Health and Safety Authority targeting improvements in high risk sectors

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Burton this week launched the Healthc and Seafety Authority Programme of Work for 2012 which will continue to target sectors that have a high rate of accidents and injuries.

Six out of 10 Nurses Verbally Abused

Six out of 10 nurses who visit patients in homes verbally abused in past two years Royal College of Nursing survey finds 11% of respondants had also been physically attacked. Six out of 10 nurses who visit patients in their own homes have been verbally abused during their work in the past two years and 11% have been assulted, a survey reveals.

35 Seriously Injured in Workplace

THIRTY-FIVE people suffered major injuries following accidents at work in Burnley last year. The figures for 2010/11, which have been released by the Health and Safety Executive, also show 152 people needed a minimum of three days off work to recover from incidents in the workplace.

Police Search for Suspect in Armed Robbery at Halton Gas Station

Halton police searching for a suspect after a gas station attendant had to be taken to hospital following an armed robbery Monday night. Police told 680News that at about 8:30 p.m., a male suspect wearing a disguise demanded cash from the lone worker at a gas station on Hornby Road, near Steeles Avenue and Trafalgar Road, in Halton Hills.

Foodie Farm fined over worker's potato harvester death

A farm operator has been fined £112,500 after a worker was crushed to death in a potato harvesting machine in Fife. Keith Wannan died en-route to hospital after he was pulled from the machine, where he had been stuck for up to 30 minutes, at Foodie Farm near Cupar. The 34-year-old, from Cupar, had been carrying out an annual maintenance check on 6 September 2009.

Fundraising Walk for St Vincent's Hospice

A team from the Paisley Branch of Bank Of Scotland will be walking their way around the Island of Milport on Friday 23rd September to raise funds for St Vincent's Hospice in Renfrewshire.

Businesses at Risk of Losing Police Response and Prosecution under the Data Protection Act

Following the recent review and reissue of British Standard 8484:2011 for Lone Worker device and services, Argyll, the UK’s largest Lone Worker monitoring provider has warned that both public and private sector procurement processes lack the detailed understanding required to make an informed choice when sourcing a Lone Worker monitoring solution. Fundamentally businesses are generally unaware of the potential integrity of supplier sub-contract relationships and the associated processes for handling personal staff data. Organisations can be exposed to a threat of losing police response and the threat of a potential prosecution under the Data Protection Act and the Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

Second Corporate Manslaughter Prosecution Underway

Following the successful conviction of Cotswold Geotechnical (Holdings) earlier this year (see my previous blog - Company Guilty Of Corporate Manslaughter) in the first case under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, the Crown Prosecution Service have instructed Greater Manchester Police to charge Lion Steel Ltd in the second prosecution of its kind. The company will be charged with corporate manslaughter and three directors of the company are charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Both the company and the directors are also charged with offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

£640,000 Penalty for Confined Space Fatalities

Two companies have been fined a total of £640,000 following the death of two workers who died while mounting a rescue operation on a barge moored at a salmon farm in Scotland. Oban Sherriff Court heard that Logan Inglis Ltd had been contracted by Scottish Sea Farms Ltd to repair a hydraulic crane on a barge at Loch Creran, Argyll and Bute. On 11 May 2009, Logan Inglis engineer Arthur Raikes began examining the crane with Scottish Sea Farms worker Campbell Files.

Argyll Lone Worker Launches Proactive Risk Management Service

At the ‘Emergency Scotland 2011’ exhibition held at the SECC today, the UK’s largest Lone Worker service provider, Argyll, announced the release of ‘PRiSM’ a Proactive Risk and Safety Management service. PRiSM is a free of charge service to Argyll’s clients and stakeholders. It enables organisations with Lone Workers to identify and log the location of specific risks, such as violence & aggression, affecting their personnel and then ensure their safety by providing early intervention using powerful search tools or by issuing proactive alerts to Lone Workers upon approach to the risk location.

Andy Gray Hits New High for Marie Curie

This time Andy is heading to The Alps to ride the Classic Cols. 6 Mountains in 3 days all of which are regular climbs on the Tour de France. This years tour is travelling up the biggest climb on the 21st July... Andy will be there 3 weeks earlier. The trip is nearly 2000 miles with an elevation gain (going up hills) of 133,000 feet and burning 135,000 calories. Here's hoping the legs hold out Andy!

