HEALTH & SAFETY
Effective training linked to higher safety in utilities
Research conducted amongst learning and development (L&D) professionals across the UK’s high-risk industries reveals a clear link between annual industry fatality rates and the training available to employees, with utilities found to be the best-performing sector.
The utility sector has the lowest number of fatalities of the high-risk industries that were studied and offers the both highest quantity and quality of training, according to a new report by Cloud Assess.
Utility firms were found to have the most employees go through training each year, with 65% of the workforce completing training annually. By contrast, the construction industry, which is statistically the most dangerous in the UK, has just 54% of its employees
going through training every single year.
In addition, the utility sector was the most likely to offer a blend of both online and in-person training for maximum learning benefits. Meanwhile, the transport sector, the second most dangerous industry by fatality rate, was more likely to offer classroom-based training sessions away from the actual workplace (44%).
Cloud Assess’ data also found that utility firms were most likely to measure training based on changes in behaviour (63%) and time spent (38%), whereas transport firms were most likely to use compliance audits as their measure of success (47%). Not only this, but employers in the utility sector were most likely to insist that trainers and assessors also complete training themselves
(100%).
Rob Bright, Founder of Cloud Assess, comments: “Whilst there is still some work to be done, it’s encouraging to see that utility firms which are prioritising consistent, high-quality training for all staff are succeeding in reducing the number of preventable incidents amongst their employees. We hope that these new insights will act as a catalyst that other high-risk industries need to reassess their approach to training to better protect their workforce.”
To benchmark your business against other firms, and find out how the utility sector compares to other deskless industries, read the full report: Fatal Negligence: Unveiling the Deadly Consequences of Inadequate Employee Training
Road tanker manufacturing company fined after gas asphyxiation
A leading tanker manufacturing company has been fined £200,000 after a worker collapsed from gas exposure before the same fate befell a colleague who went to check on him.
On 18 March 2020, a worker at Tasca Tankers in Wakefield, West Yorkshire entered a metal tank to carry out some welding work. A few minutes later, a second worker looked inside the tank to check on his colleague and found him slumped at the bottom. After shouting for help the second worker went into the tank and also collapsed. Emergency services rescued both employees after entering the space with breathing apparatus.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to ensure safety of their employees while working in the tanks, classified as a confined space. When inside the tank, the employees suffered asphyxiation resulting
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from inhalation of argon gas leaking from the welding torch. This resulted in a hypoxic brain injury that left the first worker in a coma for more than 12 days and on waking suffered a loss of memory, the inability to walk, talk and move his left arm. The worker has had to learn to walk and talk again. Both workers continue to suffer long lasting physical and psychological effects of this incident.
HSE has guidance on working in confined spaces.
At Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 1 December, Tasca Tankers of Unit 5, Diamond Business Park, Thornes Moor Rd, Wakefield, West Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £ £7,060.10 in costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Louise | February 2024 |
www.draintraderltd.com
Redgrove, said: “Two employees very nearly died in an incident which was foreseeable.
“The company had previously received related enforcement action and yet still failed to identify work was taking place inside confined spaces. This incident could so easily have been avoided if the company had ensured robust controls, effective training and emergency procedures were in place and current.”This prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Jonathan Bambro.
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