What's new at HSE » Health services

Director fined for repeated negligent safety practices

HSE — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:47 +0000

A businessman from Northamptonshire has been fined £60,000 after ordering a worker to clean a moving machine that trapped and mangled his arm, requiring it to be amputated.

Paul Richard Llewellyn James, 58, of Cranford, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to two breaches of Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, brought under Section 37 of the Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974.

View press release ‘Director fined for repeated negligent safety practices after worker’s arm amputated’

Slip and trip workshops for NHS staff

HSE — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:30:34 +0000

During the period 2004 - 2007, HSE carried out a targeted initiative to reduce slips and trips accidents in NHS Trusts. A key element of the initiative was a one-day Slips and Trips Workshop, customised for the healthcare sector, and delivered regionally in 23 locations around the UK.

View full research report RR731: Slip and trip workshops for NHS staff

Care homes safety event for local businesses

HSE — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:15:07 +0000

A free health and safety event is being offered to businesses in the Bristol area next week, aimed at owners, directors, managers, supervisors and nursing and care staff involved in the Care Home industry.

View care homes safety event for local businesses press release

Liverpool hospital fined over legionella

HSE — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:54:57 +0000

HSE has issued a strong health warning after high levels of the legionella bacteria were found at a Liverpool hospital.

View press release

HSE issues warning after NHS trust fails to comply with dermatitis notice

HSE — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:45:44 +0000

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers they will face prosecution if they fail to comply with legal notices served on them by inspectors.

View NHS trust prosecuted after failing to comply with dermatitis notice press release

HSE warns of importance of risk assessments when caring for vulnerable people

HSE — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:15:29 +0000

Organisations responsible for the care of vulnerable people must ensure that an effective risk assessment regime is in place and that any risks are properly addressed and managed, says the Health and Safety Executive.

The warning follows the death of an inpatient, Sylvan Money, who was found hanging in her room at the Bronllys Adult Mental Illness Unit in Brecon in January 2004.

HSE warns carers as BUPA lands fine for training failures

HSE — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:38:42 +0000

HSE is warning carers and care home operators to ensure they follow the correct training and procedures for moving and handling elderly, frail or disabled patients.

It follows the successful prosecution today (3 September) of BUPA Care Homes (CFH Care) Limited, which was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £10,500 costs by Wakefield magistrates after an 80-year quadriplegic fell from bed whilst being dressed by a lone, inexperienced care assistant.

View HSE warns carers as BUPA lands fine for training failures press release

Swine flu - updated

HSE — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:40 +0000

General advice for employers for the current situation - employers and employees should always practice good personal hygiene measures – use a disposable tissue to control coughs/sneezes, dispose of it appropriately and wash your hands before eating, drinking etc.

Advice for employers update

Company fined for inadequate legionella assessments at Welsh care homes

HSE — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:30:26 +0000

HSE is warning companies responsible for carrying out legionella surveys on water systems of the need to ensure that their work is thorough and accurate.

The warning follows the conviction of a Berkshire-based water treatment company for carrying out inadequate and misleading surveys at nursing homes in Blaenau Gwent and Powys.

View company fined for inadequate legionella assessments at Welsh care homes press release

HSE Swine flu guidance - updated

HSE — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:15:56 +0000

The advice for employers for the current situation has been updated, including additional information on use of face masks in certain healthcare settings.

View HSE’s swine flu guidance

Spotlight on health and safety in the region’s care homes

HSE — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:55:49 +0000

HSE has joined forces with local authorities (LAs) across Yorkshire and the North East to ensure that health and safety is a top priority for some of the region’s most vulnerable people and the staff who care for them.

View Spotlight on health and safety in the region’s care homes press release

British Safety Council Conference

HSE — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:21:55 +0000

London, 2 July 2009, half-day conference to address the challenges faced by the NHS and local authorities. A number of speakers will be sharing their views and includes a keynote address by HSE’s Chair, Judith Hackitt, on taking forward the new HSE Strategy.

Booking and full conference details

Balanced decision-making for people who use care services

HSE — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:55:41 +0000

This circular provides advice to health and safety regulators who are involved in the regulation of social care activities. The circular explains the priorities that Local Authority Social Service Departments (LASSDs) and social care providers have with regard to supporting adults and older people who need care and support to live with dignity and independence within the community, whilst ensuring risks are identified and managed. The general principles of risk management will also apply to the health care sector.

View Balanced decision-making for people who use care services circular

Management of health and safety in care homes 2009/2010

HSE — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:00:41 +0000

Circular providing guidance for visiting staff on inspecting the management of health and safety in care homes in 2009/2010.

Management of health and safety in care homes 2009/2010

HSE Board Agenda 29 April 2009

HSE — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:36:53 +0000

The agenda for the HSE Executive Board meeting in Redgrave Court, Bootle on 29 April is now available.

View the 29 April Executive Board agenda

The health and safety law poster

HSE — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:37:33 +0000

As from 6 April 2009, HSE is publishing new versions of its approved health and safety poster and leaflet. To avoid an unnecessary burden on business, HSE has set a five year transition period. The current poster and leaflets must be replaced by the new versions by no later than 5 April 2014.

Find out more about the new law poster

Taking care of the carers

HSE — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:35:54 +0000

Staff at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital have today pledged their support to the HSE in the latest phase of its “Shattered Lives” campaign to highlight the devastating consequences of slips, trips and falls in the work place.

View taking care of the carers press release

Management of health and safety in care homes 2009/2010

HSE — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:35:49 +0000

This instruction provides guidance for visiting staff on inspecting the management of health and safety in care homes in 2009/2010.

View SIM 07/200903 - Management of health & safety in care homes 2009/10

HSE national leads for corporate social care providers updated

HSE — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:24:28 +0000

This revised SIM updates the national arrangements for liaison and coordination of large independent corporate care providers in England, Wales and Scotland as described in Public Services Sector SIM 07/2008/02.

View SIM 07/2008/06

REACH Bitesize advice sheets updated

HSE — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:45:47 +0000

Brief leaflets produced by the UK CA in collaboration with other UK Government Departments. They are intended to cover the key issues of various aspects of REACH.

View the REACH Bitesize leaflets