Latest news with #HealthandSafetyatWorkAct1974
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Boss crushed to death in horror work accident after offering to help colleague
Textile company director David Ames died after he was knocked down by an HGV and trapped on a row of steel storage racking at work. His family is now taking legal action The family of a man who was tragically knocked down and killed at work by a reversing HGV is suing his firm. David Ames was a director at Rochdale-based British Millerain, and had volunteered to stay behind on the night he died to wait for a HGV to return, the Health and Safety Executive said. He offered to act as a 'banksman' to help the driver reverse safely into the warehouse. But the HSE said that during the manoeuvre, the driver lost sight of Mr Ames. When he got out of the cab to check, he found him trapped between the HGV and a row of steel storage racking. Paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead later in hospital. The tragedy happened at around 5.30pm on June 22, 2023 and following a prosecution, where the company was fined £220,000, his family are now making a civil negligence compensation claim. 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. 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 fined also ordered to pay costs of £5,634 at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 10. Industrial accident specialist partner Jon Andrews, of Express Solicitors, said the firm was representing the family in a civil negligence compensation claim against his former company. Mr Andrews said: "This was a senseless and tragic accident that should never have happened and was entirely preventable. Workplaces need to make sure they look after their employees and protect them from harm at all times. "We are now taking action against his former company on behalf of the family as Daniel was the main breadwinner and we will be helping to secure their financial future." In a statement issued by the law firm, Mr Ames family said: "He got on well with all his colleagues at work and had a great career. He was a respected professional who loved his job, 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." After the sentencing hearing, HSE inspector Jane Carroll 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."
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
From illegal sunglasses to no right to air con - what are UK workers rights in hot weather?
Your World As temperatures continue to rise across the UK this week, Brits will be navigating commuting and working in the sunny weather. Some UK workers may be wondering what legal protections exist for dealing with extreme heat. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... While the UK does not have a legally defined maximum workplace temperature, there are some surprising laws and regulations that affect employees during hot weather. UK and Ireland office brokers Click Offices ( wanted to offer guidance on what the law states in relation to working and commuting during warm weather. Take a look at their advice below: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Employees are allowed to wear different clothing to adapt to warmer weather Uniforms and dress codes can be a contentious point across managers and staff, making how to dress for a heat a tricky subject to navigate. Under Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, employers are encouraged to adjust workplace conditions during extreme temperatures, which can include relaxing formal dress codes where appropriate. However, for workers in construction, healthcare and other high-risk environments, PPE must still be worn as required by health and safety laws. Pregnant workers can't be made to work in hot conditions Under UK health and safety laws, employers must conduct risk assessments for pregnant employees, including considerations for extreme heat. If a workplace cannot provide a safe environment, the employer may be required to suspend the worker on full pay until conditions improve. Heatwaves can justify absence - but you don't have to be paid Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whilst you do not have to attend work if the weather makes it unsafe, you have no automatic right to paid leave due to extreme weather. However, employers are encouraged to take a flexible approach, offering options such as remote work or adjusted hours to accommodate days where the weather impacts your ability to work. There is no law dictating when it is too hot to work Unlike some countries, the UK does not enforce a maximum temperature limit for workplaces. However, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure that working conditions do not pose a risk to employees' health. If temperatures become dangerously high, businesses are expected to take action, though what constitutes reasonable action is left open to interpretation. Employees have the right to cold drinking water but not air con When you're required to work indoors, the heat can cause rising temperatures and dehydration. According to UK law, employers must provide drinking water under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, helping ensure workers stay hydrated on hot days. However, there is no legal requirement for businesses to install air conditioning, meaning employees must rely on fans or natural ventilation to keep cool. Employers have to do Heat Stress Risk Assessment by law Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Under UK law, employers must conduct risk assessments for extreme temperatures, particularly in workplaces where heat stress is a concern. This applies to factories, kitchens, and outdoor work sites, where excessive heat can lead to dehydration and fatigue. These environments can be exceptionally affected during heat waves, where temperatures can rise to even higher levels. Driving to work in flip flops or sandals can land you a hefty fine While not illegal, driving in unstructured sandals or in flip-flops during hot weather could be considered driving without due care and attention if it affects your ability to control the vehicle. If an accident occurs, you could be fined for improper footwear choices. Fines can vary, reaching £5,000 if they are taken to court. Having tinted sun strips on your car windscreen could be illegal Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you have tinted sun strips at the top of your windscreen it must not obstruct the driver's view, according to law. If a sun strip is too large or dark, it could lead to a failed MOT test or fines for driving with an obstructed view. Fines start at £100, reaching as high as £1,000 if the case goes to court. Certain sunglasses are illegal to wear when driving Whilst sunglasses can be hugely helpful to navigating your commute on sunnier days, not all sunglasses are legal for driving. Under UK law, Category 4 sunglasses, which have extremely dark lenses, are illegal for driving at any time because they block too much light. Even Category 3 sunglasses, which are common for bright sunlight, are not suitable for night driving. Wearing the wrong sunglasses can land you up to a £5,000 fine and even lead to a driving ban. You can face penalties for driving in the sun's glare We know sometimes you may be in a rush to get to work on time, however, if the sun causes glare that obstructs your vision, you could be fined for dangerous driving. The Highway Code advises drivers to slow down or stop if glare prevents them from seeing clearly. Failure to do so could result in fines or penalty points.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
From illegal sunglasses to no right to air con - what are UK workers rights in hot weather?
