Poor risk assessments can lead to fatalities says HSE

Categories: Engineering Health and Safety | General Health and Safety |


Poor risk assessments can lead to fatalities says HSE Firms that fail to conduct suitable risk assessments could put their employees at risk of serious injury or even death, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned.

The regulatory body noted that inadequate systems of work could be extremely dangerous and that firms need to ensure that employees are trained to use equipment safely.

This might involve using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety boots, safety helmets or hearing protection.

Steve Smith, inspector for the HSE, said: "Companies have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment."

His comments came after a man was killed when using heavy machinery at a company that had failed to provide formalised systems of work and risk assessments.

According to the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, firms need to ensure that staff are trained in what equipment, such as hi vis clothing, they need to wear when conducting dangerous tasks.

It said that companies are required to ensure that safety gear is compatible and fits members of staff properly.ADNFCR-1200-ID-19144098-ADNFCR

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