Two firms given big fines for power-station fatality

Energy firm RWE npower and construction giant AMEC Group Ltd must pay £510,000 in fines and costs after a maintenance worker fell to his death at a power station in South Wales. Agency worker Christopher Booker was working at RWE npower’s Aberthaw Power Station in the Vale of Glamorgan, when the incident took place on 10 June 2007. AMEC Group had been contracted to place gates inside the pit of a water-cooling system to prevent sea water from entering the cavity while workers carried out renovations on the pit. The work was part of a multi-million pound project at the facility to reduce hazardous emissions from the plant. Mr Booker was part of a team of nine workers, which had been called in to carry out grinding work to provide an effective seal of the pit.

Woman, 49, robbed at knifepoint

Police are searching for two men who robbed a woman at knifepoint on Friday night. At about 6pm, the 49-year-old was sitting in her car in Hospital Street, Coatbridge, when the men opened the driver's side door, threatened her with a knife and stole a three figure sum of cash.

Andy's 147 Mile Cycle in Aid Of Marie Curie

Andy Gray, UK Operations manager for Johnson Controls will be getting on his bike again in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. This time he'll tackle the Coast to Coast route from Whitehaven to Newcastle. The 147 mile route will take Andy from the industrial lands of West Cumbria, through the stunning scenery of the northern Lake District, passing through Keswick, Penrith and the Eden Valley before starting a climb up to Hartside and the Northern Pennines.

Why Scotland has a wealth of public sector opportunity on its doorstep

Investment, attractive wages and new technology are helping ensure the country's services are at the forefront of innovation

BLM: Corporate manslaughter fine a “warning shot”

Law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer has claimed that the fine levied in the UK’s first conviction under new corporate manslaughter regulation is a “warning shot” for businesses. Earlier today, Cotswold Geotechnical was fined £385 000 after being convicted of corporate manslaughter at a trial earlier this week.

First corporate manslaughter conviction: industry reaction

First corporate manslaughter conviction: industry reaction Cotswold Geotechnical was on Thursday fined £385,000 over the death of geologist Alexander Wright in the first prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

Cotswold Geotechnical fined £385,000 in first corporate manslaughter conviction

Cotswold Geotechnical has been fined £385,000 after being found guilty in the first ever corporate manslaughter prosecution. Geologist Alexander Wright from Cheltenham died in September 2008 when a 12.6ft (3.8 metres) deep unsupported trial pit that he was working in alone caved in at a development site in Brimscombe Lane, near Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Argyll Attends Mobile World Congress

Leading the Transformation The mobile ecosystem is in the midst of an unprecedented wave of transformation. As business models adapt, new verticals and players emerge. Technology evolves, perceptions shift, and lives are improved.

Argyll support Romex Lone Worker Solution

UK leaders in Lone Worker Monitoring Services forms service partnership with leading driver behaviour software specialist. In an exclusive agreement with Romex, the Mobile Application Service Provider (MASP) and effective throughout the UK, Argyll have agreed to provide back-bone risk management and Alarm Receiving Centre services for the Romex Lone Worker application. Argyll recently invested £1.5m in a purpose built Alarm Receiving Centre housed within a high security facility and staffed around the clock by a team of highly trained personnel vetted in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and BS7858. Argyll’s service will enable the Romex application to comply with both BS8484 and BS5979 Cat II. Romex will provide Argyll with a white label version of their driver behaviour management software.

Argyll technology used to help domestic abuse victims

Scotland's largest police force is the first in Scotland to use Argyll technology for repeat victims of domestic abuse in a bid to protect them. The deployment by Strathclyde Police builds on the success of comprehensive trials of the Argyll system carried out by Devon & Cornwall Constabulary during January to September 2010. Devon & Cornwall Constabulary have now deployed the technology live within domestic violence and victim support services.

No more lurking in the shadows

“I was scared to leave my own house because I didn’t know if I was being watched or who it was. “I used to take part in curling and dancing, but I gave it up because I was scared in case my stalker was someone I had met there. “I became a recluse. I lost so much weight, my health deteriorated and my hair became thinner. I was isolated and in constant fear – and that takes its toll.”

Factory worker cooked to death inside industrial oven at canoe factory

A factory worker was burnt to death when be became trapped in an industrial oven at a canoe factory. The body of Alan Catterall, 51, was discovered yesterday morning when workers arrived at Pyranha Mouldings in Runcorn, Cheshire, shortly before 9am. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed about the man's death and is investigation how he got trapped in the machine and the oven switched on.

