Health & Safety Executive Safety Drive
Dec 8, 2010
It was interesting to see the dual role of Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors demonstrated in a recent intensive two-week inspection initiative. The HSE has a guidance and advisory role for businesses but will also prosecute companies who fail to meet their legislative duties.
Nearly 450 businesses were visited across West Yorkshire, all of whom had been pre-warned of the local HSE Inspectors’ intentions to carry out premises inspections. The visits resulted in over 70 businesses being issued with Improvement Notices or Prohibition Notices to make health & safety improvements.
One firm in Kirklees is under further investigation and could be prosecuted as a result of the serious dangers uncovered by Inspectors.
Typical uncontrolled hazards found by the HSE Inspectors included:-
- Flammable liquids not being stored properly
- Missing or inadequate guards around machines
- Exposure to fumes from welding
HSE Principal Inspector David Green said:
"We always prefer to offer guidance and advice to businesses to help them operate within the law but we will take enforcement action when we find the health and safety of employees are being put at risk."
These inspections concentrated on premises in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield but this type of focussed initiative is not uncommon across the country.
Wilby Risk Management provide auditing and advice services to check standards of legal compliance within a business so improvements can be implemented before an HSE Inspector calls - click here for further information.
