Safety Smart Monthly Update September

If you missed out on our last newsletter – never fear! we’ve pulled together all the information in this blog post and there’s plenty to catch up on!

Latest HSE campaign focuses on preventing ill health from moving and handling materials  

Around 42, 000 construction workers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which can cause years of agonising aches and pains. Moving and handling heavy or bulky objects on construction sites is needlessly harming the health of tens of thousands of workers every year. The latest HSE campaign is focused on moving and handling materials and inspections will be happening on site throughout September and October. 

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Unsafe building materials cause school closures in England 

Schools in England with a type of concrete prone to collapse will have to close immediately, it was reported this month. Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), was used widely in schools between 1950 and the mid-1990s, but has since been found prone to collapse. 

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Inquest opens into Everton stadium construction death

An inquest into the death of a worker who died on the construction site of the new Everton football stadium has opened in Liverpool.

Michael Jones was working as a ventilation engineer at the Bramley Moore Dock site on August 14 when the incident happened.

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SMART LISTEN 

This month we’re tuning into The Accidental Safety Pro Podcast. Hosted by Jill James, HSI’s Chief Safety Officer, this podcast is series of conversations with safety profs on how they came into their role, what they’ve learned along the way and the highs and lows that come with the job.

Listen Here 

Case Studies

Manchester company director fined after obstructing  HSE inspection

A Manchester-based construction company and its director have been fined after a catalogue of health and safety failings following an inspection.

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Construction firm fined for asbestos exposure 

A Warrington-based construction company has been fined £90,000 after exposing people to asbestos during a renovation project in the Hanley area of Stoke-on-Trent. Despite failing to attend Staffordshire Magistrates’ Court on 24 August 2023, Esskay Construction was found guilty in its absence.

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