Hazards news

Britain: Large fines for nuke firms after scaffolder injury
EDF has been fined £533,333 and Trillium Flow Services Ltd £100,000 after scaffolder Colin Dell was seriously injured by a two-tonne counterweight at Dungeness B power station in Kent. Dell was working near cooling water discharge valves when an unsupported hydraulic ram caused the counterweight to fall, injuring his foot and resulting in amputated toes. Dell, 62, has been unable to return to work and was diagnosed with PTSD.
Construction Enquirer. 18 November 2024

Scotland: Unite demands action to protect Scottish bus drivers from abuse
Unite the union has revealed alarming survey results showing 84 per cent of Scottish bus drivers experienced increased abuse in the past year, with 51 per cent feeling unsafe. Respondents reported verbal, physical and sexual abuse with many highlighting inadequate employer support. Unite is urging the Scottish government to hold a transport safety summit and implement measures like stronger legislation, increased CCTV, and enhanced police presence.
Unite Live. 14 November 2024

Ireland/Britain: Engineering firm fined £2,000 after worker loses fingers
A Ballygawley engineering firm, D-TEC Engineering, was fined £2,000 after an employee lost several fingers in a workplace accident in January 2023. The worker was using an emery cloth on an automatic lathe, which snagged his glove and caused severe hand injuries, including the loss of three fingers
We are Tyrone. 15 November 2024

Lebanon: Israeli strikes killed 21 emergency workers in one day
Israeli airstrikes on Thursday 14 November killed 21 emergency responders in Lebanon, including 15 at a state civil defence centre in Douris, raising the total emergency worker deaths to over 200. Rights groups and Lebanon’s health ministry condemned the attacks, calling them potential war crimes. The 13-month conflict has killed over 3,300 people, with growing calls from international bodies to halt strikes on healthcare workers.
The Guardian. 15 November 2024

Britain: Unions back London bus drivers’ push for safer conditions
London bus drivers, supported by unions including Unite and the Fire Brigades Union, marched to Transport for London's (TfL) headquarters on 5 November, demanding improved working conditions. Drivers report hazardous schedules, insufficient rest breaks, and unsafe vehicles. A petition with over 700 signatures urges TfL to adopt a "Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights," which includes fair work schedules, functioning vehicle amenities, and protection from retaliation for raising safety concerns.
My London News. 15 November 2024

USA: More Bird Flu infections in dairy workers than previously thought
A new CDC study has found 7per cent of dairy workers exposed to bird flu-infected cows in Michigan and Colorado had antibodies for H5N1, indicating higher undetected infection rates. Experts have warned current protections are insufficient, with the virus risking further spread due to limited testing and protective measures.
The Guardian. 11 November 2024

Global: Work warning on Marburg risk
Outbreaks of the deadly Marburg virus in several African countries over the last two years should have been accompanied by health warning for workers, evidence suggests. Global union ITUC, which is urging the World Health Organisation to revised its guidance to recognise the occupational risk, says the case was first detected in lab workers working with monkeys imported from Uganda, and the first large scale outbreak of the bat-linked virus was in gold miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
WHO factsheet. ECDC factsheet. 5 November 2024

Britain: Number of disabled people unable to work rises by 260,000
New data from the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed a 260,000 increase in the number of disabled people unable to work in Britain over the past year, due to rising levels of long-term illness. Disability campaigners and Unison are urging Labour to prioritise NHS funding to reduce waiting lists and enhance work accessibility schemes.
The Morning Star. 5 November 2024

Britain: Fifty per cent rise in police dismissals in England and Wales
Almost 600 police officers in England and Wales were dismissed in 2023 for misconduct, a 50 per cent increase from the previous year. Most dismissals were due to dishonesty, sexual misconduct, or discriminatory behaviour.
BBC news online. 5 November 2024

Britain: Audit Office report confirms union's worst fears over cladding
A new National Audit Office report has revealed the UK cladding crisis is worse than thought, with 9,000-12,000 buildings over 11 metres high still containing flammable cladding, and remediation efforts expected to extend until 2037 - 20 years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Fire Brigades Union leader Matt Wrack said: "The facts that thousands of residential buildings remain wrapped in dangerous cladding is a national disgrace."
FBU news. 4 November 2024

Britain: Stone worker widows warn of the “New Asbestos”
Widows of stonemasons Paul Gray and Stuart Johnson, who died from silicosis linked to silica dust exposure, have warned of the devastating consequences of silica dust expiosure. The men, who worked with high-silica-content stone in Bradford and Leeds, were diagnosed after many years of exposure without adequate protection. Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which represented the families, warns West Yorkshire is a silica dust exposure hotspot and has launched a national register for affected workers.
BBC news online. 4 November 2024

Britain: Small fine for construction company after worker paralysed
Derbyshire builder Andrew Clifford, 51, was left paralysed from the chest down after falling through a ceiling while working alone on a house renovation. An investigation revealed the contracting company, Paul Freeman Ltd, failed to properly plan the work and was fined £40,000 fine with £6,263 costs.
HSE news release. 4 November 2024

Britain: Salford Council first to sign migrant care workers charter
Salford council is the first signatory of Unison's 'migrant care workers charter', which aims to protect care workers on sponsored visas. The charter addresses the precarious immigration status that leaves many workers vulnerable if they lose employment, which can trigger visa cancellation. The charter also aims to protect workers from unsafe living conditions and unpaid work.
The Guardian. 4 November 2024

Norway/Britain: Search for families of oil rig disaster victims continues
Researchers at Norway's Petroleum Museum are seeking to contact the families of two British men, John Michael Harris from Grimsby and John Tegowski from Nottinghamshire, who perished in the 1980 Alexander Kielland oil rig disaster that claimed 123 lives. The rig capsized after one of its legs detached in a storm.
BBC news online. 3 November 2024

Britain: Schools boost maternity benefits to stem exodus of female teachers
In response to a surge of women leaving teaching in their 30s, schools across England are increasing maternity pay and offering flexible working options. While government funding aims to recruit new teachers, experts argue addressing low maternity pay and excessive workloads is crucial to prevent experienced teachers from leaving, with some schools now offering up to 18 weeks of full maternity pay and flexible policies to support work-life balance.
The Guardian. 2 November 2024

Britain: Call for police reforms after trainee officer’s suicide
The family of Anugrah Abraham, a 21-year-old West Yorkshire Police trainee who took his own life in March 2023, has criticised police culture, describing it as based on “fear and discipline.” An inquest found Abraham, a student officer on a degree apprenticeship, struggled with a heavy workload and felt bullied and unsupported. Despite expressing suicidal thoughts, he waited months for an occupational health appointment, which was ultimately scheduled after his death.
BBC news online. The Guardian. 1 November 2024.

Britain: NUJ launches Journalists' Safety Tracker
The NUJ has launched an online tool, the Journalists’ Safety Tracker, allowing journalists across the UK and Ireland to report incidents of harassment, abuse, and "lawfare" confid entially. The tool aims to address the rising threats journalists face both online and in person, enabling freelancers and staff to log issues like social media harassment, malicious impersonation, spyware use, physical violence, and SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).
NUJ news. Journalist Safety tracker. 1 November 2024

Europe: Study links climate change to over half the heat deaths in 2022
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found 38,000 of the 68,000 total European heat-related deaths in summer 2022 were as a result of greenhouse gas pollution.
The Guardian. 29 October 2024

Britain: Cutting quartz kitchen worktops has cost worker his life
Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old stone worker with terminal silicosis, says his illness was caused by inhaling silica dust while cutting quartz worktops in unsafe conditions. Now with weeks to live, Marek and his solicitor Leigh Day are pursuing legal action against his former employers.
Leigh Day new release. 29 October 2024

Britain: Company fined £80,000 after employee suffers severe injuries
Grayshill Limited was fined £80,000, with an additional £6,000 victim surcharge, after an employee sustained a fractured skull, broken clavicle, and other injuries at its Glasgow site. The worker was struck by a telehandler bucket that became detached on 19 October 2022, while he was unloading cattle from a lorry.
HSE news release. 28 October 2024

Britain: BME nightshift workers face growing health risks
New research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has warned of rising health risks for black and ethnic minority (BME) workers from a significant increase in night shift work. Over the past decade, BME night shift workers have surged by 71 per cent, (360,000 people), while the number of white workers on night shifts has declined by 19 per cent. The new report, conducted with various unions and universities, highlights that night work is linked to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and strained family relationships.
The Morning Star. 28 October 2024

Britain New law mandates employers to tackle sexual harassment
The newly enacted Worker Protection Act, effective from 26 October, requires employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, encompassing incidents via social media or involving customers. Employers will have to conduct regular risk assessments, implement policies, provide training and complaints will need to be investigated swiftly.
BBC news online. TUC guide. Personnel Today overview. 26 October 2024

Britain: Study finds night shifts impacting rail workers' health
A report from the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has highlighted the damaging effects of night shifts on rail workers’ health and family life. Based on interviews with employees from Network Rail, London Underground, and London North Eastern Railway, the study revealed widespread chronic fatigue, health problems like heart disease and diabetes and strained family relationships.
The Morning Star. 26 October 2024

USA: Avian flu affects more workplaces
Avian flu has been discovered in a wider range of farm animals in the US, heightening fears of worker infections and the possibility of human-to-human transmission. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports there were 39 human cases of Avian flu – also known as bird flu or N5N1 – confirmed almost exclusively in poultry and dairy workers in the first 10 months of 2024.
CDC situation summary. 26 October 2024

Britain: Southampton hospital porters denied toilet and period dignity
Unite is balloting porters at University Hospital Southampton on the grounds of bullying and poor working conditions. The 59 porters, represented by Unite, are demanding the right to access basic facilities without notifying management of toilet breaks or menstrual cycles.
Unite news release. 25 October 2024

Lebanon: 163 rescue and health workers killed by Israel
Lebanon's health minister, Firas Abiad, announced 163 rescuers and health workers have been killed and 272 wounded due to Israeli strikes over the past year. He accused Israel of deliberately targeting the health sector, labelling the strikes as "war crimes." The strikes have targeted ambulances, fire trucks, and rescue vehicles, primarily in southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and Beirut.
Al Arabiyah News. 25 October 2024

Lebanon: Journalists killed in Israeli strike condemned as ‘war crime'
Three sleeping journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike on a residential compound housing media workers in Hasbaya, southern Lebanon. The attack, which destroyed bungalows and marked press vehicles, was condemned as a "war crime" by Lebanon's information minister. The strike occurred amid escalating Israeli military action across Lebanon, targeting areas beyond Hezbollah infrastructure, and follows recent strikes on other media facilities. The total toll from Israeli strikes has risen to nearly 2,600 dead since October 2023.
Financial Times. BBC news online. 25 October 2024

Britain: Health and safety impact of night work
A new TUC report has highlighted the adverse health effects of night work, linking it to conditions such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic disorders, with weaker connections to cancer, reproductive issues, and mental health challenges. The report is based on intereviews with 55 night-shift workers and input from five unions: the Communication Workers Union (CWU), The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Equity, and Community.
TUC report. 24 October 2024

Britain: Staff member hospitalised following suspected carbon monoxide leak
A Dorset care home is under investigation following the deaths of three residents due to a suspected carbon monoxide leak. Among the seven people hospitalised was a staff member, though none are in serious condition.
The Guardian. 24 October 2024

Europe: AI algorithms shift power and fuel harm in the workplace
Algorithmic Management (AM) is increasingly shaping European workplaces, impacting two-thirds of workers and leading to higher stress, workloads, and job insecurity. A survey of over 6,000 workers in Nordic countries found AM tools prevalent in sectors like warehousing, finance, and journalism, with workers reporting reduced autonomy and increased surveillance. Recommendations include better transparency, enhanced safety regulations and stronger data protection with a focus on worker and union participation.
Euractiv. 24 October 2024

Palestine: UN accuses Israel of systematic attacks on healthcare and workers
A UN report has accused Israeli forces of systematically targeting Gaza's healthcare system since October 7, 2023, describing the attacks as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Released on October 10, the report details the destruction of medical facilities, deliberate attacks on healthcare workers, and the targeting of medical vehicles.
MAP news. 17 October 2024

Britain/Europe: Scientists warn UK to toughen up on forever chemicals
A coalition of international scientists is urging the UK government to strengthen regulations on harmful "forever chemicals," such as PFAS, as the country falls behind Europe in addressing the escalating risks.The letter stresses the urgent need for decisive action to regulate persistent pollutants, calls for a more precautionary approach to human health, stronger protective measures to better safeguard public health and to align the UK's regulations with stricter European standards.
Stockholm University news release. Letter. 24 October 2024

Britain: Help TUC flush out the facts on toilet breaks at work
To mark World Toilet Day on Tuesday 19 November TUC is highlighting an important topic – toilets at work. TUC notes the quality of restrooms can significantly affect workers' daily experiences, and they aim to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe, and comfortable facilities.The quick survey intends to poll the experiences and insights of UK workers.
TUC toilet survey. Hazards toilet break webpages. 24 October 2024

Britain:Spycops scandal - all police files must be released, victimised site workers say
Campaigners are calling for the release of all police files relating to the spycops scandal, after recently disclosed Special Branch documents prove that undercover police reported on union members speaking at meetings to request solidarity.
Blacklist blog. 24 October 2024

Wales: Victim of Powys train crash named
A 60 year old from Capel Dewi, Tudor Evans, has been named as the sole fatality of Powys train collisionon 21 October 2024.. The crash when the westbound train from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth collided with a stationary train. Four people sustained serious injuries, and 11 others required hospital treatment. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is examining the cause, noting initial findings suggest the collision may have been linked to wheel slide when braking.
BBC news online. 24 October 2024

Britain: The real risk of asbestos in schools
An investigation by Dr. Gill Reed has uncovered serious risks posed by asbestos exposure in British schools. The study estimates tens of thousands of school staff and students have already died from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in schools before the mid-1990s, with hundreds of thousands more predicted to die from exposure since then. Despite known dangers, successive governments have failed to address the threat, leaving staff and students at risk of developing mesothelioma. The report calls for better asbestos management, a reassessment of acceptable risk levels, and stricter criteria for asbestos removal in schools.
NEU. 23 October 2024

Scotland: Sexual harassment at work ‘endemic’ says STUC
The STUC Women’s Committee's "Still Silent?" report reveals that sexual harassment is "endemic" in Scottish workplaces, with over 50 per cent of women reporting abuse. The findings coincide with the STUC Women’s Conference and emphasise the importance of the new Workers Protection Act (2023), which requires employers to prevent harassment.
STUC news release. 23 October 2024

Britain: Small fine for contractor after worker is left paralysed
Forestry contractor Gerald Hayward has been fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs after a tree fell and left a worker paralysed at the Fonthill Estate, Wiltshire. The incident occurred in January 2022 during an ash dieback clearance when a 21-metre tree, being cut by Hayward, fell in an unintended direction, landing on the worker. An HSE investigation found that Hayward failed to establish a safe working zone, breaching safety regulations. The worker sustained severe injuries and now requires lifelong care.
HSE news release. 15 October 2024

South Africa: Asbestos mine workers demand health examinations
Former asbestos mine rehabilitation workers from Ga-Mathabatha, Limpopo, are calling for justice after Lafata Mechanical Engineering, their employer from 2019 to 2022, failed to provide mandatory medical exit exams. The workers say they were exposed to asbestos and fear for their health as the exams were never conducted.
SABCNews. 22 October 2024

Britain: Energy company fined £38,000 for unsafe street works
UK Power Networks has been fined £38,000 for carrying out unsafe street works that endangered the public in Kensington and Chelsea. The offences, which occurred between March and November 2023 included failing to ensure safety, neglecting to provide safe pedestrian routes, and leaving hazardous areas exposed. The company pleaded guilty to the charges under the New Roads and Works Act and was also ordered to pay £14,793 in victim charges and legal costs. This is the latest in a series of fines the company has faced for street safety violations.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea news. 22 October 2024

Britain: Education unions demand urgent action on asbestos in schools
The union ASCL, Community, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UCU, Unison and Unite are calling jointly for a comprehensive strategy to tackle asbestos in schools and colleges implementing the recommendations of the 2022 Select Committee on Work and Pensions report. They are calling for a national risk register documenting the location and condition of asbestos and a phased removal plan with a 40-year timeline. The unions highlight rising asbestos-related cancer diagnoses among education workers stressing the current "safe in situ" management is inadequate.
TUC news release. 22 October 2024

Britain: Manslaughter charge filed following construction worker death
Boss of Hintonwood East Anglia Ltd, Peter Clifford, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of construction worker Dale Baker, 30, in Woodbridge, Suffolk, nearly four years ago. Baker sustained serious injuries while working on a house renovation on 15 December 2020 and died at the scene. The Crown Prosecution Service has also authorised two safety charges against Clifford and additional safety charges against his company, Hintonwood East Anglia Ltd.
Construction Enquirer. 22 October 2024

Britain: HSE announces two new HSE non-executive directors
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced the appointment of Professor Christopher Johnson and Dr. Cathie Mackay as non-executive directors, effective 1 October 2024. They replace Susan Johnson and John McDermid and will each serve five-year terms.
HSE news release. 22 October 2024

Britain: Heavy fine for metal recycling firm after inspection
ASM Metal Recycling was fined £650,000 after an HSE inspection revealed unsafe conditions at its Aylesbury site. An HSE inspector Emma Page found inadequate separation between pedestrians and heavy vehicles during manual waste sorting, with videos showing workers near moving vehicles without barriers. This exposed employees to risks of collision, a leading cause of fatalities in the waste industry. Despite prior HSE enforcement actions, ASM Metal Recycling failed to implement necessary safety measures, leading to the fine and additional £5,885 in costs at Oxford Magistrates Court.

