HSE reminds exporters and imported of hazardous chemicals that the GB PIC Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 649/2012) requires the first export of a listed chemical in any calendar year, to any country, to be notified to the HSE at least 35 days before the intended date of export. Export includes the movement of a listed chemical from GB to Northern Ireland. https://www.hse.gov.uk/pic/exporting-notification.htm?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=chemicals-guidance&utm_term=pic-2&utm_content=pic-9-aug-23

In its 2023 Health and Safety report the Office of Rail and Road says Network Rail must ensure it delivers the changes needed to address the risks of climate change, and, along with the rest of the industry, continue to improve the management of the health of its workers. https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/rail-industry-must-focus-climate-challenge-and-health-workers-says-regulator  Among many interesting comments made are the need to “carry out inspections with an inquiring mind” and to manage fatigue. Operators are also reminded of the need to maintain comprehensive asset registers, which are risk assessed and have appropriate action plans.  It is not acceptable just to rely on the knowledge of long serving personal. The perils of taking a short-term approach to asset management are highlighted!

HSE has released work-related fatality figures for the year 2022/23.   During the year one hundred and thirty-five workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain.  RIDDOR fatality frequency rates (per 100,000 workers) for quoted industry sectors were:

The overall fatality frequency rate for the UK is 0.4/100,000 workers, compared with 2.1 in 1981.  The trend, for the last ten years has been flat.

The three most common causes of fatal injuries are falls from height (forty), being struck by a moving object (twenty-nine), and being struck by a moving vehicle (twenty). In addition, sixty-eight members of the public were killed in work-related accidents during the year in question. https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm