HSE urges industry to check guidance following Swindon explosion
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urgently asking all companies using similar printing machinery to that involved in a recent industrial explosion to consult guidance published last year and updated today, Friday 10 October 2025.
A sublimation calender machine manufactured by Diferro was in use at a printers on the Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon, where the explosion took place at around 7.30pm on Wednesday 24 September. Thankfully, nobody was injured.
Following the incident, HSE, acting in its role as the market surveillance authority, has directly contacted all known users instructing them to ensure they have referenced this guidance and cease operations if they are in any doubt.
The regulator is attempting to identify any other users of machines believed to have been sold by two known distributors, and is taking steps to prevent any other Diferro machines coming into the country via liaison with UK border officials.
Read more on the HSE website.
Man sentenced after carrying out illegal gas work
A Middlesborough man has been given a suspended prison sentence after carrying out illegal gas work.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Neil Burton carried out boiler services in a home in Stockton-on-Tees on two occasions, in May 2021 and April 2022. Although Burton had previously been on the Gas Safe Register, he had allowed his membership and qualifications to lapse. A subsequent review of the boiler identified defects which meant it was classed as a risk and a danger.
Burton, 41, also carried out work at a house in Middlesbrough in September 2022 and October 2023. These works included disconnecting a gas hob and installing a new one, as well as disconnecting a gas fire. As he had done previously, he carried out this work while not registered to do so. He had also been subject of previous action taken by HSE, when carrying out illegal gas work in 2015.
Learn more on the HSM website.
Builder given suspended sentence after roof worker fell to his death
A self-employed builder from Reading has been given a suspended prison sentence after a man fell to his death while assisting with roof work.
Raffaele Vigliotti, 68, who was trading as Absolute Building Solutions, was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, after the death of Andrew Layley. The 69-year-old, an acquaintance of Vigliotti, was helping with roof work as part of an extension to a domestic property in the town.
It was during this work on 8 April 2023 that Mr Layley fell and sustained serious head injuries. He died in hospital several weeks later.
More on the incident on the HSE website.
Tackle workplace sickness, urges IOSH
The UK Government must widen access to and strengthen occupational health systems if it is to meet its target of reducing sickness absence and getting people back to work, a new report from IOSH says.
The report reveals the findings of a survey which show that one in six workers aren’t confident their employer would support them to stay in or return to work if they had a long-term physical health condition or disability. Meanwhile, one in five believe they wouldn’t get adequate support if they had a mental health issue.
IOSH has launched the report, called Fixing sick Britain: getting people back to work through good occupational health and safety. This features contributions from several organisations and a number of recommendations from IOSH, including:
- government investment in strong occupational health systems, with a focus on preventing health problems
- dedicated support for small and medium-sized businesses
- targeted public health programmes to address health risks early
- incentives for employers to provide healthy working environments, including good work-life balance.
Visit the HSM website to read more on the report.
To keep up to date with the latest health & safety news and advice, follow us on social media: