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Falls and machinery biggest risks [Liverpool Echo (England)](Liverpool Echo (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WORKPLACE falls and dangerous machinery are the most likely cause of companies in Merseyside being prosecuted over health and safety breaches. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought 65 prosecutions in the North West in the past year, and St Helens and Knowsley firms were among the companies that were fined. St Helens-based W Swindells & Son (Roofing) Ltd was prosecuted by the HSE after an investigation found that the firm had failed to put measures in place to prevent workers falling through skylights at a school in Chorley. And Knowsley-based cable manufacturer Tratos Ltd was fined Pounds 15,000 after a worker suffered a severe electric shock. Steven Smith, HSE's head of operations in the North West, said: "Sadly, it's often only after the death or major injury of an employee that firms take action to improve safety but, hopefully, by bringing these cases to court we'll raise awareness of the issues and help prevent future incidents. "It's vital that firms carrying out work at height do more to stop employees being injured in falls. That could include using scaffolding or harnesses, or installing netting under fragile roof panels. "Factories also need to do more to make sure their machines are safe to use. "That means installing suitable guards to prevent workers being trapped by dangerous moving parts and ensuring that maintenance work is carried out." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |