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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Popular UK theme park shuts NINE of its rides over ‘public safety' fears amid watchdog probe
A POPULAR UK theme park has closed a whopping nine rides over 'public safety' fears. This comes after a routine inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Advertisement 5 Woodlands Family Theme Park in Devon was forced to close nine rides Credit: Instagram 5 The site was inspected by the HSE earlier this month Credit: Instagram 5 The Theme Park was at one point unable to show valid industry standard safety checks Credit: Instagram It has been reported that Woodlands Family Theme Park was ordered to temporarily close a number of attractions in the park. This was after the Devon theme park was apparently unable to show valid safety checks to the watchdog during the visit. As part of an ongoing programme of inspections, the HSE attended the site on June 26th. This is part of a wider look at fixed and mobile fairgrounds across the UK to make people more comfortable with theme park safety. Advertisement READ MORE ON THEME PARKS The body explained that the site near Dartmouth was "unable to provide sufficient assurance" around the safety of nine of its rides. It seems that the "declarations of compliance" for some of the attractions were missing. The inspection is part of a wider scheme that was the industry's adopted standard for inspection and certification when it comes to fairgrounds and amusement parks. It was started to improve safety standards and increase confidence from the public in consultation with the HSE. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive The following rides in the park were affected; Sea Dragon, Vertigo, Trauma Tower, Tractor Ride, Submarine Ride, Dragon Ferris Wheel, Polar Pilots, Dizzy Dune Buggies and Rocking Tug. This was after the director of an inspection company was suspended from their position in the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS). New hossoland theme park that has opened in Poland However, according to Devon Live, the body did confirm that the theme park was able to quickly rectify the issues to "minimise disruption". The outlet reported that it stated: "After David Geary of DMG Technical Limited was suspended from the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS), Declarations of Compliance for the nine rides were missing. Advertisement "HSE took proactive action to stop them being used until the issue was resolved. "Woodlands Family Theme Park urgently commissioned an inspection body, who produced the Declarations of Compliance required, meaning the rides could reopen with minimal delay." Statement by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) HSE inspector Melissa Lai-Hung explained the park was closed "in the interests of public safety." "This action was taken in the interests of public safety. At this time of year, any enforcement action will cause inconvenience, but it is vital that those who enjoy amusement parks are kept safe and feel reassured. We thank Woodlands for their co-operation to resolve this matter." Meanwhile, Woodlands Family Theme Park said: "We take HSE-related compliance legislation very seriously. As soon as this was brought to our attention, all the rides were reinspected by another registered inspector. We would like to add that at no time would Woodlands ever be involved in anything related to non-compliance of safety. We have and will remain totally committed to raising and maintaining standards in our industry." In a statement referred to The Sun, HSE inspector Melissa Lai-Hung said: "This action was taken in the interests of public safety. "At this time of year, any enforcement action will cause inconvenience, but it is vital that those who enjoy amusement parks are kept safe and feel reassured. Advertisement "We thank Woodlands for their co-operation to resolve this matter." In a statement released through HSE, Woodlands Family Theme Park said: "We take HSE-related compliance legislation very seriously. "As soon as this was brought to our attention, all the rides were reinspected by another registered inspector." The park added: "We would like to add that at no time would Woodlands ever be involved in anything related to non-compliance of safety. Advertisement "We have and will remain totally committed to raising and maintaining standards in our industry.' 5 The watchdog was missing 'declarations of compliance' for some of the rides Credit: Instagram 5 Members of the HSE have stated that the problems could be quickly rectified Credit: Instagram The Sun has also approached Woodlands Family Theme Park for direct comment. Advertisement
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots farmer crushed to death by cow while feeding calf in tragic accident
Experienced farmer Fraser Johnston suffered catastrophic injuries when a cow turned on him at his farm in Inverness. A farmer died after suffering fatal injuries when he was crushed by a cow while feeding its calf. Fraser Johnstone, 83, had spent his entire life working Balnuran Farm on Culloden Road, Inverness, where he was born and raised. But on June 3 last year, the experienced stockman was feeding colostrum milk to a calf when the cow suddenly turned on him. A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) heard the breeding cow pinned the grandfather against a wall before knocking him to the ground and trampling his chest and body. Despite suffering catastrophic injuries, he managed to crawl outside, haul himself onto his quad bike and ride back to the farmhouse. Bleeding from the mouth and clutching his chest, he arrived home around 4pm, where his wife of 51 years, Margaret, rushed to his aid. She told the inquiry that her husband, still able to speak, described how the animal had 'pinned him against the wall, thrown him to the ground and trampled him.' Mrs Johnstone called their son who raised the alarm. Paramedics arrived within 20 minutes and took Mr Johnstone to Raigmore Hospital, where scans revealed multiple rib fractures, a broken sternum and heart damage. However, over the next two days his condition deteriorated and he suffered heart and kidney failure. He remained in intensive care until the early hours of 7 June, when life support was withdrawn. Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald, who oversaw the FAI at Inverness Sheriff Court, said Mr Johnstone had been an experienced cattleman fully aware of the risks of working with breeding cows. She concluded there were no precautions he could have taken to prevent the tragedy. The Health and Safety Executive reviewed the death but chose not to carry out a formal investigation, noting that the dangers posed by protective cows are a well-recognised hazard of farming. In her written determination, issued just after the first anniversary of Mr Johnstone's death, Sheriff Macdonald said: 'This was a tragic accident for which I extend my condolences to Mr Johnstone's family for their loss. I am conscious that this determination is being issued at a painful time for them.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Mr Johnstone had farmed Balnuran all his life, taking over from his father as a young man. Even at 83, he was the sole operator of the holding, still rising early each morning to care for his cattle. He was survived by his wife Greta, two children and nine grandchildren. Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: "We note the Sheriff's Determination. 'The Procurator Fiscal ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Mr Johnstone's death were provided at the mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry. 'The Determination has been provided to Mr Johnstone's family and our thoughts are with them at this time.'
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Company boss knocked down and killed by reversing lorry at work
The British Millerain Company Limited has now been fined £220,000 after a probe by the Health and Safety Executive led to a prosecution. A director at a textile company was knocked down and killed by a reversing lorry at its warehouse. The British Millerain Company Limited has now been fined £220,000 after a probe by the Health and Safety Executive led to a prosecution. Daniel Ames, 49, had volunteered to stay behind on the night to wait for the HGV to return, the HSE said in a statement. He offered to act as a 'banksman' to help the driver reverse safely into the warehouse in Rochdale, near Manchester. However, the HSE said that during the manoeuvre the driver lost sight of Mr Ames and when he got out of the cab to check, he found him trapped between the HGV and a row of steel storage racking. Ambulance crews attended but he was sadly pronounced dead later in hospital. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the tragedy happened at around 5.30pm on June 22, 2023. Speaking after the company was fined in the courts, Mr Ames' family said the outcome had left them with 'mixed emotions'. In a statement released by the HSE, they said: "Daniel went to work and never came home again and we have a massive hole in our lives that will never be filled. We are glad the company have admitted being responsible for his death and been handed a fine. "But we remain devastated that we no longer have Daniel in our lives. Today we have still lost a much-loved dad, husband, uncle, son and brother, and we are devastated that his life ended in this way. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "He got on well with all his colleagues at work and had a great career. He was a respected professional who loved his job and was well known in the industry and was excited for his future. But that was taken away from us all in an instant. He was a real family man with a great sense of humour who was always making people smile and laugh and he enjoyed life to the full. We all miss him so much." The incident was reported to the HSE, which went on to carry out an investigation that identified 'a number of failings exposing employees to various risks, including having no safe system in place for reversing HGVs', it said in a statement. "Employees confirmed they had been doing the task for several years but had never received any training, said a spokesperson. "This included one employee who said he had on occasion reversed HGVs into the warehouse with someone else acting as banksman - despite neither being trained to do so. " The HSE investigation also found the company had no risk assessment in place in relation to this work, with the regulator serving it with an improvement notice. Following the incident the company carried out a risk assessment that resulted in a safe system of work being implemented, which meant vehicles were no longer reversed using a banksman." The British Millerain Company Ltd, based on Buckley Road, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to breaching a section of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The firm was also ordered to pay costs of £5,634 at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on July 10. HSE inspector Jane Carroll spoke of a 'tragic case'. She said: "Daniel was clearly popular and respected, but his leadership and dedication to his colleagues was not properly protected by the defendant. A safe system of work was not in place. We will always take action against those who fail to protect people in work." The M.E.N. has contacted the company for comment.
