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26 January 2005 - Results of HSE Blitz in
Hertsmere
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As we at HSfB reported on 13 January 2005, Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) Inspectors working in partnership with Environmental Health Officers from
Hertsmere Borough Council, visited randomly chosen workplaces within the area
offering guidance and advice for manufacturing and construction industries.
More than 50 work premises in Hertsmere were visited and found to have had a mix
of good and bad health and safety standards.
The main focus of these surprise visits was on the manufacturing
industry at Radlett, Bushey, Borehamwood and Potters Bar, with construction
sites and farms also receiving visits mainly aimed at working at height.
Inspectors found that the control of risks within some companies
was not adequate, resulting in enforcement notices being issued.
Competent health and safety advice was required. Working at height
safety controls were required and safety related equipment required statutory
examinations. 2 Prohibition Notices were issued.
The HSE Principal Inspector for Hertfordshire commented:
"We were encouraged to see that many firms take the issue of
health and safety in the workplace very seriously and had good standards.
However, during one visit we were disappointed to find inadequate controls of
risks when working at height - an activity so dangerous that a prohibition
notice was issued to stop this immediately. Another Prohibition Notice was
issued for inadequate facilities on a construction site and 5 Improvement
Notices, requiring improvements to poor health and safety standards, were also
issued.
"Incidents in the area during the year have included several
resulting from vehicle movement, lifting and from slipping or tripping. As well
as causing considerable pain and suffering to the injured persons, these
incidents led to the loss of many working days at a considerable cost to the
employers. Such incidents can be prevented by more attention to risks in the
workplace"
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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