More than 9,000 back IOSH petition to save crucial safety guidance

More than 9,000 people have signed an IOSH petition calling on the government to abandon plans to scrap health and safety guidance that helps protect employers against prosecution.
Employers can cite compliance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) as a benchmark of good practice.
However, the government plans to replace ACoP with non-approved guidance that would not be recognised by the courts in the same way.
IOSH president Gerard Hand said: "Employers rely on the authoritative 'special legal' status and assurance of the ACoP to ensure they are legally compliant. Removal could cause confusion and uncertainty."
Replacing the ACoP with non-approved guidance would not provide the same authority, assurance or convenience as a single reference, IOSH added.
The changes were not called for by either Lord Young or Professor Löfstedt in their high profile safety reviews, IOSH stressed.
Protect your organisation against prosecution visit our website for Health Safety and Environmental Training Courses and Consultancy or contact Ros Stacey – UK Sales Director rs@crsrisk.com

New sustainability reporting guidelines for business

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched the fourth edition of its sustainability reporting guidelines, which helps businesses disclose information on the environmental, social and economic areas of their operations.

The new guidance, called G4, will provide companies with a clear, strategic and practical roadmap on sustainability reporting.
Richard Ball, CRS Head of Environment and Co-author of IOSH’s publication Do the right thing – the practical, jargon-free guide to corporate social responsibility commented ‘ these standards will play an important role in environmental reporting, and as the proposed changes to ISO14001 include more emphasis on value chain monitoring so verifiable statements will become more important. ‘

GRI announced G4 this week in Amsterdam at the biggest global conference on sustainability and reporting, convening 1600 attendees from over 80 countries.

At the event, the GRI also announced that it has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UN Global Compact, a policy platform and a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices.

The mutual support between GRI and the UN Global Compact has led to the incorporation of the Global Compact's ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption into GRI's sustainability reporting guidelines.

UN Global Compact executive director Georg Kell said: "The UN Global Compact welcomes G4 and our renewed partnership with GRI, as we recognize that strategic engagement triggered by universal principles and reporting go hand in hand".

"As a valuable option for Global Compact participants to report on their progress, G4 provides clear linkages with our ten principles that will help any company preparing a Global Compact Communication on Progress (COP) to align its reporting with the GRI Guidelines," added Kell.


As the target date for the internationally-agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approaches, discussions on new global development priorities and the pivotal role for business are gaining momentum.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has assigned the Global Compact to contribute to the post-2015 development process by consulting with its network of over 7000 businesses to help define the role of the business community.

In September, the UN Global Compact will unveil an implementation architecture for business to contribute to these global priorities. According to the UN, this architecture will address the importance of corporate transparency and accountability, and link to the role of corporate sustainability reporting.

Chief executive of GRI, Ernst Ligteringen, said: "Both the UN Global Compact principles and the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines help business establish its role in sustainable development. Both frameworks are used by thousands of companies in industrialized and developing countries alike.

"These companies have found that reporting changes mind frames, that it supports dialogue, and that it helps build understanding and trust between business and communities. The reporting practice built by these thousands of companies is a hugely valuable resource, to be leveraged to measuring sustainable development performance, to scale up the contribution business makes globally to sustainable development," added Ligteringen.

The two organisations will work together to provide the increasing number of companies using GRI's reporting guidelines and the Global Compact's COP with clear guidance on how to link their sustainability disclosure to potential sustainable development goals.
CRS ENVIRONMENT: Make a difference
Source: edie newsroom

‘Want to progress your Health and Safety career, get an environmental qualification’ NEBOSH Research reveals.