Andy Raises Over £1800 for Marie Curie

After his gruelling cycle earlier this year from Paris to Geneva, Andy Gray, UK & Ireland Service Operations Manager for Johnson Controls, is pleased to announce that he has raised around £1830 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

GPS devices used to help Strathclyde abuse victims

Scotland's largest police force is issuing GPS tracking devices to repeat victims of domestic abuse in a bid to protect them over the festive period. Strathclyde Police said people at risk would be able to activate the devices by touching a button.

Stress Most Common Health and Safety Problem in UK Workplaces

Stress is by far the most common health and safety problem in the workplace, according to the TUC's biennial survey of safety representatives, published today. In the survey of more 1,800 safety reps, nearly two-thirds (62%) said that stress is one of the top five problems faced by the workforces they represent, while more than a quarter (27%) picked out stress as the hazard at work that most concerns them.

Firms Warned After 23 Workplace Deaths

Businesses in Scotland have been warned to take safety seriously after figures showed 23 people were killed last year at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said there were three fewer fatal injuries in Scotland between April 2009 and March 2010 than the previous year, but remained concerned about the number of workplace accidents. There were 2548 serious workplace injuries in Scotland recorded last year, a fall of 120 from the previous year. An estimated 2.5 million working days were lost – an average annual loss of 1.2 days per worker.

Firefighters Death Blaze Probe Costs £4.5m

A criminal investigation into a Warwickshire warehouse fire in which four firefighters lost their lives has so far cost £4.5 million, police have said. The inquiry, launched following the blaze in Atherstone-on-Stour in November 2007, has seen a total of 12 people arrested on suspicion of offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Down Firm Fined £80,000 Over Workman’s Fall

A Co Down company has been fined £80,000 after one of its workers was seriously injured when he fell into an underground chamber in Bangor last year. John Graham (Dromore) Limited admitted two breaches of health and safety legislation at Downpatrick Crown Court. The case was brought by the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive (HSENI).

Over 28,000 assaults on public service workers

Employers not doing enough to protect staff, says unison as violence increases. The number of assaults on council staff, NHS workers, police officers and further-education staff rose to more than 28,000 in the past year, according to figures published yesterday.

Emergency service staff assaults up

Prosecutions for assaults against emergency service staff in the NHS have increased five-fold since 2005, according to new figures.

Fighting Financial Crime in the Current Economic Environment

28 October · 09:30 - 16:00 | Edinburgh Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ Argyll, UK Leaders in Lone Worker Safety will be attending the SFCG 7th Annual Conference at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on 28th October 2010. We will be available to discuss all of our Tiger Kidnap and Lone Worker Solutions on the day. Please feel free to visit our stand for further information and demonstrations of our ‘Seeker’ service and our accredited devices.

Devon and Cornwall Police Launch Tracking Mobile Phones for victims of domestic abuse

Devon and Cornwall Police are proud to announce the launch of tracking mobile phones for victims of domestic abuse. It is believed that the police force is the first in the country to use the devices for police purposes. The phones are designed for high-risk victims of domestic abuse but can be used by any person at risk. They work by tracking the phone almost in real time.

Loneworker Security Solutions Mobile Workforce

Housing Associations Rely on Argyll for Staff Safety

Argyll, the UK leaders in lone worker safety, is quickly becoming the service provider of choice amongst Britain’s Housing sector. Grampian Housing near Aberdeen, Loretto Care in Glasgow, Hafan Cymru in Carmarthen, and Ocean Housing in St Austell are amongst some of the latest additions to our growing Housing Association and Registered Social Landlord client portfolio.

Argyll GPS Safety Solution In European Charity Adventure

Andy Gray, UK & Ireland Service Operations Manager for Johnson Controls, recently completed a second long distance cycle across Europe for charity accompanied only by GPS safety technology supplied by Argyll. Andy was supported remotely throughout his cycle by Argyll, the UK’s leader in lone worker safety. Andy carried a tiny Smartcare GPS unit for personal safety throughout his trip and this was combined with Seeker, Argyll’s real-time track & trace secure Internet service, which allowed Argyll’s highly trained operators to ensure his safety and simultaneously permit Andy’s colleagues, supporters and sponsors to follow his progress in real time as he travelled across Europe.

Veolia litter picker fatally run down

National waste and recycling company Veolia ES (UK) Ltd has been fined £225,000 after a worker was killed in a vehicle collision while collecting litter from a busy road. The prosecution follows an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an incident on 2 March 2007 in East Peckham, Kent.

