HSE Update - Dec 2023

Other Matters Safety Alert: Radiograph duplication and falsification •

This safety alert highlights that the non-destructive testing (NDT) process is vulnerable to tampering. HSE and other regulators have investigated several instances where NDT has been falsified. In particular, radiographic images of welds have been falsely obtained or tampered with, including:

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duplicate images of welds and false identification numbers added after processing suspected accelerated working by shortening the distance to the radiographic source potential misrepresentation of image quality images cropped to remove defects in adjacent welds In these cases there is a significant risk of flaws and defects going undetected with a subsequent risk of structural failure.

Radiograph duplication and falsification - Safety notice - HSE

Cold weather working: Helping workers stay safe and warm •

Employers are being reminded of their responsibilities to keep workers safe as the first spell of cold weather is set to hit the country.

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Great Britain’s workplace regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, is stressing the importance of protecting workers during the cold weather.

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John Rowe, Head of Operational Strategy, said: “We’re calling on all employers to take a sensible approach during the cold weather that is coming our way. There are lots of jobs that will be more difficult in the these conditions. Most employers will recognise this and make appropriate accommodations for their staff. That is the right thing to do.

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“It’s also important employers ensure staff are working in a reasonable temperature. People working in uncomfortably cold environments are less likely to perform well and more likely to behave unsafely because their ability to make good decisions deteriorates.”

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Temperatures in indoor workplaces are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a “reasonable” temperature in the workplace.

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All employers are expected to ensure indoor workplaces are kept at a reasonable temperature. The Approved Code of Practice suggests the minimum temperature should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius. If the work involves rigorous physical effort, the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius.

and Reform) Bill

Other Matters Renowned cider manufacturer fined following grandad’s death The maker of Henry Westons Cider was fined £1.4 million after a much-loved grandfather was killed on his 65th birthday. Tommy Manns, from Dymock, Gloucestershire, was driving a company van when he was killed by the end of a security barrier on 28 September 2020. The van was being driven out of the firm’s site at Bounds Farm, March Marcle, Ledbury, when the end of a security barrier speared through the vehicle’s windshield and fatally crushed Tommy. The full press release can be read here: Renowned cider manufacturer fined following grandad’s death | HSE Media Centre

Other Matters Manufacturing company fined half-a-million pounds after forklift truck death •

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that The Barcode Warehouse Ltd failed to enforce the use of seatbelts by forklift truck operators. They should have properly risk assessed the use of forklift trucks on their premises and enforced the use of seatbelts. Instead, it was left to individuals to choose whether to wear a seatbelt or not.

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At Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 8 November the Barcode Warehouse Ltd of Telford Drive, Newark pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. They were fined £500,000 and costs of £7,039.55.

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HSE has guidance available on managing forklift trucks.

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