Work is a dangerous place(19/6/08) :
A report published by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, A crisis for enforcement, indicates that twice as many people die at work than are murdered (at least 1,300 people died as a result of fatal occupational injuries in 2005-06 in England and Wales, compared with 765 homicide victims). The report also found there were more serious injuries at work resulting in hospitalisation than injuries caused by violent crime. The report argues that the recent trend towards the `light touch' regulation of business has in effect `decriminalised' death and injury at work. Serious incidents are underreported, the authors claim. A reduction in the capacity of bodies such as the HSE to inspect and take action has led the many serious injuries and deaths not being investigated
Gravil v Carrol (1) and Redruth RFC (2) (Court of Appeal 18/6/08) :
The ruling found that Redruth Rugby Football Club must pay compensation to Andrew Gravil, a Halifax Rugby Football Club prop. The player's eye socket was damaged when he was hit by Redruth's player Richard Carroll in 2005. Previous rulings in the case had distinguished between full-time and semi-professional players but Master of the Rolls Sir Anthony Clarke said it was "fair and just" that clubs be held liable whether it was the players full-time job or not. The case confirms the need for sports clubs to make sure that adequate insurance arrangements are in place.
Kerrie Francis Gray v Thames Trains (1) and Network Rail Infrastructure (2) (Court of Appeal 25/6/08) :
The injured Claimant, Mr Gray had suffered severe mental health problems following his involvement in the Ladbroke Grove Train crash in October 1999. Mr Gray claimed that the mental health problems resulting from the crash had resulted in turning him into a killer, having later been detained under the Mental Health Act after admitting the manslaughter of 42-year-old welder, John Boultwood, after he wandered drunkenly into the path of his car. The High Court initially rejected the claim on the basis that Mr Gray's actions were too remote from his initial injuries, but the Court of Appeal have now overturned this verdict and have held that the personality change of Mr Gray, and his subsequent actions were directly related to the injuries he suffered in the crash and that he is entiled to claim damages for the effects of those injuries.
British Lung Foundation study finds ignorance of asbestos risks.
A British Lung Foundation study found that tradespeople could be inadvertantly putting themselves at risk of asbestos-related damage.The study spoke to 399 tradespeople such as builders, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and gas fitters, of varying ages. Less than a third of respondents were aware that asbestos exposure can cause cancer, and a similar number thought that most asbestos has been removed from UK buildings. In addition 74% of those surveyed hadn't been trained to deal with asbestos.
Scotland overrules House of Lords on Pleural Plaques (27th, June 2008) :
Scotland overrules House of Lords on Pleural Plaques (27th, June 2008) : The Scottish Government has published a new bill to reinstate pleural plaques sufferers' right to raise an action for damages. The House of Lords decided that people suffering from pleural plaques after being negligently exposed to asbestos would be no longer entitled to compensation because the condition is symptomless. Pleural plaques however are a sign that asbestos damage has occurred and many sufferers go on to develop the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.
In England and Wales, the Government has recently lauched a formal consultation on the issue. Show your support by signing our online petition and lobbying your MP directly.