| IGNORANCE IS NO DEFENCE IN LAW
Final Grenfell Tower Inquiry reportHere is a link to the final phase 2 report. https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/phase-2-report
Join us for our next presentation of 2024! (not a member yet, pop along to your first session for free)
GRABO Improving Manual Handling Safety – presentation by Patrick Myatt of GRABGO. GRABO are delivering an interactive presentation to highlight that whilst mechanical aids should be used for lifting and manoeuvring materials where possible, the fact is that many situations still rely on manual handling, particularly at point of installation. Discussions as to how the Grabo Vacuum Lifter supports a better lifting position, and keeps fingers away from material edges, minimising pinches and cuts, whilst reducing the risk of drops and breakages. Should you have any questions, please let a member of the HOHSG team know, we look forward to hearing from you, or for further detail, please visit our website – www.hohsg.org.uk When: Wednesday 11th September 2024, 1.30pm* start – 15.30pm (approx.) *Session will start at this time, please arrive a little in advance. Location: Latus Group Ltd, Hull Rugby Union Football Club, Ferens Ground, Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, HU5 4EF. (Please note parking is in the main carpark as you enter. Entrance to the event is via the left-hand side of the building, into the function room area) Marking 50 years of the Health and Safety at Work Act1974, the year of the Three-Day Week, two General Elections, England and Wales failing to qualify for the World Cup (Scotland went out in the group stage), and the year arguably the most important piece of workplace safety legislation – the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act – came into force.The following is an Article from RoSPA This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 gaining Royal Assent. Becky Spencer evaluates its impact.1974, the year of the Three-Day week, two General Elections, England and Wales failing to qualify for the World Cup (Scotland went out in the group stage), and the year arguably the most important piece of workplace safety legislation – the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act – came into force. Described in Parliament at the time by then MP for Leicester West, Greville Janner, as “a potentially well-muscled weapon which can destroy at least some of the unnecessary suffering caused in industry”, the Act received Royal Assent on July 31, 1974 – just eight weeks after the Flixborough disaster, when an explosion at the Nypro (UK) chemical plant in North Lincolnshire killed 28 workers and seriously injured 36. What changed?Based on recommendations made in the 1972 Robens Report, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA) marked a move away from traditional detailed and prescriptive industry regulations which had been overseen by Her Majesty’s Factory Inspectorate until the 1970s, to a goal-based non-prescriptive regulatory framework, whereby regulations express goals and principles, and are supported by codes of practice and guidance. The Act extended protection to all persons who work – employees and the self-employed – as well as to workplaces that had not previously been protected by safety legislation such as hospitals, schools and local government. It also, for the first time, covered members of the public where they may be affected by the activities of people at work. The newly-established Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was given responsibility for enforcing the Act alongside local authorities, and new enforcement powers enabled workplace inspectors to issue improvement and prohibition notices so employers had the chance to correct health and safety issues before facing legal action. Following its first year as regulator, HSE said: “the power to issue notices has enabled it to deal effectively with many situations where previously no satisfactory procedure existed for protecting works people and others”. By April 1975 all parts of the Act were in force. But it wasn’t all plain sailing. Two of the main concerns at the time, which both are as relevant today as they were then, were the lack of resources available to HSE to enforce the Act, particularly in relation to the number of inspectors available to visit workplaces, and a lack of awareness of the Act – and the protections and responsibilities under it – by employers, employees and the general public. Greville Janner MP raised both issues with the Government of the day, expressing concern that the lack of inspectors meant the average workplace may be visited only once in four years. “Once in every four years is not enough to visit even the best-regulated workplaces so as to keep management on its toes,” he told Parliament. It makes you wonder what he would think of the limited number of workplace inspections that HSE’s resources allow today. Some estimates suggest, on average, a workplace is visited by an HSE inspector every 14 years! Then and nowBut, of course, work and workplaces are very different today than in 1974; they are certainly safer thanks to the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the secondary legislation that flowed from it. HSE research suggests that the number of employees fatally injured at work has fallen by around 85 per cent since HSWA came into force. In 1974 there were approximately 651 fatal injuries to employees, which compares to 138 workers (employees and self-employed) killed in work-related accidents in 2023/24. As for non-fatal injuries, in 1974 HSE estimates there were around 336,700 reported. This compares to 