness of the new regulation, it was noted.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

UK may continue opting out of EU employment law clause

2010-03-29T00:00:00+01:00

European employment law for capping working hours may not be suitable in the UK, where there is a deficit to pay off.

Chief executive of Work Wise UK Phil Flaxton explained that British workers are being called on to pay off the shortfall left by the recession.

This means that "our European counterparts regard us as the working man of Europe", because Britons work longer hours than any other country in the continent and have the fewest public holidays, he claimed.

Currently the UK has opted out of capping hours, but The Financial Times revealed last week that the European Commission has restarted a "bargaining round" aiming to abolish the opt-out.

Mr Flaxton stated that this was challenging and that there is a culture of compliance in the UK, which means that many people work unpaid hours and forego lunch breaks.

He added that changes to the working week might boost morale and productivity among workers, even during a recession.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Councillor: Health and safety at work is paramount

2010-03-29T00:00:00+01:00

Workplace health and safety can be tested during an event run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a number of local businesses in the South East.

Employers will have free access to basic occupational health testing of factors such as noise, lung function, vibration and dermatitis.

In the Estates Excellence project, businesses are offered training and advice that is specific to their health and safety needs.

Commissioner for community and leisure councillor Shafiq Chaudhry stated: "Health and safety at work is paramount and I would urge anyone with a business in the town to get involved in the project."

Heather Bryant from the HSE and project director of the scheme said there has been a good response from many local firms and help from Slough Borough Council was welcomed.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, accidents and ill-health cost employers in the South East approximately £1,730 million every year.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety training features mock trial

2010-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

Construction workers undergoing health and safety training have participated in a mock trial at Cardiff City Stadium this week.

Law firm Morgan Cole ran the event which saw industry representatives deciding on the guilt of the building site manager who stood accused for the exercise.

Organisers from Working Well Together and the South Wales Construction Safety Group noted 13 people died working in construction in Wales between 2004 and 2009.

Principal inspector for construction at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Paul Harvey said the industry is one of the most dangerous for employees.

"This event is an effective way of getting important health and safety messages across to the industry and highlights the possible consequences of legal action when things do go wrong," he commented.

Earlier this month, the HSE launched a new Do Your Bit campaign, aimed at involving employees in ensuring good health and safety practices at work.

Posted by James Hill

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Leeds firms get carbon footprint management help

2010-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

Leeds businesses concerned with their carbon footprint management took advantage of an initiative this week to improve their knowledge of recycling.

Leeds City Council, CO2Sense Yorkshire and the Environment Agency pooled their resources to host Waste Wednesday, which gave firms the opportunity to learn more about recycling.

The council also promoted its Business Waste Guide, which is aimed at helping firms support sustainable procurement with green waste management.

Ben Pender, internal environment expert at the Environment Agency, said companies should think about separating rubbish into specific recycling bins for paper, plastic, batteries and other waste.

"In ten years' time we'll have no capacity left in our landfill sites, which means we all need to get smarter at sorting our rubbish for recycling or simply not producing it at all," he commented.

The agency also urged businesses to become more energy efficient, saying they can make significant cuts to emissions with minimal investment.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Organisations need to step up carbon footprint management

2010-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

Carbon footprint management by hotels, public sector offices, shops and restaurants will be key in meeting emissions reduction targets.

The Environment Agency said organisations need to cut back on energy usages in buildings and this is easily achievable without investing lots of money.

Head of climate change and sustainable development at the agency Tony Grayling said without taking on additional expenses, organisations can cut their emissions by a quarter.

"In most cases, better management of heating, air conditioning and lighting will deliver immediate benefits," he added.

The Environment Agency noted switching to low-energy light bulbs, installing sensor-controlled lighting and auditing installation as simple ways for businesses to improve their carbon footprint management.

Businesses, industry and public sector organisations which use large amounts of energy will be given incentives to cut emissions as part of a new government initiative called the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme.

The Environment Agency will publish a yearly league table of the best and worst performers in the scheme to provide added incentive to reduce emissions by 11.6 million tonnes over the next decade.

Firms that qualify for the scheme need to register in the first six months of the so-called Footprint Year, starting next month.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

'Rocky road ahead' for UK employers

2010-03-25T00:00:00+00:00

Britain may be out of the recession, but business could find there is still the potential for UK employment law cases.

This is because the road ahead is "rocky" and many firms could continue to fail, according to economist at the British Chambers of Commerce Steve Hughes.

He warned: "There are so many factors that are weighing down on the potential for growth."

Personal debt remains high, as does public sector debt, which tax rises will partly repair.