Britain: Durham widow seeks information on asbestos exposure
John Buxton, a 75-year-old former joiner from Peterlee, Durham, died in June 2023, shortly after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable asbestos-related cancer. Buxton, worked in construction across County Durham, fitting asbestos boards in the 1970s. His widow, Elaine, and Thompsons Solicitors are seeking particularly information from anyone who worked with him at William Press & Son between 1974 and 1978.
The Northern Echo. 21 October 2024

Britain: HelloFresh faces dismissal backlash
HelloFresh is facing backlash after dismissing 79 workers from its Nuneaton warehouse, prompting a protest over what the Community Trade Union called "unfair sackings." The union claims the terminations followed employee complaints about working conditions, including restrictive toilet break policies. At the Birmingham protest, former worker Jacques Vertommen described the environment as "toxic," alleging staff faced long waits for toilet breaks. Tasmin Omar reported incidents of employees having accidents due to the delays, saying, "We got sacked for speaking up."
BBC News online. 21 October 2024

Britain: Ten million workers lack workplace health support
A report from the Royal Society for Public Health says nearly half the UK workforce, over 10 million people, lack access to essential health support like routine health checks and flu vaccinations. The report, released ahead of the Employment Rights Bill debate, supports the Bill's provisions for day-one sick pay and default flexible working but stresses the need for broader reforms including a mandatory health and work standard, immediate sick pay, occupational health training, incentives for SMEs, enhanced data collection. The RSH report said the economic impact of ill health is around £100 billion annually, and called for the universal ‘right to a healthy workplace.
RSH news release. 21 October 2024

Britain: TUC calls on all MPs to 'be on the right side of history'
Ahead of the second reading of the Employment Rights Bill, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak called on MPs to support the legislation, which aims to improve job quality in the UK. He emphasised the bill would ensure fair wages, dignity at work, and stronger protections for millions of workers. The TUC says the bill will benefit over seven million workers with immediate sick pay access and provide more than eight million employees with protection from unfair dismissal from day one. It would also secure rights for one million zero-hours contract workers to obtain contracts reflecting their typical hours.
TUC news release. 21 October 2024

Cambodia: Study finds unions help workers mitigate heat stress
Workers collectively addressing environmental stresses, such as heat, are more effective, especially through unions, says Laurie Parsons of Royal Holloway, University of London. In a new report, Parsons reveals unionised workers in Cambodia experience half the heat stress of non-union workers, with collective bargaining reducing exposure to dangerously high body temperatures by 74 per cent.
Solidarity Center. 30 September 2024

Britain: London paramedics face rising violence
New data from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) has reveled more than 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse against paramedics and staff in the year up to April 2024 – a 40 per cent increase from the previous year. The incidents, including assaults with weapons, physical attacks, and sexual assaults, have prompted concerns over staff safety.
The Standard. 19 October 2024

India: Amazon workers collapsing in extreme heat
This year workers at Amazon's Manesar fulfilment centre in India endured 45°C heat while facing pressure to meet demanding targets without breaks. Some collapsed due to the harsh conditions. The situation underscores broader concerns about Amazon's labour practices, such as avoiding statutory benefits through short-term contracts and suppressing union activities.
Equal Times. 18 October 2024

Britain: ITN faces criticism over handling of internal complaints
News broadcaster ITN has come under fire from senior journalists after a report revealed "low trust and psychological safety" in handling staff complaints. A review by law firm Simmons & Simmons highlighted concerns about the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to cover up allegations of pay discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
The Guardian. 18 October 2024

Britain: Tube drivers plan to slow trains to protest excess noise
Tube drivers on the Victoria line will reduce train speeds in protest over excessive noise levels. The "go slow" action follows an overwhelming vote by RMT members, with Aslef expressing similar concerns for the Central, Northern, and Jubilee lines.
The Standard. 18 October 2024

Britain: Exploiting migrants - modern slavery fears on construction sites
Contractors are urged to watch for signs of modern slavery as reports of migrant worker exploitation on London construction sites rise. New initiatives, including the Operational Toolkit: Combatting Slavery in the Built Environment by the Supply Chain Sustainability School, aim to improve companies' modern slavery due diligence.
Construction Enquirer. 18 October 2024

Britain: Home office to clear 23,000 modern slavery cases
The Home Office has recruited 200 staff to address a backlog of 23,300 unresolved modern slavery cases left by the previous government, aiming to resolve them within two years. Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips pledged to prioritise victims, criticising past neglect and policy shifts that sidelined the issue. Charitieshave warned anti-migrant laws have given traffickers new means to exploit vulnerable individuals, with some survivors fearing deportation for raising concerns.
The Guardian. 18 October 2024

Britain: Ramadan headscarf workers to strike over pay and targetsWorkers at Lappet Manufacturing in Carlisle, who specialise in weaving high-end headscarves for the Saudi Arabian market, have voted to strike over low pay and demanding targets. The planned multiple strike dates are in late October and November. Michael Hall, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “Weaving these headscarves is incredibly skillful, but these workers are paid very poorly. During peak times they are given punishing targets and work their fingers to the bone for no reward."
GMB news release. 17 October 2024

Britain: Employers should face fines for unhealthy workplaces
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called for employers to be fined or publicly censured for failing to ensure a healthy work environment. The think tank suggests introducing a “do no harm duty,” with regulatory action taken against companies that neglect employee health, such as not providing access to nutritious food. IPPR’s Chris Thomas said the role of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) should be expanded to address work-related health issues, including obesity, anxiety, and depression. The think tank has proposed a similar model to the Financial Conduct Authority’s consumer duty, which penalises firms for foreseeable harm to customers.
The Guardian. 16 October 2024

Nigeria: 94 Dead, 50 injured in tanker explosion
A devastating petrol tanker explosion in Majia town, Jigawa State, has left 94 people dead and 50 others injured. The incident occurred when the tanker lost control and crashed, spilling fuel that locals rushed to collect. The tanker subsequently exploded, igniting a massive fire.
Daily Trust. 16 October 2024

Indonesia: Industry fights historic asbestos win
After Indonesia's Supreme Court mandated asbestos warning labels in March 2024, the Fibre Cement Manufacturers’ Association (FICMA) is now suing the consumer group LPKSM Yasa Nata Budi for monthly "opportunity" losses of 7.9 billion Rupiah ($520,000) due to anticipated revenue drops. Civil society groups and international allies have rallied behind LPKSM, condemning FICMA's attempt to financially intimidate consumer advocates who have pushed for transparency around the lethal health risks of asbestos.
IBAS news. 14 October 2024

Britain: Employment rights bill will empower trade unions
Writing in TUC's blog Tim Sharp, senior policy officer says the Employment Rights Bill will greatly enhance trade unions' ability to defend workers' rights. He welcomes the repeal of restrictive laws like the Trade Union Act 2016 arguing this will simplify industrial action and union recognition processes. He notes the bill introduces workplace access rights for unions, union recognition, electronic voting for ballots, and stronger protections for striking workers. Additionally, Fair Pay Agreements will help improve conditions in sectors like adult social care. He says the "the reforms promise not only to free unions from the shackles of more recent anti-union measures but also to bring in important new rights to better enable unions to recruit and organise workers and ultimately to improve pay and conditions in the workplace."
TUC blog. 14 October 2024

Britain: Covid hospitalisations surge as variant XEC spreads
Covid hospitalisations in Britain have surged alarmingly with the emergence of the new XEC variant, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). As of October 6, the admission rate for patients testing positive for Covid XEC rose to 4.5 per 100,000, up from 3.7 the previous week. The North East reports the highest rates at 8.12 per 100,000, with individuals aged 85 and older experiencing a staggering rate of 52.48 per 100,000. First detected in Germany in June, the XEC variant, a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 strains, has also appeared in the US and Denmark. Symptoms resemble those of other Covid variants, including fatigue, headaches, sore throat, and fever.
The Independent. 14 October 2024

Britain: Farmer fined after grandfather dies in forklift incident
Denis Thornhill, a millionaire farmer, has been fined after 64-year-old Mark Young died from a fall while using a forklift truck as a makeshift cherry picker to repair a roof on February 1, 2021. Young was inside a wooden crate when it tipped over, causing him to fall 12 feet onto a concrete floor. Thornhill faced gross negligence manslaughter charges but was acquitted. However, he and his company, DS Thornhill (Rushton) Ltd, were found guilty of health and safety violations. Thornhill was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 in costs, while his company received a £12,000 fine.
Manchester Evening News. 14 October 2024

Britain: RMT demands action on ticket office cuts
Responding to Arriva rail’s decision to reduce ticket office hours and remove Oyster services the RMT rail union has demanded an end to ticket office cuts and understaffing on the London Overground. General secretary Mick Lynch emphasised that staff shortages jeopardise safety and called on Mayor Sadiq Khan to restore ticket office hours. Despite this, Arriva has distributed £40 million in dividends since 2017. RMT reports that 70 per cent of stations are understaffed, with staff highlighting the increased safety risks.
Morning Star. 13 October 2024

Britain: Foreign firms must respect workers amid renewed P&O boycott call
The TUC has warned foreign firms operating in Britain to treat their workers with dignity and respect amid renewed calls to boycott P&O Ferries. This follows P&O’s 2022 decision to sack 796 UK workers and replace them with overseas staff at lower wages, prompting maritime union RMT to initiate a boycott. At the time Transport Secretary Grant Shapps supported the boycott, urging travellers to choose alternatives. In October 2024 the new labour Government introduced legislation aimed at preventing such sackings.
Morning Star. 13 October 2024

Iran/France: French unions blame authorities for deadly mine explosion
French labor unions have criticised authorities for negligence in the September 21 explosion at the Tabas coal mine in Iran, which killed at least 52 workers. They stated the disaster was preventable and highlighted workers had previously reported methane gas in the mine. The unions noted a systemic issue in Iran's mining industry, citing 2023 statistics of 2,115 workplace fatalities and 27,000 injuries. Investigations revealed a lack of safety measures, yet no actions have been taken against the mine's management. Unions involved include CFDT, CGT, FSU, Union syndicale Solidaires, and UNSA.
Iran International. 13 October 2024

Britain: Food delivery company dismisses staff in toilet break row
HelloFresh has dismissed 79 employees at its Nuneaton warehouse following a dispute over working conditions, including concerns about toilet break policies and termination procedures. The dismissals came after an investigation into alleged "serious breaches of employment terms" linked to a work refusal earlier in the year, according to the company. The Community Trade Union criticised HelloFresh's actions, accusing the company of taking a "draconian approach to its workforce" by restricting toilet breaks and dismissing employees "without adhering to any fair procedure."
BBC news online. 11 October 2024

USA: Workers' vulnerability to climate change risks
Writing in US labor web portal Portside, safety expert Jordan Barab argues that climate change is significantly increasing the risks to workers. He illustrates this with the tragedy at a Tennessee plastics factory where management allegedly prevented employees from evacuating during severe flooding, resulting in at least six deaths. This incident casts light on the unique dangers workers face due to job conditions and limited control over their safety. Read more over on Portside. 11 October 2024

Britain: Company fined after crane collapse
A&P Falmouth has been fined £750,000 and £26,792.30 costs for the 2017 crane collapse at its Falmouth Docks site that put over 250 workers at risk. The crane, operating above the Royal Navy ship Tidespring, experienced an uncontrolled jib descent. The operator managed to move it away from the ship before it collapsed, with the jib landing near acetylene cylinders.
HSE news release. 11 October 2024

Saudi Arabia: FIFA ignores human rights concerns in 2034 world cup bid
Legal experts claim FIFA is ignoring a report highlighting human rights violations in Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 World Cup. Despite submitting the report in May, FIFA has not responded, even as a decision on the bid approaches in December. The report, authored by Prof. Mark Pieth and Rodney Dixon KC, calls for the release of political prisoners, independent judicial appointments, reforms for migrant workers, and improved women’s rights.
The Guardian. 11 October 2024

USA: Amazon could be forced to treat drivers as employees
Amazon’s delivery system depends on third-party companies. But labor regulators have challenged that model in a move that may signal a change in labor relations within Amazon's delivery network. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has asserted the company is a joint employer of drivers employed by third-party delivery service partners. This designation would compel Amazon to negotiate with unions.
New York Times. 10 October 2024

Palestine: Asbestos released by Israel’s bombs will kill for decades
The ongoing bombardment of Gaza by Israel has not only resulted in 40,000 immediate deaths but has also exposed the population to a long-term, deadly threat - asbestos. The hazardous material, present in many buildings in Gaza, is being released into the atmosphere as the strip's infrastructure is systematically destroyed. Comparisons have been drawn to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in New York, where toxic dust, including asbestos, has caused thousands of related deaths in rescue service crews and others in the years since. The lack of an escape route for Gaza's population deepens the risk, and the long-term health impact is expected to be devastating.
Al Jazeera. 8 October 2024

USA: One dead, 12 rescued after Colorado mine elevator failure
An elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine in Colorado on Thursday resulted in one fatality and four injuries, leaving a group trapped underground for several hours. Located near Cripple Creek, the mine is a tourist attraction.
The Guardian. 11 October 2024

Britain: Employers urged to address workplace stress
To mark World Mental Health Day (10 October), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reminded employers of their legal duty to manage workplace stress. Stress, depression, and anxiety account for half of all work-related ill health, with affected workers taking an average of 19.6 days off annually.
HSE new release. 11 October 2024

Britain: Unions critical of Labour’s work rights bill
Unions have criticised Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill, calling it a step forward but warning it leaves "more holes than Swiss cheese" in failing to fully ban fire and rehire and zero-hours contracts. Unite’s Sharon Graham said the bill "ties itself up in knots trying to avoid what was promised" and falls short of making work pay. National Education Union's Daniel Kebede expressed disappointment over the limitations on flexible working. Unions also questioned why most of the Bill’s urgently needed employment reforms would take two years to come into force.
Morning Star. 11 October 2024

Britain: New enforcement agency in bill to protect workers' rights
The UK government is set to launch the Fair Work Agency as part of new employment rights legislation aimed at strengthening protections for millions of workers. The bill will address unfair dismissal, flexible working, sick pay, "exploitative" zero-hours contracts, and enforce penalties for violations of rights like holiday pay and minimum wage. While some commitments, such as a single worker status, were postponed, the bill introduces major reforms, including ending most zero-hours contracts and banning "fire and rehire" practices. Unions have cautiously welcomed the changes, despite concerns over carve-outs for fire and rehire, zero-hours contracts, and also slow implementation. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said it was “time to write a positive new chapter for working people in this country.” Christina McAnea, head of Unison, added: “Shifting the balance to give workers greater rights is long overdue... For too long employees have had to suffer poverty wages, intolerable working conditions and discrimination.”
The Guardian. TUC new release. Unite news release. RMT news release. NASUWT news release. 10 October 2024

Britain: TUC welcomes the closing of fire and rehire legal loophole
Welcoming the new protections for seafarers as the government closes the legal loophole exploited by P&O Ferries and bans fire-and-rehire practices, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak called the 2022 mass sacking of 800 P&O seafarers one of the most significant scandals in modern industrial relations. He criticised the delay in addressing the issue, which left room for other employers to exploit similar loopholes. Nowak stated, "This shows the difference driving up employment standards can make—both in protecting workers and stopping undercutting."
TUC news release. 9 October 2024

Britain: Bad communication led to seafarer’s shipyard death
UK Maritime Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB) report revealed poor communication and safety practices contributed to the fatal fall of a seafarer on the Equinox Seas bulk carrier on 17 April 2024. The seafarer fell 10 metres down a ventilation shaft at ONEX Syros Shipyard in Greece. The MAIB found that the ship's fragmented management and inadequate communication between crew and shipyard staff left workers unaware of hazards.
Nautilus International. 9 October 2024

Japan: Tokyo tackles ‘Kasuhara’ amid rising abuse of service workers
Responding to increasing incidents of customer harassment, or "kasuhara," and to pressure from unions and businesses, authorities in Tokyo have introduced the country's first ordinance to protect service industry employees. Set to take effect in April 2024, the regulation aims to address a surge in abusive consumer behaviour, including verbal attacks, excessive demands, and even violence. While the ordinance lacks penalties, it highlights a growing social issue, urging respect for workers.
The Guardian. 8 October 2024

Britain: Unions and campaigners condemn attacks on flexible working
A coalition of unions and equality campaigners, including TUC and Age UK, have denounced increasing criticism of flexible working. In a joint statement, they called for an end to the "witch-hunt" arguing flexible working benefits both workers and employers by improving retention and addressing recruitment challenges.
TUC news release. 7 October 2024

India: 7 Killed, 3 Injured in West Bengal coal mine explosion
On 7 October 2024, a coal mine explosion in Birbhum, West Bengal, killed seven people and injured three. The blast occurred at the Gangaramchak coal block when explosives in a truck detonated during peak work hours. Debris was scattered up to 700 metres.
Hindustan Times. 7 October 2024

Britain: MoD Censure following death of army driver
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a Crown Censure to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after Staff Sergeant John McKelvie died in a vehicle accident during training in Yorkshire in 2019. McKelvie was driving a vehicle that rolled down a steep hill. The HSE investigation found inadequate oversight and poor risk assessments contributed to the accident. While the Crown is bound by the Health and Safety at Work Act, it cannot be prosecuted or served notices. Instead, the HSE uses Crown censures to record failures to comply with the law.
HSE news release. 4 October 2024

Britain: Out of work due to ill-health growing by 300,000 a year
Health and care charity the Health Foundation has said the number of UK working-age people leaving their jobs due to ill health is growing by 300,000 annually - totalling four million people currently off work sick. Those with health conditions are three times less likely to return to work. The Foundation is calling for improved government action to help sick workers return to work.
The Guardian. 3 October 2024

Britain: Sandwich bread baker fined after worker loses finger
Jacksons Bakery, a major UK bread supplier, was fined £366,000 and £5,386 costs following an incident at its Corby plant in February 2023 where an engineer lost part of his finger in machinery. The worker was helping clear a blockage on a flour sifting machine when his hand was pulled into a pulley, unaware the machine had been switched back on. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed breaches to health and safety regulations to which Jacksons pleaded guilty.
HSE news release. 3 October 2024

Britain: Kettering dad secures £343,000 settlement after lung transplant
With the assistance of Irwin Mitchel solcitors Robert Druce, a 57-year-old father from Kettering, has received a £343,000 settlement after being diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that necessitated a lung transplant. Over 20 years at a yacht manufacturing company Fairline Boats, he was exposed to harmful isocyanates developing the grave lung condition. Robert faces ongoing significant health challenges, including reliance on oxygen tanks and limitations on physical activity
Irwin Mitchell news release. Northamptonshire Telegraph. 2 October 2024

Britain: Ambulance technician gives emotional testimony on Covid pressures
Mark Tilley, an ambulance technician from South East Coast Ambulance Service, gave emotional testimony at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. He described the distress of delayed treatment due to PPE protocols, recounting instances where vital time was lost through suiting up before performing CPR. Tilley also shared the personal toll, including the loneliness and boredom of isolating in budget hotels to protect family, using outdated equipment and poor food.
GMB News Release. The Guardian. 1 October 2024

