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The eight most common causes of workplace fires

Around 22,000 fires in the workplace occur across the UK each year – plus thousands more around the world. On top of the human cost in terms of injury or fatality, the financial implications for a business can be huge.

This briefing, sourced from IOSH Fire Risk Management Group publications, looks at the most common causes of such fires and what can be done to reduce the risks. The general information is relevant worldwide, though some regulations and guidance are UK-specific.

Around 22,000 workplace fires occur across the UK every year, plus thousands more around the world. Here we look at the most common causes. Read more >>

Common hazards in the workplace – a guide

A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. Harm means physical or mental damage or injury, as well as reduced quality of life and performance. Hazards in the workplace are potentially everywhere, and they most certainly should not be ignored or taken lightly.

Some industries naturally carry more risks but hazards can occur in workplaces of all types. As part of managing the health and safety of your business, you must control the risks in your workplace. To do this you need to think about what might cause harm to people and decide whether you are taking reasonable steps to prevent that harm.

This guide takes you through the main hazards found in the workplace and control measures to manage them.

A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. This guide looks at the main hazards in the workplace and the control measures to manage them. Read more >>

Farm partnership fined after man killed by exploding tyre

A LANCASHIRE farm partnership has been fined £80,000 after a man with a heart of gold died following an incident at a dairy farm in Hutton near Preston.

Joshua Hardman, who was just 23, suffered fatal head injuries as he helped to inflate a tractor tyre at the farm on 7 May 2021. The father of one from Longridge, was working as a farmhand at the farm run by W Hesketh and Sons.

At the time of the incident, Joshua had been helping one of the partners in the business, Bill Hesketh, re-seat and inflate a large tractor tyre. As Mr Hesketh inflated the inner tube within the tyre, it suddenly exploded and the catastrophic release of compressed air propelled the wheel rim into Joshua, causing traumatic head injuries. He was taken to hospital and underwent skull and brain surgeries, but he subsequently passed away on 11 June after a further deterioration in his condition.

Poll shows lack of new fire safety legislation understanding

According to new polling by health and safety consultancy firm WorkNest, less than one in ten (2%) could confidently say that they understand the implications of the implementation of The Building Safety Act 2022, which came into full effect in April 2024.

The changes which have been implemented amend the Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) requirements, create ‘accountable’ and ‘competent’ person roles and enhance the authority of enforcement bodies.

Jeff Watkins, head of fire safety at WorkNest, said: “These amendments follow on from the Grenfell Tower disaster’s Hackett Review, which also resulted in the Building Safety Act 2022. That Act has only been fully implemented for less than a year and those in the residential and construction industries particularly will have already been dedicating time and resources to it. However, there’s even more to be aware of now with regards to fire safety.”

ORGANISATIONS ARE at risk of not complying with important new fire safety laws, with over half of health and safety professionals unclear on the changes that are being made this year. Read more

Network Rail fined £3.75m following track worker deaths

NETWORK RAIL has been fined £3.75m and ordered to pay costs of £175,000 after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which followed an investigation and prosecution by industry regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Read more

 

 

Man jailed for running illegal waste site

A COUNTY Durham man has been jailed for operating an illegal waste site in a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency.

Christopher Williams, 66, of Acton Dene in Stanley, appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ court on Thursday 13 February for sentencing.He had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of operating a waste site without an environmental permit at Whinfield Industrial Estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.He was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison, comprising 26 weeks and a further 18 weeks because the conviction placed him in breach of a suspended sentence imposed for previous environmental offences.

Waste posed ‘obvious’ fire risk Read more

Alleviate construction site hazards

IT IS vital to ensure that workers in the construction industry are aware of the dangers in their role and implement suitable measures should an emergency occur. Read more

 

 

 

Safe use of ladders and stepladders at work

Falls when working at height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality.

Ladders and stepladders can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, although they should not automatically be your first choice.

To help you make sure you use the right type of ladder, and that you know how to use it safely, our website has guidance on safe use of ladders and stepladders at work. It includes:

• more detail on competency, and what that means for ladder users and those managing ladder use on site
• safety advice for using telescopic ladders
• practical tips for using combination and multi-purpose ladders
• good practice for securing ladders
• You can also download the guidance document Safe use of ladders and stepladders, which was jointly produced by HSE and the Ladder Association.
• For more information and advice visit our working at height website.

 

EV Collision Claims Spike 30% as Severity Levels Stabilise Mitchell reports a sharp rise in EV collision claims, with BEV claims up 38% in the US, though average repair costs remain steady.

Mitchell International, an Enlyte company and a leading provider of technology and information for the Property and casualty (P&C) claims and collision repair industries, has released its latest Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights report. It highlights key trends in battery electric vehicle (BEV), mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) collision claims from 2024.

Following a second consecutive record-breaking year for electrified vehicle sales, the report found that collision claims frequency for repairable BEVs increased by 38% in the US and 34% in Canada. MHEVs and PHEVs saw claims frequency rise by approximately 7% in the US and 24% in Canada over the same period.