Mr Hughes added that there is "relative stability" in today's market, but this does not mean they plan to grow and expand.

His comments follow forecasts from the Confederation of British Industry, which predict a "sluggish" economic recovery this year.

In 2011 - as global demand rises - there may then be a better pace of growth.

Mr Hughes added that there are less business opportunities because of debt levels and this means less money enters the economy as a result.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Worker 'would still be alive' if not for health and safety breach

2010-03-25T00:00:00+00:00

A worker "would still be alive today" if his employers had carried out adequate health and safety precautions.

This is according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Sandra Tomlinson, who explained that the death of Ian Gutteridge could have "easily been prevented".

Mr Gutteridge worked for Taylor Electronics - a neon sign manufacturer - which was helping to publicise a jewellery exhibition.

The worker was fitting a giant necklace on Manchester's Albert Memorial statue and was standing on a cherry picker.

But the device overturned because it was not properly stabilised and Mr Gutteridge fell and suffered head and chest injuries then died in hospital the next day.

Ms Tomlinson said Taylor Electronics "took unacceptable risks" to complete the job.

The firm was fined £10,000 and must pay £8,000 in costs and its director was fined £2,000.

According to the HSE, anybody thinking of using a cherry picker must be trained to do so and check ground and weather conditions before operating the device.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

BREEAM excellent rating awarded to council offices

2010-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

Council offices in South Gloucestershire have been awarded an 'excellent' under the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating.

The construction cost £32 million and includes features such as solar panels, rainwater tanks and sensored windows and lighting.

Deputy chief executive David Perry told the Gloucestershire Gazette: "To get an excellent rating backs up our policy of cutting carbon emissions and helping to reduce climate change."

The energy efficient building is due to house council departments such as community care and young people divisions and will combine staff from 20 existing buildings.

It achieved a score of 72 per cent, which could be down to its sustainable procurement features such as automatic ventilation technology.

Mr Perry explained that staff using the offices will be encouraged to car share and use green methods of transport.

Car sharing has become a popular option in recent years and is often convenient for those working in the same building who live in similar areas.

Not only is car sharing better for the environment, it can save money on fuel and reduce wear and tear on the vehicle.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Cumbrian construction sites 'fail on health and safety'

2010-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

Health and safety on many Cumbrian construction sites is not up to scratch, according to inspections from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Some 45 sites across the county were visited by inspectors, but more than one-quarter of them failed the checks.

Twelve sites received notices, with some having to stop work immediately.

HSE's principal inspector for construction in Cumbria Mark Cottriall said these firms were "letting the rest of the industry down".

"It simply isn't worth taking risks to try and save money," he explained.

The majority of cases where notices were issued resulted from employees performing unsafe work at a height.

Cockermouth was one of the areas visited by HSE officials and refurbishment work is ongoing following the floods last year.

The town hit the headlines in November when torrential town caused devastation in the area.

Mr Cottriall said he hopes the renovations and work to restore the town can now continue without injury.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

'No good arguments exist' against solar panels in homes

2010-03-23T00:00:00+00:00

Construction workers involved in sustainable procurement are likely to know the benefits of solar panels and renewable energy.

But now one expert has claimed that there are "no good arguments" for not having such devices installed.

Home eco expert Tim Pullen spoke at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at Birmingham's NEC and advised that good insulation is the first step to making a property more energy efficient.

Mr Pullen continued: "Solar panels work. They sit there doing their bit without needing too much work for about 25 years."

He also commented on the government's introduction of feed-in tariffs, which were unveiled by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on February 1st.

From April 1st, householders and communities who install solar panels and other low carbon electricity technology will be paid for the energy this generates.

Mr Pullen said it does not matter what people do with that electricity, they will still receive a flat rate for generating it.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

SMEs could be boosted by financial aid

2010-03-23T00:00:00+00:00

Employment law cases where firms have gone bust may be reduced if a small amount of money is extended to smaller companies.

"The first couple of years are very fragile" for such businesses, so technology and finance could "boost" small firms and help them through this period, according to leading entrepreneur Julie Meyer.

Ms Meyer explained those with the best ideas "are going to win" if they have that bit of financial help.

Her comments follow research from Barclay's, which found that two million new jobs will be created by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the next year.

But more than half of these do not have a formal business plan, it was noted.

And Ms Meyer explained that over 54 per cent of new jobs are accounted for by high-growth companies in this sector.

Larger companies have been laying-off staff and this could account for some of the growth in the SME sector, she continued.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Firms 'must operate safe working environments'

2010-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

Employers must all operate safe working environments and pay attention to the health and safety of their workers.

