Accident at Work and Health and Safety related deaths

Concerns summary An outdated and unreviewed isolation procedure from previous work led to an unsafe standard for new tasks, exacerbated by a lack of clear responsibility between contractors for safe isolation.

Concerns summary Site security was inadequate, with an accessible turnstile allowing unauthorised entry, and a lack of contingency plans or improved equipment for security officers.

Concerns summary Operatives work in dangerously restricted spaces near rotating industrial saws, and machines continue to pass with insufficient clearance, posing a significant risk of fatal injuries due to unaddressed safety measures.

Concerns summary The worksite lacked a safe system of work, and there was a widespread practice of employees not wearing seatbelts, with inadequate systems to check compliance.

Concerns summary An inadequate staffing ratio meant tree surgeons lacked qualified aerial support, and poor communication methods via shouting and hand signals hindered safety during work at height.

Concerns summary There is inconsistent management of weapon risks in schools; OFSTED should make it mandatory for inspectors to review and report on how schools prevent weapons from being brought onto premises.

Concerns summary Past building inspections failed to identify unsafe roof structures or document access issues, leading to unmaintained hazards and a risk of future incidents.

Concerns summary There are no written guidelines for dismantling cantilevered scaffolds, nor are specific Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) required for this process, risking worker safety.

Concerns summary Dumper truck safety procedures were not followed, understood by all personnel, or audited. There was also a lack of industry standards for managing spoil heaps, increasing the risk of accidents.

Concerns summary Probation failed to appropriately place high-risk offenders and maintain dynamic risk assessments, while Adult Social Services lacked oversight, leading to unsuitable placements and missed public protection opportunities.

Concerns summary The absence of clear, written unloading instructions for heavy, unstable industrial units led to confusion regarding complex banding, creating a risk of accidental dislodgement and serious injury to workers.

Concerns summary A lack of awareness regarding the safety-critical role and vulnerability of ladder spigots poses significant health and safety risks due to potential inadvertent shearing.

Concerns summary Overturns in the industry are underreported and poorly understood, lacking investigation into causes like hydraulic ram bracket failures. There's inadequate industry guidance and a failure to routinely use inclinometers, despite known risks from slight gradients.

Concerns summary There is no confirmation that recommended safety upgrades, such as installing door limit switches on goods lifts, have been implemented, posing a continued risk on this and potentially other ships.

Concerns summary Prolonged occupational exposure to white spirit, involving both direct skin contact and vapour inhalation over 13 years, caused the employee's death.

Concerns summary Unsafe loading shovel work methods and a lack of clear guidance and enforcement for drivers to stay in cabs put workers at risk. Training for risk assessment and health and safety awareness was inadequate.

Concerns summary An epileptic event experienced by an employee at work was not officially recorded, raising concerns about incident reporting protocols.

Concerns summary A lack of clarity on pressure testing definitions and widespread non-compliance with work equipment regulations (PUWER) and HSE guidance across the industry posed significant safety risks.

Concerns summary Staff lacked formal risk assessment training and failed to identify risks for farm tasks, compounded by the absence of a comprehensive emergency plan for hazardous areas.

Concerns summary Self-propelled sprayers lack operator seat restraints, risking operators being thrown from the vehicle if it overturns. HSE guidance may inappropriately suggest these restraints are not needed for this vehicle type.

Concerns summary A lift lacked signs or auditory warnings for its rear doors, which were indistinguishable from the interior, posing a significant safety risk to passengers unaware of their opening mechanism.

Concerns summary Charcoal packaging warnings about indoor use lack prominence and do not explicitly highlight the risk of death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Concerns summary Emergency response procedures were inefficient, with delays in contacting emergency services, inadequate first aid provision, and difficulties for paramedics locating the casualty on-site.

Concerns summary The construction site had inadequate first aid provision, with the designated first aider off-site and non-English speaking workers untrained and unaware of how to summon emergency help.