Health and Safety – News and updates

WOBO is pleased to provide a variety of news item that reinforce learning and day to day activities

Health and Safety ExecutiveSafety report issued regarding height adjustable motorised screens – Risk of serious crushing or impact injury to children

The Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) has issued a product safety report regarding the Conen Motorised Display Wall Mount (SCETAW 2407-0111).

There is a risk of serious crushing or impact injury to children which may arise from the equipment detaching from the wall and falling forward. There is also a risk of serious crushing injury to children between the bottom edge of the display screen and any fixed objects.

View the product safety report on GOV.UK

The machine does not satisfy the requirements of The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

Users of these or similar motorised height adjustable display mounts that do not include an anti-collision device or similar protective features should contact the machine manufacturer or their supplier for advice on measures that can be taken to eliminate or reduce risks.

Thorough Examination and Testing (TExT) duties – Ensure you understand your duties when conducting TExT of microbiological safety cabinets (MBSCs) and other laboratory-based local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems  

There is increasing evidence to suggest that some sectors using MBSCs and other laboratory-based LEV systems do not fully understand their TExT duties under Regulation 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (as amended).

While testing to the relevant standard (for example, BS EN 12469: 2000) is encouraged, this does not fulfil all the requirements of Regulation 9(2) of COSHH, which has additional information and testing requirements.

You can find information about what a suitable record should contain in paragraph 186 of the associated COSHH Approved Code of Practice.

HSE’s publication Controlling airborne contaminants at work: a guide to LEV contains further advice on how to conduct TExT of LEV systems.

Public consultation on alternatives: call for information – Deadline: 3 April 2025

HSE has received applications for authorisation for the following substances/uses:

  • Reference: AFA065-01
    Applicant: Almetron Ltd
    Application type:
     Initial
    Substance: Chromium trioxide 
    Use: 
    Formulation of surface treatment process solutions containing chromium trioxide – specifically formulating chromic acid-based products by the addition of water, wetting agents and acids (no reactive chemistry). – View the details

  • Reference: AFA066-01
    Applicants:
     Vertik-al ltd (7 companies – see names on application documents)
    Application type:
     Initial
    Substance: Chromium trioxide
    Use: Pre-treatment conversion coating of aluminium for the construction industry by spray and dip process. – View the detailsArticle 64 in the UK REACH Regulation makes provisions for HSE to obtain and use additional information on possible alternatives or technologies as part of the opinion forming process. HSE has announced public consultations for each of these applications. Visit the corresponding consultation link for further details. Any third parties with an interest in the application are strongly encouraged to share any relevant information.

Scientific and technical information on possible alternatives or technologies should be submitted directly to HSE using the commenting webform and templates by 3 April 2025.

Non-confidential information will be published on HSE’s website. Details of the adopted opinions, granted UK REACH authorisations and in-progress applications can be found on the HSE website.

Health and safety responsibilities for grid-scale battery energy storage systems  – This ebulletin is for those with responsibilities during the life-cycle of battery energy storage systems (BESS), including designers, installers and operators. It will point you to information that will help you understand your duties. 

The relevant legislation includes:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
  • Electricity at Work Regulations

HSE has produced a new webpage which includes information on:

  • health and safety regulations to manage health and safety risks of BESS
  • signposting to other government departments for information on planning permission, environmental protection and notifying your fire and rescue service
Visit the webpage for further information: Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS).

See the full article at hsmsearch.com
Repeated wood dust failures lands company with fine – AN ESSEX-based company that makes windows and doors has been hit with a £4,000 fine after repeatedly failing to protect its workers from exposure to wood dust

See the full article at hsmsearch.com

Survey highlights gaps in Building Safety Act knowledge – NEW RESEARCH from Watco, the industrial paint and repair products specialist, has examined the complexities affecting facilities managers (FM) within the building, construction and refurbishment sector, uncovering several challenges around legislation and maintenance

See the full article at hsmsearch.com

Industries taking toll on employee wellbeing revealedA-  NEW study has revealed which careers are most impactful on the wellbeing of those who work in those industries.

See the full article at hsmsearch.com

Safety fears persist among construction workers – A NEW report from manufacturer of power tools, accessories and hand tools Milwaukee has found that risk remains unacceptably high on European construction sites, harming workers, employers and the wider sector alike

©2025 All Rights Reserved World Organization of Building Officials.

MENU