The HSE issue Safety Alerts for major faults that would result in a serious or fatal injury and where immediate remedial action is required. The following are recently issued alerts:

Mobile crushing plant - unintended movement of tracks
November 2011

Investigation of a fatal incident by HSE has identified that unintended movement of some mobile crushers can occur when there is an earth/ground fault.

Gas Detector Safety Alert
August 2011

The HSE have issued a safety alert for Status Mentor PGD2 gas meters.

HSE warns of dangers of diving for shellfish
June 2011

In recent weeks the HSE has investigated two separate fatalities involving diving for shellfish.

Jacking of flat bottomed storage tanks:
February 2011

This safety notice covers issues associated with the jacking of large flat bottomed cylindrical storage tanks.

Overturns of JLG 500RTS scissor lifts:
January 2011

Maintenance, inspection and function testing of both oscillating axle lockout valves and the lift/drive interlock system on JLG 500RTS and 400RTS scissor lifts (and any other MEWPs with similar interlock systems).

Gas boilers - flues in voids:
December 2010

Changes to industry guidance relating to existing gas central heating systems where the flue system is concealed within a void and cannot be visually inspected (i.e. to make sure it is safe) will require provision of inspection hatches before 31st December 2012.

‘False’ engagement of tipping hooks on ‘builders’ skips:
November 2010

This safety notice highlights a potential danger whereby fabrication of the skip can result in a lip on which tipping hooks may ‘falsely’ engage and provides advice on corrective actions.

Electrically Powered Gates:
September 2010

Installers, designers, maintenance firms and manufacturers of electric gates, are being urged to seriously consider new safety advice issued by HSE 02 September 2010, following the recent deaths of two children involving these gates.

MEWP Trapping Incidents:
July 2010

More people die from falls at work than from any other cause. The use of mobile elevating work platforms/powered access equipment has been a major factor in the reduction in falls accidents. For temporary work at height this kind of equipment is often the safest solution.

Telehandlers:
March 2010

Workers are being warned not to operate telehandlers if the right-hand side window is missing or broken, following a fatal incident.