Excavators: Use of the safety control lever or isolation devices

HSE has published a safety notice aimed at excavator operators, slingers and anyone working near them.

There is a risk that people can be struck by the excavator or a load if the operator does not use the safety control lever or isolation device correctly.

If there are people in the operational arc of an excavator or similar mobile plant, the safety control lever should be applied, or other methods used, to isolate the machine, while it is at rest.

Research shows unintended movements of plant occur, but use of a safety control lever or isolation device can prevent this.

Dutyholders must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the safety of people in the working arc of slewing plant and any load, with proper planning, management and monitoring of work activities.

You can find more detailed information in our safety notice: Excavators – Use of the safety control lever or isolation devices.

Motion compensated gangways auto-retraction

Power failure or control system error can cause the unplanned retraction of motion compensated gangways (MCGs) typically used in the offshore industry.

There continues to be incidents where MCG power or control system failures result in gangways retracting without warning to operators or people crossing.

Unplanned retraction poses a significant risks to personnel on the gangway, including people being struck by moving parts, or falling from height resulting in serious injury or death.

Operators, duty holders and vessel owners must ensure auto-retraction functions provide suitable audible and visible warnings, allowing users sufficient time to make themselves safe.

For full information, view our safety notice: Motion compensated gangways auto-retraction.

Asbestos awareness training

Asbestos awareness training helps prevent disturbing asbestos during work but doesn’t qualify you to handle asbestos materials.

Anyone who could disturb asbestos through their work, or who supervises such work, must know how to recognise and avoid asbestos-containing materials.

Find out more about:

• different levels of training
• resources available from HSE’s Asbestos and You campaign
• information on the responsibility of dutyholders from the Asbestos – Your Duty campaign

Asbestos prosecutions

• Construction firm fined after workers exposed to asbestos risks
• further guidance and information: asbestos

Building safety: training and webinars available

Training

HSE’s training courses are delivered by experts, to help organisations comply with the law and keep workforces healthy and safe.

The courses will help dutyholders and employers comply with legislation, including the Building Safety Act 2022:

Free webinar series

3 expert-led webinars are being held in the coming weeks:

• Building Control Approval applications
  9 September, 10am to 12 noon
• Building Control Approval demystified for SME developers
  17 September, 10am to 12 noon
• Building Assessment Certificate applications – lessons learned
  24 September, 10am to 12 noon

Register for the expert-led webinars.

Latest enforcement prosecutions

HSE has recently taken enforcement action against companies for failing to protect workers from workplace risks.

The prosecutions highlight HSE’s commitment to enforcing health and safety regulations. Recent cases include:

• waste firm fined £4,000 after a worker was left with serious injuries when they were run over by an excavator.

• council fined £80,000 after a patient with dementia was able to exit the care home through a door without an alarm, leading to their death.

• £100,000 fine issued after a worker suffered burns from a steam hose whilst cleaning a water tank.

Visit our news centre for more information on recent enforcement cases.