ITV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Textile company fined after director killed by reversing lorry in Rochdale
A textile manufacturer has been fined £220,000 after one of its directors was killed by a reversing lorry. Daniel Ames was a director of The British Millerain Company Limited and had offered to stay behind at the company warehouse in Rochdale to wait for the return of the vehicle on 22 June 2023. When the truck arrived at around 5.30pm Mr Ames spoke to the driver and confirmed he would act as banksman to help the vehicle reverse into the warehouse. During the manoeuvre, the driver lost sight of Mr Ames and when he got out to check, he found him trapped between the vehicle and some steel storage racks in the warehouse. The driver called paramedics, but Mr Ames died in hospital from his injuries. Speaking after the company was fined, Mr Ames' family said the outcome left them with "mixed emotions". 'Daniel went to work and never came home again, and we have a massive hole in our lives that will never be filled,' they said in a statement. 'We are glad the company have admitted being responsible for his death and been handed a fine. 'But we remain devastated that we no longer have Daniel in our lives. Today we have still lost a much-loved dad, husband, uncle, son and brother, and we are devastated that his life ended in this way. 'He got on well with all his colleagues at work and had a great career. He was a respected professional who loved his job and was well known in the industry and was excited for his future. "But that was taken away from us all in an instant. 'He was a real family man with a great sense of humour who was always making people smile and laugh and he enjoyed life to the full. We all miss him so much.' The incident was reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who carried out an investigation into what happened. That identified a number of failings exposing employees to various risks, including having no safe system in place for reversing HGVs. Employees confirmed they had been doing the task for several years but had never received any training. This included one employee who said he had on occasion reversed HGVs into the warehouse with someone else acting as banksman – despite neither being trained to do so. The HSE investigation also found the company had no risk assessment in place in relation to this work, with the regulator serving it with an improvement notice. Following the incident the company carried out a risk assessment that resulted in a safe system of work being implemented, which meant vehicles were no longer reversed using a banksman. The British Millerain Company Limited, of Buckley Road, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to breaching section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £220,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,634 at Manchester Magistrates Court on 10 July 2025. HSE inspector Jane Carroll said: 'This is a tragic case. "Daniel was clearly popular and respected, but his leadership and dedication to his colleagues was not properly protected by the defendant. 'A safe system of work was not in place.
