HSC Chair visits Wychavon to see goods moved safely - 22 May 2007

Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), yesterday joined inspectors from Wychavon District Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during two inspections of fruit and vegetable distribution depots in Evesham.

This event forms part of the HSE’s national ‘Moving Goods Safely’ (MGS) initiative that involves joint Local Authority and HSE inspections on those sectors where the movement of goods forms a fundamental aspect to their business.

Bill Callaghan joined and observed inspections of Spiers & Hartwell Ltd, in Birmingham Road, Blackminster, and Well-pict European on the Honeybourne Industrial Estate.

Bill Callaghan said:

“This initiative is part of a national concerted effort by HSE and Local Authorities, working in partnership, involving inspections of deliveries to retail premises across the country to help reduce injury and ill-health of employees arising from the movement of goods. Responsible companies should welcome these visits as an opportunity to get information and advice from the regulator – speaking with one voice - about how best to ensure that their employees carry out work safely and healthily.

“These visits focused on the delivery and collection of goods, where issues such as communication and co-operation are key to successful operations. I noted that inspectors checked out the plans and that the site rules were available to those who needed them.”

He added: “I am aware that the retail and distribution sectors employ a good proportion of migrant labour. All workers – regardless of their provenance - are afforded the full protection of health and safety law. HSE inspectors focus on high- risk areas with significant migrant employment, using inspection/enforcement, communication with all stakeholders – including workers - and appropriate sharing of intelligence to achieve our aims.”

Steve Jorden, Head of Environmental Services at Wychavon District Council said:

"We were very pleased to welcome Mr Callaghan to Wychavon, and appreciate him taking the time to experience the work that we do with our HSE colleagues, in person. Joint initiatives such as ‘Moving Good Safely’ are essential if we are to improve safety standards across all sectors of industry regardless of whether they are local authority or HSE enforced."

Each year over 10,000 accidents are reported to the Health and Safety Executive and to Local Authorities by the road haulage, storage and warehousing sectors. Approximately 1,800 of these accidents are major injuries including up to 15 fatalities. The human cost aside, these accidents cost this sector over £110 million every year.

The MGS initiative concentrates on risks to employees from workplace transport, manual handling, slips & trips and working at heights. The joint inspections provide an opportunity for both employers and staff to be advised on good working practices. Both LA and HSE inspectors can take enforcement action, however, if they uncover serious examples of bad working practice.

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