More than two out of every three health and safety roles now involve an element of environmental management, NEBOSH has found. The NEBOSH annual Jobs Barometer research  has also revealed a  significant change in job titles reflecting a shift in responsibility for environmental issues, with Health and Safety Managers increasingly becoming known as Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Managers.
NEBOSH Chief Executive Teresa Budworth commented: “our research illustrates, combining a NEBOSH Environmental qualification with other NEBOSH qualifications can help with career progression and will certainly add value to employers. “Teresa continued:  “From our 2013 survey of successful environmental certificate students, of those who responded nearly 97% would recommend the qualifications to others and over 75% of courses were paid for by employers.”
NEBOSH’s Certificate in Environmental Management is an ideal introduction for students throughout the world to environmental management systems, impact assessments and control of pollution. Anyone taking the qualification is also required to carry out an environmental review of their workplace, producing a justified action plan to improve performance. The qualification is accepted by CIWEM – The Chartered  Institution of Water and Environmental Management – to meet the requirements for Technician Membership (TechCIWEM).
Corporate Risk Systems Head of Environment, Richard Ball commented ‘ organisations are looking for professionals who can manage all three HSE disciplines. Whether you are looking to enter the sector, or want to progress to a senior role managing a team, knowledge of environmental issues such as EMS, carbon management and waste management is a moving from desirable to essential. All of our tutors have H,S and E backgrounds to help you to understand the links and differences between environmental issues and health & safety. ‘
Corporate Risk Systems offer a range of environmental courses, from one day in-house courses, ISO14001 Implementation, Corporate Social Responsibility, NEBOSH Environmental Certificate and  AIEMA Associate Certificate in Environmental Management and Pathway to MIEMA for more information please contact Ros Stacey of Ros.Stacey@crsrisk.com or contact us on 01283 509175. 

Video of fire and explosions at North Wales factory

Residents have been urged to stay indoors as fire crews tackle a large blaze and exploding cylinders at a factory in Flintshire.

Billowing clouds of smoke from the Greenfield Business Park near Holywell also caused road and rail disruption.

Around 30 firefighters are dealing with fire, which spread to the Mainetti coathanger factory from a storage area. Trains are disrupted and the A548 coast road is closed from Flint to Prestatyn, with smoke also blowing across the A55.

"Due to the significant smoke, properties have been evacuated and local residents are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed," said a North Wales Fire and Rescue spokesman.

Fires are disruptive to businesses and their neighbours. Prevention is always better than response. NEBOSH Fire and Risk Management Certificate by CRS - contact us for details, dates and prices.

Video at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22656034

IOSH renames Tech membership category

IOSH’s ‘Technicians’ are now Technical members after a renaming of the membership category.
The Institution has made the change after listening to Tech members, who said the new title was a clearer, more precise description of who they are.
IOSH Executive Director of Membership Simon Bowen said: “This change came about in direct response to a large number of member requests.  The designatory letters - TechIOSH – and the criteria for admission to this category of membership are unchanged.
“Applicants will still need to pass a recognised qualification such as the NEBOSH General Certificate and have a reasonable amount of experience in health and safety.  All current Technician certificates will remain valid.”
The Tech IOSH category recognises the qualifications and competence needed by professionals working in a range of operational health and safety roles.
To become a Technical member, applicants must have a suitable level of experience in a health and safety role, as well as an accredited qualification. To maintain their status and keep their skills, knowledge and experience up to date, they will join IOSH’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
To keep their Technical Member status, they must maintain their CPD records. Contact CRS rs@crsrisk.com or visit our website www.crsrisk.com  to find out how we can help you maintain your CPD records.