60,645 non-fatal injuries reported under RIDDOR in 2022/23. Both of these non-fatal injury figures are just the tip of the iceberg because in 1974 and 2024 non-fatal were/are significantly under-reported. Some things never change! One thing that has changed enormously is industry and the type of work people do. There has been a massive shift away from manufacturing and other heavy industry to lower risk service industries. The year HSWA came into force, 73 per cent of 16–64-year-olds were in employment. The manufacturing sector accounted for around a quarter of the UK’s economic output, employing around 7.3 million workers. In 1974, 257 manufacturing sector employees were fatally injured at work. Comparing this to 2024, the manufacturing sector is much smaller, accounting for around 9 per cent of total UK economic output and employing around 2.7 million people. In 2023/24, 16 manufacturing workers were killed in accidents at work. Then as now, workers in the construction industry had one of the highest risks of being killed or injured at work. In 1974, 166 construction workers were killed at work. In 2023/24, 51 of the 138 workers fatally injured at work were construction workers. In 1977, HSE’s first Director General John Locke said: “In construction… the same basic causes have produced a high proportion of accidents in the past 60 to 70 years: most of these accidents happen to people engaged in routine site activities which simply have not received sufficient forethought and care.” Sound familiar? One terrible legacy of the UK’s industrial heritage is the number of people who worked in the construction industry in the 1970s who have since been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and cancers. There are around 12,000 deaths each year from occupational lung disease and cancer estimated to have been caused by past exposure to chemicals and dust at work. More than half of these deaths were caused by past exposure to asbestos. Although asbestos was listed as a major area of policy work for the newly-formed Health and Safety Commission (HSC) in its first annual report after HSWA came into force, asbestos was not fully banned in the UK until 1999 and its presence in many buildings is still a danger to tradespeople and others today. Other major areas of policy work listed in HSC’s first annual report (covering 1974-76) included dust at work, fire precautions and the safeguarding of machinery. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 laid the foundations for a new way of looking at safety and health through the lens of ‘risk’, requiring risk creators (employers), risk takers (workers) and risk regulators (principally the HSE) to get together to assess risks and come up with workable solutions to control them. “This Act will not put an end to death and injury at work,” Greville Janner MP told Parliament in 1974. “What it will do is to cut accidents and to enable the most stringent penalties to be imposed upon those who do not comply with their duties.” It can certainly be argued that it has done just that.
Wednesday 10 July 2024 Group Meeting Details of the topic for the next Group Meeting, Members and non-members welcome The Occupational Health Paradox – Maximising Productivity Whilst Ensuring Compliance Hosted by Jack Latus, CEO of Latus Group Join us for an enlightening discussion delivered by Jack Latus, the visionary Co-founder and CEO of Latus Group. With his extensive experience in occupational health and a passion for fostering safe and productive work environments, Jack will delve into the intricate balance between maximising productivity and maintaining strict compliance with UK health and safety regulations, to ensure that your business is positioned to deliver sustainable performance in a challenging labour market. Key Highlights: Gain insights into the seemingly conflicting demands of productivity and compliance and learn how they can be harmonised for the benefit of both employees and employers. Discover cutting-edge approaches and best practices that leading organisations are implementing to navigate the complexities of workplace health across a diverse workforce. Hear compelling case studies and success stories from various industries, illustrating how proactive occupational health management can drive business success. Explore the emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of occupational health and understand how to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Walk away with practical tools and strategies that can be immediately applied to enhance the health, safety, and productivity of your workforce. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s foremost experts. Whether you’re a health and safety professional, a business leader, or an HR manager, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to transform your organisation’s approach to occupational health. Wednesday 10 July 2024 Registration & Refreshments 13:00 Start 13:30 Latus Health, Hull Rugby Union, Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, Hull HU5 4EF. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of workplace health and safety. About the speaker – Jack Latus Jack Latus is the Co-founder and CEO of Latus Group, a renowned leader in occupational health services. With a deep commitment to improving workplace wellbeing, Jack has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that promote safety, productivity, and compliance. Under his leadership, Latus Group has become synonymous with excellence in corporate healthcare, now acting as a key advisor to UK Government (DHSC) on the subject of Innovation to improve access to occupational health.
