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1 March 2005 - HSE's Inspection Blitz
Targets Yorkshire Garages
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Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors have arrived in the
Wakefield area of Yorkshire, where 271 motor vehicle premises have been
contacted and issued with a checklist and guidance, in order that they prepare
themselves for the inspections which will be unannounced over the coming few
months.
All garage workshops, road haulage companies, bodywork garages
and recovery premises have been given fair notice by HSE inspectors, that where
health and safety guidance has not been noted and put into practice, enforcement
notices will be served.
The West Yorkshire area has had large amounts of accidents
occurring in recent years. One death and 389 injuries have been
reported to the HSE over the past 5 year period.
Furthermore, the HSE say less than half of the premises
contacted have not registered with them and non-reporting is at an unacceptable
level.
An HSE Inspector involved in the blitz commented:
"We are targeting vehicle repair industry as there has been a
worrying increase in accidents over the last few years. We have issued a
checklist of steps to improve safety and we expect all premises to comply with
these.
"There are several issues of particular concern. The lifting
and carrying of heavy loads cause a quarter of all accidents. Falls from heights
are the main cause of death or serious injury, and fires and explosions, usually
caused by the mishandling of petrol, are the greatest cause of property damage.
"By taking a few easy steps to improving their health and
safety regime, repair shops can reduce the risk of staff injuries. Companies
that choose not to follow our safety guidance and endanger the lives of their
employees can be prosecuted as a result."
The HSE MVR website, providing information for the industry can
be accessed by clicking the following:
Motor Vehicle Repair Website
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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