TUC launches safety rep poll

Open-access content Wednesday 29th June 2016

From the archive: Just so you know, this article is more than 3 years old.

The survey aims to find out who the UK's safety reps are and to garner their experience of workplace hazards. The data will be used by the TUC and individual unions in supporting reps and in public policy debates.

The 2014 study identified stress, bullying and harassment and back strain as key hazards.

Safety reps can take part in the survey here. The deadline is Friday 1 July.

Damning report reveals ‘disturbing’ working practices at Sports Direct

Tuesday 26th July 2016

Citing evidence obtained by a freedom of information (FOI) request by the trade union Unite to Bolsover District Council, the report – Employment practices at Sports Direct – says that a finger amputation, fractured neck, crushed hand, and wrist, back and head injuries were just some of 115 incidents at the warehouse between 1 January 2013 and 19 April 2016.

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Coach firm pays £90,000 for LOLER infringement

Wednesday 29th June 2016

Mold Crown Court heard that, between 4 April 2014 and 28 August 2015, GHA Coaches did not arrange for its lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined within the required timescales. Thorough examinations ensure equipment is safe to operate and allow deterioration to be detected and remedied in good time.

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Double manslaughter conviction for construction co

Tuesday 28th June 2016

Monavon Construction pleaded guilty to two counts of corporate manslaughter and to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act at the Old Bailey on 9 May. Sentencing took place on 27 June. British Transport Police officer Gavin Brewer, 32, and television producer Stuart Meads, 34, had been out drinking together. The pair were seen on CCTV walking along a street in the early hours of the morning on 19 October 2013.

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UPDATE Three workers succumbed to toxic gas in waste trailer

Monday 27th June 2016

As previously reported, on 23 April 2014, William James was tipping carcasses from a compartment in an enclosed animal waste trailer, the end of which was covered with a tarpaulin. James climbed on to a gantry on the back of the trailer to roll back the tarpaulin with the intention of tipping out a second load, unaware that a pig carcass had become stuck between the compartments. He mounted the trailer and attempted to dislodge the carcass with a shovel.

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Apprentice burned by blowing power line

Thursday 23rd June 2016

Rodd McFarlane, 20, was carrying out repairs at Waulkmill Cottage in Perth and erected a tower scaffold for repointing work. On 2 August 2012, McFarlane was on the scaffold when a gust of wind blew one of the 240v electricity power lines supplying the cottage. It brushed against his back and he instinctively turned and grabbed the live wire. The current made him unable to let go for a few seconds. He sustained burns to both hands, requiring graft surgery and a possible future amputation of one of his little fingers.

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