Findings from a study commissioned by the HSE to review the impact its work has on health and safety in the workplace show it has a positive influence. Nevertheless, little is known about the impact of HSE interventions on health and safety outcomes.
The evidence also reveals that personal contact with employers appears to be far more successful at changing behaviour than other methods. Yet, this and workplace inspections are dependent on resources. The relative cost-effectiveness of such techniques is not clear and was not taken into account during the review.
Offshore injuries
HSE offshore health and safety statistics for the year 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 reported 229 offshore injuries compared with 248 the previous year. The number of both major (50) and over-three-day injuries (176) also decreased (from 53 and 193 respectively), but fatalities rose from two to three. The offshore workforce has increased by 4,330 since 1999/2000 — to 23,330.
The number of dangerous occurrences, where no one was injured, was 713, compared with 647 for the previous year. An increase of seven cases of ill health brought the total for 2000/2001 to 22.
For details, contact: 08701 545 500
Kids in the kitchen
The Catering Information Sheet produced by the HSE outlines the health and safety law relating to children and young people working in the catering industry, many of whom are employed on a casual or temporary basis or on work experience. It provides guidance on how to apply such legislation.
Employers are legally required to assess and reduce risks (so far as is reasonably practicable) for all employees and inform them what the risks are and the measures in place to control them. The information sheet also refers to Department of Trade and Industry guidance. HSE Books Free CAIS 21(180730)
Major chemical spill
The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health has published a report regarding a chemical spill.
Thirty thousand litres of hydrochloric acid stored in a tank that ruptured at a chemical storage depot near Cumbernauld resulted in the release of acidic vapour in the surrounding area. Immediate areas were closed along with the local railway station.
Risk of damage to, and leakage from, other tanks containing other acid, alkali and hypochlorite solutions was a major concern. SCIEH Weekly Report Vol 35 No 41 October 2001(180704)
Source
The Facilities Business
Postscript
David Denton runs the Safety, Health and Environment briefing published by Barbour Index.
www.barbour-index.co.uk