Your World As temperatures continue to rise across the UK this week, Brits will be navigating commuting and working in the sunny weather. Some UK workers may be wondering what legal protections exist for dealing with extreme heat. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... While the UK does not have a legally defined maximum workplace temperature, there are some surprising laws and regulations that affect employees during hot weather. UK and Ireland office brokers Click Offices ( wanted to offer guidance on what the law states in relation to working and commuting during warm weather. Take a look at their advice below: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Employees are allowed to wear different clothing to adapt to warmer weather Uniforms and dress codes can be a contentious point across managers and staff, making how to dress for a heat a tricky subject to navigate. Under Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, employers are encouraged to adjust workplace conditions during extreme temperatures, which can include relaxing formal dress codes where appropriate. However, for workers in construction, healthcare and other high-risk environments, PPE must still be worn as required by health and safety laws. Pregnant workers can't be made to work in hot conditions Under UK health and safety laws, employers must conduct risk assessments for pregnant employees, including considerations for extreme heat. If a workplace cannot provide a safe environment, the employer may be required to suspend the worker on full pay until conditions improve. Heatwaves can justify absence - but you don't have to be paid Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whilst you do not have to attend work if the weather makes it unsafe, you have no automatic right to paid leave due to extreme weather. However, employers are encouraged to take a flexible approach, offering options such as remote work or adjusted hours to accommodate days where the weather impacts your ability to work. There is no law dictating when it is too hot to work Unlike some countries, the UK does not enforce a maximum temperature limit for workplaces. However, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure that working conditions do not pose a risk to employees' health. If temperatures become dangerously high, businesses are expected to take action, though what constitutes reasonable action is left open to interpretation. Employees have the right to cold drinking water but not air con When you're required to work indoors, the heat can cause rising temperatures and dehydration. According to UK law, employers must provide drinking water under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, helping ensure workers stay hydrated on hot days. However, there is no legal requirement for businesses to install air conditioning, meaning employees must rely on fans or natural ventilation to keep cool. Employers have to do Heat Stress Risk Assessment by law Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Under UK law, employers must conduct risk assessments for extreme temperatures, particularly in workplaces where heat stress is a concern. This applies to factories, kitchens, and outdoor work sites, where excessive heat can lead to dehydration and fatigue. These environments can be exceptionally affected during heat waves, where temperatures can rise to even higher levels. Driving to work in flip flops or sandals can land you a hefty fine While not illegal, driving in unstructured sandals or in flip-flops during hot weather could be considered driving without due care and attention if it affects your ability to control the vehicle. If an accident occurs, you could be fined for improper footwear choices. Fines can vary, reaching £5,000 if they are taken to court. Having tinted sun strips on your car windscreen could be illegal Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you have tinted sun strips at the top of your windscreen it must not obstruct the driver's view, according to law. If a sun strip is too large or dark, it could lead to a failed MOT test or fines for driving with an obstructed view. Fines start at £100, reaching as high as £1,000 if the case goes to court. Certain sunglasses are illegal to wear when driving Whilst sunglasses can be hugely helpful to navigating your commute on sunnier days, not all sunglasses are legal for driving. Under UK law, Category 4 sunglasses, which have extremely dark lenses, are illegal for driving at any time because they block too much light. Even Category 3 sunglasses, which are common for bright sunlight, are not suitable for night driving. Wearing the wrong sunglasses can land you up to a £5,000 fine and even lead to a driving ban. You can face penalties for driving in the sun's glare
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Mechanic crushed by falling car as he prayed on break at garage