Britain/Ireland: Concrete firm fined for fatal safety errors
Taranto Limited, a concrete firm in Tandragee, was fined £90,000 following the tragic death of 21-year-old Matthew Biggerstaff in 2021. He was fatally injured while clearing dried concrete from inside a truck-mounted mixing drum which rotated and ejected him causing crushing injuries. A Health and Safety Executive NI investigation revealed that the drum wasn't properly locked or secured, and safety protocols were lacking.
Irish News. 30 September 2024

Britain: McDonald’s and supermarkets failed to spot slavery
A BBC investigation has revealed signs of modern slavery were overlooked at a McDonald’s in Cambridgeshire and a factory supplying major supermarkets. Over four years, 16 victims from the Czech Republic were exploited, with their wages funneled into gang-controlled accounts. Despite earning minimum wage, they lived in dire conditions. McDonald’s and retailers like Asda and Tesco failed to detect the exploitation, prompting calls for better supply chain scrutiny and accountability.
BBC news online. 30 September 2024

Indonesia: Asbestos manufacturers sue campaigners after court win
Following a landmark victory by the Indonesian Ban Asbestos Network in the Supreme Court, asbestos manufacturers are suing campaigners for damages. The court ordered asbestos products to carry health warnings, but the Fibre Cement Manufacturers' Association (FICMA) is challenging this decision, claiming it would harm their revenue. Despite global bans on asbestos in 70 countries, it remains widely used in Indonesia.
APHEDA. 30 September 2024

Bangladesh: Four feared dead in tanker explosion
At least four crew members are feared dead after an explosion caused a fire on the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation owned Banglar Jyoti tanker at Chattogram port. The blast occurred while technicians were conducting repairs. Three crew members were unaccounted for.
Anadolu Agency. 30 September 2024

Britain: Appeal for information after dockworker's asbestos death
The widow of Raymond Lewis, a dockyard worker who died from mesothelioma, is appealing for witness evidence regarding asbestos exposure at the Port of Tilbury. Mr. Lewis, who worked at the port for 27 years, died in December 2023. His wife, Carol, is seeking individuals who can confirm the presence of asbestos at the port between 1961 and 1988, when Raymond worked as a sheeter for the Port of London Authority. If you have any information that may help, call 020 7650 1200 and ask to speak to Claire Spearpoint or email cspearpoint@leighday.co.uk 
BBC news online. Leigh Day news release. 28 September 2024

Britain: Appeal for information after carpenter's asbestos-related death
The family of David Fiddaman, a carpenter who passed away from mesothelioma in January 2024, is seeking help from his former colleagues to uncover how he was exposed to asbestos. Fiddaman, originally from Rushmere St Andrew, worked at boat builders Wright & Sons in Ipswich between 1955 and 1964. His step-daughter, Sandra Butcher, and daughter, Christina, are working with law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to contact their solicitor, Natalia Rushworth-White, email natalia.rushworth-white@irwinmitchell.com or telephone: 01223 791 893.
Ipswich Star. Irwin Mitchell news release. 27 September 2024

Iran: Methane gas explosion in mine kills 50
A methane gas explosion in a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, has resulted in the deaths of 50 miners and injuries to 16 others on 16 September 2024. Despite workers reporting the smell of methane the day before, they were still required to work. The incident highlights a pattern of unsafe conditions in Iran's mining industry, which has seen multiple fatal accidents this year due to inadequate safety standards and inspections. IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan said: "IIndustriALL vehemently condemns this massacre and expresses its condolences and solidarity with the mineworkers and their families in Iran. With the regular deadly accidents in Iran’s mines, it is clear that there is a systemic problem and a lack of political will to rectify it."
IndustriALL news release. 26 September 2024

Europe: Asbestos cancers highlight urgent need for screening plan
A rise in asbestos-related cancers underscores the urgent need for the European Commission to implement an asbestos screening directive. Eurostat data reveals a 10 per cent increase in mesothelioma cases in 2021, with 1,409 people diagnosed, up from 1,274 the previous year. Despite proposing a directive on asbestos screening and monitoring, the Commission has delayed its adoption, originally set for June 2023. ETUC Confederal Secretary Giulio Romani says the Commission should stop gambling with workers’ lives and remove the block.
ETUC news release. 26 September 2024

Canada: New Quebec registry reveals asbestos in over 3,000 public buildings
A new asbestos registry by Quebec's Asbestos Victims Association (AVAQ) reveals over 3,000 public buildings in the province contain asbestos. The toxic material poses serious health risks, particularly mesothelioma, a fatal cancer linked solely to asbestos exposure. Workers in construction face heightened danger, as asbestos remains a leading cause of work-related deaths.
CTV news. 26 September 2024

Britain: Strike over unsustainable workloads at Yorkshire hospitalss
Biomedical scientists at York and Scarborough hospitals are to strike on September 30, October 7, and October 11, 2024 protesting unsustainable workloads that threaten patient safety. Unite union members are responding to management's failure to address chronic understaffing and overwhelming pressure following the closure of a hospital lab. Despite repeated pleas for more staff and resources, the trust has ignored concerns. A Unite member, working as a biomedical scientist at the trust spoke out about the situation: "The dehumanisation and lack of care for the team, including unprofessional threats to force staff to work outside of existing contracts and well above all reasonable expectations, has led to chronic understaffing and failure to retain trained staff. "
Unite news release. 26 September 2024

USA: Maryland issues workplace heat standard
Maryland has become the first state on the US east coast to issue a workplace heat standard, which will take effect on September 30, 2024. The new regulations will provide essential protections, including access to water, breaks in cool areas, and heat illness training.
Confined Space. 26 September 2024

Britain: Whitty warns another pandemic as severe as COVID-19 is inevitable
England's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, has warned that another pandemic as severe as COVID-19 is inevitable. Addressing the UK’s COVID-19 inquiry, Whitty called the country's low intensive care capacity a "political choice" that left the NHS overwhelmed in 2020. He stressed the need to address critical workforce shortages and expand ICU capacity to better prepare for future pandemics. He also called for faster scientific research and reduced health inequalities to mitigate future outbreaks.
The Guardian. 26 September 2024

Britain: New law to ensure bosses take sexual harassment seriously
From October 26, 2024, the Worker Protection Act will place a legal duty on employers to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment. Before, employers were only required to act after incidents were reported. Although some provisions have been diluted unions and advocates view the legislation as a crucial step toward creating safer work environment. Fawcett Society's Alesha De Freitas said: “For too long perpetrators have been able to hide because of workplace cultures that enable harassment and collude in cover-ups.”
Morning Star. 26 September 2024

USA: Nursing aides suffering PTSD after COVID-19, little help provided
Nursing aides at a state-run Massachusetts veterans home like Debra Ragoonanan, working in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic have been plagued by PTSD, brain aneurysms, and trauma. Despite witnessing numerous veteran deaths and hazardous work conditions, these front-line workers have received little support. The facility changed facility leadership and paid settlements to veterans’ families, but caregivers have continued to struggle with mental health and limited aid.
NPR. 25 September 2024

Global: Forum urges action on air pollution toll of seven million deaths
On World Lung Day - 25 September - the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) called for stronger global action against air pollution. It emphasised the connection between air quality and lung health, noting that 99 per cent of the world breathes unsafe air. Air pollution contributes to seven million annual deaths from conditions like COPD, lung cancer, and asthma.
News Medical Life Sciences. 25 September 2024

Britain: Harrods employee accuses company of protecting harassers
A Harrods employee has accused the company of shielding perpetrators of sexual harassment while treating victims as offenders. This comes in light of rape and sexual abuse allegations against the late Mohamed al-Fayed, Harrods' former boss. The worker, represented by the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, disputed Harrods’ claims that its culture had changed, saying harassment is still prevalent.
Morning Star. 25 September 2024

Britain: PM says long-term sick should seek work
Prime minister Keir Starmer stated that long-term sickness benefit claimants should be expected to seek work, while acknowledging the need for support to alleviate anxieties about returning to employment.
BBC News Online. 25 September 2024

Britain: Ex-police officer wins £1.1m compensation for discrimination
Katrina Hibbert, a former Thames Valley Police safeguarding sergeant, was awarded £1.1m after a tribunal found she was discriminated against due to her disability. She resigned after the force withdrew permission for her to run a small business while on sick leave for work-related stress, which she started to aid her mental health. The tribunal concluded her resignation was a result of unlawful constructive discriminatory dismissal.
BBC News Online. 25 September 2024

Britain: Usdaw welcomes new protection for shop workers
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting shop workers contained in the new Crime and Policing Bill. Retail union Usdaw welcomed the announcement highlighting the epidemic of retail crime that shopworkers face currently. General Secretary Paddy Lillis called also for the removal of the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters and an increased police presence in shopping areas.
Usdaw News Release. 24 September 2024

India: Worker death sparks debate on 'toxic work culture'
The sudden death of 26-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee Anna Sebastian has brought attention to India's toxic work culture. Her parents claim overwhelming work pressure led to her heart attack, citing her struggles with a heavy workload.
BBC News Online. WION News. Bizz Buzz. 24 September 2024

Britain: FBU leads call for action to prevent another Grenfell
The Labour Party conference passed a motion urging government to address the building safety crisis following the Grenfell Inquiry report. The motion, submitted by the Fire Brigades Union, blames deregulation and austerity for Grenfell and calls for government to prioritise safety through investment in fire services, ending privatisation of building control, and creating a statutory advisory body to oversee fire safety policy. Seven years after Grenfell, 50 per cent of buildings with unsafe cladding remain unresolved.
FBU News Release. 24 September 2024

Britain: Firm fined after worker suffers serious arm injury
Screening Consultancy and Supplies Ltd in Rugby has been fined £28,000 after worker Andrew Elson, 54, sustained multiple fractures while clearing debris off the bed of a radial arm drill in November 2022. An HSE investigation revealed the firm failed to properly assess the risks and implement a safe system for the machinery operation. Elson, who required surgery, says he has lost his independence and continues to struggle with hand mobility. The company was also ordered to pay £3,616 in costs.
Birmingham Live. 24 September 2024

Britain: Chemicals firm fined after factory explosion
Solvents manufacturer Rathburn Chemicals has been fined £40,000 for a 2020 explosion that demolished a laboratory at its Walkerburn factory in Scotland. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found it was likely caused by inadequate controls leading to excessive pentane vapour, generated by the company’s distillation process, overheating and being ignited. The company pleaded guilty to health and safety violations and was ordered to pay an additional £3,000 victim surcharge. No injuries were reported.
HSE News Release. 24 September 2024

Britain/India: Training tool for climate risks and brick kiln worker safety
A new online training module, developed by the University of Nottingham's Rights Lab, educates on climate change and working conditions in India’s brick kiln sector. It explores how heat stress, water shortages, precipitation, and air pollution affect kiln workers, often facing bonded labour and poor working conditions.
University of Nottingham News Release. 18 September 2024

Britain: NHS psychologist awarded £87,000 after unsafe shifts ignored
Dr. Pippa Stallworthy, an NHS consultant clinical psychologist, was awarded £87,249 in compensation after working 13-hour days for eight months. Employment Tribunal judge Amanda Hart said the shifts caused an 'obvious deterioration' to the doctor's mental and physical health. Stallworthy said both she and the service were "on their knees but warnings about safety and lack of resources were ignored by management at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. The tribunal ruled her constructive dismissal was due to the trust’s negligence in providing support and addressing her excessive workload.
The Daily Mail. 18 September 2024

Britain: "Dinosaurs" are enforcing full return to office
Cary Cooper, early exponent the term "presenteeism," has criticised employers forcing a full return to the office, calling them "dinosaurs." He says this type of micromanagement harms employee wellbeing and productivity, and risks driving away talented workers. Cooper argues flexible working reduces stress related injuries and job satisfaction warning rigid office policies, like those recently announced by Amazon, are not evidence-based.
The Guardian. 18 September 2024

Colombia: Compensation and apology for Eternit's asbestos victims
Eternit SA, a Colombian company, has been ordered by the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca to pay over 12,700 million pesos to victims of asbestos exposure. The court ruling includes a public apology from Eternit for the damage caused by its asbestos-containing products. This decision marks a significant victory for victims and their families, who have long campaigned against the use of asbestos and sought recognition of its harmful effects.
Infobae. 17 September 2024

Britain: Worker death results in another Balfour Beatty safety fine
Constriction firm Balfour Beatty has been fined £285,000 following an incident during the construction of a new University of Birmingham facility. Two workers fell 10 meters from a scissor lift after it was knocked over by a crane resulting in the death of Igor Malka and severe injuries to Edmund Vispulskis. The Health and Safety Executive found Balfour Beatty failed to implement proper safety controls and coordination between contractors. They were also ordered to pay £21,768.88 in costs. Balfour Beattie has been fined multiple times for safety offences.
HSE news release. 17 September 2024

Portugal: Three firefighters die in wildfires as death toll rises to seven
Three firefighters have been killed after their vehicle was trapped in flames in central Portugal, bringing the country's wildfire death toll to seven. Over 50 fires burned across Portugal resulting in the deployment of more than 5,000 firefighters. Scientists say human-caused climate change is intensifying extreme weather globally, leading to more frequent and severe disasters like floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.
The Guardian. 17 September 2024

Britain: Insecure work trapping millions
A new Work Foundation study reveals that nearly half of UK workers in insecure jobs remain stuck in such positions for years, with 44 per cent still in precarious work after four years. Many struggle to transition to stable employment due to unpredictable pay and hours, impacting opportunities for upskilling. Older workers face an even greater challenge. Foundationo head Ben Harrison said: “It is vital the government does not step back from delivering a new deal for working people in full,” adding: “Insecure work can negatively impact people’s physical and mental health, financial wellbeing and overall quality of life.”
The Guardian. 17 September 2024

Britain: New 'Sick Man of Europe' braiding as long-term illness soars
A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says Britain is “the sick man of Europe,” with nearly 3 million workers facing long-term illness, a rise of 900,000 since 2019. The report says the economic impact from lost productivity is an estimated tax loss of £4.5 billion in 2023 alone. It calls for measures including neighborhood health centres, sick pay from day one, higher taxes on unhealthy products and improved public health initiatives.
Morning Star. 17 September 2024

Turkey: Suspected fatal dust explosion at pasta factory
A suspected dust explosion at a pasta factory in Sakarya, Turkey, killed 27-year-old Mesut Şimay and injured 30, including firefighters, with three in critical condition. The explosion is believed to have originated from silos, a common site for dust explosions in agricultural industries. The Turkish Medical Association criticised inadequate workplace safety, accusing authorities of poor inspections and ineffective safety measures, calling occupational safety measures "merely for show."
Bianet. 16 September 2024

Britain: Call for inquiry into Didcot power station investigation delays
A new petition has demanded an inquiry into the prolonged investigation of the 2016 Didcot Power Station collapse, which killed four workers. After eight years, families of the victims are still waiting for justice. Despite police claims of "continual progress" in their investigation bereaved families say they feel "forgotten" and unable to find closure.
BBC News Online. 16 September 2024

Myanmar: Journalists facing a junta "terror campaign"
In 2024, Myanmar has experienced its deadliest year for journalists since the 2021 military coup, with four deaths recorded so far. Freelance journalists Htet Myat Thu and Win Htut Oo were shot dead in August during a military raid, while filmmaker Pe Maung Sein died from injuries sustained during imprisonment. Journalists are facing severe repression, with dozens jailed and hundreds forced into exile or hiding. Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) has accused the junta of a “terror campaign” against press covering human rights abuses.
The Guardian. 13 September 2024

Britain: HSE wants inputs for AI research project
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a research project to map the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on health and safety across regulated industries. The initiative seeks to gather anonymous industry examples of AI use and assess related risks. Individuals working in relevant sectors can contribute by completing an anonymous 20-minute survey, open until October 4, 2024.
HSE eBulletin. 12 September 2024

Britain: Unite boss says "This is not what a just transition looks like"
Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, has condemned PetroIneos' decision to close Scotland’s Grangemouth oil refinery by mid-2025 as "industrial vandalism." The closure threatens 500 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain. Unite is demanding government intervention to protect jobs and find alternatives, including sustainable fuel production.
Unite News Release. 12 September 2024

Britain: TUC passes motion calling for ‘heat strike’ above 36 degrees
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has endorsed a motion for "heat strikes" during extreme weather conditions exceeding 36°C. Proposed by the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union (BFAWU), the motion pushes for a national maximum working temperature and a furlough scheme for extreme heat.
Morning Star. 10 September 2024

USA: New heat standard proposal from US safety agency
Safety agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing a new standard, 'Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings', aimed at protecting workers from hazardous heat in various industries. The rule would require employers to develop a heat hazard prevention plan to evaluate and control heat risks. It covers both indoor and outdoor environments in general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors.
Federal Register. 12 September 2024

USA: At UPS heat protections still fall short despite union victory
UPS workers are still struggling with extreme heat, despite last year’s union contract promising better protections. UPS vowed to implement air conditioning and improve ventilation in trucks, but progress has been slow, with only a few vehicles upgraded. Drivers are reporting high temperatures, increasing workloads, and pressure to maintain pace, all while facing unsafe working conditions with heat waves becoming more frequent and intense. Organisers at Teamsters for a Democratic Union are pushing UPS to fully implement the promised changes.
Portside. 12 September 2024

Britain: Rising number of nurses being driven to thoughts of suicide
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned of a rising number of nurses experiencing suicidal thoughts, with heavy workload, bullying and lack of work-life balance being the key factors. In the first half of 2024, the RCN advice line reported a 29 per cent increase in calls related to suicidal ideas compared to the previous six months.
Morning Star. 10 September 2024

Britain: Many male footballers facing bullying, anxiety and suicidal thoughts
A survey by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) shows that nearly 10 per cent of Premier League and English Football League players have experienced bullying during their careers. Additionally, almost 5 per cent reported having suicidal thoughts. The "stark figures", gathered from 843 male players during the 2021-22 season, highlights significant mental health struggles with more than 20 per cent of respondents also reporting severe anxiety.
BBC News Online. 10 September 2024

