Firms could be responsible for professional negligence
It has been revealed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour’s (MSAL,) that thousands of companies could be held accountable for professional negligence.
This is because they are violating basic health and safety regulations. Such practises have become more common in the workplace since the financial downturn struck.
The ministry has warned that a large number of firms in the industrial and commercial sector are risking disaster due to their failure to observe basic safety assessments.
A new report issued by the department revealed that inspections of facilities showed that around 20,000 industrial and commercial businesses were violating professional safety standards and displaying professional negligence towards their duty of care for workers in the past year alone.
Further investigation discovered that 7,089 businesses had their licenses suspended due to violating safety rules which failed to provide lists of their registered workers.
Worryingly, 3,313 workers were injured in accidents at work, with the accidents including falls on construction sites, fires, misuse of construction equipment and exposure to toxic chemicals.
James Boley, a researcher in construction, stated that the committee's reform of workplace ethics will be most welcomed: “Its evidence of a growing understanding of just how vital it is to provide adequate safety and protection for workers.”
He added that the reform displays a step forward for the work sector: “We can’t kid ourselves and say that all contractors are exemplars of safety in their operations.
“But it is clear that many are taking the matter very seriously. Protecting workers is a sound strategy to protect a business as making shrewd investments – protecting workers is an investment.”
Hand work injury
More health and safety matters have come under scrutiny this year, after a serious workplace accident left a man trapped in a machine.
The worker suffered ‘traumatic injuries’ when his arm became caught in a machine. The 30-year-old labourer was working at a recycling firm, when the accident occurred.
On arrival, ambulance and fire crew members discovered the man had his right arm trapped in a recycling baler.
He was released using hydraulic rams and spreaders after an operation which lasted over two hours. The casualty was then taken to hospital having sustained severe crush injuries to his right hand and wrist.
The Ambulance Service stated that the man received nerve and tendon treatment for his personal injury.
John McClintock, Station Officer said: “It was a very severe and traumatic injury. It took two and a half hours to free him and transfer him to hospital. The ambulance crew worked very hard to salvage his hand at the scene and on route.
“The worker was fairly conscious the whole way through the ordeal. The crew worked very carefully with him as it was obviously a very traumatic injury.”
A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the work accident did take place at their site but declined to make any further comment.
A HSE Inspector commented: “The HSE will not tolerate employers exposing their employees to unacceptable risks at work. The HSE has always been available to give advice in relation to health and safety at work. There is simply no excuse for employers to plead ignorance of good health and safety practice.”
Updated on 07/09/2009