Dean Howells Essential Safety, Health & Safety Blog

Health & Safety Risks of Electrically Powered Gates - Posted 28th January 2011

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently issued a Safety Notice, regarding the use of electrically powered gates in areas open to the public eg, work buildings, schools etc.

The potential dangers were highlighted in two recent, separate, incidents that both led to the deaths of young children.

The HSE have given advice for those that have such gates on their premises and for those that install or modify electrically powered gates. The following link will take you to this useful information. HSE/electrical gates.

Essential Safety

 

 

Government to review Health & Safety Laws - Posted 14th June 2010

In January we commented that if David Cameron became Prime Minister it was likely that he would look at Health & Safety laws.

Today it is reported that the Government is promising to check the "growth of compensation culture" by setting up a review of health and safety laws.

The BBC News reports that Prime Minister David Cameron said it was time for "a sensible new approach" which did not "overwhelm business with red tape".  Lord Young is to lead the review and is expected to report its findings over the summer.  Lord Young says "Health and safety regulation is essential in many industries but may well have been applied too generally and have become an unnecessary burden on firms, but also community organisations and public services.
 
Labour said the comments were a "caricature" based on "myth and exaggeration". They may be referring to David Cameron's comments about children having to wear goggles to play conkers, which is not law or regulation, but a school in Manchester did decide to impose the rule on themselves.

At Essential Safety we welcome any steps to sensible health and safety management and the reduction of unnecessary red tape, whilst still protecting people and saving lives.

Tips for the Safety of Young Persons in the Workplace

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be in place for all young persons before they commence work. A young person is anyone under eighteen years of age.

This risk assessment will take account of:

•    The fitting-out and layout of the workplace and the particular site where they will work;
•    The nature of any physical, biological and chemical agents they will be exposed to, for how long and to what extent;
•    What types of work equipment will be used and how this will be handled;
•    How the work and processes involved are organised;
•    The need to assess and provide health and safety training; and

•    Any risks from particular agents, processes and work.

For further advice or information contact Essential Safety.