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Synergy Risk Management Ltd. Chartered Health & Safety Consultancy and Training |
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"Work Safe - Work Smart " |
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Latest Industry News Million Euro Fine for Transport Company Proportionately the Highest Ever A €1m fine imposed on Nolan Transport, which pleaded guilty of failing in its general duty towards people not in its employment, is the biggest health and safety fine ever imposed by an Irish court, relative to the size of the company. The case arose following an accident when a lorry and trailer shed a load of coils as the lorry approached a bend on a road, resulting in the death of two people and the injury of others. When it came before the Circuit Court sitting in Wexford, the company pleaded guilty to failing to manage its undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that in the course of its work, individuals at the place of work (not being its employees) were not exposed to risks to their safety and health (SHWW Act 2005, section 12). Imposing the fine, Judge Raymond Fullam said the company had shown a “flagrant disregard” for safety. He criticised the dangerous manner in which the load was being carried. At an earlier hearing, the driver of the lorry, who pleaded guilty, was convicted of failing to secure a load and of having no certificate of roadworthiness. He was fined €1,550 and disqualified from driving for three years. (Extract courtesy of Health and Safety Review March 2013) Industrial use of Chemicals subject to REACH Authorisation in 2013 The HSA as the Irish Competent Authority for the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, would like to alert Irish companies to new requirements under REACH that will come into effect in 2013. Chemicals that are listed on Annex XIV of REACH will be subjected to a pre-approval system known as Authorisation. By certain dates (known as latest application dates) from 2013 onwards, companies using these chemicals must apply to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for an authorisation to allow them continue to use the chemicals beyond a second date known as the Sunset Date. The chemicals that have latest application dates in 2013 are listed on the HSA website, together with the specific dates. The HSA urges Irish companies using these chemicals to take note of this and be aware of their obligations. Chemicals for which an authorisation has not been applied for, and subsequently granted, cannot be used in the EU beyond the sunset date. This list will be added to regularly, so companies need to monitor it on a regular basis. The Chemicals helpdesk of the Health & Safety Authority can assist you with any queries you may have: contact by email: chemicals@hsa.ie or phone 1890 289 389.
New Portable Appliance Testing Guide from the HSE It's a myth that all portable electrical appliances in a low-risk environment, such as an office, need to have a portable appliance test (PAT) every year. The law simply requires employers to ensure electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger - it doesn't state what needs to be done or how often. A revised leaflet, published by the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), explains the simple and sensible precautions that need to be taken to prevent danger from portable or movable electrical equipment in low-risk environments such as offices, shops, some parts of hotels and residential care homes. It also provides examples of this sort of equipment to help you to decide what you need to do to maintain portable appliances in your workplace. . |
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