LIVE NEWS BLOG
The latest news from the HSE and other sources of Health and Saftey related news
HSE spot checks and inspections continue during national lockdown
With the increase in the number of coronavirus cases and the national lockdown restrictions now in place, all businesses that continue to operate, including those in construction, must ensure their workplace is COVID-secure.
To protect workers, visitors and customers, employers must make sure that everyone is following the measures that have been put in place to manage the risks from coronavirus.
During lockdown, HSE will continue to carry out spot checks and inspections on businesses and will be increasing the number of calls and visits to check COVID-secure measures have been implemented in accordance with government guidance.
During the calls and visits, HSE provides advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers and visitors, but where businesses are not managing this, we will take immediate action.
Visit our website for more details on spot checks and inspections, as well as guidance on being COVID-secure.
For construction sector specific guidance towards protecting your workforce during the pandemic, go to the recently updated Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Site Operating Procedures (SOP V7).
CLC’s SOP are based on government guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Construction and other outdoor work; other restrictions and advice may apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Page last reviewed: 28th January 2021
Drivers’ welfare at delivery and collection sites during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Dutyholders at sites where loading or unloading happens must take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of drivers delivering and collecting.
Think about how to maintain social distancing for visiting drivers to reduce transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) and make sure they have access to welfare facilities like toilets and handwashing facilities at your site.
Driver access to welfare facilities
Businesses which make or receive deliveries should ensure drivers have easy and safe access to toilets and handwashing facilities.
The legal responsibility to provide access to these facilities lies with whoever controls the premises drivers are visiting.
We are hearing reports that some drivers are not being allowed to use welfare facilities when they deliver. This is against the law and, with the latest advice for hands to be washed regularly, failure to allow access to welfare facilities may increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
We are taking these reports seriously and have issued a joint open letter from HSE and the Department for Transport (PDF)- Portable Document Format on the requirements. This is to reassure drivers and remind businesses of their legal duties.
Social distancing in drivers’ waiting or rest rooms
You should manage the safety of visiting drivers in line with our existing guidance by providing dedicated waiting areas with welfare and rest room facilities for them.
During the coronavirus pandemic you should put in place arrangements to ensure drivers can follow good handwashing procedures and maintain social distancing. Make sure drivers understand what they should do to follow your site social distancing rules.
If existing facilities allow drivers to maintain social distancing, there may be no need to make any changes.
Changing where drivers wait
If your existing facilities do not allow drivers to maintain social distancing, you could relocate the waiting area, or it may be safer – as a temporary measure – for drivers to remain in their cab during loading or unloading.
If you make changes to your current arrangements, think about how you’ll continue to reduce the risk of drive-away incidents and how drivers can be allowed to safely access welfare facilities.
Relaxation of drivers’ hours rules
Requests for urgent exemptions should be made in line with the Department for Transport guidance.
Driver safety must not be compromised, and they should not be expected to drive while tired. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees, other road users, and anyone involved in loading and unloading vehicles.
Page last reviewed: 1 December 2020
Fatal injuries in Great Britain
111 Workers killed in 2019/20 (RIDDOR)
Key figures for Great Britain (2019/20)
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1.6 million working people suffering from a work-related illness
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2,446 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2018)
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111 workers killed at work
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693,000 working people sustain an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
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65,427 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
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38.8 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
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£16.2 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2018/19)
Kent inspection and maintenance company fined for health and safety failings
20th May 2019
A telecommunication inspection and maintenance company has been fined after a forklift truck overturned during an unsafe lifting operation which could have exposed several workers to the risk of death or serious personal injury...
The MOT for the forklift truck
03 May 2019
Logistics managers are urged to seek total clarity in forklift safety examinations, after it was revealed that lift trucks are involved in 50 per cent more serious accidents than large good vehicles.
Geoff Martin, Chairman of CFTS