case studies
The importance of guarding against accidents
Below are details of a sample of prosecution cases obtained by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which resulted in a successful conviction.
For further information and guidance on risk management from industry experts, visit Talking Point.
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Asbestos outbreak in primary school
Blackpool Borough Council has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for a breach of health and safety legislation for allowing the uncontrolled release of asbestos fibres in one of their primary schools.
Elderly lady dies when dropped from inadequate hoist
A national organisation who run and operate care homes have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for breaching Health and Safety legislation and have been fined £90,000.
Prosecution of charity foundation
A faulty mixing valve, which had not been maintained for over ten years, was found to be the cause of an accident in which a 31 year old woman, paralysed from the neck down, was badly burnt in a shower.
Zoo fined after worker is killed by elephant
Chester Zoo has been prosecuted for breaching Health and safety legislation when an elephant keeper was crushed to death by a female elephant with a history of violence.
Vertical ladders - guidance for churches
In the last year there have been a number of accidents involving falls from height in churches, including two fatalities where volunteers fell from vertical ladders in the bell tower.
Employers and employees should always practice good personal hygiene measures – use a disposable tissue to control coughs/sneezes, dispose of it appropriately and wash your hands before eating, drinking etc. Alcohol hand wash should also be provided where possible.
In February 2005, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) decided to implement changes that arise from within the UK, only twice yearly.
Gas Safe - the importance of using a registered gas safety engineer
On 1 April 2009, the scheme previously operated by CORGI was replaced by the new Gas Safe Register.
Church pleads guilty to fire safety offences
A charitable church organisation has been ordered to pay £30,000 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to breaches of fire safety legislation following a prosecution brought by London Fire Brigade.
First aid guidance - recent changes
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have carried out an evaluation of first aid in the workplace finding that although first aid awareness and penetration in workplaces was good, compliance was found to be more ‘in spirit’ than to the letter of the regulations.