Britain: TUC proposes significant workers' rights upgrade
The TUC has unveiled a five-point plan to bolster workers' rights, warning the current enforcement system is woefully under-resourced. The report highlights widespread violations of basic rights, such as unpaid wages and holiday entitlements, especially among migrant workers. TUC is urging Labour to form a "fair work agency" combining multiple enforcement bodies to address these rights violations. .
Morning Star. 8 September 2024

Britain: Disastrous Tory health reforms left UK vulnerable to Covid-19
A report by surgeon Prof. Ara Darzi reveals the UK’s poor response to the Covid-19 pandemic was due to a weakened NHS, resulting from a decade of disastrous government policies. The report highlights the impact of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, which Darzi described as causing disastrous and permanent loss of NHS capacity.
The Guardian. 8 September 2024

Britain: NUJ calls for stronger workers' rights on air pollutkon
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has endorsed calls from the Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) for stronger workers' rights on air pollution. Highlighting the dangers of indoor pollution, which often surpasses outdoor exposure limits TUCAN says air pollution can be tackled, but only with the right legal framework, forcing employers to address the deadly cocktail of pollutants in the workplace, providing new powers for workers and unions to intervene.
NUJ news release. 6 September 2024

Britain: PwC to track locations of 26,000 employees
PwC will begin tracking the working locations of its 26,000 UK employees starting in January 2025, requiring staff to spend at least three days per week in the office or with clients. Monthly data will be shared with employees and their career coaches to ensure compliance. Those who fail to meet the new requirements will need to explain their reasons, with informal resolutions preferred before disciplinary action.
The Guardian. 6 September 2024

Britain: New healthcare pilot project for women at sea
While visible challenges like harassment, bullying, and pay discrimination for women in the maritime workforce are often discussed, the more subtle issue of limited access to menstrual hygiene products and its impact on female seafarers' ability to perform their duties tends to be overlooked. To address this Seafarers' Hospital Society (SHS) is running a pilot project distributing free feminine hygiene products to women seafarers.
Nautilus International. 6 September 2024

Britain: £3.2 million fine after National Grid worker suffers severe burns
National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc has been fined fined £3.2million and £20,460 costs adnd Power Ltd £80,000 with £14,123 costs for safety failures that led to life-changing injuries for Justin Hollins. Hollins, 50, was replacing step bolts on a pylon in Pontypridd when he suffered a 33,000-volt electric shock. The incident left him with burns covering 40 per cent of his body and nerve damage affecting mobility.
HSE news release. 5 September 2024

Britain: Government urged to 'get a grip' on building safety crisis after Grenfell
Campaigners are pressuring the Government to tackle the ongoing building safety crisis after ministers failed to provide a timeline for resolving unsafe structures. This follows the final inquiry into the Grenfell fire, which blamed decades of governmental and industry failures. Despite government funding and promises of a future "remediation acceleration plan," more than 2,000 buildings still await cladding removal and 11,000 require remdiation work. The End Our Cladding Scandal campaign demanded a simplified process, removing industry interests, and want Labour to hold developers accountable.
Morning Star. 5 September 2024

Britain: Most employees unaware of best approach to addressing suicidal thoughts
Research by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) revealed 90 per cent of UK employees are unaware that directly asking someone about their suicide plans can save lives. The survey, involving 2,000 employees, also found two-thirds used harmful phrases like "committed suicide." The report calls for better suicide awareness and training in the workplace.
HR Magazine. 5 September 2024

Britain: Eavesdropping workplace helpline has accreditation suspended
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has suspended Health Assured’s accreditation after a BBC investigation revealed corporate clients were allowed to "eavesdrop" on confidential calls without caller consent. Health Assured, the UK's largest workplace mental health services provider, serves 13 million workers. The company faces scrutiny for allegedly breaching privacy and ethical standards. Health Assured has welcomed the investigation and denied wrongdoing.
BBC News. 5 September 2024

Britain: Tyre firm fined after worker's torso is 'shredded' by machine
D&D Commercial Services Limited, an Essex-based tyre refurbishment firm, was fined £54,000 wth £6,000 costs after an employee, Neal Hetherington, was seriously injured when his t-shirt got caught in a tyre buffing machine. The August 2021 incident resulted in part of his torso being shredded by the machine’s spinning blades. HSE Inspector Oscar Dower said: “The company allowed its workers to use a machine that was not adequately braked or guarded, leading to significant and wholly avoidable injuries to one of its employees."
HSE news release. 4 September 2024

Britain: Food firm fined £ 150,000 after 'defeating' safety devices
Oriental Delight (UK) Limited, a North London-based food manufacturer, was fined £150,000and £3,020 costs for machinery safety violations following an October 2023 HSE inspection. Inspectors found three machines with defeated interlocking safety devices and missing guards, posing serious risks.
HSE news release. 4 September 2024

Britain: Study finds concussions in amateur sport not linked to cognitive decline
A large-scale study has found no significant link between concussions in amateur sports and long-term cognitive decline. The research, which analysed concussion histories from over 15,000 participants aged 50-90, suggests playing sports may offer a "protective" effect on brain health. The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, is the largest of its kind and challenges previous concerns about the long-term cognitive risks associated with sports-related head injuries.
The Guardian. 4 September 2024

Britain: Grief, anger and vindication” – FBU responds to the Grenfell Tower public inquiry
Following the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report that blamed the disaster on decades of government failure and the ‘systematic dishonesty’ of compani es, FBU leader Matt Wrack expressed solidarity with the grief and anger of the bereaved, survivors, and residents. He called for justice for the 72 lives lost in the "entirely preventable fire." Wrack attributed the disaster to decades of regulatory failure, where private profit was prioritised over human life. He stated the report fully vindicated the FBU’s position highlighting how construction companies manipulated the system for profit and how the semi-privatised building control system placed commercial interests above regulatory responsibilities.Police had already suspected, even before the report was published, that the fire and deaths were the result of criminal acts, based on their own extensive inquiries. Any criminal trials, if they occur, are not expected to take place until 2027.
FBU news release. The Guardian.
More coverage: Bectu news release. Nation.Cymru. PoliticsHome London Fire Brigade. Kensington and Chelsea Council apology. Crown Prosecution Service. London Assembly.The Standard. iNews. Morning Star. The Independent. 4 September 2024

Scotland: ScotRail trains to be replaced following pressure from rail union
Train drivers in Scotland are celebrating a major victory after the Scottish government announced plans to replace the country’s ageing high-speed train fleet. The decision followed a long-running campaign by train drivers’ union Aslef. The replacement of the high-speed train fleet was one of the key demands in the union’s Vision for Scotland’s Railways report, which highlighted the inadequacies of the fleet in terms of safety, and their environmental impact.
Morning Star. Hazards union effect pages. 3 September 2024

New Zealand: Safety chief calls for ban on engineered stone benchtops
Wayne Scott, chief executive of MinEx, the national Health and Safety Council for New Zealand’s extractive sector – mining, quarrying, and tunnelling – is calling for the benchtops to be banned owing to the the danger of silicosis lung cancer. Scott says the danger does not exist at the quarry or factory because of suppression techniques such as using water, but in residential kitchens where the bench may be cut to fit or to allow for taps, and where water can’t be used as a suppressant.He added: “That’s why Australia has banned those benchtops.”
The New Zeland Herald. 2 September 2024

Britain: Ofsted scraps one-word school grades in E ngland
Ofsted has immediately scrapped the use of one-word inspection grades—such as "Outstanding" or "Inadequate"—for schools in England. The change follows the 2023 suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, who was distressed after her school was graded "Inadequate." Teaching unions welcomed the changes, with NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman saying the government should have “gone further by also removing sub-judgements from inspections.” NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: “While today’s announcements are an important step in the right direction, it remains the case that in the absence of root-and-branch reform to fix the foundations of the broken accountability system, teachers and school leaders will continue to work in a system that remains flawed.” Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The NEU welcomes the removal of the single headline inspection grade. The idea that you could give a verdict on a whole school in one or two words was always ridiculous."
BBC News Online. Morning Star. NEU. Hazards suicide webpages. 2 September 2024

Britain: Unison urges branches to prepare for potential mpox outbreak
UNISON is urging its branches to speak to employers to ensure that protective measures established during the 2022 Mpox virus outbreak remain in place amid concerns about a new strain of the virus. Although no cases have been detected in the UK, UNISON has stressed the importance of preparedness, recommending discussions on staff guidance, PPE provision, and full sick pay to prevent financial hardship for affected workers.
Unision news. Hazards Biohazards webpage. 2 September 2024

USA: Wells Fargo employee found dead at desk four days after clocking in
Arizona officials are investigating the death of Denise Prudhomme, a 60-year-old Wells Fargo employee, who was found dead at her desk four days after clocking into her Tempe office on 16 August. Discovered by a colleague on 20 August, Prudhomme's death was reported after building security responded to a "subject down" call. Police said their intial investigation did not point toward foul play.
The Guardian. 30 August 2024

Britain: Workers could gain right to request four-day compressed workweek
UK workers may soon have the right to request a four-day workweek by compressing their hours, though businesses won’t be forced to agree. The proposal, supported by Education Minister Jacqui Smith, aims to enhance productivity and work-life balance by allowing employees to work longer days over fewer days.
The Guardian. 30 August 2024

Britain: TUC warns Keir Starmer - 'don't dilute zero-hours contracts ban'
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has cautioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer against yielding to business pressure to soften the proposed ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts. This warning comes as new evidence reveals the financial hardships faced by millions of workers in insecure jobs. Polls indicate overwhelming support for banning zero-hours contracts, with most affected workers seeking more stable employment. Labour has pledged to introduce these reforms within its first 100 days in office.
TUC news release • The Guardian, 30 August 2024

Britain: Workplace health checks launched in England to target preventable diseases
From 30 August, over 130,000 workers in England will benefit from new workplace health checks aimed at preventing diseases like cardiovascular conditions, the government has said. The checks, equivalent to an NHS appointment, will be available in industries such as construction, hospitality, and transport. The initiative aims to improve early detection and prevention, particularly among men, who are less likely to seek early help.
The Guardian. 30 August 2024

Britain: Shopworkers want Labour to act on crime epidemic, says Usdaw
Shopworkers are calling on the Labour government to address the rising "epidemic" of retail crime, according to Usdaw, the retail workers' union. General Secretary Paddy Lillis highlighted a 30 per cent increase in shoplifting over the past year, stressing the urgent need for action. Usdaw supports Labour's proposed measures, including a new law protecting shopworkers from assault, abolishing the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, and increasing police patrols in shopping areas.
The Morning Star. 29 August 2024

South Korea: CEO arrested after fatal battery plant fire
The CEO of Aricell, a South Korean lithium battery company, has been arrested following a devastating factory fire in June that killed 23 people and injured nine others. Park Soon-kwan was detained after an investigation revealed workplace safety violations at the plant. The fire, which broke out after several battery cells exploded, was one of South Korea's worst factory disasters in recent years. The factory had reportedly been rushing to meet production deadlines, leading to safety oversights and the hiring of unskilled staff to handle dangerous materials. The victims were mostly foreign workers.
BBC News Online, 29 August 2024

Global: Unions issue new mpox safety guides amid outbreak
In response to the latest mpox outbreak, the global union PSI and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have released updated factsheets to address risks to workers. These guides emphasise that the dangers extend beyond health and care workers to those handling contaminated materials, such as hospitality and cleaning staff. Inadequate welfare facilities, like shared or malfunctioningroller towels, can also pose significant risks to various worker groups.
PSI mpox guide. CUPE mpox guide. 29 August 2024

Britain: UK rail minister got engineer sacked after raising safety concerns
Peter Hendy, the UK’s new transport minister, allegedly got railway engineer Gareth Dennis fired after Dennis raised safety concerns about overcrowding at Euston station. In his previous role as chair of Network Rail, Hendy reportedly pressured Dennis's employer, SYSTRA, to discipline him after he voiced concerns about the risk of crushes at the station. Hendy threatened to withhold contracts from the company unless action was taken, leading to Dennis's dismissal. Dennis's comments echoed concerns from the government’s rail regulator about safety at Euston
Politico. 29 August 2024

Britain: Scots construction firm fined £75k after worker dies in excavation
Carrig Construction Services has been fined £75,000 after admitting to health and safety failings that led to the tragic death of Derek Caddie. Derek, who was working in an unsupported excavation on November 25, 2019 was covered in soil from the neck down at a building site in Glasgow’s Hyndland and crushed. He died later from his injuries. His family expressed heartbreak over the loss and criticised the nearly five-year delay in the legal proceedings, saying it worsened their trauma.
Daily Record, Renfrewshire News. 28 August 2024

Britain: Former nurse with terminal cancer urges quicker asbestos removal
Helen Bone, 42, from Middlesbrough, diagnosed with terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure, is calling on the government to accelerate its removal from public buildings. Despite asbestos being banned in 1999, millions of structures still contain the hazardous material. Helen, a mother of three, highlighted the hidden dangers, stressing that many people unknowingly face exposure. The Health and Safety Executive affirmed its commitment to addressing asbestos risks through updated guidance and ongoing reviews.
ITV news. 28 August 2024

Palestine: 116 journalists have been killed in 'deadliest period'
The Israel-Gaza war has taken an unprecedented toll on Gazan journalists since Israel declared war on Hamas following its attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. As of August 28, 2024, The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) preliminary investigations have shown at least 116 journalists and media workers were among the more than 41,000 killed since the war began, making it the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ began gathering data in 1992.
CPJ News. Byline Times. 28 August 2024

Britain: Roadworkers targeted with urine fear being run down
Roadworkers in Suffolk, who have endured abuse including bottles of urine being thrown at them, fear for their safety. Suffolk Highways reports an increase in both physical and verbal abuse towards workers. Sinead Ryan, a traffic management worker and ambassador for the Stamp It Out campaign, shared her concerns: "Abuse has become normal for us. Drivers throw bottles of urine, shout, and even try to get to us. It’s frightening." Figures obtained by BBC show 541 cases of abuse towards highway workers were recorded by National Highways between 2020 and 2023.
BBC News Online. 27 August 2024

USA: Two dead in Delta plane tyre explosion incident
A tyre explosion on a Delta Boeing 757 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport killed a Delta employee and a contractor, with another employee seriously injured. The incident occurred early Monday as the tyre was being removed from the aircraft after its arrival from Las Vegas.
The Tribune. 27 August 2024

Britain: New data reveals large scale of job cuts in fire and rescue services
Recent figures from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) show 12,000 firefighter positions have been cut since 2010, slashing the UK's firefighting capacity by 21 per cent. The hardest-hit area is England, losing 10,000 jobs (22 per cent), followed by Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, fire control staff have been reduced by a third, and response times to life-threatening fires have slowed by three minutes over the last three decades. Matt Wrack, FBU's general secretary, warned these cuts, exacerbated by climate-related emergencies, leave the UK dangerously unprepared and called for urgent investment in fire services.
FBU news. Morning Star. 26 August 2024

Italy: 'Working here is hell’: Farm worker death in 40 degree heat shocks Italy
The recent death of an Indian flower picker in 40 Celcius heat has highlighted the brutal conditions faced by migrant workers on Italian farms. Dalvir Singh, 54, was found dead in a field near Latina, likely due to extreme heat and overwork. Migrants, mainly from India and sub-Saharan Africa, endure low wages, long hours, and poor living conditions. Despite Italy's booming food industry, these workers live in ghettos with no basic amenities, exploited by gangmasters. Unions and activists are demanding urgent action as heatwaves and harsh working conditions continue to claim lives.
The Guardian. 27 August 2024

Britain: High-rise fire reveals “national scandal” of flammable cladding, says FBU
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has condemned the Dagenham tower block fire as a “national scandal,” exposing the dangers of flammable cladding and building industry deregulation. The fire, which broke out early Monday on Freshwater Road, led to a major incident declaration by the London Fire Brigade. The building, previously flagged in a 2023 fire enforcement notice, had non-compliant cladding. FBU general secretary Matt Wrack praised firefighters but demanded an urgent investigation into why unsafe cladding is still in use, urging immediate government action to prevent more tragedies. The incident comes just one week before the publication of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
FBU news. The Morning Star. My London News. 26 August 2024

India: Amazon India to establish rest points for delivery associates
Amazon India is launching Project Ashray to set up rest points across cities, providing amenities like drinking water, phone charging, and washrooms for delivery associates. The initiative begins with five pilot locations in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, with plans to expand nationwide over the next few years. Each centre, open from 9am to 9pm, will offer free access for up to 30 minutes per visit.
HR World (Economic Times). 26 August 2024

Australia: Unions hail right-to-disconnect laws as key cost-of-living victory
Unions are celebrating the introduction of right-to-disconnect laws, as a major win for workers. The new regulations empower employees to reject unreasonable out-of-hours work communications, aiming to improve work-life balance and reduce unpaid labor. The law covers all forms of work-related contact and will extend to small businesses in 2025. This change addresses rising unpaid work hours and mental health issues. ACTU views the legislation as a critical measure against cost-of-living pressures, but warns that opposition leader Peter Dutton's potential rollback could worsen financial and mental stress for workers.
ACTU media release. BBC news online. 26 August 2024

Australia: Repeated delivery worker deaths highlights need for action
The transport gig worker community in Australia mourns the death of a food delivery rider in Port Melbourne, marking the 18th such fatality since 2017. The rider was killed in a hit-and-run, with the driver now in custody. As the Closing Loopholes legislation takes effect on August 26, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) plans to advocate for fairer standards for gig workers.
TWU news release. 24 August 2024

Italy: Bayesian yacht tragedy - families and crew deserve facts, not speculation
Following the sinking of the British-flagged yacht Bayesian off Sicily killing seven people, Nautilus International has called for a fair, thorough investigation. General Secretary Mark Dickinson called for patience stressing speculation and premature judgments about the crew's conduct are unfair and harmful to the investigation.
Nautilus news, 23 August 2024

Global: Mpox global emergency is a work issue
Employers have urged to take action to prevent the spread of a new strain of the mpox virus, after the World Health Organisation declared a global emergency. Campaigners and unions called for individual risk assessments for workers at greater risk from the virus, and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has urged WHO to revise the guidance to recognise the risks in occupations other than health care, including hospitality, cleaning and laundry work.
WHO mpox Q&A, 18 August 2024. Morning Star, 16 August 2024. 18 August 2024

