January 7, 2005—The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new full-color book providing guidance to all those involved with the production, storage, transport, and use of steel and similar metal stock. The book was written by HSE in consultation with Wolverhampton City Council (the Lead Authority representing all Local Authorities), and the industry’s main trade association—the National Association of Steel Stockholders (NASS).
Storage and handling of metal stock accounted for 284 injuries in the reporting year 2003-04, according to provisional HSE figures. The majority of these were incidents such as musculoskeletal injuries, slips and trips, and falls from height, as well as being struck or crushed by moving stock, struck or crushed by heavy lifting attachments, struck by moving vehicles, or cut by sharp edges.
The guidance examines causes of injury and fatality, legal requirements, common hazards, and how to assess and manage the risks from them. It also covers the provision of training and information for employees, and the inspection and maintenance of storage and handling equipment.
Copies of Safety in the Storage and Handling of Steel and Other Metal Stock, HSG246, ISBN 0-7176-1986-9, price 14, are available from HSE Books, tel.: 01787-881165, or from bookstores.