This is according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which urged companies to take more care when it comes to their employees' working conditions.

Peter McCormick worked at solenoid manufacturer H.R & B.S Benson when his finger became trapped in a machine.

The metalworking power press crushed his right index finger and the 61-year-old had to have it amputated.

He had been reaching for a part of the machine when the accident happened.

According to HSE inspector Glyn Davies, this shows what can occur if health and safety in the workplace is not prioritised.

He dubbed the contraption used by Mr McCormick one of industry's "most dangerous machines" and the HSE has previously published a book on their safe use.

"A man has suffered a painful and debilitating injury because a relatively simple process of maintaining correct safety guarding was not followed," Mr Davies added.

The firm was fined £8,000 and must pay £4,356.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Renewable heating 'an excellent investment'

2010-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

Britons paying attention to carbon footprint management may be interested to hear that renewable heating could prove to be "an excellent investment".

This is according to director at Eco Energi Dr Matthew Goodwin, who explained that more people are showing an interest in such heating methods, which can save money on energy bills.

"What was a good investment is now an excellent investment" thanks to a recent government decision, he added.

The Department of Energy & Climate Change revealed that the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme would be introduced in April next year and will financially aid households who install renewable heating.

Air and ground-source heat pumps are just two of the technologies that would be supported under the scheme.

Dr Goodwin explained that properties must also be insulated and have other heat-saving features to make the improvements worthwhile.

As the country emerges from the recession it is a good time to invest in such modernisations, he continued.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Health and safety breach 'left worker brain damaged'

2010-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

A worker on a residential refurbishment was left brain damaged following health and safety breaches.

Trevor Dawson was self-employed and painting at a student accommodation refurbishment in 2007 when the accident happened.

Mr Dawson, aged 58 from Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire, is thought to have fallen from a ladder but there were no witnesses present to confirm this.

Principal contractor Foster Turn-Key Contacts from Huddersfield and Liversedge Decorating Contractors from Dewsbury continued to allow work to be done on the property without supervision.

Both companies were each fined £2,000 for the health and safety breaches.

Health and Safety Executive inspector David Stewart said: "The ladder Trevor Dawson used, which we believe may have caused or contributed to his fall, was simply not suitable for the work he was doing."

A tower scaffold would have been more appropriate than the domestic step ladder used by the victim, Mr Stewart advised.

The body advises using this type of scaffolding when working at a height, although there are still many health and safety considerations to be made.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Waste biomass project planned by The Carbon Trust

2010-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

People interested in carbon footprint management may be pleased to hear about a consortium of British businesses that has been created by The Carbon Trust.

The consortium will try to enhance pyrolysis, which processes waste biomass as a greener alternative.

National co-ordinator for the Campaign against Climate Change Phil Thornhill said that biofuel waste is the only type that is supported by the group.

"The balance of biofuels actually used is in our view massively negative, because in terms of the actual quantity used, pressure on land is created," he explained.

Mini biofuel refineries could be introduced in the future and Mr Thornhill was asked whether these could work like recycling depots.

He explained that it is a good idea, but burning waste for energy is not the most efficient means and there could be pollution as a result.

The Carbon Trust claims that the carbon footprint of pyrolysis biofuel could save 95 per cent of the carbon used by fossil fuels.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

UK property 'should be retrofitted' to become greener

2010-03-18T00:00:00+00:00

Sustainable procurement could become a priority for construction workers in the UK, after London was designated a Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) for energy efficient buildings.

Director of the National Home Improvement Council Andrew Leech said that retrofitting homes is something that all householders should do, not just those in the capital.

Fully insulating cavity walls, lofts and other areas of a house is just one way to start making a property more environmentally friendly.

Mr Leech referred to the announcement by business minister Ian Lucas that London would become the seventh area in the UK to be assigned LCEA status.

"I'm certain that if London can set an example then a good many other cities will do the same," he claimed.

London has a wide variety of buildings and the process of making it a LCEA should create many different skills that can be used in other areas, Mr Lucas stated.

And Mr Leech agreed, claiming that main cities such as Manchester and Leeds are already looking at ways they can become greener.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

UK employment legislation 'mustn't create bureaucratic tangle'

2010-03-18T00:00:00+00:00

UK employment law concerning paternity rights must not create a "bureaucratic tangle".

This is the advice of director of employment policy at the confederation of British Industry Katja Hall.

According to Ms Hall, reforms to paternity rights should help parents to be more flexible with their working conditions.