Wednesday 5 May 2024 AGM and Group Meeting The 90th Annual General Meeting took place at Latus Health, Chanterlands Avenue Hull. Over the last year 1 member was forced to resign when the Organisation she worked for ceased trading in Hull and closed their premises. Two other committee members did not offer themselves for re-election due to personal reasons. Bill Leigh thanked them all for the service and commitment to the Group. The remained of the existing members all offered themselves for re-election. The were duly elected on en-bloc. Those elected were – Terry Chiswell, Ray Fraser, Lauren Bonaus, Jon Coneybeare, Gary Harris, Ian Hayward, Jack Latus, Bill Leigh, Becky Patrick, Jennifer Sewell and Colin Smith. The chairman highlighted the lack of members and attendees for the Group and meetings. A number of suggestions were put forward and the Executive Committee agreed to investigate these.
The AGM was followed by the Bi-monthly meeting where the topic was ‘The Menopause’ which was given by Angela Smith from Hull City Council, her presentation can be found in the members section. The session gave members an insight of what Organisations should be doing to assist their employees who are suffering from the Menopause.
GROUP SEMINAR Wednesday 10 April 2024 Venue – Latus Health, Ferens Ground, Chanterlands Avenue, HULL, HU5 4EF, It’s tough at the top Come and join the team from Sewell Law for an interactive seminar about the roles and legal responsibilities of directors and senior managers responsible for health and safety. The seminar will be informative for all organisations from SMEs to national companies. We will cover the key legal responsibilities and explore how those in leadership positions can find themselves in hot water if an incident occurs. By reference to a real case, we will examine what happens when a director or senior manager is prosecuted and look at some recent penalties received by those in leadership. Not to be missed.
GROUP MEETING Wednesday 13 March 2024. Our next meeting on the 13 March 2024 commencing 13.30 and will be held at the Latus Health, Ferens Ground, Chanterlands Avenue, HULL, HU5 4EF, and topic will be UV Awareness. With the expected hot summer looming SC Johnson are starting their UV Campaign again. This presentation is designed to be delivered outdoor workers and companies that employ outdoor workers. However, it is an important topic and can be used to raise awareness to anyone.
HSE ASBESTOS CAMPAIGN The HSE have started their ASBESTOS Campaign by issuing the following leaflets, The duty to manage asbestos is a legal requirement. 011524 Asbestos Your Duty – HSE Asbestos Resources 011524 Asbestos Your Duty Campaign Toolkit Final LR
AWARDS CRITERIA 15/12/23 New Criteria for all awards will be posted and sent to members soon CHANGE IN MEETING DAYS Following the Group’s Meeting on the 1 November 2023 it was decided to move all our future meetings to the 2nd Wednesday of the month. This decision came about due to a number of members asking for the change because they hold monthly meeting, monthly reports are due etc. As we always hold the January meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month due to it being after the new year break, the first meeting that will change will be the March Group Meeting when the presentation will be UV Protection Campaign, in anticipation of a hot summer. It was also decided that we will not set the full year of topics but just the next 2 or 3 meetings. This will allow us to be more flexible and put topics in as they arise. Jan 10 Mental Health Paul Longley of Think Mental Health [Please note the correction in the date and the speaker’s organisation] This presentation will be aimed at both male and female employees March 13 UV awareness presenter SC Johnson Professional April 10 (Seminar) It’s tough at the top – Director & Manager responsibilities – presenter Sewell Law May 8 (AGM) Menopause – Our options – presenter Angela Smith Hull CC Annual Awards The Annual Awards are back. We have revamped the Awards and you will be able to enter them on-line. Full detail will be sent to all Members. The awards will be open to Members and Non-Members
