Firm fined for failing to maintain mandatory workers’ insurance
A Hednesford-based company was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £3,191.80 in costs and a victim surcharge of £120 for failing to maintain mandatory employers’ liability insurance. The HSE had warned the company repeatedly of the legal consequences if it failed to have insurance in place that protects its employees.
Hugo Boss admits to safety failings after a boy is fatally crushed
Hugo Boss could be fined up to £100,000 after a changing room mirror crushed and killed a 4-year-old boy. The boy was with his father, who was trying on suits at the retailer’s Bicester Village location when the boy began playing with an almost 2-metre-high, 18-stone mirror, causing it to collapse on top of him. In the initial investigation, the HSE found that the mirror was not firmly attached to the wall.
Bedford company fined after teenage trainee loses his life
Grundfos Pumps Ltd was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £115,000 in costs after a trainee was electrocuted to death. The 19-year-old trainee design engineer was conducting electrical testing of the facility when he came into contact with a live, 3-phase electrical system. In its investigation, the HSE found that the company had failed to provide proper training, assess the potential risks associated with testing live panels and adequately supervise the trainee.
New GRIP scheme helps actively reduce slips
The Health and Safety Laboratory has developed GRIP, a slip-resistant footwear rating scheme. GRIP was developed in response to the 1.5 million working days lost due to workplace trips and slips during 2013 and 2014. The scheme uses rigorous, scientific testing to measure and grade the slip-resistant quality of any given footwear. With GRIP, manufacturers will be able to show the slip-resistant quality of their footwear as well as drive development of increased slip-resistant materials and designs. The scheme will benefit employers through the reduction of slip-related accidents and business costs associated with slip-related absences. It will also increase the amount of protection for their staff.
