HSE falls from vehicles

2nd March 2009

Vehicle Access Platforms

HSE targets falls from vehicles - again

March 3, 2009

The Health and Safety Executive is re-running a campaign that warns about the dangers of falls from vehicles. When companies are investing in new fleet vehicle buyers should require basic safe design features such as safety steps, handrails/hand holds and slip resistant floors.

To illustrate the workplace risks behind this campaign the HSE recently warned about the dangers of falling from vehicles following the death of a Central Scotland tanker driver who fell three metres from the top of his vehicle because his employer failed to provide a safe place to work.

The Health and Safety ( Offences Act) has recently come into force. This Act raises the maximum penalties available to the courts in respect of health and safety offences. Included in the Act are the following:

- The maximum fine that can be imposed by the lower courts (Magistrate's Court) has been raised from £5,000

to £20,000 for most offences

- Prison sentences are now an option for most health and safety offences in lower and higher courts

- It is now possible for certain offences, which can currently only be tried in the lower courts, to be tried in either the lower or higher courts.

The Act will only apply to offences committed on or after 16 January 2009, and will not change any of the existing legal duties on businesses.

Article taken from Vertikal.