Two-thirds of employees stressed by work
Work is the third biggest cause of stress for UK employees, after lack of sleep and money worries, according to new research.
Over two-thirds (70%) of the 1,238 employed adults surveyed by HR software provider Ciphr, identified at least one aspect of work that contributes to their stress levels.
Work in general is the biggest cause of stress for around one in three (37%) employees, with workload pressures (35%) coming a close second.
Despite the rise in remote and hybrid working since the pandemic, commuting is still a significant source of stress for a fifth (19%) of workers.
And, worryingly, nearly one in six have anxiety about their job security (17%).
Read more on the HSM website.
HSE to canvas artificial intelligence impact
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a survey on the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
It asks for responses from professionals trailing or using AI in the industry verticals HSE regulates.
It is hoped feedback will guide on potential risks and develop further its regulatory approach.
HSE’s current role in regulating AI includes:
- regulating the use of AI where it impacts on health and safety in workplaces;
- regulating the use of AI in design, manufacture and supply of workplace machinery; equipment and products for use in the workplace as a Market Surveillance Authority under the Product Safety regulatory framework;
- where AI impacts on HSE’s role to protect people and places, including building safety, chemicals and pesticides regulation.
Learn more about the survey on the SHP website.
Property company prosecuted by Environment Agency
The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a Birmingham company for failing to clear around 4,000 tonnes of waste from land near Fradley in Staffordshire.
At Cannock magistrates’ court on Tuesday 3 September, B46 Properties Limited, of Station Road, Stechford, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an order from the Environment Agency to clear waste from Brickyard Farm, Fradley. The site was storing general waste, including, bricks, trommel fines, wood, construction and green waste.
The court imposed a fine of £806, with a victim surcharge of £322 and costs of £17,338. This totals £18,466.
The court was told that B46 bought the land in September 2022 and was aware that a waste company was operating from the site.
However, the waste operator went into liquidation after failing in an appeal to overturn a revocation order of its environmental permit.
This meant that once the waste operator left the site, the landowner was responsible for clearing the waste.
For more on the case, visit the HSM website.
Routine HSE inspection results in £150,000 fine for food manufacturer
A North London food manufacturer has been fined £150,000 for failing to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.
The failings came to light following a routine inspection by Britain’s workplace regulator – the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in October 2023.
During the visit to Wembley-based Oriental Delight (UK) Limited, the HSE inspector identified multiple failings related to the guarding of machinery. Three machines were deemed unsafe due to interlocking safety devices being defeated and guards being completely removed.
However, it wasn’t the first time the food company had come onto HSE’s radar , with prohibition notices being issued in both 2016 and 2019.
Read more about the case on the SHP website.
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