Worrying ‘new principles on consultation’ from Government
The UK Government is not giving people enough time to comment on plans to cut health and safety regulations, a professional body has said. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is concerned that new government guidance for its departments and other public bodies recommends as little as two weeks consultation on changes to […]
Firms fined for asbestos failings
Two Lincoln companies have been fined after workers were exposed to asbestos during the refurbishment of a Northamptonshire hospital ward. One of the companies was hired by the other to carry out an asbestos survey before work began on the hospital. The survey identified an asbestos coating on the underside of the ceilings, but missed […]
Government announces review of cosmetic procedures
The Department of Health has launched a major review into cosmetic surgery and procedures in response to concerns raised about the industry following problems with PiP breast implants. The review will look at many issues including whether the right amount of regulation is in place, if people have the right amount of information before going […]
Better information for citizens about major accident risks
New European rules are now in force that will ensure EU citizens are better informed about major threats posed by industrial plants in their immediate vicinity. The rules are part of an otherwise technical update of the Seveso Directive, a key instrument in industrial risk management, which is being adapted to reflect recent changes in […]
£300m support for future mesothelioma victims
From 25th July, newly diagnosed victims of mesothelioma will receive help through a new support scheme, the Minister for Welfare, Lord Freud, and the Association of British Insurers have announced. The new scheme will allow around 3,000 mesothelioma victims across the UK who are unable to claim compensation because they cannot trace a liable employer or […]
Report into young driver safety
A recent report by the AA Charitable Trust and Make Roads Safe campaign has found that nearly 40% of drivers had crashed by the time they turned 23-years-old. Around a quarter of those polled had crashed within two years of getting their driving licence. The report calls for greater education and driving opportunities for young […]
Poor head restraints increase the risk of whiplash injuries
Hundreds of thousands of whiplash injuries could be prevented each year with better head restraints and seats in UK cars, according to Axa Insurance. The company carried out research, in conjunction with motor research organisation Thatcham, into the cars on the UK’s roads and estimates that only 34% have head restraints and seats that would […]
Final expert report on PiP breast implants published
The NHS Medical Director’s expert group, which has been looking at PiP breast implants, has published its final report. The findings of the group include: The expert group has said that the advice to women who have PiP implants remains unchanged. It is expected that all providers of PIP implants will contact their patients. If […]
HSE serves Improvement Notice on Edinburgh cooling tower
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has served an Improvement Notice on an Edinburgh company for alleged failures to adequately control the risk of legionella in a cooling tower. The Notice was served for a failure to devise and implement a sustained and effective biocide control programme in one cooling tower. HSE visited the company […]
Police crackdown on summer drink and drug driving
The Scottish police annual summer crackdown on drink and drug driving will take place from 4th to 18th June and will involve all eight of Scotland’s police forces. Chief Superintendent Derek Robertson of Lothian and Borders Police, road casualty reduction lead for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), said: “During last summer’s […]