Polski Dzial Excavator driver sentenced after worker injury
A Nottinghamshire demolition company and one of its employees have appeared in court after a worker suffered severe injuries when he was hit by a falling excavator bucket on his first day on site. Labourer James Wilson was working for the company on a demolition site in Worksop in January 2011. The excavator driver was […]
‘Sorry’ not always good enough for victims of injury
Plans to introduce legislation to protect people from legal action if they apologise for causing injury are “pointless and misguided” lawyers have said. In its response to a consultation on a proposed Apologies (Scotland) Bill, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) said the courts take each case on its merits and already provide protection, […]
Injuriesboard.ie publishes interim report for 2012
InjuriesBoard.ie has released details of its work in the first six months of 2012. Data for the period shows a gradual but consistent increase (4.1%) in claims volumes compared to the same period in 2011. The period also saw the emergence of issue-specific claims linked to Thalidomide and De Puy hip replacements. In the six […]
Calls for safety guidance to be in plain English
Campaigners say a review of workplace safety must ensure that all updates to important guidelines are made in plain English. The not-for-profit Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has submitted a response to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) consultation on proposals to simplify its Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs). “It’s imperative that guidance is […]
New initiative to cut loading bay accidents
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has recently launched a new initiative aimed at reducing the number of people injured or killed when working in loading bays. IOSH’s Retail and Distribution Group has teamed up with the Freight Transport Association to produce the ‘Loading Dock Safety Guide’, with the aim of helping employers […]
De-regulation kills, warns TUC
Government plans to abolish safety inspections in thousands of businesses across the UK will put the health of millions of workers at risk, the TUC has warned. Responding to plans outlined by Business Secretary Vince Cable, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: ‘Contrary to myths peddled by ministers, the UK is facing an occupational health […]
Lawyers welcome rethink on compensation cuts
Campaigners have welcomed a decision by the Government to rethink its proposals to cut compensation payments for victims of crime. Karl Tonks, president of the not-for-profit Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) said: “This decision will surely be of great relief to many victims of crime who have been injured through no fault of their […]
Nursing home owners sentenced after death of elderly resident
Two nursing home owners have been fined after an elderly resident died following a fall from a hoist. Annie Bradley, 78, was being transported in a sling from her bed to a specialist chair at the home in Leicester in July 2008. During the manoeuvre Miss Bradley fell to the floor, hitting her head. The […]
Firms prosecuted over asbestos exposure
Two companies have been prosecuted after workers were exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres at a mill in Bolton. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took legal action after finding dozens of damaged asbestos boards stacked up during a visit in October 2010. Manchester Crown Court heard that neither company had put a plan in […]
Mobile devices more of a distraction than a screaming child
A recent study has exposed the distraction and danger to drivers of just having a mobile phone in the car, with a fifth of participants in a simulator situation moving their eyes from the road for more than seven seconds after simply hearing their phone ring. The simulator study commissioned by esure car insurance reveals […]