Mohammed Hamad was working as a mechanic at a garage in Liverpool when a car fell on him, leaving him with a broken leg, three broken bones in his spine, five broken ribs and a broken pelvis A mechanic spent four months in hospital with agonising injuries after a car suddenly fell on him during his break. The man sustained multiple severe fractures in the incident at Car Spa and Tyres Ltd in Kensington, Liverpool on November 23, 2022, a court heard. Mohammed Hamad, 56, from the Toxteth area of the city, was employed as a mechanic at the garage at the time, and was working on a vehicle that had been elevated on a two-post lift. But neither swivel arm on one of the lifting columns was locked into position, and as Mr Hamad took a break to pray, the car fell from the lift, crushing him beneath and causing multiple serious fractures, reports the Liverpool Echo. He was taken to the NHS Aintree Hospital, where he was found to have a broken leg, three broken bones in his spine, five broken ribs and a broken pelvis. Mr Hamad spent four months in hospital because of his injuries, and has been left highly dependent upon his wife, and others, to carry out even simple daily tasks. It is unlikely he will be able to work again. A probe by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Car Spa & Tyres Ltd had failed to put in place a safe system of work, or to sufficiently train their staff, in the proper, and safe operation of the lifting equipment. The company was found guilty by the jury of breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs at a hearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on June 25. After the hearing, HSE inspector David Bellis said: "This was a very serious incident, and it is fortunate nobody was killed as a result. "If Mr Hamad had been suitably trained in the use of the two-post lift, the company had a suitable system of work in place and the swivel arms had been positioned correctly and locked into place this incident would have been avoided. "The HSE take all accidents seriously, especially those that could have been easily prevented, and will not hesitate to prosecute, whenever it is appropriate'. The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Karen Park and paralegal officer Gabrielle O'Sullivan. The Mirror has approached Car Spa & Tyres Ltd for comment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a public body responsible for ensuring the regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare in Britain. Set up by the Government in 1975, the HSE has the power to bring employers before the courts when it believes serious breaches have taken place.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Garage worker crushed by falling car while taking his break
A garage worker spent four months in hospital after he was crushed by a car that fell onto him while he was praying on his break. Liverpool Magistrates' Court this week heard how the man suffered multiple serious fractures in the incident at Car Spa & Tyres Ltd on Marvin Street, Kensington on November 23, 2022, the Liverpool Echo reported. Mohammed Hamad, 56, from Toxteth, was working as a mechanic at the Marvin Street premises of Car Spa & Tyres Ltd at the time. READ MORE: Glastonbury fans say festival is 'robbing them' after seeing price of pints this year READ MORE: Emergency alert will blast from every UK phone for 10 seconds this year He was working on a vehicle which had been raised on a two-post lift but neither swivel arm on one of the lifting columns was locked into position. As Mr Hamad took a break to pray, the car fell from the lift, crushing him beneath and causing multiple serious fractures. He was taken to Aintree Hospital, where he was found to have a broken leg, three broken bones in his spine, five broken ribs and a broken pelvis. Mr Hamad spent four months in hospital because of his injuries. He has been left highly dependent upon his wife, and others, to carry out even simple daily tasks. It is unlikely he will be able to work again. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Car Spa & Tyres Ltd, had failed to put in place a safe system of work, or to sufficiently train their staff, in the proper, and safe operation of the lifting equipment. The company was found guilty by the jury of breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs at a hearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on June 25. After the hearing, HSE inspector David Bellis said: "This was a very serious incident, and it is fortunate nobody was killed as a result. "If Mr Hamad had been suitably trained in the use of the two-post lift, the company had a suitable system of work in place and the swivel arms had been positioned correctly and locked into place this incident would have been avoided. "The HSE take all accidents seriously, especially those that could have been easily prevented, and will not hesitate to prosecute, whenever it is appropriate'. The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Karen Park and paralegal officer Gabrielle O'Sullivan. The ECHO has approached Car Spa & Tyres Ltd for comment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It works to prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions.
