HSE takes action to strengthen asbestos safety standards

Following HSE’s consultation on proposed changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 we have published our response.

HSE’s response to the consultation confirms plans to:

introduce a legal requirement to strengthen the independence and impartiality of analysts carrying out the four-stage clearance process following licensed asbestos removal work
continue promoting the use of accredited asbestos survey organisations and develop interventions to help dutyholders understand the critical role a quality survey plays in managing asbestos risk safely
develop clearer guidance on notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) to support compliance

To help dutyholders, contractors and analysts understand the changes and what they mean in practice, we will be updating and creating new guidance.

Find out more by reading our full press release: HSE takes action to strengthen asbestos safety standards following consultation.

Emergency tree work: working safely

Emergency tree work is dangerous and should only be undertaken by experienced professionals.

Fallen trees and branches can cause a lot of disruption, but it’s important to remember that emergency tree work is complex with many risks, including the tree moving unexpectedly, or the need to carry out work in difficult conditions.

The planning and activity itself must be undertaken by a competent person with the necessary training in emergency tree works such as assisted felling, windblown and part blown trees and emergency planning.

HSE’s tree work webpages have information and guidance on carrying out tree work safely, including:

Manufacturer fined after worker’s hand trapped in machinery

An £80,000 fine was issued after a worker’s hand was trapped while cleaning machinery, causing serious injuries.

The worker was cleaning the rollers of a machine used to emboss logos onto napkins when their hand was drawn into the moving parts.

A HSE investigation into the incident found that:

dangerous moving parts of the machinery could be accessed while the machine was operating
suitable measures were not in place to prevent access to the machinery during cleaning
the company had previously been warned about machinery guarding issues

Read more about the incident in our press release: Manufacturer fined after workers hand trapped in machinery

You can find further guidance on the HSE website: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Machinery safety training

HSE is running a training course to help you gain practical knowledge and skills that support safe machinery operation and compliance:

Machinery series: Introduction to safeguarding of machinery
25 November, HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton

Government review of rodenticide stewardship published

The government oversight group recommends that rodenticide stewardship should continue but be strengthened in key areas.

The final report of this review has been published on the HSE website on behalf of the cross-government oversight group.

The oversight group report recommends that stewardship, and the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK) regime, should continue. However, it should be strengthened in several key areas.

view the full report on the HSE website
find out more in our press release: Independent review recommends continued rodenticide stewardship under strengthened regime

Webinar: Regulating AI

18 and 19 November, 10:30am to 11:30am

Join us for a free webinar exploring our regulatory approach to AI, how it supports the government’s growth and innovation agenda, and the practical steps organisations can take to adopt AI safely and responsibly.Regulating AI: HSE approach to artificial intelligence in health and safety