"But the government must get these new rules right" to avoid confusing people with bureaucracy, she warned.

Her comments follow results of a YouGov survey commissioned by Orange, which found that only 18 per cent of working men would take full advantage of six months paternity leave.

Financial worries were the main reason why so many fathers were sceptical about doing so, it was discovered.

And 15 per cent of working men viewed themselves as too vital to the business to be absent for this period of time.

UK employment legislation on the matter will come into force next year, allowing new mothers to transfer half of their 12-month maternity leave to the father.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Health and safety failings of Newquay construction firm

2010-03-17T00:00:00+00:00

Construction firms may want to ensure their health and safety policies are as robust as possible after a fellow company has been fined for risking the safety of builders.

Bluechip Hotels, of Lusty Glaze Road, Porth, Newquay was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The firm failed to provide guardrails on a bridge over an excavation site, something which construction organisations should include within their health and safety policies.

It was previously served with two improvement notices after Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors found employees were asked to work at height despite adequate precautions not being taken.

HSE inspector Barry Trudgian said: "Simple measures can be taken to ensure the safety of employees on construction sites, such as providing guardrails where necessary and keeping the site clear of hazards such as rubbish."

The HSE advises that construction firms keep their sites tidy and clean, as well as fenced off from the public, who should be warned by signs of the potential hazards of entering.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144

Posted by James Hill

Low carbon strategy outlined by government

2010-03-17T00:00:00+00:00

Carbon footprint management may become more of a priority for those in the construction industry following announcements from the Low Carbon Construction Innovation and Growth Team (IGT).

A strategy for the next 40 years has been outlined by the government and chief construction adviser and chair of the ICT Paul Morrell said that people must work together to achieve the plan's aims.

The products and skills of a modernised industry will be exported and future generations should be encouraged to seek employment in the green industry, it was revealed.

Business minister Ian Lucas said: "The construction industry provides huge value to the economy and the Government will not be able to hit its carbon targets without the active engagement and participation of the whole sector."

However, days before this announcement was made, the NES and Building.co.uk monthly index revealed that many buildings lack an energy performance certificate.

Just 39 per cent of commercial properties to be sold or rented last month had the certificate, which shows the green credentials of a building.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Manchester construction workers 'failing health and safety'

2010-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Many Manchester construction sites are not meeting health and safety standards, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Inspectors from the body carried out checks at 163 sites across Greater Manchester last week and more than one-quarter were deemed unsafe in some way.

Prosecutions could follow for those in breach of more serious regulations and 56 enforcement notices were made in total at 42 construction sites.

HSE's principal inspector for construction in the region Polly Tomlinson said: "Hundreds of construction workers are seriously injured every year because companies don't treat the safety of their employees as a priority."

And construction workers should be warned that the organisation will continue to make unannounced inspections to make sure that health and safety is always a priority.

Unsafe work was found to be carried out at a height in many areas and this was the reason for almost half of the enforcement notices issued.

According to Business Link, those who receive enforcement notices may appeal against them to an employment tribunal - but the letters will explain this process in detail.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Employers and staff 'unsure about Fit Note'

2010-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

UK employment law could be affected by the new government Fit Note initiative, which certain companies are sceptical of.

The government's Fit Note is being introduced to replace the traditional sick note obtained by staff who take time off work due to illness.

GPs will be able to state whether workers could return to their jobs if their employment conditions were adapted.

But Aviva UK Health has carried out the early intervention prevention study, which claims that many businesses and their workers are unsure about how effective the initiative will be.

Only five per cent of employers thought Fit Notes would cut absence rates.

Chief medical officer for the organisation and practising GP Dr Hugh Laing said: "Any move on behalf of the government to get people back into the workplace is commendable. However, we are concerned by the apparent lack of awareness."

It will take time for people to get used to the idea and employers must be trained on aspects of the note, he added.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Engineering firm questions crane health and safety plans

2010-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Health and safety schemes for workers using tower cranes have been welcomed, but one engineering firm has questioned how effective they could be.

Allianz Engineering stated that any initiatives to promote health and safety are a good thing, but the statutory registration scheme from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has not convinced the firm.

Chief engineer at the firm Phil Wright said: "We are not convinced that these laws will make a substantial difference to safety figures in the sector."

Under the plans, cranes can be tracked and their location discovered, but problems in installation are not necessarily addressed.

Mr Wright added that the HSE is helping to raise the profile of tower crane safety, but that brokers should make sure their clients are aware of responsibilities that the legislation reveals.