Britain: Edinburgh tram workers vote for strike over lack of toilet breaks
Edinburgh Tram workers have overwhelmingly voted to strike due to inadequate toilet breaks caused by delayed running times. Over 90 per cent of the 160 Unite members supported the action, citing health concerns such as stress and infections from going up to five hours without breaks. Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, stated the union fully supports the workers in their fight for better conditions.
Unite news. 14 August 2024

Britain: Police officer assaulted four women at awards ceremony
Former Police Scotland officer David Jones, 36, was convicted of sexually assaulting four women at the Scottish First Aid awards in March 2023. Despite being honored for bravery in confronting a knife-wielding man, Jones groped a firefighter, a swimming instructor, her sister, and a paramedic student at the event in Glasgow. Jones received 150 hours of unpaid work and will be on the sex offenders' register for a year. He has been suspended and faces further misconduct proceedings.
BBC News Online. 14 August 2024

Canada: Two polar bears kill Canadian worker
A rare polar bear attack resulted in the death of a worker at a remote Arctic radar station in Nunavut, Canada. The employee, who worked for Nasittuq Corporation, was attacked by two polar bears last week on Brevoort Island. One of the bears was killed by other workers. The incident is being investigated by local authorities and regulatory agencies. Polar bear attacks on humans are infrequent, with this being the second fatal attack since 2023. The polar bear population in Canada is around 17,000, but their numbers are declining due to the loss of sea ice from global warming.
BBC News Online. 13 August 2024

TUC Highlights challenges for workers from Tory legacy
Responding to the 13 August announced labour market data, which show that unemployment remains high and more than a million people are still on zero hours contracts, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak observed that, despite some improvements, there were lingering issues in the labor market, including over a million workers on zero-hour contracts and persistent high unemployment. Real wages are rising but remain squeezed; if wages had grown as they did before the financial crisis, workers would be earning £15,000 more annually. Economic inactivity due to long-term sickness is near record levels.
TUC news. 13 August 2024

Britain: Government rejects ban on engineered stone linked to silicosis
The UK government has refused calls to ban engineered stone despite its link to silicosis, a deadly lung disease. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) claims current regulations are sufficient, although it is considering further safety measures. Doctors report rising silicosis cases among UK workers and have joiend calles from TUC for stronger regulations or a ban, similar to Australia.The disease's shorter latency period poses a significant risk to young workers, and calls for immediate action are growing.
Inews. 13 August 2024

Britain: NHS grampian fined £64k over patient suicide
NHS Grampian has been fined £64,500 after admitting breaches of health and safety law following the suicide of Vincent Mulsant at Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen. The 40-year-old patient, who had absconded twice, was found dead on March 28, 2020. The Health and Safety Executive found the hospital failed to manage the risk to Mulsant, despite his known vulnerability.
The Herald. 9 August 2024

Britain: Mod settles £1.7m in bullying and harassment claims
In the past year, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) paid £1.75 million in settlements for claims related to bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This figure comes alongside a significant increase in formal complaints—93 in 2023 compared to just 22 in 2019.
The Independent. 9 August 2024

Britain: Firm fined after worker loses four fingers
A Renfrewshire firm, Kerry Ingredients UK Ltd, was fined over £360,000 after employee, James Clydesdale, lost four fingers in a workplace accident in August 2021. The injury occurred when Clydesdale accessed an unguarded part of a mechanical mixer to clear a blockage.The court heard there was an interlocked guard at the top of the mixer, however, there were no fixed guards preventing access to the blades from the underside of the machine.The fine included a £27,000 victim surcharge.
Daily Record. 9 August 2024

New Zealand: Widespread non-compliance managing asbestos in schools
Newly released documents expose severe lapses in the Education Ministry’s management of asbestos in schools, revealing unsafe conditions such as damaged asbestos panels used for student activities and improper assessments. The reports highlight “widespread non-compliance” with asbestos regulations, raising concerns for the health of students and staff. An estimated NZ$60 million nationwide cleanup is needed, but progress has been slow.
RNZ. 9 August 2024

USA: Jury awards US$52.4m in silicosis case against countertop makers
On August 7, 2024, a Los Angeles County jury awarded $52.4 million to Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, who developed severe silicosis from cutting artificial-stone countertops. Reyes, who is 34 and facing a bleak future, sued three manufacturers - Caesarstone, Cambria, and Color Marble - claiming their products are dangerously high in silica, which can cause irreversible lung damage. The jury's verdict follows a significant cluster of silicosis cases in Southern California.. California recently issued new regulations to control silica dust exposure. A ban on engineered stone has also been implemented in Australia due to similar health concerns.
Public Health Watch. 8 August 2024

Global: CTUG makes commitment to young workers' safety
On International Youth Day, August 12, 2024, the Commonwealth Trade Union Group (CTUG) pledged to eliminate work-related injuries and deaths among young workers. Despite making up a large proportion of the workforce, young workers often face higher risks due to inexperience and insecure job conditions. Young people require in particular the freedom of association needed to join, become active in and benefit from the protection of trade unions, in accordance with ILO fundamental conventions.
ITUC news. 8 August 2024

Britain: Pub chain fined £245k after woman's death from fall at Bolton tavern
Joseph Holt Ltd was fined £180,000 with £65,000 in legal costs after a health and safety breach led to the death of Elaine Horrocks, who fell through an unlocked cellar door at the Rosehill Tavern in Bolton. The incident occurred on January 13, 2018, when Horrocks, 54, fell into the staff-only cellar and suffered fatal injuries.
The Bolton News. 8 August 2024

Nigeria: Deadly boat explosion kills 20 passengers and crew
A wooden cargo boat named ‘Godbless Dickson’ has exploded and sank resulting in the deaths of 20 people out of the 64 onboard. The incident occurred near Ezetu 1 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area while the boat was en route to Yenagoa. Rescue efforts were made, with a Maritime Workers Union team deploying speedboats to aid survivors. Authorities and local leaders are calling for improved marine safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Naija news. 8 August 2024

Britain: Builder avoids jail after putting workers' lives in danger
David Beadle, trading as Beadle the Builders, was given a 26-week suspended prison sentence for committing safety crimes at a London construction site. An HSE investigation found Beadle allowed workers to use an improperly constructed and unsafe scaffold multiple times, defying a previous prohibition notice. The scaffold was at risk of collapse, lacked edge protection and safe access, and posed a serious risk of falls. Beadle pleaded guilty to the law breach was given a 26-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and also pay £6,043 in costs.
HSE news release. 7 August 2024

Australia: Ruling confirms employer duty to consult on safety before changes
On 7 August 2024, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled against Opal Packaging Australia Pty Ltd, blocking changes to its drug testing regime due to inadequate employee consultation. Deputy President Ian Masson stated the company failed to provide employees and their union with all relevant information, undermining their ability to influence the decision. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) argued the changes were void because Opal did not meet its consultation obligations under the national Work Health and Safety Act.
SafetyNet. 7 August 2024

Indonesia: Explosion and fire on tanker kills 5 and injures 15
An explosion and subsequent fire on the Indonesian tanker Elisabet Satu near Bali killed five crew members and injured 15 others. The incident occurred at around 0300 local time, with the first explosion reportedly originating from the accommodation area. A second explosion followed in the engine room. The tanker, carrying fuel oil, may have grounded after losing power. Three crew members suffered severe burns, while the other 12 sustained less serious injuries.
The Maritime Executive. 7 August 2024

Britain: Bectu responds to reports of toxic working environment on Strictly
Bectu Head Philippa Childs expressed concern over reports of a toxic working environment for production staff on Strictly Come Dancing. Childs emphasised everyone should work free from harassment, especially in an industry with significant power imbalances. Childs noted that such issues are not unique to Strictly or the BBC. Bectu news, 7 August 2024

Britain: Ambulance staff told leave scene and end racist calls
London Ambulance Service (LAS) has told staff to leave the scene or end calls if they face racist abuse, following a rise in incidents amid far-right violence after the Southport stabbings. BAME staff report have increased racism during emergencies.
LAS says call handlers can end calls if racially abused, and crews can leave the scene unless it's life-threatening. They are also advised to wear body cameras.
The Standard. 7 August 2024

Britain: Violence against journalists reporting riots must not be tolerated
Violence against reporters and press photographers covering protests taking place in towns across the UK is worsening, warned the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the UK and Ireland. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined its affiliate, the NUJ in condemning the attacks, calling on employers to ensure the safety of their staff, including freelance journalists, and demanding the British authorities to prosecute the perpetrators.
IFJ news release. 7 August 2024

Britain: Waste company fined over £100,000 after worker loses leg
Manchester-based waste firm Pink Skips (NW) Ltd has been fined £106,700 and £5,744 costs following an incident where a 41-year-old worker lost their after being struck by a reversing excavator. The 5 October 2022 incident occurred due to a lack of adequate segregation between pedestrians and vehicles.
HSE news release. 7 August 2024

Britain: Delivery drivers fear for lives as far-right riots enter second week
Delivery drivers, predominantly from migrant backgrounds, are fearful for their lives due to ongoing far-right riots. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) reported many drivers are staying home out of fear of violence. An anonymous driver in Rochdale expressed terror over potential targeting due to his skin colour and faith, forcing him to sacrifice his income for safety.
Morning Star. 6 August 2024

Britain: Experts call for ban on artificial stone worktops over silicosis risk
Researchers are urging the UK govenrment to consider banning artificial stone worktops due to a rise in silicosis cases among workers cutting the material. Artificial stone, cheaper than natural options, contains high levels of silica, which can cause the incurable lung disease. Eight cases have been documented - all men with an average age of 34 - one has since died. Australia has already banned engineered stone due to similar health risks. The Health and Safety Executive says it is reviewing potential measures to protect workers.
The Guardian. 6 August 2024

Britain: Slavery victim wins payout as 'others die waiting'
A man enslaved for nearly 26 years received a record £352,000 payout after his family sued the government for inadequate compensation. Victim A was held in squalid conditions by the Rooney family, forced to work without pay, and beaten. Lawyers criticised the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for delays - 15 other captives died before receiving compensation - arguing CICA is "not fit for purpose." Nine out of ten victims die before receiving compensation.
BBC news online, 6 August 2024

Britain: NUJ calls on employers to ensure safety of staff covering UK riots
The NUJ urges employers to ensure the safety of journalists covering violent protests across the UK by providing safety equipment, conducting risk assessments, and deploying staff in pairs or teams. NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet emphasised that protections must also extend to freelance journalists. The NUJ is coordinating with police to ensure journalists can work without obstruction.
NUJ news 5 August 2024

Britain: Trainee doctors facing higher burnout risk than during pandemic
Recent figures from the General Medical Council's (GMC) national training survey show that 63 per cent of trainee doctors feel they are at "a high or moderate risk" of burnout. This is an increase from the pandemic period, highlighting their struggles with unsustainable workloads and inadequate support.
The Guardian, 4 August 2024

Britain: Teachers' regulator in England investigated for misconduct
The Department for Education is investigating the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) following allegations of misconduct and poor treatment of teachers. One former TRA employee revealed a culture of insensitivity and assumptions of guilt. Others recounted incidents of staff mocking teachers under investigation, even one in a coma. The National Association for Head Teachers (NAHT) labeled TRA a "failing regulator" Other unions, including NASUWT, called for urgent reform, citing severe impacts on teachers' mental health.
The Guardian, 3 August 2024

Britain: Company fined £1m as employee suffers serious injuries
Logistics company, Southampton Container Terminals Limited, trading as DP World Southampton, has been fined £1 million with £11,664.59 costs after employee, Christopher Hooper, fell 11 metres through an open hole in a driver's cab resulting in fractures to his skull, back, pelvis, arm, wrist, and ankle. An Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the company failed to implement a safe system of work and did not have an adequate risk assessment.
HSE news release, 2 August 2024

Britain: Abused face of army recruitment drive wins payout
Kerry-Ann Knight, a former soldier featured on British Army recruitment posters, has won a settlement and apology after enduring 12 years of racist and sexist abuse. Knight, who joined the 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, was subjected to severe harassment, including derogatory comments and offensive graffiti. Despite raising complaints, her grievances were largely ignored. Knight's case, supported by the Centre for Military Justice and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, highlighted institutional racism within the Army. The Ministry of Defence settled the claim without admitting liability.
The Guardan. 2 August 2024

Britain: Long-term cognitive and psychiatric effects of COVID-19 revealed
A new study led by the University of Oxford and the University of Leicester, in Lancet Psychiatry, reveals that many people hospitalised with COVID-19 continue to experience cognitive and psychiatric issues two to three years post-infection. Conducted with 475 participants from the PHOSP-COVID study, the research found significant cognitive deficits, equivalent to a 10-point IQ drop, along with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and memory problems.
University of Leicester. Cognitive and psychiatric symptom trajectories 2–3 years after hospital admission for COVID-19: a longitudinal, prospective cohort study in the UK, Maxime Taquet et al.:DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(24)002. 1 August 2024

Britain: Head wins disability discrimination case against Ofsted
Kelly Vaughan, head of Pool Hayes Primary School in Willenhall won damages after Ofsted refused her request to defer an inspection during a relapse of her multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Vaughan accused Ofsted of failing to make reasonable adjustments for her disability. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) supported case has raised more concerns about Ofsted's culture following the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.
The Guardian, 1 August 2024

Britain: Companies fined after father-of-three crushed to death
Two companies have been fined following the de kath of Russell Hartley, a 48-year-old self-employed engineer and father-of-three, who was crushed by machinery at a materials recycling facility in London. Hartley was fatally injured when a Trisomat screen toppled off a telehandler's forks.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Premier Engineering Projects Ltd and M&M Mobile Crane Hire Ltd failed to adequately plan, supervise and ensure the safety of the work, resulting in the avoidable incident. Premier Engineering Projects Ltd was fined £28,000 plus £9,277.48 costs, while M&M Mobile Crane Hire Ltd was fined £48,000 plus £9,500 costs.
HSE news release. 1 August 2024

Britain: Wolverhampton company fined after worker hit by forklift truck
Wolverhampton manufacturing company, Fablink UK Limited, was fined £30,000 and £6,104 in costs after welder David Lucas was struck by a reversing forklift truck on 12 January 2023. Lucas sustained serious injuries including a fractured ankle and a broken elbow, and spent several days in hospital. The company had received previous HSE advice in relation to workplace transport and in particular about vehicle and pedestrian segregation.
HSE news release. 31 July 2024

Britain: Company fined £160,000 after worker loses legs
William Stobart & Son Limited was fined £160,000 after employee Andrew McAuley lost both legs in an accident at the company’s warehouse in Appleton Thorn on June 20, 2022. McAuley, 64, was struck by unsecured pallets carried by a forklift. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was ordered to pay £4,478 in costs.
HSE news release, 31 July 2024

Britain: New research reveals economic impact of working sick
A new analysis reveals that workers continuing to work while ill, instead of taking time off, is costing the economy billions. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has highlighted the urgent need for a “transition to a health-led economy.” Professor Cary Cooper gives the reasons for presenteeism as insecure work, high workloads and management culture. The IPPR report found individuals with lower education levels and income, those in less skilled occupations and those from minority ethnic backgrounds more likely to continue working while sick.
The Independent. The Guardian.31 July 2024

Britain: Redcar chemical plant workers to strike over toxic gas leak fears
Huntsman Polyurethanes’ plan to reduce staffing levels at their Redcar chemical plant has led Unite the union members to vote in favour of strike action. As part of a drive to cut costs and reduce the workforce, the company plans to not replace retiring workers.
Unite news release, 26 July 2024

Global: Workers’ right to organise is crucial in combating heat stress
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has highlighted the vital role of unions in addressing heat stress, as highlighted in the ILO’s report, Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health. The report revealed the growing threat of extreme heat – worsened by climate change. ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle demanded workers have the right to organise to ensure workers' safety and health.The ITUC called on governments and employers to improve heat stress policies through social dialogue and collective bargaining
ITUC news release, 26 July 2024

Global: ILO warns heat stress risks are growing
An International Labour Organization (ILO) report, Heat at Work: Implications for Safety and Health, warns that more workers are being exposed to heat stress worldwide. New data reveal that regions previously unaccustomed to extreme heat will face increased risks, while workers in already hot climates will confront ever more dangerous conditions. The report estimates that 4,200 workers globally died from heatwaves in 2020. A total of 231 million workers were exposed to heatwaves in 2020, up 66 per cent from 2000. However, nine out of ten workers globally experienced excessive heat outside of heatwaves, and eight in ten heat-related occupational injuries occurred outside of heatwaves.
ILO news release. 26 July 2024

Britain: Recycling boss sentenced after worker loses leg
Daisy Ning Bai, director of BW Recycling Limited in Halifax, received a community order for health and safety breaches after a worker lost part of his left leg in a machinery incident on 26 November 2019. Nathan Bland, then 20, had his left leg amputated below the knee and lost several toes on his right foot when both legs were crushed inside a waste baler. Bai was given a 12-month community order with 160 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £5,843 in costs. BW Recycling Limited was dissolved in December 2023 and was not prosecuted.
HSE news release. 22 July 2024

Britain: Veolia fined £3m after rig fatality
Veolia ES (UK) Limited has been fined £3 million with £60,000 costs following a 17 October 2019 incident at its Great Yarmouth facility, where one worker died and another was seriously injured. Stephen Picken, 62, and Mark Kumar, were dismantling a 27-tonne metal pipe (skirt pile) from a gas rig jacket when it gave way, causing them to fall 12 metres to the ground. Picken died at the scene, while Kumar sustained severe life-changing injuries. The HSE investigation revealed inadequate risk assessment, planning, and supervision of the operation. The company had considered the skirt pile a low-risk task and did not implement a cutting plan or safe working procedure.
HSE news release. 22 July 2024

Britain: Inquiry exposes government’s Covid disaster
The first findings of an inquiry into the Covid pandemic has found the government’s austerity obsession left the UK unequipped to respond effectively to the crisis. The UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 report published in July 2024 warns that not investing “in systems of protection” will impact on the UK’s “preparedness and resilience” in a future pandemic.
Covid-19 Inquiry and UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 report, 18 July 2024. TUC news release. FBU news release. BBC News Online. The Guardian. 18 July 2024

Britain: £240,000 fine sfter worker paralysed in fall
Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited, an electrical transmission company based in Cheshire, has been fined £240,000 with £14,142 in costs following an incident that left 35-year-old Gavin Pugh paralysed from the chest down. Pugh fell over 30 feet while demolishing electricity pylons. The team was unaware that prior work had been carried out to loosen bolts on the pylon, compromising its stability.
HSE news release. 17 July 2024