Are you ready for Halloween? Many people will be putting on costumes and carving pumpkins for the spookiest night of the year next week, so here are a few of our top tips to make sure that the Ghost Busters are the only people you’ll need to call this Halloween. ???? Check costumes before you purchase them – many costumes are made out of flammable materials. Wear bright colours – a person in dark clothing crossing the road can be hard for motorists to spot. Remain vigilant whilst driving – there may be many small groups of people crossing the roads. For more information follow the link below: https://humbersidefire.gov.uk/newsroom/news
GROUP MEETING – 1 November 2023 This Meeting, again, will take place at the Latus Health, Hull RUFC, LTS Leisure Ferens Ground, Chanterlands Avenue Hull, HU5 4EF. Please note it is next to the Crematorium and NOT the YPI Ground. Please Park in the first Car Park and enter the building from the Pitch Side. TOPIC – Workplace Drug and Alcohol Awareness Duncan Carmichael, Sales Manager, Agriyork400 Ltd. Agriyork400 Ltd are a Yorkshire based supplier of many of the components of drug and alcohol testing. Duncan is a member of the European Workplace Drug Testing Organisation Technical Committee. In 2015 this committee reviewed and improved many aspects of the guidelines for oral fluid, urine and hair testing. Last year these guidelines were ratified and now cover urine, oral fluids, hair and breath testing. This presentation will review the current status of workplace drug testing, in the field, in the office and on the roads. There will be an overview of legislation and a summary of best practices in this field, and how and why the impact of drug use in the workplace is to be considered, and after the talk there will be a practical drug testing session. Seminar 11 October 2023 commencing at 13.30
This Seminar will take place at the Latus Health, Hull RUFC, LTS Leisure Ferens Ground, Chanterlands Avenue Hull, HU5 4EF. Please note it is next to the Crematorium and NOT the YPI Ground. Please park in the first Car Park and enter the building from the Pitch Side. Members and Non Members welcome Speaker – Jon Coneybeare MA, BSc (Hons), CFIOSH Safety Culture Masterclass Jon is a highly respected and chartered fellow of IOSH with over 40 years experience in the defence industry with the last 30 being in senior safety leadership roles. Following assignments in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, Jon now spends his time helping organisations develop a generative safety culture where safety is integral to the way things are done by capturing the ‘hearts & minds’ of all employees. In this presentation, Jon will share the learning from his career journey with fellow professionals and organisations that are looking to enhance their current safety culture journey, including a mini safety perception workshop. As Jon is on the HOHSG Executive Committee, this is a one off, one hour FREE safety culture masterclass not to be missed. “What’s important to you will become important to your team” RoSPA Survey
RoSPA are asking people to complete a short survey on Carbon Monoxide Please open this document then follow the link at the bottom.
GROUP MEETING 6 September 2023
“HEALTH RISKS AT WORK,” presented by Latus Health. In today’s fast-paced world, employee health and well-being have become paramount for businesses to thrive. This meeting aims to address the critical issue of health risks in the workplace, offering valuable insights and strategies to promote a safer and healthier work environment. Speak with industry leaders, experts, and health specialists in dynamic panel discussions. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting workplace health. Case Studies and Success Stories: Discover real-world examples of organizations that have successfully implemented health and safety programs to reduce health risks and enhance productivity. Join us for an engaging and interactive meeting, where you’ll have the opportunity to network with industry peers, ask questions to the experts, and gain practical knowledge that can be applied in your workplace. Note: Should your payment for the group not already been made, you may be turned away from the seminar so please check before attending. If in doubt contact one of the committee who will do our best to help you. Any questions just let a member of the HOHSG team know, we look forward to speaking with you soon! |
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Wednesday Sep 6, 2023 ⋅ 1:30pm – 3pm (United Kingdom Time) |
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Arco National Distribution Centre, Henry Boot Way, Hull HU4 7DY, UK |
GROUP MEETING 5 JULY 2023 to be held at ARCO’s NDC, Henry Boot Way, Priory Road. Hull, HU4 7DY commencing at 13.30.
