HSE calls for risk management at work

Posted 04/08/2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged employers to manage potential hazards on their premises.

Steven Smith, an inspector at the regulator, warned that many people are risking personal injury by not complying with safety regulations.

For example, he noted that some firms are failing to seek advice about the location of harmful substances such as asbestos before starting work.

In addition, he said employees have sometimes been made to operate machinery or vehicles without receiving adequate training in their use.

“It’s surprising how many people don’t know the dangers at work and take huge risks,” Mr Smith told the Blackpool Gazette.

He added that many of the incidents investigated by the HSE are “completely avoidable” and have a “devastating impact” on employees and their families.

According to figures from the watchdog, 229 members of staff were killed at work in the UK in 2007-08, while employee injuries resulted in the loss of six million working days.