Cutting deaths in construction - free event

A practical event for builders, construction workers and contractors will take place in Shetland later this month in a bid to reduce accidents and ill-health in Scotland's construction industry. The Working Well Together campaign has organised a free safety and health awareness event at Clickimin leisure complex, Lochside, Lerwick on Tuesday 26 October, between 8.30am and 12.00pm. The event is being supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Construction Skills, Shetland Construction Training Group, Shetland Building and Allied Trades Association, and the Federation of Master Builders.

Rochdale firm in court after worker crushed

A Rochdale engineering company has been fined after a two-tonne piece of machinery fell onto a labourer, leaving him with multiple fractures. Carter International was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after the 21-year-old was crushed when the machine part toppled from a forklift truck onto his legs.

£400,000 New Look fine will shake up fire safety risk profile

A Court of Appeal decision to uphold a £400,000 fine imposed against retail giant New Look for breaches of fire safety obligations, has no doubt left other industry players feeling a little hot under the collar. The decision sparked initial surprise given that the fine, which was administered in respect of breaches not leading to fire or death, was in excess of the figure reserved as a start point for cases of corporate manslaughter.

Clothing warehouse ignored council’s warnings about site traffic

A forklift truck driver was killed when two vehicles collided at a clothing warehouse in Lancashire. Manchester Crown Court heard that the incident took place at Regatta Ltd’s warehouse in Mercury Way, Urmston on 3 February 2006. Padraig Ward was manoeuvring a high-level man-rise forklift truck in a narrow aisle to collect stock. The cab of the truck was at its maximum height, enabling him to reach high shelving, when another forklift truck reversed down the aisle and collided with the vehicle. Mr Ward’s truck overturned and the cab fell 30 metres to the ground. He died in hospital as a result of his injuries.

Coordination and communication absent in fatality

The death of a worker, who was overcome by poisonous gas fumes during the delivery of chemicals to a well-known food manufacturer, has culminated in fines totalling £350,000. Leicester Crown Court heard that Walkers Snack Foods Ltd had commissioned a new starch reclamation unit, which converts waste starch into food-grade material used in the manufacture of snack foods. Chemical distributor Omnichem Ltd had already made several deliveries to the new plant, which was based at Walkers’ site in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, before the incident occurred on 19 July 2006.

Offshore firms fined £243k for crush injury

Two companies have been fined a total of £243,750 following an accident that led to an offshore worker having a leg amputated. Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that oil and gas operator Talisman Energy (UK) had contracted Scaldis Salvage and Marine Contractors N.V to install two wind-turbine generators on the Beatrice AP Oil Platform, which is 20 kilometres offshore in Moray Firth.

Construction giant sentenced for death at Premier League club

Construction firm Kier North West has been fined £160,000 after a labourer fell to his death during the construction of Everton FC’s new training academy. Karl Davis, 42, was working for Kier North West, part of the Kier Group, when the incident took place on 27 February 2007. He was clearing up waste from the first floor of a building at the Finch Lane site in Halewood, Merseyside ahead of a visit by the Everton players.

Call for Health and Safety Tsar to be appointed

The Trades Union Congress have called on the Government to appoint a health and safety "tsar" after new research revealed that more than 20,000 people are killed prematurely by their work every year. The TUC has described the research as smashing the "myth" that Britain is one of the safest countries in the world in which to work. It is not just accidents that kill people at work, many are dying through conditions such as occupational cancers and lung disorders, exposure to fumes and chemicals, and traffic accidents.

Tories Promise to Torch Health and Safety Madness

DAVID Cameron is to set off a bonfire of health and safety regulations at the Tory Party conference next month. The Prime Minister is to sweep away scores of petty rules and laws blamed for creating a suffocating risk-averse culture throughout Britain’s public services.

Bonfire of elf 'n' safety: Cameron to tear up regulations

David Cameron is to unveil sweeping changes to ‘mad’ health and safety rules which are putting a massive burden on British business and public services. The Prime Minister will launch a bonfire of rules and will declare war on the mushrooming compensation culture at his party’s conference next month.

Liverpool cabbie stabbed in late-night knife attack

A Liverpool cabbie may never drive again after a passenger launched a horrific late-night knife attack. The 33-year-old was held at knife point through the city streets as the attacker stabbed him repeatedly.

Live Trial of GPS Satellite Location Equipment Pronounced Fit For Purpose by Argyll

Smart Care GPS device visits Hadrians Wall and is put through its paces with Argyll CEO, Tom Morton.

Johnson Controls employee to cycle from Paris to Geneva to raise funds for cancer care charity

Johnson Controls employee gets on his bike for cancer care charity.