August 17, 2026
Safety notice: GEC VMX High Voltage Switchgear
HSE has published a safety notice following the failure of a GEC VMX high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, which resulted in electrical arcing and fire within a substation. HSE’s investigation identified partial discharge activity as the most likely cause, with previous warning signs having been detected but not acted upon. The notice applies to GEC
August 12, 2026
Company and director prosecuted after worker injury
A company and its director have been prosecuted after a worker suffered life-changing injuries during the dismantling of a steel frame structure in Surrey. The incident occurred when a steel beam weighing more than 100kg fell after a ratchet strap, not designed for lifting operations, failed. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hse-network.com] The worker sustained multiple fractures to the
August 12, 2026
Network Rail fined £1.2m over wall collapse
Network Rail has been fined £1.2 million after a boundary wall at Rugby railway station collapsed and seriously injured 81-year-old Edward Hanlon in September 2022. Investigators found the wall had been omitted from inspection records after boundary changes were incorrectly documented, meaning its deteriorating condition went unnoticed. [orr.gov.uk], [yahoo.com] The incident left Mr Hanlon with
August 10, 2026
Father and Son Sentenced Over Illegal Gas Work
A father and son have been sentenced after carrying out illegal gas work that resulted in a dangerous gas leak at a rental property in Stoke-on-Trent, putting tenants, including a young baby, at risk. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of using only qualified and Gas Safe registered engineers for gas
August 10, 2026
Ebulletin
In the last year, 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain. HSE’s annual data release covers the period from April 2025 to March 2026. This year the regular annual update is complemented by new analysis, comparing the level and trend of fatal injuries to workers in Great Britain with a selection of 35 other
August 5, 2026
British Safety Council Launches Hidden Hazards Campaign
Not all workplace dangers are visible. Some of the most serious risks to workers’ health can go unnoticed for years before their effects become apparent. The British Safety Council has launched its new Hidden Hazards campaign to raise awareness of these invisible workplace risks and drive action to prevent harm before it happens. [britsafe.org], [britsafe.org]
August 5, 2026
Worker Seriously Injured When Dumper Truck Overturned
A worker suffered serious injuries after a dumper truck overturned on site, highlighting the devastating consequences that can occur when vehicle stability is compromised. Initial reports indicate the vehicle overturned during operations, trapping or impacting the operator and resulting in significant injuries. Emergency services attended the scene and the worker was taken for medical treatment.
August 3, 2026
Food manufacturer fined over dust risk
A food manufacturer has been fined after failing to properly control dust risks in its workplace, highlighting the serious consequences of overlooking safety hazards. Dust generated during food production can create significant health and safety risks for workers, including respiratory issues and, in some environments, the potential for combustible dust incidents. The case serves as
July 31, 2026
Ebulletin
Company fined after worker injured by overturned truck A groundworks company has been fined after a worker sustained serious injuries when a dumper truck overturned. The worker had been reversing the one-tonne truck when it entered an unprotected excavation and overturned. HSE’s investigation found: Read more about the incident in our press release: Company fined after
July 29, 2026
Illegal gas fitter sentenced after Facebook ads
An illegal gas fitter who advertised his services on Facebook despite not being on the Gas Safe Register has received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after carrying out dangerous gas work across five homes in North East England. [hsmsearch.com], [press.hse.gov.uk] Alexander Robson, 38, of Fenham, Newcastle, promoted his services on social media
July 29, 2026
Chemical firm in dock over fatal fall
A chemical logistics company has been fined £425,000 after warehouse supervisor Peter Hutchinson, 60, suffered fatal injuries following a fall from a mobile loading ramp at a site in Middlesbrough. On 4 November 2021, Mr Hutchinson was assisting with loading plastic waste bales into a shipping container when a bale slipped from a forklift truck. As he stepped
July 29, 2026
Cement company hit with £1M fine after fatal crush
A cement company has been fined £1 million following the death of employee Martin Bennett, 35, who was crushed by a 1.6-tonne concrete weight at a cement bagging plant in Sharpness, Gloucestershire, in August 2021. [press.hse.gov.uk], [agg-net.com] The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that a large section of safety fencing around the machinery had been routinely removed, allowing access to