Health and safety minister Lord McKenzie recently dubbed it "unacceptable" that unsafe tower cranes put lives at risk.

Registering the devices is just one way to promote health and safety, he added.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Energy certificates lacking in many properties

2010-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Sustainable procurement and carbon footprint management may be priorities during construction, but many finished buildings fail to obtain energy performance certificates (EPCs).

This was the finding of the NES and Building.co.uk monthly index, which monitors the amount of commercial buildings with a valid certificate.

Established by the government, EPCs are required by any home being built, sold or rented out.

But only 39 per cent of commercial properties for sale or rent in February had the certificate, the index found.

While this was a three per cent improvement on the previous month, it still means that there is a vast majority of homes that do not have this way of showing their energy efficiency.

Paul Taylor of East Sussex Council said: "Having conducted a lot of work into improving compliance with commercial EPCs, I am fully aware of the obstacles preventing the levels of compliance [non-domestic energy assessors] would like to see."

Low fines, grey areas and few complaints about the lack of certificates are just some of the reasons Mr Taylor gives for the low index figures.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

TUC coalition to tackle UK employment law

2010-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

Employment litigation is likely to be one of the topics of conversation at today's (March 12th) Trades Union Congress (TUC) meeting in London.

The Fair Work coalition is to get together to show how employers sometimes use gaps in UK employment law to avoid certain rights, the body revealed.

Faith groups, unions, community and voluntary organisations are all part of the coalition, which looks at workplace poverty among many of the country's employees.

It is hoped that the political parties will take notice of the work done by the group, which estimates some 500,000 low-paid UK workers to be in a "precarious" state.

Deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "The employment status loophole is an important reason behind the ongoing existence of insecure work and is denying some of the very worst off workers the most basic of protections."

Tackling these issues must be done now so that working poverty can be changed, it was added.

Almost seven million people are represented by the TUC and its 58 affiliated unions and the body campaigns for fair working conditions.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Trees 'can help carbon footprint management'

2010-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

Carbon footprint management may be easier to achieve if people made the most out of any spare land.

This is the view of carbon manager at the Woodland Trust Dr Nick Atkinson, who explained that even small areas have a part to play.

Planting trees can offset carbon emissions and make managing environmental footprints more accessible.

For example, Dr Atkinson claimed that hazel could be planted in most gardens and it can then be turned into items such as garden canes and furniture.

And buildings could benefit if trees were planted next to them because "they wouldn't need energy as much because the trees were shading the building and keeping it cool in the summer," he noted.

The government is keen to cut CO2 emissions and as part of its ACT ON CO2 campaign it has revealed that peat-based compost will be phased out.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn announced on March 8th that garden centres and DIY stores are to stop selling this form of compost and switch to peat-free alternatives instead.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

UK eco technology 'requires investment in workforce'

2010-03-11T00:00:00+00:00

Carbon footprint management and lowering the amount of harmful gases produced in the UK can only work if the country's workforce is invested in.

This is the warning of minister for energy and climate change David Kidney, who spoke at the annual tidal and wave power conference RenewableUK.

"We need to look at how we can invent skills across all sectors to get to a low carbon economy," he explained.

And this is even more important given the fact that the British workforce comes from an ageing population.

The wind industry has the potential to be worth £75 billion, employing 70,000 jobs in clean energy, by 2020.

But in order to do this, British firms need more skilled employees, Mr Kidney advised.

Earlier this week (March 9th), a report from the Conservative Party was released by Sir James Dyson.

It proposed a cultural change so that high esteem for science and engineering may be developed, as well as encouraging more young people to study in these areas.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

'Unsafe scaffolding' used on building site

2010-03-11T00:00:00+00:00

Health and safety on a building site was risked by a building company that used unsafe scaffolding.

Shane Homes, based in Driffield, was fined £1,000 at Beverley Magistrates' Court after Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors discovered the risks.

It was during a routine inspection that an employee of Shame Homes was found working on scaffolding that could have caused him fatal injuries.

The construction had no edge protection, the access ladder was too short and it had not been secured.

HSE inspector Geoff Clark said: "The scaffolding at the Shane Homes construction site was dangerous and people should not have been expected to use it."

Mr Clark also explained how serious falls from height are to workers in the construction industry and - in this case - employees could have fallen up to four metres.

This follows a similar warning after Molloy Building Contractors was found guilty of health and safety breaches relating to working at a height.

Staff had been working on a roof with no safety equipment and were at a serious risk of falling and seriously injuring themselves.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Builder worked on roof 'with no safety equipment'

2010-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

A builder put the health and safety of himself and others at risk when he worked on a roof without any safety equipment.

