New and changing legislation
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 Possible reform of safety laws on the cards
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Lack of risk assessment gives no right to sue for damages Retailer fined for breaching asbestos laws Kensington and Chelsea Council, who took the prosecution, explained that asbestos fibres were found in the basement store at the shop in Kensington High Street as long ago as May 2005. The company had failed to implement the findings of an asbestos survey, most likely for financial reasons according to the Judge. Stock contaminated with asbestos fibres had subsequently been taken from the room and moved to the shop. Hotel chain fined for slip hazards University compensates injured security guard Micro-sleep causing crash was employer’s fault This was the finding by the Court of Appeal after Mr Eyres, a kitchen fitter for Atkinsons Kitchens and Bedrooms Limited, crashed his van after apparently falling briefly asleep after 19 hours of staying awake. The original judgment had been in favour of the employer, but Eyres’ appeal had succeeded because on the balance of probability the claimant was able to show he must have fallen asleep and his employer should have realised there was a risk of that. The employer was held to be 67% to blame, but Eyres was partly responsible as he should have realised he was taking a chance by driving when tired. First casualty of smoking ban
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As regards the standards, various changes have been made to the previous version, including new regulations for fixed lighting installations, outdoor lighting, lighting for display stands, protection against thermal effects and protection against voltage fluctuations. There are major revisions to chapter 41, protection against electric shock. Clients should bear in mind that British Standards are not the law, and the word “regulation” in the context of this standard is intended to mean the regulation of electrical contractors’ activities. However, compliance with a standard is normally accepted as a demonstration of meeting one’s legal obligations. The new document is available in printed version only, at a cost of £65, from BSI Sales (tel: 020 8996 9001). New guidance on dealing with stress When not managed adequately, stress-related issues can cause human error, reduced productivity, and increased absence. The book, reference HSG218, is called “Managing the Causes of Work-Related Stress” and is available from HSE Books (tel: 01787 881165) at a cost of £10.95. An accompanying CD contains extra guidance and some useful tools to help organisations on the way towards implementing the management standards.
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Dave Cooper from Dorset Fire Brigade explained that the low, strong, sun had created ideal conditions for this phenomenon to arise. Safety lecture goes wrong A Thames Valley police officer was lecturing on gun safety when he accidentally shot a civilian worker in the stomach. Keith Tilbury was rushed to hospital and had treatment for injuries to the abdomen. The Independent Police Complaints Commission is considering whether any health and safety legislation was broken during the health and safety lecture...
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Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 extended
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