Construction company fined after man died on ‘death trap’ site
A construction company has been fined after a man drowned when he fell into an exposed excavation hole described as a ‘death trap’, at a building site in Hertfordshire.
Mykhalio Hustei had been working for Alchemist DB Limited as a labourer on a project building several flats on the High Street in Bovingdon. The 35-year-old had been living in a property adjoining the site when he attempted to make his way home from a night out on 22 October 2021. However, as he tried to access his own home he fell into one of the exposed excavation holes that was filled with rainwater. His body wasn’t found until around 2pm the following day.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Alchemist DB Limited had been acting as a contractor to build the flats as part of a family-run property development business. New excavation foundations had been dug for the building footings. However, they were crisscrossing the construction site without any designated safe walkways.
Read more on the HSE website.
HSE science team helps power world-first hydrogen aviation breakthrough
Scientists at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have helped deliver a major milestone in hydrogen-powered flight, in partnership with Rolls-Royce – after the successful test of the first jet engine to reach full take-off power running on 100% hydrogen.
The project was part of a world-first programme of hydrogen aviation research for Rolls-Royce, which demonstrates how Britain’s science-led regulatory expertise is helping to unlock the technologies needed to achieve net zero flight.
HSE’s specialist team of scientists at its state-of-the-art Science and Research Centre in Buxton worked with Rolls-Royce to design, manufacture and install high-flow, high-pressure hydrogen control and monitoring gas supply infrastructure. The program culminated in the Engine GH2 test – the first time in the world that work of this type has been performed.
Learn more on the HSE website.
Put a £5 deposit on vapes to stop fires, say waste companies
Waste companies have called for a deposit of up to £5 to be charged on vapes to encourage people to dispose of them properly.
Disposable vapes were banned a year ago, partly because of the fires they can cause in bin lorries and waste facilities when thrown away with general rubbish.
But the industry body for waste companies says vape recycling has not improved enough, so a small, refundable deposit at the point of purchase is a “simple, fair, efficient and cost-neutral solution”.
Some vape companies oppose the idea of a deposit scheme, saying it would encourage people to buy from illicit retailers who don’t charge it.
Under the Environmental Services Association’s (ESA) proposal, a deposit would be charged on vapes when purchased, and returned to customers when they dispose of the vape properly.
For more on the proposal, visit the BBC website.
M&S boosts worker safety
Marks and Spencer is rolling out the WalkSafe Pro personal safety app to help colleagues feel safer when travelling alone or commuting at night, as part of a wider investment in employee wellbeing and community safety.
The retailer said the app will provide staff with access to real-time journey support, including live location sharing, SOS alerts and safety information powered by police data, local authority insights and reports from other users.
SOS alerts raised through the app will connect directly to Mitie’s 24/7 control centre, enabling real-time monitoring and coordinated support where needed.
The app can also be used outside working hours, allowing colleagues to access support during personal journeys as well as work-related travel.
Visit the HSM website to learn more.
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