This was the finding of a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) against Charles Molloy from Molloy Building Contractors.

A HSE inspector saw 64-year-old Mr Molloy and another man working on the Black Horse Hotel in St Helens last year.

The workers were replacing tiles but neither of them wore harnesses, used scaffolding or any other safety measures.

Inspector for the body Sandra Tomlinson said: "Mr Molloy apparently had little concern for his own safety, or that of those he employed, by working so precariously on a rooftop."

Previous warnings had been issued to both men but they were ignored.

After being found guilty of breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005, Mr Molloy was fined £1,500 and must pay £1,000 in costs.

Business Link explains that many precautions must be taken by those working on roofs.

For example, duckboards must be used to cover fragile surfaces and risk assessments must be carried out.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Employment law advice: Younger workers need support

2010-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

Employers are being advised to help their younger workers when it comes to the development of their career prospects.

This is according to chairman of the Recruitment Society Steve Huxham, who explained that some employers are good at doing this, but others are not.

He added: "There is a lot more that can be done by employers to encourage their younger workers who are unqualified to take on extra courses and skills."

Government support for this would help larger employers in particular to develop their staff.

On March 8th, the Resolution Foundation stated that low earners have struggled the most during their recession because they are exposed and often overlooked.

This group have had their hours and pay cut, seen higher levels of inflation than their richer counterparts and experienced unemployment.

Mr Huxham claimed there is a danger that government help and extra training is coming when it is too late for certain struggling workers.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

BREEAM rating awarded to college

2010-03-09T00:00:00+00:00

A college building has been awarded a BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of excellent for its eco friendliness.

South Devon College's University Centre building has not yet been finished, but showed its sustainable potential to judges of the BREEAM award.

The college's principal Stephen Criddle told the Herald Express: "We always encourage interest in environmental improvements and sustainability and the new university centre will be a fine example of how we meet our aspirations and responsibilities."

A total of 74 points were awarded to the construction, which means it comes top for environmental performance and sustainability.

Water recycling, solar heating and responsibly-sourced materials all contributed to the rating.

There will also be composting facilities and automatic cooling vents in the green building.

According to the publication, the college recently changed its cleaning products and devices to make them more eco-friendly.

South Devon College offers education to school leavers and runs courses up to university level.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Secure staff 'more likely to co-operate'

2010-03-09T00:00:00+00:00

UK employment litigation cases could be cut if employees speak to one another about their worries and bond over shared experiences.

Dr Clare Kelliher from Cranfield School of Management explained that malcontent among workers could be combated by colleagues building relationships with each other.

"Those who feel secure in their working environment and are not overloaded are more likely to co-operate with colleagues and to look out for each other," she claimed.

Managers should also act as role models and try to foster respect and dignity among their workers, Dr Kelliher added.

Her comments follow results of a survey from Simplyhealth, which found that UK companies may see staff leave because they feel their mental and physical health has not been properly managed by bosses.

The Bothered Britain survey found that half of workers thought their wellbeing was ignored at work and 45 per cent are going to look for a new job once the economy picks up.

For further information on any of out Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Worker seriously injured by falling load

2010-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

Fines and costs of a combined total exceeding £30,000 must be paid by a lorry-trailer building company following health and safety failures.

David Jones was employed by S Cartwright and Sons from Trafford when he was asked to move a stack of metal strips.

The forks of a forklift truck were carrying the stack and lifting beam but the load fell and landed on Mr Jones.

His back was broken in four places and there were fractures to 12 ribs and a shoulder blade.

Mr Jones's heart was bruised, a lung was punctured and he suffered stomach injuries.

Inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Richard Clarke said: "The company did not do enough to protect the safety of its employees. Mr Jones is still in constant pain and the incident could have killed him."

on Friday March 5th, magistrates at Manchester Crown Court fined the company £15,000 and it must pay £18,315 towards costs after breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Last year the HSE warned companied of the dangers of forklift trucks after a worker was killed when one toppled over onto him.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Retrofitting needed 'to cut CO2'

2010-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

Carbon footprint management may be achieved in existing UK properties if retrofitting takes place, according to one expert.

Gordon Miller, founder of Whatgreenhome.com explained that it is vital to have initiatives to encourage people to make green changes to their homes.

He claims that green show homes are a good way to show Britons how to adapt their homes.

Other government schemes are vital if the country is to meet its CO2 initiative of an 80 per cent reduction by 2050.

"Clearly retrofitting and bringing the existing homes up to speed is absolutely critical if we are going to meet our own emissions targets and reduce CO2 emissions," Mr Miller continued.