The presentation is around – ‘Hazardous waste, the legislation and how
it is managed to reduce its environmental impact’.
The presenter will be Steve Ward who is a director at Tanglewood
Environmental Limited, his company support and advise Ashcourt waste
management senior team on anything regarding their environment impact.
What is hazardous waste.
How it is classified.
How it is managed.
Legal implications
The speaker is
Steve Ward
Tanglewood Environmental Limited.
MENTAL HEATH TRAINING EVENT 8 June 2023
We have been informed about a free training session at Hull College
on 8th June 13:00-16:00.
I know its short notice but it could be useful to members with mental health and wellbeing at work now getting the exposure it needs.
It’s part of Humber Business week.
April Seminar new date 14 JUNE 2023
The seminar that was delayed in April due to road works at The Sewell Group has been relocated to ARCO’s NDC, Henry Boot Way, Priory Road. Hull, HU4 7DY commencing at 13.30.
The seminar will be split into 2 sections:-
1st will cover Manual Handling – back pain & musculoskeletal disorders
2nd half will cover The REUL Bill
The Seminar will be held on Wednesday 19 April 2023 commencing at 13.30.
Members & Non-Members are welcome to attend this Seminar.
Please e-mail Colin (csmith72@csmith72.karoo.co.uk) or call 07968 093842 to book your place/s
2023 AGM
The Group’s AGM took place at The Sewell Group Geneva Way Leads Road Hull on 3 May 2023.
During the Meeting the Executive Committee was re-elected with the Officials being agreed by the Committee as per the Group’s Constitution.
President – Karl Mearns, ARCO
Chairman – Bill Leigh, Sewell Group
Vice-Chair- Jeff Swales, Rrada
Secretary – Colin Smith, Retired
Treasurer- Bill Leigh, Sewell Group
Committee- Ian Hayward, Hull City Council; Ray Fraser, GB-BIO; Jon Coneybeare; Becky Patrick, Sewell Group; Sharon Phillippi, Fenner Dunlop ECS UK; Jennifer Sewell, Sewell Law; Terry Chiswell, Greenlight Training; Lauren Bonaus, The Power Plus Group.
Finally Gary Harris, Abbey Construction Consultants Limited was elected on to the Committee
The meeting was informed that due to not charging membership fees for the past 2 years the Group had made the small loss of £500.00 over the last year.
BARRY CLINCH
At the April Committee meeting we received the sad news that Barry Clinch would be resigning from the committee with immediate effect to enjoy his retirement.
Our Chairman said of Barry
‘After 17 years’ service on the Committee of the HOHSG, Barry has decided to ‘retire’ from the Committee. Over the years Barry has become a most valuable member of the Group. His HSE Newsletters and his updates on latest changes to legislation and HSE Prosecutions have been a highlight of our bi monthly meetings. His ability to communicate very serious issues / accidents in a factual but tastefully humorous manner has been a gift.
Barry will remain a member of the group and we will hopefully see him occasionally at meetings.
Barry will be missed but we wish him a long & happy retirement’.
The Gas Safety (Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 have now come into force
The new laws related to the transmission and distribution of gas in Great Britain came into force on 6 April 2023.
Full Leaflet in members section HSE Publications 04-12-23
APRIL SEMINAR
Unfortunately we have been informed by Sewell’s that Geneva Way is having it’s road surface relayed the week of our Seminar and there is very little Parking and no access to the Car Park.
Therefore we have decided to postpone the Seminar until June. We will publish the exact date, time and location of the event when it is finalised.
We do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause members and their guests
RUEL BILL
We have just received a further RoSPA document on the RUEL Bill
03-17-2023 – RoSPA REUL Briefing Document
