Latest news with #health and safety
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Rochdale company fined after boss killed by reversing lorry
A company has been fined £220,000 after a director who stayed at work after business hours to wait for a lorry was killed as he tried to help the driver reverse into its Ames, who worked at the British Millerain Company Ltd textile firm, was fatally injured on 22 June 2023 at the site in Rochdale, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) driver had lost sight of Mr Ames as he reversed and when he got out to check, he found him trapped between the vehicle and some steel storage racks, Manchester Magistrates' Court company was sentenced to the fine after admitting breaching the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act. Mr Ames died in hospital of his injuries, and an HSE investigation later identified several failings including the company having no safe system in place for reversing vehicles. Its employees confirmed they had never received any training and this included one who said he had on occasion reversed HGVs into the warehouse with someone else acting as a look-out marshal – despite neither being trained to do investigation also found the company had no risk assessment procedure in place in relation to this scenario. Mr Ames' family said the outcome of the hearing left them with "mixed emotions".In a statement, 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."They said they were glad the company admitted responsibility and was fined but "remain devastated" at the loss of the "much-loved dad, husband, uncle, son and brother".They continued: "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."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." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
TUC plans inspections of workplaces amid heatwave concern
The TUC has organised a nationwide inspection of workplaces this week to check that workers are being helped to cope with the heatwave. More than 1,000 trade union health and safety reps have signed up to take part. Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness, said the TUC. Trade union reps will check workplace temperatures, and will discuss with employers the protective steps they can take, including keeping buildings cool, shaded areas for outdoor workers and allowing flexible hours. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 'Everyone should be safe at work, but working in a heatwave can be dangerous – especially when your employer wants you to carry on regardless. 'That's why union reps are taking action this week to keep their workmates safe in the heat, and it's why we're calling on the government to strengthen legal protections with a maximum working temperature. 'A lot of the best safety steps are just common sense. 'For example, employers should allow flexible hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. And indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes.'
The Independent
13-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
TUC plans inspections of workplaces amid heatwave concern
The TUC has organised a nationwide inspection of workplaces this week to check that workers are being helped to cope with the heatwave. More than 1,000 trade union health and safety reps have signed up to take part. Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness, said the TUC. Trade union reps will check workplace temperatures, and will discuss with employers the protective steps they can take, including keeping buildings cool, shaded areas for outdoor workers and allowing flexible hours. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 'Everyone should be safe at work, but working in a heatwave can be dangerous – especially when your employer wants you to carry on regardless. 'That's why union reps are taking action this week to keep their workmates safe in the heat, and it's why we're calling on the government to strengthen legal protections with a maximum working temperature. 'A lot of the best safety steps are just common sense. 'For example, employers should allow flexible hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. And indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes.'