His comments follow a publication by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, which revealed the Warm Homes, Greener Homes strategy.

It is hoped that there will be a 29 per cent cut of emissions from UK homes by 2020 and that property will undergo a "green transformation".

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Ireland firms 'discriminating against mothers'

2010-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

Employment law in Ireland may come into play after it was claimed that the recession has caused discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace.

Chairperson of the Equality and Rights Alliance Joanna McMinn told the Irish Times that women on maternity leave were being used as "soft targets" to make cuts.

"It is against the law and despite 30 years of legislation against it, we are seeing evidence that this particular form of discrimination is getting worse because of the recession," Ms McMinn stated.

Some cases saw cuts to maternity pay, bullying on returning to work and being denied certain employment arrangements, it was reported.

Calls to Free Legal Advice Centres - which is affiliated with the Alliance - concerning maternity issued rose to 14.3 per cent from 1.3 per cent in less than one year.

UK employment law states that mothers who are employed have a statutory right to a minimum amount of maternity leave, according to the government.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

UK entrants among Europe's environment awards

2010-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

Sustainable procurement is just one of the considerations that may have been put in place among the finalists of the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The 11 finalists, who were chosen by the Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, include entrants from the UK.

Stratton's Hotel in Norfolk has been put forward for its environmental management system.

Environmental manager for the hotel Vanessa Scott explained how pleased the staff were to be nominated.

"I think we rather naively believed 20 years ago that everyone in the industry would have an environmental management system," she revealed.

People are still tending to drag their feet when it comes to green concerns and Ms Scott stated she is trying to attract others in the sector.

The awards will help to raise awareness of the issue and it is hoped they will engage people to be eco friendly, she added.

Other entrants to the awards come from people looking to carry out road repairs in a more environmentally friendly way and to improve sustainability in gas supply and fishing industries.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

Construction firm fined for lack of toilet facilities

2010-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

Construction bosses may look into installing better toilet and washing facilities for their workers after a firm was fined in Bridlington.

Bryan Brown & Son was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) yesterday (March 4th).

The building site run by the company had a toilet that was not plumbed in and there was no water supply.

An improvement notice had been served but when inspectors revisited the site they found the conditions were unchanged.

On a subsequent visit, some alterations had been made but there was still no running water in certain areas.

Mr Brown must now pay a £2,000 fine and costs of £1,215, due to the breach of two health and safety laws.

HSE inspector Geoff Clark said: "Bryan Ellis Brown subjected his employees to an unhygienic and potentially unsafe working environment. Having access to suitable welfare facilities is a basic human right."

It is "unacceptable" that these services were lacking, he added.

According to the government, an improvement notice specifies the law in breach, what must be done to and when the changes must be made by.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Flexible employment 'could help MSD sufferers'

2010-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

Employment law that involves flexible working allowances could help workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Back pain is a common form of this disorder and many employees find their work difficult when suffering from such pain.

Managing director of The Work Foundation Steve Bevan explained that flexibility could help people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Conditions that cause fatigue or chronic pain can be hugely helped by small changes.

"People with rheumatoid arthritis can often suffer from painful 'flares' of joint inflammation which can be very painful and exhausting," Mr Bevan stated.

Allowing such workers to start their jobs later in the day, when these pains should have died down somewhat, may help, he added.

The comments follow revelations from the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance that leading policymakers and employers would like to see better support from sufferers of MSDs so that they find jobs easier.

It added that absence from sufferers could be the cause of 10.8 million working days in 2008-09.

Posted by Claire Archer

Brits 'must unite' in sustainable energy creation

2010-03-04T00:00:00+00:00

Sustainable procurement may see a boost after the Department for Energy and Climate Change revealed a new green strategy.

Head of utilities at Confused.com Gareth Kloet explained that the whole of the UK should be looking to support the objective of cutting carbon.

Mr Kloet said that the amount of money that can be saved by improving the efficiency of a home will vary.

Those whose properties are already reasonably efficient will not save as much as homeowners of highly inefficient houses.

"Ultimately, someone will always need to foot the bill for installing energy efficiency measures," he explained.

But a large range of different schemes should all be supported to achieve the ultimate aim of reducing waste and generating sustainable energy, Mr Kloet added.

The Warm Homes, Greener Homes strategy was revealed by the government earlier this week.

Just one of the promises made by the move is that every household will have loft and cavity wall insulation by 2015, providing it is practical to do this.