Company director sentenced after worker's fatal fall

The director of a concrete structures firm has been ordered to pay a total of £25,000 in fines and costs after a worker died following a fall from height at a Swansea building site.
Carillion Construction Ltd, Febrey Ltd and director Michael Febrey, were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the incident at the Meridian Quay apartment development on 22 January 2008. Carillion and Febrey were fined on 23 November, 2012 and sentencing against Mr Febrey was adjourned until today’s hearing.
Self-employed father of two Russell Samuel, from Porth, was contracted by Febrey Ltd to work as a scaffolder at the site.
Swansea Crown Court heard today (13 May 2013) that he was dismantling a scaffold ladder access platform ahead of the installation of a roof and staircase on the fourth floor when he fell around 19 metres to the ground, narrowly missing a carpenter working directly below.
Mr Samuel, 40, suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull. He was taken to Morriston Hospital but died two days later.
An HSE investigation found Febrey Ltd had inadequate and ineffective health and safety management arrangements and there was little or no communication, information and instruction provided to its workforce.
The management team ….More
If you are a company director don’t let this happen to you find out more about our IOSH Directing Safely Course (for Directors & Senior Management)so you are aware of what charges you might face if you or your organisation are in breach of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Make sure you get your people trained www.crsrisk.com

Mighty Mini Race Report – Team CRS – Silverstone 11th May + WIN two FREE Tickets to Brands Hatch

Rounds 3 & 4 of the Mighty Mini Championship saw Team CRS head to the home of motorsport, Silverstone. A qualifier and a race each day meant the team were going to be kept busy.
Saturday qualifying didn’t quiet go to plan as Caroline was hit into a spin on the third lap of qualifying, dropping her alone to the back of the pack and no one to slipstream with. She eventually caught up with another car on the final lap of qualifying which was her fastest lap putting her a disappointing 14th on the grid. David had a much better session and put his car in 3rd spot.
Race time came and Caroline made a poor start off the line and was then boxed in at the first corner, making a bad qualifying even worse!! As the race settled down Caroline and Mike Devine used each other for an aerodynamic advantage, as two minis are faster together than one alone and pushed past the cars in front. They pulled away from the cars battling behind them and pulled into clear track. Caroline lost her advantage over Mike on the penultimate lap and finished the race in 13th.
David and the front row drivers made a clean start, David was almost instantly demoted to 4th behind Steve Rideout. Team mates Jonathon Lewis and Zack Booth worked together and pulled away. David desperately tried to push Rideout  to reduce the advantage of the team mates, but Lewis and Booth finished in front of Hale and Rideout. Hale passed Rideout on the final lap to take the final podium step in 3rd..
Another qualifier on Sunday gave Caroline an opportunity to qualify further up the grid. This time it passed incident free and Caroline and David were able to work together, Caroline was in 9th place whilst David would be starting from 5th.
Not long before the start of the race on Sunday the heavens opened….. it was going to be a wet race! Sure enough the race was declared wet and the grid was given 2 green flag laps. Caroline’s last race in the wet saw her rolling the mini at Paddock Hill bend @ Brands Hatch, she was keen for this not to happen again!
Everyone made it through the first few corners and started to settle in to the race. On lap 3 going into Maggotts, Ella Markham mis judged her breaking and bounced off Caroline’s mini, slowing Caroline down and demoting in to the mid-pack as she recovered. Caroline became involved in a 5 way fight over 10th place, with drivers trying to outbreak and overtake each other in the very slippy conditions.
Meanwhile David leaped through the grid and quickly found his way to third place behind team mates Lewis and Booth. With his years of experience Lewis disappeared quickly leaving Booth and Hale fighting for second. Positions swapped most laps, but luckily as the flag fell Hale took second! Caroline finished in the middle of her battle in 13th place.
Not a bad second outing in the 2013 season for team CRS Risk, two podiums and two 13th places!
The next rounds are 22/23 June at Brands Hatch, Kent as part of the Mini Festival where crowd of 30000 people are expected.
CRS have two free tickets to give away for this fantastic event to be in with a chance please answer the following question: When was CRS first registered with companies house (month and year)? You can find the answer on our website www.crsrisk.com please email your answer to our Sales Director Ros Stacey ros.stacey@crsrisk.com . No purchase is necessary. Prize draw will take place on Wednesday 19^th June.

Derbyshire food company prosecuted after worker severs fingertip

An Ilkeston food company has been fined after an employee severed the tip of his finger in a mincing machine. The man, who has asked not to be named, injured his left index finger as he tried to remove meat from a blade on the machine at Loscoe Chilled Foods Limited’s Grange Farm factory in Loscoe on 7 November 2011.

Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court was told today (8 May) the machine had been stopped and was slowing down when the employee went to collect a tub of mince from the end of the production line. He noticed some had got stuck in the outfeed so he removed the guard and reached in to remove the mince. However, his hand came into contact with the still-moving blade. He required emergency surgery at hospital and was off work for three weeks before later retiring.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that while the guard was not required to be fixed, it was only supposed to be removed by a trained operative with a specific method followed. The employee had not been trained to perform that task, so did not follow the correct procedure. The court heard the company had failed to implement a proper training system for the machine, despite a similar incident having occurred in the past and specific advice having been given by HSE.

Loscoe Chilled Foods Limited, of Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, was fined a total of £16,000 and ordered to pay £16,192 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. After the hearing HSE inspector Emma Madeley said: "Loscoe Chilled Foods Limited had a duty to ensure its employees were protected from the dangerous moving parts of the mincing machine. The fact that a specific procedure had to be carried out to remove the guard shows the firm recognised the risk, yet it failed to ensure its employees were adequately trained and supervised. There was a lack of control which resulted in a man suffering a painful injury."

Consultation on revised ACoP L24 to the Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations

A consultation on a revised Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L24

Newly published consultative document CD253 (available for download from the link shown below) invites views on the revised Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L24 ‘Workplace health, safety and welfare’.  L24 is relevant to a wide range of people, including almost all employers, building owners, managers and worker representatives. 

The ACOP has been revised in response to Professor Löfstedt's independent review of health and safety legislation which was conducted last year – regular readers of our news will remember this, and new readers will find it using  our search facility in the top right corner of our webpage. This new consultation aims to establish if the changes make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations.  The main proposals for change include:

·         Removing out-of-date duties and requirements that are superseded by new regulations.

·         Simplifying the language to clarify what duty-holders must do to comply with the Workplace Regulations.

·         Updating the publication to include the provisions of the Miscellaneous Amendment Regs 2002.

·         Improving guidance, referring to the most up-to-date and relevant advice.

View the consultative document

Company looks to ISO 14001 after £133k fine for inadequate COMAH plan

A Midlands engineering firm has been fined £133,000 after its emergency plans failed to prevent fire-fighting water and chemicals polluting the River Anker, killing 27,000 fish

In April 2010 a large fire broke out at Abbey Metal’s Nuneaton metal finishing works and in tackling the blaze a “cocktail of hazardous substances” was washed into the River Anker.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that the company’s emergency measures to contain firewater onsite were “inadequate” and that no plan had been made to access the sewerage system for emergency storage of contaminated water.

As a result, despite the fire service using pollution prevention equipment, water from the site containing cyanides, copper and cadmium from metal treatment processes reached the river running along the back of the site.

Investigations by the Environment Agency confirmed that the chemicals polluted a 6km stretch of the river, killing around 27,000 fish.

The fire qualified as a major incident under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMA) Regulations 1999, and the firm pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 4, which states that operators must “take all measures necessary to prevent major accidents and limit their consequences to persons and the environment”.

“The Environment Agency expects high standards from COMAH establishments. Where accidents are foreseeable, the operator must plan to prevent or mitigate them. This is what Abbey Metal failed to do,” commented an agency officer.

The company, which also pleaded guilty to three offences under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010, was fined £133,000 by Birmingham Crown Court and ordered to pay a further £33,000 in costs.

Abbey Metal, which supplies the defence and automotive sectors, has since completed the construction of a new finishing facility three miles from the Nuneaton site, and has achieved ISO 14001 certification for the facility.

CRS’S Head of Environment commented ‘ the fact that Abbey looked to ISO 14001, following such as significant incident and fine shows the importance of embedding an effective EMS into your organisation. Whilst EMS certification does not guarantee compliance, it provides a structured means of control.’