Britain: Engineering firm fined after HS2 Site incident
EMC Elite Engineering Services Ltd has been fined £52,500 and £6,871.12 in costs after an engineer sustained multiple serious injuries while repairing a conveyor at a HS2 construction site in Hertfordshire. The 57-year-old fell 11 metres through a gap created by the removal of stair treads, resulting in a fractured skull, pelvis, hip, jaw, and two broken wrists, leading to two months of hospitalisation.
HSE news release. 15 July 2024

Britain: Boss coughs up over Covid
A property tycoon who "deliberately" coughed in a disabled employee's face during the coronavirus pandemic has been ordered to pay her compensation. Employment judge Tobias Vincent Ryan condemned the “gross behaviour” of Cawdor Cars, Kevin Davies, and awarded the former employee, who has an autoimmune disease, a payout of £26,438.84.
Manchester Evening News, 14 July 2024

Britain: 'Macho' school judgements criticised after head's death
An independent review, prompted by the suicide of head teacher Ruth Perry after her school's Ofsted rating dropped from "outstanding" to "inadequate," has criticised the high-stakes accountability culture in UK schools. The review recommended scrapping Ofsted's one-word verdicts, but was called a "missed opportunity" by Perry's sister Julia Waters, who felt it didn't adequately address the local authority's failings.
BBC News, 12 July 2024

Britain: Strangers ‘eavesdropped’ on confidential workplace mental health helpline
The UK's largest provider of workplace mental health services, Health Assured, allowed corporate clients to listen to confidential helpline calls without the knowledge or consent of the callers, according to a BBC investigation. Former employees described the practice as "highly inappropriate" and "unethical," with legal experts suggesting potential breaches of privacy and data protection laws. Health Assured, which serves 13 million workers across the UK and Ireland, admitted the practice occurred but claimed it was not company policy and assured it would cease.
BBC news, 12 July 2024

Britain: Train conductors speak out about abuse directed at train crew
Northern Railway train conductors have reported increasing incidents of verbal and physical abuse from passengers. The conductors shared experiences to raise awareness of the hostile environment train crews often face in performing their duties. One conductor spoke of homophobic abuse and death threats.
Northern railways news release, 12 July 2024

Britain: Hospital consultants feel overworked and undervalued
A survey by the British Medical Association (BMA) has revealed hospital consultants are experiencing significant disenfranchisement, feeling overworked and undervalued within the healthcare system. The BMA highlights systemic issues contributing to low morale and high stress among medical professionals.including heavy workloads, insufficient support and a lack of appreciation for their contributions. These issues are affecting their overall job satisfaction and mental health.
Morning Star, 11 July 2024

Britain: Devon man jailed for 'worst ever' asbestos and waste dump
Christopher Garrett, a 64-year-old from Devon, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for illegally dumping thousands of tonnes of waste, including asbestos, on his land near Newton Abbot. Despite previous prosecutions and multiple warnings from the Environment Agency, Garrett continued to import and dispose of dangerous waste. The court also ordered him to pay a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation sum of over £200,000.
Devon live, 11 July 2024

Pakistan: Record number of journalist murders in 2024
A report by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) reveals 7 journalists have been killed in Pakistan this year, marking a record high. The PPF attributes this to growing threats from militant groups, criminal organizations, and political factions. PFF demands: "Authorities must ensure that the media is free to work without fear of retribution and ensure that these killings are subject to an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation.”
The Guardian, 10 July 2024

India: 90 per cent of Amazon workers find bathroom break time too restrictive
A UNI Global Unon survey of Amazon India employees reveals nearly 90 per cent of Amazon India’s warehouse employees say they are not allowed sufficient time to use the restroom. The survey adds to a growing body of evidence of poor working conditions at the multinational corporation.
The Independent, The Economic Times.
Uni Global Union news • Exporting the Amazon Panopticon. 10 July 2024

Britain: MoD in hearing loss co mpensation turnaround
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to compensate thousands of veterans for hearing loss incurred during combat or training. Compensation claims were often disputed, but in a recent turnaround those discharged after 1987 may now be eligible which could lead to 10,000 additional claims.
BBC News, 8 July 2024

Britain: Fines after employee fractures skull and loses sight in one eye
Code-A-Weld (Great Yarmouth) Ltd and its director, David Fowler, were fined after an employee was struck by an object while manufacturing large steel cable drums on 19 November 2022. The 54-year-old worker sustained severe injuries, including skull fractures and loss of vision in one eye, requiring hospitalisation and facial reconstruction surgery. The company was fined £24,000 and £3,500 in costs, while Fowler was fined £2,000 with £1,500 in costs.
HSE news release. 5 July 2024

Sweden: Five workers killed when inadequately maintained hoist failed
A construction hoist collapse in Ursvik, Sweden, on December 11, 2023, killed five workers due to missing screw and nut assemblies. The hoist, provided to Andersson Company, was improperly assembled and inspected. The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority cited insufficient safety inspections and inadequate safety measures.
Construction briefing, 4 July 2024

USA: BP is not learning from repeated failures
Nineteen years after a fatal explosion at BP’s Texas City Refinery, fourteen years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and two years after a deadly explosion at the BP/Husky Refinery in Ohio, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) issued a report last month. The report highlights BP's chronic inability to learn from its repeated mistakes over the decades.
Confined space, 3 July 2024

Britain: Council fined after school technician loses finger
West Sussex County Council was fined £16,000 after school technician, Adi Soday, lost his right index finger using a circular bench saw at The Forest School in Horsham, West Sussex. An Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed Mr. Soday was not trained to use the saw safely.
HSE news release, 3 July 2024

USA: Fourth human case of avian flu reported
A human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus has been reported in Colorado, marking the fourth case so far in a multistate outbreak involving A(H5N1) in dairy cows. Previous cases were found in Texas and Michigan states.
CDC news release, 3 July 2024

USA: Biden unveils rules to protect millions of US workers from extreme heat
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing the first federal safety standard to address excessive workplace heat. The rule would would impact 36 million workers and includes identifying heat hazards, developing response plans, providing training, and implementing work practices like rest breaks, shade, water and acclimatisation for new employees. AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler applauded the move: “As we enter the second summer with temperatures reaching scorching record highs, the Biden administration’s new proposed rule could not be more urgently needed."
White House Briefing, AFL-CIO news release, 2 July 2024

Britain: Workplace temperatures must be capped at 30°C, TUC says
The TUC is calling for new laws to cap workplace temperatures at 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous jobs, where work would stop. They propose employers take action to reduce temperatures if they rise above 24°C where they make workers uncomfortable. General secretary Paul Nowak emphasised the need for better protections, including flexible hours and cooling measures. Labour’s "New Deal for Working People" supports modernising health and safety guidelines to address rising temperatures.
The Morning Star. 30 June 2024

Britain: Safety failures led to fatal explosion at Wiltshire factory
Explosives manufacturer Chemring Countermeasures has been fined £670,000 following a fatal explosion at its Salisbury site. The incident on August 10, 2018, resulted in the death of employee Piotr Zukowski and serious injuries to Jake West. An investigation by HSE revealed multiple safety failures including inadequate training, supervision, and risk assessments that led to the fatal explosion that was triggered by the ignition of a chemical mixture. The company pleaded guilty to failing in its duty of care. Since the 2018 incident Chremring has been issued with three new safety improvement notices, in 2020 and 2021
Salisbury Journal, HSE enforcement database, 30 June 2024

Turkey: Five dead after restaurant explosion
A devastating propane tank explosion at a restaurant in Izmir, a city in western Turkey, resulted in five fatalities and 63 injuries on Sunday, according to local authorities. The blast, which was captured on security cameras, wreaked havoc on the street and caused minor damage to nearby buildings.
The Mirror, 30 June 2024

Palestine/Global: Scientists call for rebuild to make Gaza livable again
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has caused severe environmental impacts which pose grave health risks. This new commentary from 40 health scientists highlights the need to rebuild healthcare and infrastructure to create a livable environment, especially for the vulnerable. Immediate cessation of violence is crucial. Environmental remediation should be central to international reconstruction efforts, aiming for lasting peace, health, and sustainable development, in line with international human rights obligations.
London, L., Watterson, A., Mergler, D. et al. A call from 40 public health scientists for an end to the continuing humanitarian and environmental catastrophe in Gaza. Environ Health 23, 59 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-024-01097-9, 28 June 2024

Britain: Prison staff's 'health worries over radon'
Staff at a Devon prison, currently under investigation for high levels of radioactive radon gas, are worried about their health, their union POA reports. According to a BBC FOI request, peak radon levels at HMP Dartmoor in 2020 and 2023 were 10 times the recommended workplace limit. Since December 2023, over 400 prisoners have been relocated from the Devon prison.
BBC news online, 28 June 2024

India: Amazon admits safety lapses Amazon
India has admitted to workplace safety lapses at its warehouse in the National Capital Region. In its submission to the central labour commissioner, the company accepted that there was a violation of workplace safety standards on May 16, 2024, at its Manesar warehouse and assured the government of a prompt corrective action.
The Economic Times, 26 June 2024

Yemen: ITF calls to divert ships from war zone following four deaths
At least four people have been killed in strikes on shipping by Yemen's Houthi movement since December 2023. The International Transport Workers’ Federation, speaking on behalf of seafarers’ unions globally, is urging flag states '“which are responsible for assuring a safe working environment for seafarers on their vessels’ to ‘instruct companies to divert their ships’ from the region.'
Nautilus International, 26 June 2024

Britain: Chef's appeal for information after asbestos cancer diagnosis
Former chef David Robinson is seeking ex work colleagues' help following his diagnosis with asbestos cancer mesothelioma.Robinson's solicitors, Thompsons, are investigating his work history seeking to claim comensation to cover his loss of earnings and future treatment. Robinsons recalls dusty conditions during refurbishment at Northern Rock House, Gosforth, where he worked from 1991-1998.
Chronicle Live, 26 June 2024

South Korea: Condemnation after battery fire kills 23
The Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV) has condemned the fatal negligence at the Aricell lithium battery plant that killed 23 workers, including 17 from China, in a blaze triggered by battery explosions. Most died from toxic gas exposure. ANROEV says the grave safety lapses illustrate the critical need for more stringent regulations and enforcement and is urging comprehensive investigations, compensation for victims' families, and enforcement of strict safety laws.
ANROEV statement. The Independent. 25 June 2024

Britain: £165,000 for firm after entangled hoodie death
A firm has been fined £165,000 after a worker died when his hoodie became entangled in industrial door equipment at a car dealership in Aberdeen in 2018. Mark Mathers, 33, was repairing the door when a spring unwound tightening his clothing around his neck and body causing him to lose consciouness. He was declared dead three days later. Industrial Doors admitted to breaching health and safety guidelines at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
BBC news online, 25 June 2024

Britain: Scrapping the three-day wait for sick pay will help millions
TUC says reform of the statutory sick pay (SSP) system is much needed and has been a long time coming: "Nobody should be plunged into hardship when they become sick." More than 7 million employees rely on (SSP), currently £116.75 per week. The three-day wait rule reduces first-week SSP to £47, which is inadequate. Labour plans to abolish this wait, benefiting 7.4 million workers. Additionally, 1.15 million low-paid workers, mostly women, miss out on SSP due to the £123 weekly earnings threshold. Removing both the wait and earnings limit would make SSP fairer and more accessible.
TUC blog, 24 June 2024

Britain: Trust fined after wall collapse fatality
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has been fined £30,000 after volunteer Peter Konitzer, 62, died in a wall collapse during excavation work on 24 August 2016. An HSE investigation found inadequate safety measures and planning. The trust pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was also ordered to pay £10,822 in costs.
HSE news release, 24 June 2024

Britain: Companies fined after young worker exposed to asbestos
Two companies were fined after a 16-year-old was exposed to asbestos while breaking cement sheets in Richmond, North Yorkshire. An HSE investigation found Alt Berg Holdings Limited failed to conduct an asbestos survey, and P Turnbull Joinery and Building Services Ltd failed to assess the work and prevent exposure to asbestos. P Turnbull was fined £2,000 with £500 costs, and Alt Berg £6,000 with £1,950 costs.
HSE news release. 24 June 2024

Southern Africa: Unions push for climate justice and safe workplaces
Southern African unions from ZCATWU and CLAWUZ (Zimbabwe), MANWU (Namibia), NUBEGW (Zambia), NUM and BCAWU (South Africa), CMWEU (Mauritius) and SINTICIM (Mozambique).are advocating for climate justice and safer workplaces.They highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable workers and communities. and called for policies that address environmental issues while ensuring job security and fair labor practices.
BWI news release, 22 June 2024

Britain: Small fines for two companies exposing young worker to asbestos
Two companies were fined after a 16-year-old worker was exposed to asbestos when refurbishing a property in Richmond, North Yorkshire. P Turnbull Joinery and Building Services Ltd and Alt Berg Holdings Limited failed to conduct an asbestos survey and prevent exposure. The teenager broke cement sheets containing asbestos. P Turnbull was fined £2,000, and Alt Berg £6,000, both with additional costs, after pleading guilty to safety breaches.
HSE news release, 20 June 2024

Italy/India: Union calls for crackdown on ‘barbaric exploitation’
Flai Cgil union demands a crackdown on "barbaric exploitation" after an Indian farm worker, Satnam Singh, 31, died. He was allegedly abandoned on a road by his employer following an accident that severed his arm. Singh was injured while working on machinery on a farm in Latina, near Rome.
The Guardian, 20 June 2024

Britain: £30,000 fine for construction company after electrocution
BBM Contracts Limited was fined £30,000 after delivery driver Levi Alleyne was electrocuted by an overhead power line while delivering concrete in Reading. The Health and Safety Executive found that the company failed to manage the risks associated with power lines.
HSE news release, 20 June 2024

Britain: Auctioneers fined after man killed by cow
J.J. Morris Limited was fined £75,000 after 75-year-old Huw Evans was killed by an escaped cow at Whitland Livestock Market in Wales. The Health and Safety Executive found the company failed to implement adequate control measures and had an insufficient risk assessment. The incident was deemed foreseeable and preventable. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was also ordered to pay £5,047.55 in costs.
HSE news release, 20 June 2024

Britain: Firm fined after worker killed by falling concrete blocks
Avant Homes (Scotland) Limited was fined £333,000 after driver Conor Joseph Morgan was killed by falling concrete blocks at a South Lanarkshire construction site. The incident occurred due to improper unloading practices. Regen Waste Limited was also fined £23,000 for inadequate risk assessment.
HSE news release, 19 June 2024

Britain: Company fined after worker suffers severe injuries
Harper UK (Aberdeen) Ltd has been fined £10,000 after employee Miroslaw Pancyzk suffered severe injuries including fractured wrists and the loss of a finger, while polishing a metal bar on a lathe. An HSE investigation found inadequate safety measures and no risk assessment. The 4 April 2022 incident was deemed wholly preventable.
HSE news release, 18 June 2024

Global: First steps taken towards global biological hazards regulation
The 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) has made significant progress towards establishing the first international standards for biological hazards in the workplace. No such global regulation currently exists. Consultations will continue at next year's ILC, potentially leading to a new Convention or Recommendation. The initiative aligns with the recent decision to make of safe and healthy working environments a fundamental right.
ILO News.17 June 2024

Kuwait/India: India brings back bodies of 45 workers from Kuwait
An Indian Air Force flight repatriated the bodies of 45 Indian workers killed in a fire in Kuwait, which claimed 50 lives in total. The fire occurred in Mangaf city on 12 June 2024, injuring dozens, mainly Indian workers. Human rights concerns persist over their living conditions.
BBC news online, 14 June 2024

Britain: Teacher awarded over £60,000 for menopause-related dismissal
A Clydesdale Support Base teacher sacked after her menopause symptoms worsened during a dispute about moving to a different school has been awarded over £60,000 for unfair dismissal. Allison Shearer won her tribunal against South Lanarkshire Council. Shearer feared moving to a violent school would worsen her symptoms. Despite health concerns, she was dismissed. Shearer, anxious about the move, was sacked while on sick leave. The court awarded her £61,074.55 for unfair dismissal and injury to feelings.
BBC news online, 14 June 2024

Europe: NGO's say EU has “legal duty” to ban PVC
Chemical experts have urged the EU to ban polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to comply with its own laws. This recommendation follows a report by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the dangers of PVC and its additives. The call for the ban comes from four NGOs: ClientEarth, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Zero Waste Europe, and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH),
Client Earth, 13 June 2024

South Africa: Worker fatality follows explosion at animal feed factory
Quantum Foods has reported a fatal incident at its Malmesbury feed mill due to an explosion on Monday. Three were injured, one fatally. Two remain stable after serious injuries. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
Independent Online, 12 June 2024

Britain: BAM Nuttall fined £2.345m after worker drowns
Construction firm BAM Nuttall has been fined £2.345 million plus £25,770.48 in costs following the death of worker Gary Webster, who drowned in the River Aire on 30 October 2017. Mr. Webster was on a boat removing debris at Knostrop Weir when it capsized due to turbulent water. Mr. Webster died later on 1 November 2017. An HSE investigation revealed that BAM Nuttall Ltd failed to control the weir gates, which could have prevented the accident. The company pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations.
HSE news release, 12 June 2024

Britain: Union carers survey finds widespread violence and mental ill health
A GMB survey revealed 70 per cent of care workers report understaffing negatively affects their mental health. Of nearly 900 surveyed, half said workplace abuse—mental, physical, or sexual—has impacted their mental health.
GMB news release, 12 June 2024

Global: Most security workers feel underpaid and unsafe
UNI Global Union has released a global survey revelaing poor working conditions for security workers. "Insecurity in Security Work," reports most security officers feel underpaid, unsafe and in need of union representation. The findings call for urgent industry-wide reforms for safer and fairer working environments. UNI's Michala Lafferty emphasised the need for immediate employer action to improve pay and safety. The survey included over 11,000 security workers across 35 countries.
UNI news release, 12 June 2024

Britain: Paid menstrual leave would bring many benefits
GMB Congress has said paid menstrual leave would combat absenteeism, reduced productivity, and stress. Conference delegate Charmaine Weston-Porter highlighted that countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia already have such policies. Paid leave would acknowledge it as a health concern, allowing women to manage symptoms without financial penalty and promoting gender equality.
GMB news release, 12 June 2024

