News and Knowledge

Almost 2 million workers suffered from ‘work-related’ illness this year, figures reveal

Almost two million workers in Great Britain reported suffering from work-related ill health over the past year.   The statistics, revealed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also showed that almost half of the cases were down to stress, depression or anxiety. The figures show that from 2022 to 2023 1.8million workers reported that…

Asbestos in schools – fears for 1,000 British schools after increasing number of teacher deaths

A new report has expressed ‘extreme concern’ as up to 1,000 schools could contain asbestos in the UK.   A report, published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has revealed that 700,000 pupils are learning in ‘unsafe’ schools that need major rebuilding or refurbishment.     The report has criticised the school estate, adding that…

Ageing and noise exposure are the two major causes of hearing loss, study finds

Over 40 per cent of adults over the age of 50 in the UK suffer from hearing loss – with age-related damage (presbycusis) being the main cause.   Studies show that age-related hearing usually affects both ears and worsens over time. Age-related hearing loss happens due to the gradual wear and tear of tiny sensory…

High Court Ruling allows 3,000+ Military claims to be made on a single form

Thanks to a new High Court ruling, it is now possible for 3,000 or more ex-military service personnel to submit a claim against the Ministry of Defence on one single form.   Mr. Justice Andrew Baker and Lord Justice Dingemans upheld an Abbott v MoD appeal, stating that a single group claim was permissible subject…

Sheffield company fined £200,000 after failing to protect employees from permanent condition

Sheffield company fined £200,000 after failing to protect employees from permanent condition.   A manufacturing company in Sheffield has been fined £200,000 after two workers suffered the life- changing condition, vibration white finger.     Ross & Catherall Limited is a company which manufactures and supplies metal bars for the aerospace and automotive industries. The…

Are women in certain professions at higher risk of ovarian cancer?

It is said by the Occupational & Environmental Medicine (OEM) that those working as hairdressers, barbers and beauticians are most likely to develop ovarian cancer.   Also, those working in sales, retail, clothing and construction can also be vulnerable, as they can be exposed to agents, including talcum powder, ammonia, propellant gases, petrol and bleach.…

City Council fined £200,000 after failing to protect workers

Plymouth City Council has been fined £200,000 after its failures led to two employees developing hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).   Plymouth City Council failed in its legal duty to comply with legislation even though guidance has been available for employers since 2005. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that between 2005…

Thousands of Group Litigation Order Military Claims suitable for issue using a single claim form

The High Court has ruled that there is no need to issue multiple claim forms in cases brought by over 3,000 ex-service personnel for Noise Induced Hearing Loss against the Ministry of Defence.   The Court held that so long as all Claimants on the claim form had ‘sufficient commonality’ in relation to the issues…

London joinery firm fined £20,000 for failing to control wood dust

F&E Joinery limited, a company in southeast London, was fined £20,000 for failing to control employees’ exposure to wood dust.   In May 2022, F&E limited was inspected as a result of a health and safety executive (HSE) campaign that targeted woodworking businesses due to the significant health risks associated with wood dust. One of…

HSE safety notice: high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cargo and slop tanks

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in cargo and slop tanks onboard some FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) and FSUs (Floating Storage Units) operating in UKCS.   The concentration levels are up to 16,000ppm and this is above the measuring limits of the standard portable gas monitoring…