Time Business News
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Safety First: How Advanced Electrical-Safety Training Slashes Accident Rates and Boosts Your Employability
Electrocution is not an abstract risk. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) still logs 4,000 fatal electrocutions and more than 30,000 non-fatal shock injuries every year worldwide. In the UK alone, the Health and Safety Executive lists contact with electricity as a top-five cause of construction deaths. Faced with eye-watering insurance premiums and tighter CDM requirements, employers now insist their sub-contractors hold more than a basic ECS card; they want verifiable evidence of arc-flash mitigation, LV-rescue competence and GS38 lead integrity. Elec Training Birmingham has built a three-module Safety Suite that bolts onto any core electrician course or NVQ programme. Complete it and you earn a QR-coded digital badge that hiring portals can scan in seconds—proof you understand risks that scare insurers most. Better yet, every task maps to the 'Maintain Safe Working Practices' unit of the Level 3 NVQ, so time spent sharpening safety skills doubles as portfolio evidence. When picking your electrician training provider always read their reviews, this helps finding best value for money. Standard apprenticeship syllabi cover safe isolation, BS 7671 shock-protection measures and RCD theory, yet many do not deep-dive into: Arc-flash energy calculations for 400 V switchboards. for 400 V switchboards. Insulation-lead MOTs —finding nicked probes before they nick you. —finding nicked probes before they nick you. Live-rescue drills—practising a one-person pull-off under timed conditions. Site managers then layer their own toolbox talks on top, but patchwork CPD is easy to miss. As a result, recall notices and close-call reports keep climbing. A single arc-flash hospitalisation can trigger insurance excesses topping £80 k and months of project delay. Learners isolate live cut-out heads, tag out, issue permit-to-work forms and run a timed LV-rescue drill using a full-body manikin. Video evidence is captured for NVQ upload. Calculate cal/cm² for a 400 A board, choose the correct Category 2 or 4 suit, then watch slow-motion footage of real incidents. The visual hit cements respect for 8.6 ms of chaos a book paragraph never conveys. Strip probes, inspect crimps, perform 1 kV insulation tests on the leads themselves, and verify GS38 tip lengths. Learners leave with a printed sticker log for their own toolboxes. All three units run back-to-back or as evening micro-modules. Each ends with a formative quiz and a competence sign-off. Upon completion, graduates receive a blockchain-verified PDF and a QR code for helmets or CVs. Contractor portals recognise the metadata: module title, issue date, assessor signature. The badge streamlines induction—no digging through filing cabinets for certificates, no lost paperwork excuses. The Level 3 NVQ's Unit 311—'Maintain Safe Working Practices'—requires: NVQ Element Safety-Suite Evidence Identify hazards & assess risk Completed arc-flash energy worksheet Use correct PPE Photos in Cat 4 suit + visor Follow isolation procedures Video of live lock-off & permit issuance Provide emergency response Timed LV-rescue drill scored by tutor Assessors love concrete artefacts; insurers love reduced claim risk. Learners love ticking off a whole NVQ unit in two and a half days. Premium reductions – One national contractor's insurers cut liability premiums 6 % after the firm mandated QR-badge safety clearances. – One national contractor's insurers cut liability premiums 6 % after the firm mandated QR-badge safety clearances. Fewer stoppages – Near-miss reports at a data-centre project fell 28 % month-on-month post training. – Near-miss reports at a data-centre project fell 28 % month-on-month post training. Faster inductions – Digital badges trimmed site-gate onboarding by 15 minutes per operative, saving 40 labour-hours over a 12-week fit-out. Do I need to redo my 18th Edition if I take this? No. Safety Suite is CPD and counts toward the five-year refresh many scheme providers recommend. Will it delay my NVQ timeline? It accelerates it. The evidence generated fills an entire unit without extra site visits. What if my grammar is poor in the risk assessment? Assessors judge safety clarity, not semicolons. A misspelled 'insulation' won't fail you—omitting PPE will. Delivery formats: consecutive weekdays, three week-nights, or one weekend block. consecutive weekdays, three week-nights, or one weekend block. Cost: £425 full suite; Skills-Bootcamp discounts possible for green-tech learners. £425 full suite; Skills-Bootcamp discounts possible for green-tech learners. Tools: Centre supplies live boards, PPE and calibrated testers—bring steel-toe boots. Digital badges and portfolio PDFs arrive within 48 hours of final assessment. Statistics prove rigorous training cuts accidents. By embedding advanced safety into your electrical training, you not only protect your own body but also elevate your CV above sparks who rely on outdated toolbox talks. Book a safety-first module at Elec Training Birmingham, upload the evidence, and let clients see a QR badge that says, 'This electrician takes risk seriously.' Profit follows protection—every time. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
