In the News

2nd June 2020

RAIB incident report

The RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) have published their report on the loss of brake control on a sleeper train approaching Edinburgh, which occurred on the morning of 1st August 2019. https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/report-05-2020-loss-of-brake-control-on-a-sleeper-train-approaching-edinburgh. Key points raised were: • The failure to carry out a risk assessment of operational changes. • The design of systems to a national standard which was not applicable. • Isolation valves which were so positioned that, if inadvertently knocked, they could move to an unsafe position.

5th May 2020

New guidance from the HSE on lone working

HSE has published “Protecting lone workers: How to manage the risks of working alone”.  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.htm  This guidance explains how to keep lone workers healthy and safe. It is for anyone who employs lone workers, or engages them as contractors etc, including self-employed people or those who work alone.

The updated guidance contains:

a new section on how to protect lone workers from the risk of work-related violence more information on how managers should keep in touch with lone workers new advice on the impact lone working can have on stress, mental health and wellbeing
23rd April 2020

EA publish four temporary COVID-19 regulatory position statements

The Environment Agency has published four temporary COVID-19 regulatory position statements (COVID-19 RPSs). These cover: • Monitoring and reporting • Regulated industry installations (non-waste) • Waste management (excluding radioactive waste) • Water industry The Agency states that “each COVID-19 RPS sets out when they apply and the conditions you must comply with”. The obligation to comply with all other environmental regulatory requirements remains. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/covid-19-regulatory-position-statements