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13/01/2011
Other UK News In Brief
More Flu Deaths In Scotland
According to the Scottish government's latest figures, Scotland has seen a large increase in the number of people dying from the flu virus. In the last week, a further 17 people have been confirmed to have died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 27. The number of patients admitted to Scottish hospitals has increased by 55 - almost doubling the total to 116 people. However, Health Officials have said the number of people visiting doctors with flu was still reasonably low.
Firm In Court For Series Of Asbestos Charges
A property management company was fined £30,100 today after admitting a series of offences which led to workers being exposed to asbestos fibres. MA Estates Limited of Holmfield, in Halifax, the owner and landlord of a factory building in Holdsfield Road, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to properly manage the removal of asbestos-containing materials when employees were replacing a roof at the factory in June 2007. Halifax Magistrates’ Court was told that up to 15 employees from two businesses, both part of the same group as MA Estates and both occupants of the building, were working to upgrade the roof. This included stripping materials from support beams which, when later tested by HSE, were found to contain asbestos in limpet/spray form. A local business complained to HSE after seeing the stripped materials, suspecting that they included asbestos fibres. After visiting the premises, HSE served a Prohibition Notice on MA Estates to stop work immediately. The HSE investigation found the company had failed to carry out an asbestos survey or risk assessment, had no licence to remove asbestos, had given staff no instruction or training in removing it, and had left workers exposed - with no attempts to limit the spread of asbestos or exposure to it.
Litterpicker Injured Falling Into Well
A Mansfield District Council worker fell six metres down a dry well while clearing litter from a yard, magistrates have heard. The employee, who does not wish to be named, was clearing litter from the White Lion Yard in the town on 28 April 2009 when the incident happened. Three workers were asked to clear litter that had collected between a metal grid and a mesh cover over the well. Two workers removed the grid, while the third stood on the mesh, believing it to be solid underneath, and fell into the well. He dislocated his elbow and cut his head, arms and leg and was off work for six months. Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard that the council had failed to ensure that the work was properly planned or carried out safely. Mansfield District Council, pleaded guilty to breaching Work at Height Regulations and were fined £5,000. They were also ordered to pay £5,700 costs.
(BMcN/GK)
According to the Scottish government's latest figures, Scotland has seen a large increase in the number of people dying from the flu virus. In the last week, a further 17 people have been confirmed to have died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 27. The number of patients admitted to Scottish hospitals has increased by 55 - almost doubling the total to 116 people. However, Health Officials have said the number of people visiting doctors with flu was still reasonably low.
Firm In Court For Series Of Asbestos Charges
A property management company was fined £30,100 today after admitting a series of offences which led to workers being exposed to asbestos fibres. MA Estates Limited of Holmfield, in Halifax, the owner and landlord of a factory building in Holdsfield Road, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for failing to properly manage the removal of asbestos-containing materials when employees were replacing a roof at the factory in June 2007. Halifax Magistrates’ Court was told that up to 15 employees from two businesses, both part of the same group as MA Estates and both occupants of the building, were working to upgrade the roof. This included stripping materials from support beams which, when later tested by HSE, were found to contain asbestos in limpet/spray form. A local business complained to HSE after seeing the stripped materials, suspecting that they included asbestos fibres. After visiting the premises, HSE served a Prohibition Notice on MA Estates to stop work immediately. The HSE investigation found the company had failed to carry out an asbestos survey or risk assessment, had no licence to remove asbestos, had given staff no instruction or training in removing it, and had left workers exposed - with no attempts to limit the spread of asbestos or exposure to it.
Litterpicker Injured Falling Into Well
A Mansfield District Council worker fell six metres down a dry well while clearing litter from a yard, magistrates have heard. The employee, who does not wish to be named, was clearing litter from the White Lion Yard in the town on 28 April 2009 when the incident happened. Three workers were asked to clear litter that had collected between a metal grid and a mesh cover over the well. Two workers removed the grid, while the third stood on the mesh, believing it to be solid underneath, and fell into the well. He dislocated his elbow and cut his head, arms and leg and was off work for six months. Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard that the council had failed to ensure that the work was properly planned or carried out safely. Mansfield District Council, pleaded guilty to breaching Work at Height Regulations and were fined £5,000. They were also ordered to pay £5,700 costs.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
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09 March 2011
Company Fined For Asbestos Exposure
A refurbishment company has been fined after workers and the public were exposed to asbestos in a Leicestershire village. Shengxuan Company Ltd was converting a shop in Borough Street, Castle Donington, into a restaurant in June 2010.
Company Fined For Asbestos Exposure
A refurbishment company has been fined after workers and the public were exposed to asbestos in a Leicestershire village. Shengxuan Company Ltd was converting a shop in Borough Street, Castle Donington, into a restaurant in June 2010.
08 November 2010
North Tyneside Boss Fined For Asbestos Failings
The boss of a refurbishment company has been fined for failing to provide adequate information, instruction and training to workers in the proper procedures when dealing with asbestos.
North Tyneside Boss Fined For Asbestos Failings
The boss of a refurbishment company has been fined for failing to provide adequate information, instruction and training to workers in the proper procedures when dealing with asbestos.
28 June 2010
Union Slams 'Work Until You Drop' Bid
Proposed changes to the age of retirement in the UK have been savaged by a leading trade union. Construction union UCATT have reacted with disgust to the announcement that the retirement age is set to be increased to 66 by 2016 with the expectation it will soon be increased to 70.
Union Slams 'Work Until You Drop' Bid
Proposed changes to the age of retirement in the UK have been savaged by a leading trade union. Construction union UCATT have reacted with disgust to the announcement that the retirement age is set to be increased to 66 by 2016 with the expectation it will soon be increased to 70.
20 August 2014
NHS Trust Fined Over Asbestos Failings
West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust has been fined almost £90,000 for putting its staff at risk of exposure to asbestos for 11 years. The hospital trust referred itself to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2011 and subsequently pleaded guilty to health and safety failings.
NHS Trust Fined Over Asbestos Failings
West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust has been fined almost £90,000 for putting its staff at risk of exposure to asbestos for 11 years. The hospital trust referred itself to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2011 and subsequently pleaded guilty to health and safety failings.
02 October 2003
Lung disease statistics unveiled
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published updated statistics on work related mesothelioma deaths by geographical area within Great Britain. The statistics are based on previously published death information covering the twenty-year period 1981-2000.
Lung disease statistics unveiled
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published updated statistics on work related mesothelioma deaths by geographical area within Great Britain. The statistics are based on previously published death information covering the twenty-year period 1981-2000.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
