NEWSFLASH


GLOVE IS ALL AROUND


Polyco has stepped in to help a Cleveland police officer by manufacturing him a lifetime supply of the bespoke gloves he requires as a result of his workplace injury.


Occupational injuries are abundant, and between 2012 and 2013 over 78,000 injuries to employees were reported. Being a police officer can be a particularly hazardous job, with many risks attached to the profession.


Recently, a police officer of the Cleveland division highlighted how dangerous being in the force can be,


when an on-duty injury resulted in his finger and part of his hand being amputated. The injuries suffered meant that this individual was no longer able to wear conventional five fingered gloves.


A scoping exercise by Cleveland Police determined that commissioning and manufacturing the gloves would cost thousands of pounds because they would need to be made in such large quantities.


This could have been a huge problem. If the injured policeman could not get the correct protective equipment, he would be unable to work to his previous capacity in the future. However, as a goodwill gesture, Polyco stepped in to provide the officer with enough gloves to last him a lifetime.


The officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I would like to thank Polyco staff for all their efforts. A great deal of work has gone into this and the new gloves are fantastic – just what I need to enable me to fully perform my duties. It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but I’m pleased we have come to a positive conclusion.”


www.polyco.co.uk


TOUGHER SENTENCES PROPOSED FOR SERIOUS


H&S BREACHES Proposed sentencing guidelines have been published to assist magistrates or judges dealing with corporate manslaughter, health and safety and food safety and hygiene offences in England and Wales.


The guidelines are being introduced due to a lack of comprehensive guidance for sentencers in relation to these offences. The proposals are now subject to a public consultation which will run until 18th February 2015.


While there is a guideline that covers corporate manslaughter and fatal


www.tomorrowshs.com


health and safety offences, there is currently no specific guidance on sentencing food safety or non-fatal health and safety offences.


Although offenders may range from SMEs or multinational companies, to company directors or employees, existing guidance only covers offences committed by organisations rather than individuals.


The Sentencing Council also found that sentencers were not always familiar with how to deal with these offences since they are not met with as frequently as other criminal cases.


The review of guidelines is also taking place in part due to concerns that some sentences imposed for these offences have been too low, particularly in relation to large organisations convicted of the most serious health and safety and food safety offences.


The Council has therefore proposed to increase sentence levels in


such situations. This will ensure sentences that are proportionate to the seriousness of the offence while, as required by law, taking account of the financial circumstances of the offender. It is proposed that an offending organisation’s means will initially be based on its turnover.


Sentencing Council member, Michael Caplan QC, said: “Our proposals will help ensure a consistent approach to sentencing, allowing fair and proportionate sentences across the board, with some of the most serious offenders facing tougher penalties.


“This is a consultation: we are interested in hearing feedback on our proposals so we can develop sentences which people understand and have confidence in.”


Responses to the proposals can be made online at www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk


or by email to consultation@sentencingcouncil.gsi.gov.uk.


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