Health and safety services are available to all self-employed individuals as well as larger companies in the UK.
As so many companies are fined and even imprisoned after their workers suffer injuries at the workplace it is hard to imagine any business owner ignoring the health and safety consultants and turning a blind eye to the potential accidents that could occur.
Furthermore, with many more people making personal injury claims for injuries that happen at work, it is essential that health and safety services are taken very seriously.
Many Professions Involve Using Highly Sophisticated and Dangerous Machinery.
Like many professions tree surgeons work with extremely dangerous machinery day in and day out. Operating the equipment needs vigilance and the correct training.
While working with dangerous machinery it is also essential that the correct gear (PPE) is worn to help prevent any accidents from occurring.
Lack of Training Leaves Tree Surgeon With a Fine
A tree surgeon in Kent has recently been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after one of their employees was horrifically injured on the job.
David Dyer, aged 30 managed to get his trouser leg caught in a tree stump grinder that was left on by Richard Curties, his employer.
While Mr Curties was grinding six tree stumps he temporarily left the machine running and left the equipment running. Mr Dyer walked next to the grinder and his clothing got caught which resulted in his leg being seriously injured after being pulled into the machine.
He broke his leg and damaged his muscles which meant a long period in hospital spanning many weeks. After numerous operations his leg was reconstructed although it is unclear whether he will be able to return to his old profession as a tree surgeon.
The investigation that followed showed that Mr Cuties from Aspen Tree Services did not have the correct training of how to use the machine and that the method of work he was following was unsafe. As a result he was fined £5,000 for breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. In addition to his fine he also has to pay the costs which amount to £3,679
For any self employed businessman a fine of £8,679 .00 is a painful experience and you can be pretty sure the pain of responsibility and friendship most small businessmen share with their employees will be equally as bad.
With the right combination of training and an awareness of both risk and responsibility you can avoid being in their position for a fraction of the cost and enjoy working in a safer environment too.
Health and safety training doesn't have to break the bank and can even increase productivity from your employees or improve your chances when bidding for small and medium size contracts.
Give us a call and we will give you instant advice on how any sections of the health and safety at work etc act 1974 may affect you or your business.
In the event of an accident or injury the courts will always consider a companies approach to health and safety. Ignorance is not an acceptable defence.
This leaves you with 2 very basic decisions.
1 : Do nothing and keep your fingers crossed (not literally) while you and your employees work.
2 : Call us now for some free basic advice on what you need to do just to be safe.
Visit our UK Health and Safety Reference Library and download from a selection of Training Presentations to get you started. GCS are here to help make your world a safer place.
Call now : 08450 950 960
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