HSE warns that ignorance is no excuse

Categories: Manufacturing Health and Safety |


HSE warns that ignorance is no excuse Ignorance of health and safety legislation cannot be used as an excuse for poor working practices, companies have been warned.

The advice came from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector David Fussell after Sittingbourne Magistrates Court fined a company £3,000 following an incident that saw a worker sustain fractured ribs after falling from a platform.

Magistrates heard that staff had not been properly trained, the platform was not suitable for use and that no safety assessment had been carried out.

Mr Fussell said that falls from height are one of the major causes of fatalities and injuries in British workplaces, making it particularly important for companies to ensure they have the correct safety procedures in place.

He added: "The HSE will not tolerate employers exposing their employees to unacceptable risks at work. The HSE has always been available to give advice in relation to health and safety at work."

One of the things the HSE will advise on is the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, which can involve employers providing hi vis clothing, safety boots and helmets to some staff.ADNFCR-1200-ID-18653503-ADNFCR

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