For further information on any of our Environmental services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

Majority of staff 'feel ignored by employers'

2010-03-04T00:00:00+00:00

Employment law following the recession may have to take into account various aspects of wellbeing, following recent results of a survey.

Simplyhealth revealed that one in two employees in the UK claim their employer ignored their physical and mental wellbeing as the economy saw a downturn.

And more than 45 per cent said consequently they would search for a new job once the market recovers.

Bothered Britain reported that more than half of the employers quizzed knew this was the case, as they admitted to ignoring staff's wellbeing worries.

According to the organisation, businesses may now find it difficult to keep staff once the market picks up.

Medical expert Dr Christian Jessen said: "Employees who feel valued and looked after are far more likely to stay in their jobs and to work harder, leading to a healthier, happier workplace."

Spokesperson for Simplyhealth Jamie Wilson said it was understandable that firms were stressed in recent times, but that they must now look at their employees' needs.

The government explains that one in five workers suffer from workplace stress and 500,000 of them have become ill as a result.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill

UK's oldest inn signs up to health and safety scheme

2010-03-04T00:00:00+00:00

More businesses have signed up to the Health & Safety Executive's (HSE's) latest campaign to prevent workplace injury.

The oldest inn in Britain, Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem, today (March 4th) announced it was supporting the Shattered Lives campaign.

In existence since 1618, the Nottingham inn has 12 employees and hosts many thousands of visitors each year.

General manager of the establishment Rosie St John said the company is pleased to help project the HSE's message.

"Working on licensed premises means that employees are often exposed to wet floors from spilt drinks, so it is essential that all employees fully adhere to health and safety practices," she announced.

Some 315 employees in the city were injured in a workplace slip, trip of fall last year and it is hoped the new campaign will cut these numbers.

Yesterday Colchester Zoo revealed that it too would be supporting the scheme, following the revelation that 1,066 people in Essex had suffered workplace injuries in one year.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Zoo supports workplace health and safety scheme

2010-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

Health and safety in the workplace is being highlighted by a campaign being backed by Colchester Zoo.

The Zoo has publicly pledged its support for the Shattered Lives campaign run by the Heath and Safety Executive.

Some 1,066 workers were said to have had accidents in 2008-09 due to health and safety breaches leading to slips, trips and falls.

Zoological director at the Colchester Zoo Anthony Tropeano explained that the workers there know all the correct health and safety procedures to be taken every day.

"We have to think of the potential risks all the time – everyone has a right to go home safely," he explained.

Each local authority is responsible for looking at how this is implemented in the region's zoos.

Health and safety enforcement officer at Colchester Borough Council Martin Nelson confirmed that Mr Tropeano's premises have a "strong health and safety culture" and is always improving.

The zoo has more than 250 species houses in 60 acres of land and has previously won the Sustainable Tourism Award.

For further information on any of our Health and Safety services or to find ou how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Liam Lawrence

Plan in advance for carbon footprint management

2010-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

Carbon footprint management should be considered before a construction project even begins.

This is the advice of writers at mother nature network, which offers people who want to build their own home advice on how to make the project greener.

Looking at the family's habits and how this affects carbon footprint is a good starting point for any construction.

Discovering whether lights are left on in used rooms and digital devices used can help allow homeowners to gain immediate insights into energy efficiency.

Carl Seville of Atlanta's Seville consulting explains that "occupant behaviour is the biggest predictor of energy use" and it is easy to examine.

Water consumption is an important environmental consideration as well as energy use.

Landscaping gardens to include rainwater collection is just one way to build a sustainable home, the article explains.

Many firms offer rainwater harvesting systems, which is often an intelligent way to make your property a greener place.

Simple considerations outdoors, such as strategically placing plants to maximise water use is a good start to becoming more environmentally friendly.

For further information on any of our Environmental servies or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by Claire Archer

TUC warns against wage freezes

2010-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

Employment law and trades union rights may prevent businesses from freezing wages in a bid to cut costs.

This was the warning from general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (Brendan Barber).

Mr Barber explained that some firms may be doing this as a money saving move, but that unions would not give them an "easy ride".

"While some firms will continue to struggle in 2010, unions are wise to companies using the recession as a ruse to boost profit margins through pay freezes and cuts," he continued.

But freezing wages may eventually prove harmful to the country's economy, as it can alter consumer spending power, Mr Barber cautioned.

USwitch.com revealed the results of a YouGov survey yesterday (March 2nd), which claimed that nine million UK workers thought any wage increase gained this year would be below the Consumer Price Index.

And 31 per cent of people thought they would be worse-off financially this year than last.

For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.

Posted by James Hill