News Story – Incident / Accident / Prosecution
A company has been fined following an outbreak of legionella at its sheltered housing accommodation in Birkenhead, putting vulnerable residents at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
The deadly bacteria was detected at Vincent Naughton Court following the sampling of its water systems in the communal areas and flats in July and August 2018.
With all 44 samples testing positive for legionella, the residents were then evacuated from the Sanctuary Housing premises in August 2018, before returning in October and November 2018 after the water system was remedied through the installation of a chlorination unit.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Sanctuary Housing poorly managed the risk of legionella in the water system of Vincent Naughton Court, with staff inadequately trained and supervised. The residents were a particularly vulnerable group due to their age and underlying health issues, putting them at a higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
The HSE investigation found that legionella was detected during testing on 16 and 31 July, which prompted a letter being written by Sanctuary Housing to residents, advising that work would be carried out on the water system on 6 August.
The letter, dated 3 August, misleadingly stated that the contaminated tap water could be stored in sinks and boiled in kettles. More importantly, the letter failed to inform residents that they should avoid using their showers, which would lead to residents being exposed to the risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
Further testing on 8 and 15 August confirmed legionella was still present as work to fix the water system was carried out. The residents were later evacuated on 24 August.
HSE guidance can be found at: Legionella and legionnaires’ disease – HSE
Sanctuary Housing Association, of Castle Street, Worcester pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £900,000 and ordered to pay £11,480.60 in costs at Liverpool Crown Court on 22 October 2024.
HSE inspector Rose Leese-Weller said: “Sanctuary Housing failed to protect vulnerable residents living at Vincent Naughton Court through its mismanagement of the site’s water system. It is very fortunate that none of the residents became ill as they were allowed, without any proper warnings, to continue to use the grossly contaminated water for a large period of time. Not only was there a failure by Sanctuary Housing to manage the risk of contamination in its water systems, but the company had not provided its staff with adequate instruction and training.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Kate Harney and supported by HSE paralegal officer Lucy Gallagher.
News Story – Legislation / Changes
Bosses across the whole of Great Britain have been warned that they risk losing valued team members if they fail to manage their workers’ stress levels in the workplace.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding British employers of their legal duties on World Mental Health Day (10 October).
HSE’s Working Minds campaign provides readily-available and free resources for employers to help recognise the signs and tackle the root causes of stress.
Around half of work-related ill health is down to stress, depression or anxiety with each person suffering taking an average of 19.6 days off work.
Kayleigh Roberts, Work-Related Stress Policy Lead at HSE, has urged employers to use World Mental Health Day to take the time to assess whether they are carrying out their legal duties and what they can do to prevent employees suffering from work-related stress.
She said: “We find many businesses focus on the ‘nice to have’ rather than making changes that will have a real impact. That means creating working conditions and an environment that prevents stress and supports good mental health – designing jobs with realistic workloads and targets, and encouraging people to have a healthy work-life balance.
“Prevention is better than cure – employers need to get proactive on reaching out and recognising the signs and causes of stress and bubbling issues in teams before they become problems. If you suspect you already have a problem, tackle it, it can be daunting but it’s important to address the root cause.
“Failing to manage stress at work could lead to reduced productivity, sickness absence, or even losing a valued member of the team. Our Working Minds campaign has all the resources you need to make a change. You can get started in your own workplace, and you can share the resources to help others to thrive.”
Launched in November 2021, Working Minds now has 35 partners, who have joined HSE’s campaign urging workplaces to take action on work-related stress and mental health.
Working Minds helps employers to follow five simple steps based on risk assessment. They are to Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to any risks you’ve identified, Reflect on actions you’ve agreed and taken, and make it Routine.
There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change. Factors like skills and experience, age, or disability may all affect someone’s ability to cope.
HSE has a free online learning tool for businesses with over 9,000 people already registered with over 90% saying it was easy to use and felt they could implement what they learned in their organisation.
ICE Risk Management – Product / Services / News
Health and Safety Audits
Regular health and safety audits are key to monitoring the safety standards on your project.
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Identifying Hazards
A systematic safety audit helps in identifying potential hazards that may be overlooked during daily operations. By conducting routine checks, an extra set of eyes can assist in pinpointing these risks before they lead to accidents or injuries, promoting proactive health & safety rather than reactive.
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Compliance with Regulations
Construction sites are governed by a range of safety regulations and standards set by local, state, and federal authorities. Safety audits help ensure compliance with these regulations, protecting the company from legal issues, fines, and work stoppages.
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Promoting a Safety Culture
Regular safety audits reinforce the importance of safety among all workers. They demonstrate a commitment to fostering a safety-first culture where every team member is encouraged to participate in maintaining a safe work environment.
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Enhancing Worker Morale and Productivity
When workers feel safe and valued, it positively impacts their morale and productivity. Completing safety audits shows that management cares about their well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
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Reducing Costs
Accidents and injuries on construction sites can result in substantial costs, including medical expenses, legal fees, and project delays. By identifying and mitigating risks through safety audits, companies can save money in the long run by preventing costly incidents.
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Building Reputation
A solid safety record enhances a company’s reputation in the industry. Regular safety audits not only demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management but also build trust with clients, employees & the community.
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Continuous Improvement
Safety audits are not just about identifying problems; they also provide an opportunity for continuous improvement. By reviewing audit findings, companies can implement changes and best practices that lead to a safer work environment over time.
Conclusion
In summary, completing safety audits is an essential practice that helps protect workers, maintain compliance, and cultivate a positive organisational culture. By prioritising safety on your projects, this does not only ensure the well-being of your employees but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of your projects. Regular audits are not just a checkbox to mark; they are a vital part of a proactive strategy for safety management in the construction industry.
Client Profile
Client Profile: Walkers Commercial Cleaning
Company Overview
Founded with a commitment to delivering unmatched cleanliness and a healthier environment, Walkers Commercial Cleaning has established itself as a leading provider of cleaning services across the UK. Walkers specialises in customised cleaning solutions for commercial spaces, including offices, retail establishments, and industrial facilities.
Mission and Values
Walkers Commercial Cleaning is driven by a mission to enhance workplace environments through exceptional cleaning practices. The company values integrity, reliability, and sustainability, ensuring that all services are performed with minimal impact on the planet. Their team is dedicated to creating spaces that promote well-being, productivity, and a positive impression for clients and employees alike.
Services Offered
Walkers Commercial Cleaning offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Their offerings include:
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Daily and weekly office cleaning
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Deep cleaning and sanitisation
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Carpet and upholstery cleaning
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End-of-tenancy cleaning
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Window cleaning
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Specialized industrial cleaning
Looking Ahead
As Walkers Commercial Cleaning continues to grow, they remain focused on expanding their services and enhancing client experience. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures they are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the commercial cleaning industry.