Australia: Right to disconnect essential for workers - ACTU
The ACTU is calling for a clear mechanism to grant workers the right to disconnect and restore work-life balance. On 10 June 2024, ACTU submitted its 'Right to Disconnect' proposal to the Fair Work Commission offering a draft model clause on how the mechanism would operate. The proposal would mandate employers to avoid unnecessary after-hours contact.
ACTU news release, 11 June 2024

Britain: GMB survey finds 1 in 3 ASDA staff have suffered work violence
GMB research has found one-third of Asda staff have experienced workplace attacks, including stabbings and threats with syringes. Incidents include drivers being chased by cars and being workers assaulted with food, bottles, and verbally threatened. Over half were injured or made ill by the violence with some encounterig spitting, broken bones, and death threats.
The Guardian, 11 June 2024

Britain: Bakers' union calls for new sexual harassment at work law
Food workers at the bakers’ union’s annual conference called for new legislation to combat endemic sexual harassment, demanding mandatory reporting of cases similar to workplace accidents. Following revelations of frequent complaints at McDonald’s, delegates also pushed for a dedicated anonymous reporting hotline.
Morning Star, 10 June 2024

Britain: BFAWU calls for COVID style worker furlough scheme in extreme heat
At their annual conference, bakers' union members called for a COVID-style furlough scheme to support workers during extreme heat events. They also demanded legal limits on workplace temperatures. BFAWU president Ian Hodson criticised employers that force staff to take leave without pay during hot spells.
Morning Star, 10 June 2024

Britain: Car wash firm fined for failing to protect workers and public
Tavistock firm Best Car Wash Ltd has been fined £40,000 for failing to address electrical safety risks despite five Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforcement notices.They were found guilty in their absence and were also ordered to pay £3,164 in costs.
HSE news release, 6 June 2024

Britain: Openreach fined after engineer drowns
Openreach Limited was fined £1.34 million after engineer Alun Owen died while repairing a telephone line. Owen slipped and fell into the River Aber during flooding, and was swept away. The Health and Safety Executive found no safe working system for work near water. Openreach pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was also ordered to pay £15,858.35 in costs.
HSE news release, 5 June 2024

Britain: Tata fined over £1 million following young father's death
Tata Chemicals was fined £1.125 million and ordered to pay £60,603.54 in costs for safety breaches that led to the death of a 25-year-old worker. The incident occurred when the worker fell from height at the company’s Cheshire plant. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Tata Chemicals failed to implement adequate safety measures and provide proper training, contributing to the tragic accident.
HSE news release, 5 June 2024

Britain: Contractor Fined £233,000 after fatal rig collapse
Nottingham engineering contractor Van Elle Limited has been fined £233,000 after a 52-year-old HGV driver was killed by a collapsing piling rig mast at a site in Annan. An investigation revealed the 21 January 2021 incident was due to the corrosion of the rig's securing lug that caused the mast to topple. Van Elle admitted breaching safety regulations.
HSE news release, 4 June 2024

Britain: Skip hire firm fined £24,000 after worker suffers severe hand injuries
W M Russell & Sons Limited, a Scottish skip hire and recycling business, was fined £24,000 after a worker sustained severe injuries while changing blades on a rapid granulator machine on April 9 2021. The worker, Barry Edward Pae, lost his left index, middle and ring fingers and suffered an open fracture to his left wrist. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company failed to provide a safe work system or adequate training.
HSE news release, 30 May 2024

Britain: Boss avoids custodial sentence after worker death
Roger Gibbons, director of RM Gibbons Ltd, was given a 16-week suspended prison sentence and ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work following the death of Uldis Sankans, who was crushed between a girder and a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) on November 8, 2019. His company was also fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £9,424 in costs. An HSE investigation revealed failures in risk assessment and employee training related to MEWP operation.
HSE news release, 30 May 2024

Britain: Rates of melanoma skin cancer hit all-time high in UK, study finds
Rates of generally preventable melanoma skin cancers have reached an all-time high in the UK, with a substantial rise in the number of cases in past decade. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) figures show new diagnoses have increased by almost a third from 21 to 28 in every 100,000 people between 2007-09 and 2017-19,
The Guardian, 27 May 2024

Britain: Recycling company fined £80,000 after wood dust exposures
A recycling company was fined £80,000 following an incident where workers were exposed to dangerous levels of wood dust. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to implement sufficient dust control systems and provide necessary training, which contributed to the unsafe working conditions.
HSE news release, 24 May 2024

Farmer given suspended jail sentence after man killed by cattle
A farmer received a 16-week suspended prison sentence after a fatal incident in which a member o the ublic was killed by cattle on his farm. The court found that the farmer had failed to implement adequate safety measures to prevent such accidents. In addition to the suspended sentence, the farmer was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £3,700 in costs.
HSE news release, 22 May 2024

Britain: Fruit worker who said her hands bled sues former UK employer
A Nepalese farm worker who came to the UK to pick berries is suing her ex-employer for unpaid wages and discrimination in what campaigners say is the first case of its kind. Sapana Pangeni, 31, said in a witness statement Wednesday that her hands bled because she was not given gloves and was forced to live in an unheated caravan in winter 2022 with five men at a farm near Reading in Southern England.
Business and Human Rghts Resource Centre. 22 May 2024

Britain: Long-term sickness top reason women are out of the labour market
TUC analysis shows long-term sickness is now the leading cause of women leaving the workforce, with over 1.5 million women economically inactive due to illness. Factors include rising NHS waiting lists, cuts to preventive health services, and the strain of low-paid, insecure jobs. Women account for 59 per cent of the increase in long-term sickness over the past five years.
TUC News Release. 13 May 2024

Britain: 'Mad cow disease' case found on farm in Scotland
The Scottish Government has identified a case of BSE on a farm in Ayrshire. The animal did not enter the food chain but it is unclear if farm workers have been exposed. Precautionary measure have been applied to the farm and three other sites.
BBC News Online, 10 May 2024

Britain: Waste firm fined after worker suffers burns to body and face
Waste management company New Earth Solutions (West) Limited was fined £200,000 and £12,466.60 in costs after a worker sustained severe burns to his body and face plus a broken left arm, fractured ribs and a dislocaed kneecap following an electrical explosion and fall. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to provide proper protective equipment nor relevant training prior to the incident.
HSE news release, 10 May 2024

Britain: Companies fined £600,000 after worker injured at Pirelli factory
Pirelli Tyres Ltd and PPG Industries (UK) Ltd were fined £350,000 and £250,00 respectively following an incident where a worker was seriously injured at the Pirelli factory in Carilisle. The worker suffered multiple fractures and a dislocated ankle after being crushed and trapped by two skips. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed failures in guarding and risk assessment procedures at the factory.
HSE news release, 10 May 2024

Global: More evidence of the positive union effect on occupational health and safety
Researchers have published a new paper in Safety Science that provides more evidence of the positive union effect on occupational health and safety, in this instance with specific reference to mental health/psychosocial safety at work and its association with ‘national union density’. It concludes collective action is ‘vital’ to securing improvements to psychosocial safety.
Rachael E Potter and others, National Policy Index (NPI) for worker mental health and its relationship with enterprise psychosocial safety climate, Safety Science, Volume 17, April 2024, 106428. April 2024

Britain: Pork pie maker fined after two workers lose fingers
Pork Farms Ltd has been fined £800,000 after two young workers lost fingers just weeks apart at two Nottingham bakeries. In the first incident a 22 year old had to have a finger amputated after their hand became trapped when trying to unblock a conveyor. In the second incident a 19 year old suffered simlar injuries after his finger came into the rotating shaft on a conveyor.
HSE news release, 18 March 2024

Britain: Workplace mental health service firm faces investigation
Claims about one of the UK's biggest providers of workplace mental health services are to be investigated by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). One caller to the Health Assured employee assistance programme (EAP) provider claims he was advised "to go on a date" with his wife after he said he was having suicidal thoughts, with staff instructed to refer no more than 1-in-5 callers for counselling.
BBC News Online. 12 March 2024

Britain: Union secures £800k after worker’s bowel hell
A Crohn's disease patient who had his bowel removed after a work trip has won £800k in compensation with his union’s help - as his employers didn't consider the risk of sending him. Unite member Martin Smith, 62, had to undergo two major surgeries and have a stoma bag after he went to India with London based company Primetals Technologies Ltd.
Thompsons Solicitors news release. Daily Mirror. 11 March 2024

USA: Florida bans water breaks for workers
US rights advocates Public Citizen reports that "the Florida House of Representatives today voted to approve legislation specifically intended to prohibit local workplace standards requiring drinking water, cooling measures, recovery periods, posting or distributing materials informing workers how to protect themselves, and requiring first aid or emergency responses."
Public Citizen, 8 March 2024

Britain: INEOS fined after worker seriously injured
Chemicals multinationa INEOS incurred a fine of £400,000 following a serious incident on November 25, 2019. During a routine task at their chemicals site in Grangemouth, Scotland, an unnamed 47-year-old employee sustained severe injuries. The individual was trying to clear a sump filled with a caustic solution when they fell in due to insufficient grating, resulting in significant burns.
HSE news release, 8 March 2024

Britain: Over 25 per cent of ambulance staff 'sexually harassed by public’
A 2023 NHS staff survey for England has revealed more than 58,000 staff have experienced sexual assaults and harassment from patients and other members of the public. Out of the 675,140 NHS staff respondents, over 84,000 reported sexual assaults and harassment in 2023. Rates were highest in the ambulance service with 27 per cent reporting sexual harassment from the public. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Staff morale within the NHS is at rock bottom. The figures are jaw dropping, a third of staff want to leave within a year."
The Guardian. Unite news release. NHS Staff Survey 2023 National results briefing. 7 March 2024

Global: Short-term air pollution exposure kills one million people a year
A global study by researchers at Monash Universty reports that globally more than one million deaths per year are explained by exposure to short-term (hours to days) fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air pollution.
Monash University News release. 7 March 2024
Wenhua Yu, Rongbin Xu, Tingting Ye, and others. Estimates of global mortality burden associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2·5), The Lancet Planetary Health Volume 8, Issue 3, March 2024, Pages e146-e155.

Britain: Recycling firm fined £200,000 after worker ’s arm severed
An Essex scrap metal recycling company, F.J. Church and Sons Ltd, has been fined £200,000 after 34 year old employee, Elena Troi, lost her arm when it became caught in a catalytic converter sampling machine whilst clearing a blockage.
HSE news release, 6 March 2024

USA: AFL-CIO 28 April webpage is live
The AFL-CIO's Workers Memorial Day web page is now live – orders can be placed for posters, stickers and fliers in both Spanish and English. The toolkit will be released shortly. AFL-CIO has selected the theme  ‘Good Jobs. Safe Jobs. Protect Our Rights.’ The focus is on promoting contracts that ensures good jobs are fundamentally safe and also  to protect and deepen health and safety rights. Affiliates are requested to share their 28 April events so AFL-CIO can help with promotion. 28 April queries should be directed to Ayusha Shrestra. ashrestha@aflcio.org
AFL-CIO 28 April webpage. 6 March 2024

Global: Balogun - ‘workplace has become more violent for footballers’
Leon Balogun, Rangers and Nigeria defender, has raised concerns about increasing violence in football, exacerbated by social media. Speaking during a 'Space on X', he highlighted findings from FIFPRO’s Workplace Safety Report, noting a rise in abusive behaviour towards players. Balogun, a member of FIFPRO’s Global Player Council, stated that fan aggression has escalated, with 66 per cent of player unions agreeing that fan culture is becoming more violent.
FIFPRO. 6 March 2024

 

Britain: Soldier's heatstroke death was avoidable
A soldier who died from exertional heatstroke may have survived if he had been treated earlier, a  Defence Safety Authority (DSA) report has concluded. Sapper Connor Morrison, 20, of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment stationed in Woodbridge, Suffolk, collapsed during a group run on 21 July 2022.
BBC News Online, 2 March 2024.

Britain: UK paraquat maker in Parkinson's cover up
Syngenta, the UK-based chemical giant, is facing allegations of covering up evidence linking its pesticide, paraquat, to Parkinson's disease. Legal documents reveal that Syngenta's internal research, which dismissed any connection between paraquat and Parkinson's, only examined death certificates of former workers at its Widnes site and did not consider the health records of living individuals. This approach has been criticised as Parkinson's disease was often underreported on death certificates.
Kimberly C Paul and others. Agricultural paraquat dichloride use and Parkinson's disease in California's Central Valley, International Journal of Epidemiology, volume 1, number 53(1), February 2024. www.academic.oup.com/ije
28 February 2024

Australia: Qantas payout to illegally stood down worker
Australian airline Qantas agreed to pay Aus$21,000 in compensation to former health and safety representative Theo Seremetidis for being unlawfully stood down after he raised concerns about worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. An investigation by SafeWork NSW was prompted by concerns raised by the Transport Workers Union, which revealed the unsafe practices within Qantas, including assigning workers to clean planes arriving from Covid hotspots without adequate personal protective equipment, Covid-safe training, or proper disinfectant measures – for example, relying only on water and a single rag to clean multiple tray tables.
ACTU news release, 28 February 2024

Canada: Union in compensation call for forest firefighters
A firefighters’ union has slammed Ontario’s Ford government for its ‘complete disregard’ for forest firefighters’ health and safety as the 2024 fire season looms. OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick criticised a ‘shameful’ compensation anomaly meant forest firefighters “must jump through hoops to prove a strong causal link between their exposure and diagnosis – all while managing a serious illness.”
OPSEU SEFPO news release, 26 February 2024

Britain: People in 20s more likely to be out of work sick
Young people are more likely to be out of work because of ill health than people in their early 40s, a report calling for action on Britain’s mental wellbeing crisis has found. The Resolution Foundation research, which calls for government action, also found that 79% of 18 to 24-year-olds who are workless due to ill health only have qualifications at GCSE level or below, compared with 34 per cent of all people in that age group.
The Guardian. BBC News Online. 26 February 2024

UK workers put in £26bn in unpaid overtime
UK workers put in £26 billion worth of unpaid overtime during the last year, according to a TUC analysis. Unpaid overtime is more common in the public sector, with teachers doing more than any other job, the union body found, and is urging ministers must set an example by reducing unpaid overtime in the public sector.
TUC news release. 23 February 2024

Britain: Tory legacy is long-term sickness and bad jobs
The legacy of the Conservative’s lengthy term in office is low pay, ill health and more insecure jobs, the TUC has said. The union body was responding to latest ONS labour market figures, which show real wages still below their level in 2008, more than a million people on zero-hours contracts, and 2.8 million people not working due to long-term sickness.
TUC news release. 13 February 2024

Britain: Climate crisis hitting farm mental health
Farms are suffering record levels of mental health problems due to droughts, floods, heatwaves, excessive working hours and other problems, research has found. According to a study by the Farm Safety Foundation, 95 per cent of Britain’s farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden difficulties facing farmers today.
Farm Safety Foundation news release. Morning Star. 12 February 2024

Palestine/Israel: NUJ urges PM hold Israel accountable for killing journalist
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has co-signed a letter to Rishi Sunak urging an immediate end to hostilities and accountability for Israel's killing of journalists in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Over 100 journalists have died, prompting concern over the UK government's silence on IDF's targeting of journalists. The letter, sent on February 8, demands government action to ensure accountability and protection for journalists covering the conflict.
Protecting journalists and press freedom in the Israel Gaza conflict letter. NUJ news.
8 February 2024

Britain: FBU endorses 'action plan' to tackle sexual harassment
Officials at the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have approved an ‘initial action plan’ to tackle sexual harassment which will include mandatory sexual harassment training for all union officials, ensuring safe spaces and conducting an annual equalities audit. A full plan is expected by the summer. The move follows an indendent report that found sexual harassment was an issue in the union. 
FBU news. 7 February 2024

Britain: Ruth Perry suicide: Council to challenge rogue inspections
Reading Borough Council will survey its headteachers annually about their mental health and take responsibility for challenging rogue Ofsted inspections following the suicide death of Ruth Perry. But the headteacher’s sister, Julia Waters, said: “We are genuinely shocked to learn that the council is only now proposing to bring in many of the policies and actions that most people would expect from a responsible employer.”
Schools Week. 7 February 2024

Britain: Don’t force staff to make dangerous journeys to work in the snow, says TUC
With the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for snow in much of north Wales and northern and central England. the TUC has called on employers not to force their staff to take any risks by making dangerous journeys to work.  The TUC suggests that all employers have clear weather policies to set out what staff should do when snow and ice, or a lack of public transport, prevents them getting to work, and is reminding employers to keep their workplaces safe during the cold weather.  
TUC News release. 7 February 2024

Britain: Fruit firm fined after fatal fall of family man
Fruit and vegetable producer M.A.Forshaw Limited was fined £320,000 with £4,574 after Frank Schlachter's fatal fall from a skip at their Burscough site on January 3, 2020. 64 year old Schlachter, a much loved family man, suffered fatal head injuries. The firm neglected to secure equipment properly and failed to assess risks pleading guilty to breaching safety regulations.
HSE news, 7 February 2024

Britain: Worktop firm fined for repeated safety failings
Stockport's Granite & Marble Shop Ltd has been fined £26,000 following a guilty plea at Manchester Magistrate's Court on 31 Janury 2024 admitting endangering workers repeatedly The company neglected Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warnings. Machinery at their Roland Road site in Reddish, lacked safety guards and despite enforcement actions in 2019 remained inadequate on reinspection in 2021. HSE said Granite & Marble Shop had failed to properly manage, supervise, and monitor the control measures that had been put in place,
HSE news. 7 February 2024

Global: Mixed exposures to lung carcinogens at work heightens risks
Greater than expected increases in lung cancer rates have been found when workers faced exposures to more than one potential workplace cause, a study has found. The findings have implications for those working in construction, foundries and welding where multiple exposures to some or all of these carcinogens may be routine.
Olsson A, Bouaoun L, Schüz J, Vermeulen R, Behrens T, Ge C, and others. Lung cancer risks associated with occupational exposure to pairs of five lung carcinogens: results from a pooled analysis of case-control studies (SYNERGY), Environmental Health Perspectives, volume 132, issue 1, published online 18 January 2024. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13380.
Environmental Health Perspectives. Work cancer hazards. 6 February 2024

