News and Knowledge

Oakwood Solicitors Act as HAVS Cases Surge in Public Sector

In a series of landmark legal battles, Oakwood Solicitors is championing the rights of workers diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) following severe safety breaches by both social housing providers and NHS Trusts.   Recent prosecutions by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have pulled back the curtain on a disturbing trend: large-scale employers in…

Father and Son Sentenced Over Illegal Gas Work in Cheshire

A father and son have been sentenced following a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into illegal and “at-risk” gas boiler installations that left local homeowners in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.     The Case: Deception and Danger The investigation revealed that Scott Lodge, 37, performed new boiler installations at two Northwich properties in…

Formaldehyde: The hidden hazard of the ‘Next Asbestos’

A joint investigation by Channel 4 News and The Independent has uncovered the tragic story of a profound failure to protect laboratory staff from life-threatening formaldehyde exposure.     What is Formaldehyde? Formaldehyde, or formalin in its liquid solution, is a pervasive chemical used in diverse applications, from producing resins and adhesives to acting as…

‘The NHS Is Killing Me’: Former Health Worker Speaks Out

A 75-year-old former NHS worker with five decades of service has spoken out about her harrowing cancer diagnosis after potential asbestos exposure during her hospital career.     What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of asbestos-related cancer affecting the pleura (lining of the lung). It can be found in the lining of the abdominal…

Alarming Gaps Found in Protecting Workers from Excessive Noise

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) exposed “alarming gaps” in noise-damage management, noting that 75% of workplaces lacked employees with the basic knowledge to maintain their hearing protection gear.     The HSE identifies significant failings in the UK The HSE’s campaign identified significant failings across UK workplaces, particularly concerning employee training and equipment management…

Manchester Firm Fined for Asbestos Risk at Eccles Pub

A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited, a Manchester-based construction company, has been fined for exposing workers to asbestos during a project at the former Unicorn Public House.     Asbestos Found and Illegally Removed at Construction Site During a routine inspection on May 16, 2022, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector made a disturbing discovery…

Records Reveal Asbestos Kills 9x More Veterans than Combat

Government records reveal that asbestos has killed nine times more military veterans than British victims of the Taliban during the Afghan campaign.   The deadly material, found in military accommodation, ships, submarines, helicopters, and tanks, is causing an average of 89 new cases of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer, each year. According to the British Occupational…

Leeds Celebrates Armed Forces Day: Gaining legal Support

Leeds invites you to celebrate Armed Forces Month, National Reserves Day, and National Armed Forces Day. Honouring the sacrifices and dedication of the forces and their families, while raising funds for veterans.     Leeds celebrates National Armed Forces Day The Leeds Armed Forces Festival link returns for a second year, featuring themed activities leading up…

Company Fined 40k for Failing to Protect Employees From Wood Dust Exposure

Nat Pal Ltd, a woodworking supplier based in Fakenham, has been fined £40,000 after Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection found serious breaches in protecting workers from hazardous wood dust exposure – a known cause of asthma and nose cancer.     Nat Pal Ltd’s HSE violations explained The inspection revealed major failings in the…

Silicosarcoidosis: New Occupational Lung Disease Linked to Silica Exposure

Researchers at National Jewish Health and partners in Colorado, Illinois, Taiwan, and Israel have added the new term ‘Silicosarcoidosis’ to the medical language.     The term refers to patients showing characteristics of silicosis and sarcoidosis, severe pulmonary diseases. Caused by occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), commonly found in mining, construction, and engineered…