Safety Smart Update August 2024

Welcome to Safety Smart’s update for August, it’s been a turbulent few weeks in the UK with rioting across the country creating a myriad of health and safety issues for businesses including heightened concern over lone worker safety, Keir Starmer’s government are settling in and we’re sharing what that really means for health and safety in 2024 and beyond and there’s good news as the Building Control registration data indicates a growing number of professionals joining the ranks and reflecting a commitment to high standards in the industry. 

Plus we’ve got the usual industry case studies and news. 

UK Riots Heighten Concern Over Lone Worker Safety 

Organisations call for a focus on keeping staff safe as UK riots raise personal safety concern

The British Retail Consortium has expressed concern for its members following recent rioting across the UK.

Find out more 

Does a new government spell a new dam for Health and Safety?

The recent election saw Labour acquire a landslide majority with 63% of seats in the House of Commons. The King’s Speech that followed made various statements to suggest what the renewed focus and priorities will be for the newly formed Government. The below shares legal insight and opinion on what we may expect in health and safety for 2024 and beyond.

Find out more 

Registration data reflects building controls professional commitment to high standards

Building Control registration data indicates a growing number of professionals joining the registered ranks, reflecting the industry’s commitment to upholding high standards.

Find out more 

Company fined after worker crushed to death by machine 

wo companies have been fined after a father-of-three was crushed to death by a machine.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the incident was entirely avoidable and Russell Hartley would still be alive had this work been planned, managed and monitored to a sufficient standard.

Read More 

Company fined £1m after worker suffers serious injury 

A logistics company has been fined £1 million after an employee fell over 10 metres and sustained serious injuries.

Christopher Hooper suffered fractures to his skull, back, pelvis, arm, wrist and ankle after falling 11 metres at DP World Southampton’s terminal on 20 September 2022.

Read More 

Wolverhampton company fined after worker hit by forklift truck 

A manufacturing company based in Wolverhampton has been fined £30,000 after a welder sustained serious injuries when he was struck by a forklift truck.

David Lucas was working for Fablink UK Limited at its weld shop site on Stafford Road when he was hit by the reversing forklift on 12 January 2023

Read More