England: Government still not doing enough to address teacher concerns
NASUWT's latest polling of teachers in England has found that excessive workload and working hours are an escalating problem, whilst basic employment rights are being ignored. Since the academic year began, 72 per cent reported an increase in workload. Top workload drivers were identified as Ofsted, school policies , funding shortages, government policies and inadequate support for pupil behavior and mental health.
NASUWT, 6 February 2024

India: Seven dead, 75 injured in firework factory explosion
At least seven people died and 75 were injured in a giant explosion at a firework factory in India, reports AFP. Video images on Indian broadcasters showed a tower of flame reaching high into the sky after the explosion at the firecracker plant, with hospital officials reporting seven dead, dozens of ambulances sent and army helicopters called in to evacuate the wounded.
The Peninsula. 6 February 2024

Britain: Driver death leads to call for new laws on transport worker violence
Unite has urged for new laws to be introduced to protect transport workers after 58 year old bus driver Keith Rollinson, died folowing an aassault in Elgin, Scotland.
Morning Star. 6 February 2024

Britain: Six figure fine for construction company following site death
HACS Construction Ltd has been fined following an incident at their Ripley site on January 13, 2021, where emplyee Dean Myers, 56, was fatally struck by a 16-ton excavator bucket. He was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered catastrophic injuries to his face and head. An HSE inquiry found the company failed to implement a safe saystem of work. HACS Construction Ltd admitted guilt and was fined £330,500 plus £9,141.80 in costs by Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
HSE news. Yorkshire Post. 6 February 2024

Britain: Company fined after young worker dies
George Setchfield died at Electrostatic Magic Limited's Peterborough site following exposure to dichloromethane and hydrofluoric acid. An HSE probe revealed the company's negligence in controlling exposure to hazardous substances. Electrostatic Magic Limited admitted breaching safety regulations and was fined £67,000 plus £7,231 in costs by Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on January 19, 2024.
Health and safety matters, 6 February 2024

Britain/France: Essential Covid workers treated as disposable
A study by University of Leeds academic Sarah Waters published in the Global Labour Journal has found that employment policies in France and the UK during the pandemic saw ‘essential’ workers in both countries treated as disposable, as governments introduced systems with “a capacity to kill in the interests of the economy."
Sarah Waters. Pandemic Necrolabour and Essential Workers in the UK and France, Global Labour Journal, volume 15, Number 1, January 2024.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v15i1.5408. 2 February 2024

Britain: Grenfell Tower firefighters win £20m damages
Firefighters who tackled the Grenfell Tower fire have secured compensation in an out-of-court-settlement from construction companies, the council block landlord, and the London fire commissioner. Payouts to 114 firefighters ranged from £10,000 to £1.1m. Some firefighters have been unable to return to work due to the trauma. Claims were filed for personal injury and loss, alleging negligence during the 14 June 2017 blaze.
The Guardian, 1 February 2024

Britain: Heatwave plan urgently needed to save lives, say MPs
The UK urgently needs a plan to prevent thousands of heatwave deaths a year as the climate continues to warm, a cross-party committee of MPs has warned. More than 4,500 people died in heatwaves in 2022, the MPs’ report said, and this number could rise to 10,000 a year by 2050 without action. Heatwaves are “silent killers”, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) said, pushing up heart rate and blood pressure, with those over 65 and with existing health problems most at risk.
The Guardian. 31 January 2024

Europe: Commission has four months to deliver on asbestos promise
In a letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyden, European unions have warned that the failure to deliver on the promise to deliver legislation on the screening and registration of asbestos in European buildings would compromise safey and erode trust. The proposal was included in the Commission's work programme for 2023. Discussion was scheduled for 15 June 2023 but to date has not been delivered. The letter warns of the significant risk still present to workers in numerous work sectors such as construction, industry, education and white collar work.
ETUC news release. 30 January 2024

Britain: Appeal for information on grandmother's asbestos exposure
Isabel Caithness, an 80-year-old grandmother and former teaching assistant in Tidworth, diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma, is seeking help from ex-colleagues. Caithness, represented by Irwin Mitchell solicitors, is investigating a potential link between her illness and past work history. They urge former coworkers from B&P Nicholson in Aldershot (1974-1975), Cromwell School in Osnabrück, Germany (1977-1981) and Clarendon Infant School in Tidworth (1981-1983) to provide information about working conditions hoping to gather insights into asbestos exposure that may have contributed to her terminal cancer.
Salisbury Journal. 29 January 2024

Britain: TUC slams new consultation on introducing employment tribunal fees
The government has announced it has opened a consultation on re-introducing fees in the employment tribunal and the employment appeal tribunal system. In 2017 the Supreme Court quashed a previous tribunal fees regime because it “effectively prevents access to justice, and is therefore unlawful.” The TUC says that by seeking to reimpose fees the government is “taking the side of bad bosses” over workers exercising their rights. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “This is another example of ministers taking the side of bad bosses, not working people."
TUC news. Morning Star. 29 January 2024

Britain: Single-word Ofsted judgments on schools must stop
MPs on the Commons education select committee have urged the government to stop the use of single-word judgments such as “inadequate” or “outstanding” in Ofsted’s headline grades of schools in England. The Conservative chair of the committee, Robin Walker, said: “Clearly there is a need for a rigorous inspection regime. But the bulk of the evidence we received expressed widespread and deep concern about how the system works. On the now totemic issue of single-word judgments, Ofsted and ministers should heed the widespread calls for change. We urge the new chief inspector - Martyn Oliver - and government to consider a more nuanced system that can provide value to both schools and parents.”
The Guardian. 29 January 2024

Recycling company fined after worker killed by loading shovel
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that a recycling company has been fined £2.15 million after an agency worker was killed by a loading shovel at its site in Hartlepool. Dean Atkinson lost his life when he was struck and run over by the vehicle at Ward Recycling Limited’s premises on Windermere Road, Longhill Industrial Estate in January 2020. HSE said Mr Atkinson’s death could have been prevented had Ward Recycling implemented an alternative traffic route for pedestrians at its site on Windermere Road. The company was fined £1.75m for corporate manslaughter and £400,000 for breaching health and safety regulations at Middlesbrough Crown Court on 26 January 2024. Judge Paul Watson, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, said: “The absence of even the most basic precautions against this sort of accident is truly staggering.”
HSE news. Hartlepool Mail. 26 January 2024

USA: Multi-million dollar fine for milling company after fatal dust explosion
The Sun Prairie milling company linked to a 2017 explosion that claimed five lives has received a five-year probation sentence. The company was also fined $1 million and must pay $10.25 million in restitution after pleading guilty to two felony charges connected to the fatal Cambria mill explosion that was caused by the ignition of combustible corn dust.
LA Crosse Tribune. 26 January 2024

Mali: Gold mine collapse kills over seventy
A gold mine tunnel collapse in Mali has resultedthe loss of 73 lives, according to officials. The incident occurred in the south-western Koulikoro region.
BBC News online. 25 January 2024

Britain: Being attacked is a simple reality for many nurses
BBC reports over 1,700 physical assaults on hospital staff in Kent and Sussex in 2022. This is a 47 per cent increase on 2018 - from 1,159 to 1,714. The Royal College of Nursing says being spat at, hit and punched is "is the reality of working life for many nurses."
BBC news, 24 January 2024

Mongolia: Three firefighters among six killed in gas truck explosion
A truck carrying 60 tons of liquefied natural gas exploded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, claiming six lives, including three firefighters from the 63rd Fire Fighting and Rescue Unit. The incident near Dunjingarav market also left 11 people injured. Over 600 firefighters and 100 vehicles fought the fire that engulfed nearby structures, including a residential building and numerous cars.
The Straits Times, 24 January 2024

Britain: Bullying 'normal occurrence' at Newcastle NHS trust
Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found widespread bullying of staff in hospitals run by the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Ann Ford, CQC's director of operations in the north, said: “Some staff told us that bullying was a normal occurrence, and they were encouraged to 'turn a blind eye' and not report this behaviour,” adding: "This is completely unacceptable."
BBC News Online. 24 January 2024

Trinidad: OWTU calls for release of fatal Niquan explosion report
The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) is calling on the Government to release the report on the Niquan Energy Trinidad explosion that claimed the life of pipefitter Allanlane Ramkissoon. OWTU president general Ancel Roget said: “What do you think would happen in areas where you do not have a union present?", adding: "It is all about not just the investigation for investigating sake of public relations and so on, but getting to the root cause, dealing with it and making sure that all of the recommendations that emanate from these investigations are implemented to the letter."
Trinidad Guardian. 23 January 2024

France: Amazon fined for 'excessive' surveillance of workers
Amazon France has been fined €32m (£27m) in France for "excessive" surveillance of its workers, including measures the data watchdog CNIL found to be illegal.  The CNIL said Amazon France Logistique, which manages warehouses, recorded data captured by workers' handheld scanners andtracked activity so precisely, it led to workers having to potentially justify each break.
BBC News Online. 23 January 2024

Global: ILO action call on violence at work
A new ILO report emphasizes using Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) frameworks to address the root causes of violence and harassment and to encourage collective action for better work environments. The report, Preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the world of work through occupational safety and health measures , finds that more than one-in-five people in employment have experienced violence and harassment and notes of the 25 countries studied, about two-thirds of all legal provisions on workplace violence and harassment are contained in OSH legislation and regulations.
ILO news release. 22 January 2024

Somalia: FESTU applauds new national occupational safety and health policy
The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has warmly welcomed a decision by Somalia’s Council of Ministers, who granted their seal of approval to the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health, with the federation saying this represented “a significant leap forward in fortifying the safety and well-being of Somalia’s dedicated workforce.” FESTU said the process of developing this national policy began in 2019 and “was characterized by a collaborative tripartite approach, which involved the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, trade unions, and employers, all working together in the spirit of social dialogue,” receiving crucial technical guidance and support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
FESTU news release. 19 January 2024

Britain: Director escapes jail after scaffolder suffers electric shock
Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd has been fined and its director given a suspended prison sentence after scaffolder Steven Gilmore, 36, suffered an 11,000-volt electric shock. The company was fined £50,000 and director Ian Pepper was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to undertake 200 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
HSE news release, 15 January 2024

Scotland: Austerity kills as cuts harmed efforts during Covid
Scotland’s largest trade union body has claimed that years of budget cuts and austerity from government had “lethal” consequences during the COVID pandemic. The news comes as the UK COVID-19 Inquiry gets underway in Edinburgh. In their response to the Inquiry, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has set out how sustained cuts to public services in health and social care had a “grave” impact on Scotland’s ability to protect workers and the public during the pandemic.
Daily Record, 17 January 2024

Britain: HSE warning on asbestos duties
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign, Asbestos: Your Duty, aimed at ensuring the safe management of asbestos in a wide range of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and workplaces. The campaign stresses the legal obligation for businesses and organisations, particularly those managing properties built before 2000, to conduct asbestos checks and adhere to safety regulations.
HSE news release, 15 January 2024

Britain: Community order for illegal asbestos removal
Sean Thomas Faulkner, 55, has been sentenced to an 18-month community order after admitting to removing asbestos from Our Lady Lourdes School without the necessary license and falsifying clearance documents. Faulkner, who had previously undertaken similar unlicensed work at a domestic property, failed to ensure proper safety protocols and clearance were followed, posing significant risks. The court imposed 15 days of rehabilitation, 90 days of monitored alcohol abstinence, and 150 hours of unpaid work, along with £1,000 in costs.
HSE news release, 15 January 2024

Global: Hundreds of chemicals linked to breast cancer
More than 900 chemicals, many present in common consumer products, have the potential to increase breast cancer risks, a new study has concluded. Researchers at the Silent Spring Institute examined chemicals listed in major reference databases, including those from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the US Environmental Protection Agency. They then classified chemicals based on their toxicity and ability to interfere with key human hormones associated with breast cancer. Based on that analysis, the researchers identified 921 chemicals that can promote breast cancer, including pesticides and those used in food, drinks and medications. Chemicals on the list include permethrin, which is used to control mosquitoes; profenofos, which is used to kill bugs on cotton crops; and trifluralin, which is used to control weeds.
Jones R, White A. Invited Perspective: New Motivations and Future Directions for Investigating Environmental Risk Factors for Breast Cancer, Environmental Health Perspectives, 10.1289/EHP13777, 132, 1, (2024).
Work Cancer Hazards, 15 January 2024

Britain: Keep workers safe from the future dangers of asbestos, HSE warns
A new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign, "Asbestos: Your Duty," was launched on January 15, 2024. The campaign aims to safeguard people from asbestos dangers helping employers improve their understanding of their legal duty to manage asbestos remaiinign in building since the 1999 ban. HSE has updated information, templates, and videos on its website.
HSE news, 15 January 2024

Britain: Union scheme urges employers to make workers feel valued
A new joint union initiative is urging education employers to demonstrate that they value their staff and will treat them well. The unions GMB, NASUWT, UNISON and Unite are encouraging schools and colleges to sign up to the Valued Worker Scheme. The scheme highlights schools and colleges that treat their staff well and encourages improvements at those that currently do not. Guiding principles include working with unions to agree workplace policies and providing “a secure and enjoyable working environment” and ensuring “the wellbeing and dignity at work of all employees.”
FE news, 15 January 2024

Global: Artificial Intelligence will impact over 40 per cent of jobs worldwide
In a new analysis, examining the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on the global labor market, the International Monetary Fund reports "striking findings" including that in developed economies most jobs will be impacted in some way. The report also warns of increased financial inequalities and calls on countries to establish comprehensive social safety nets and to offer retraining programs for vulnerable workers.
IMF blog, 14 January 2024

Britain: MoD faces sexual harassment probe
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces a potential Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) investigation following allegations of inadequate handling of sexual harassment and assault claims by female civil servants. The union Prospect, representing about 60 senior women at MoDsubmitted a complaint, has urged the EHRC to examine if the ministry has violated the public sector equalities duty (PSED). The union expressed concerns about MoD's failure to comply with obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Prospect called for an inquiry after a joint letter from senior women detailed sexual assault claims, and an additional civil servant reported three incidents of assault. The EHRC will now consider whether to take action.
The Guardian, 14 January 2023

Britain: Life changing symptoms after hospital blunder
Three hospital staff experienced life-changing health issues after exposure to toxic ionised hydrogen peroxide vapour, released by Bio Decontamination during a deep cleaning process. The chemical, which can cause severe harm, was used in a ward that was not properly sealed off or monitored, leading to the staff’s exposure. They now suffer from persistent medical conditions affecting their daily lives. The company, found guilty of failing to ensure proper safety measures and risk assessment, was fined £16,775 and ordered to pay £27,228 in prosecution costs.
HSE news, 12 Janury 2024

Wales: Teachers strike due to increased pupil violence
Teachers at Pencoedtre High School in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, are striking due to over 50 reported serious incidents of verbal and physical abuse since September 2023. An unnamed maths teacher said declining pupil behavior left staff with "no choice." Teaching union NASUWT reported six schools in Wales are embroiled in disputes regarding classroom safety.
BBC news, 10 January 2024

Britain: Garden landscaper sentenced after worker dies
Watford-based gardener Fernando Araujo received a suspended six-month prison sentence following a fatal workplace incident. A 31 year old laborer, employed by Arauko for just two days, died after the circular saw he was using kicked back into his groin causing a fatal laceration when cutting a railway sleeper on August 11, 2021. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Araujo failed to ensure the safe use of equipment, fitting a toothed circular saw blade onto an angle grinder. The guard had been removed, and the sleeper was unsecured. Araujo pleaded guilty and was given a suspended six month prision sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and £3,467.72 in costs.
HSE news, 9 January 2024

USA: Heat stroke death leads to small fine and much anger
On June 20, 2023, postal worker Eugene Gates succumbed to heat stroke while delivering mail in Lakewood, Texas, amidst a scorching summer heatwave with temperatures hitting 98 degrees. The heat index soared over 113 degrees due to high humidity. Gates wasn't alone. OSHA estimates 121 heat-related worker fatalities from 2017 to 2022, likely undercounted due to resembling "natural cause" deaths. Bureau of Labor Statistics note nearly 34,000 work-related heat injuries and illnesses (2011-2020), these are self-reported by employers suggesting a significant undercount. OSHA issued a $15,625 citation against the United States Postal Service in response to the death of Gates. OSHA doesn’t have a heat standard to protect workers so it used the General Duty Clause which simply requires employers to provide a safe workplace. Gates’ wife was not pleased with the size of the penalty. “I was mad. I was hurt. I was disappointed"
Confined Space, 9 January 2024

Britain: NHS trust fined after employee found unconscious in manhole
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust received a £480,000 fine following an incident where an employee sustained a brain injury. Found unconscious in a manhole while clearing a drain at the hospital on February 1, 2022, the worker was rescued by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and treated for acute sulphate intoxication. This led to a traumatic brain injury, causing ongoing memory loss and nerve damage.
HSE news release, 9 January 2024

Britain: Fines for two firms after worker fatally struck at bus depot
Arriva and cleaning firm Cordant Cleaning Limited have both been fined at St Albans Magistrates’ Court after 25 year old Albin Trstena died when he was struck by a reversing bus at Arriva's Hemel Hempstead depot. The Health and Safety Executive found both Arriva and Cordant Cleaning Limited had failed to implement adequate safety measures leading to the tragedy. Arriva was fined £32,000, while Cordant Cleaning Limited, now C.L.C Realisations Limited, received a £1,000 fine.
HSE news release, 8 January 2024

Britain: Ofsted pause should kickstart reform
Ofsted inspections will be on hold until later in January, it was announced on 2 January 2024, prompting unions to insist the pause should start a much needed root-and-branch reform of school inspection. The body’s new chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said the pause will take place to ensure inspectors receive mental health awareness training.
Morning Star. 2 January 2024

Brtain: Overheated workers ‘should get day off’
A report by the Fabian Society recommends the UK government introduce a law mandating a day off for workers if indoor temperatures exceed 30°C, or 27°C during strenuous work. The report highlights the increasing health risks from extreme heat, citing over 4,500 heat-related deaths in England in 2022 and a significant rise in annual flood damage costs. It emphasises the disproportionate impact on low-paid workers who often lack access to cooling measures and protective equipment.
Whatever the weather: A progressive strategy for climate resilience and adaptation, Fabian Society, December 2023. www.fabians.org.uk 2 January 2024

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