-
Jul 31, 2024 | 
cardrates.com | Andrew Allen
-
Jul 30, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief:An explosion and subsequent fire caused by an organic solvent leak led to minor injuries for an estimated 15 to 18 workers. BASF's environmental monitoring detected elevated levels of hydrocarbons in the area, but found no contamination of water or soil. The plant was shut down and deemed safe; BASF is investigating the incident and has informed the relevant authorities.
-
Jul 30, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief:The IMF's $820 million approval is part of a broader $57 billion global bailout, including significant investments from the UAE, aiming to bolster Egypt's financial stability. Egypt has implemented austerity measures, such as interest rate hikes, currency devaluation, and fuel price increases, to meet IMF conditions and reduce inflation, which peaked at nearly 40% last year.
-
Jul 24, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief:The Atlantic Council highlights the need for international support to integrate informal ASM operations into formal economies, improving health, safety, and environmental standards. ASM miners often work in unsafe conditions without proper equipment, facing serious health risks, while the sector remains largely unregulated.
-
Jul 23, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief:HSA inspectors will review safety practices, focusing on implementing updated forestry safety codes and proper PPE use. Ireland's revised forestry code includes new regulations and specific chainsaw safety guidance, replacing older UK references. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors account for 44% of work-related fatalities, with older workers particularly at risk.
-
Mar 14, 2024 | 
awe.international | Andrew Allen
In brief:Bluewater's tests reveal high levels of PFOA and PFOS in London tap water, linked to severe health conditions. The UK's failure to establish safe thresholds for PFAS in tap water highlighted by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Dr. Fawzy calls for tighter regulations as current PFAS levels exceed safe limits, posing serious health risks to consumers.
-
Mar 4, 2024 | 
awe.international | Andrew Allen
In brief:Directive now covers illegal timber trade, water depletion, chemical legislation breaches, and pollution by ships, including severe ecosystem damages. Individuals and company reps face up to 10 years jail for severe offences; companies could be fined up to €40m or 5% of turnover. New rules ensure extra protection for whistleblowers and mandate specialised training for law enforcement on environmental crimes.
-
Mar 4, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief:Dutch Labour Inspectorate and OVV investigate after a bridge collapsed during construction in Lochem, killing two and injuring two. The incident occurred while manoeuvring a bridge section into position, steel cables reportedly snapped. Mayor and Bam's CEO express sorrow, highlighting the tragedy's impact on families and the long-planned construction project. In detail:Two construction workers in the Netherlands died and two were injured when part of a bridge under construction collapsed.
-
Feb 28, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief:Employers are no longer mandated to provide free pre-employment and ongoing medical tests, addressing doctor shortages. Training for specific activities can be conducted via internal networks, easing administrativeLarger firms with over 1000 employees in "Hazard class 3" must employ additional OSH-qualified personnel.
-
Feb 27, 2024 | 
healthandsafetyinternational.com | Andrew Allen
In brief: Fire at a depot in Ajman, UAE, linked to a factory producing hand sanitizers and perfumes, injures nine Pakistani workers. This marks the second fire incident involving Pakistanis in the UAE within a month, emphasising concerns over migrant workers' safety. Despite labour reforms, migrant workers in the UAE face persistent challenges, with a report suggesting up to 10,000 annual deaths in the Gulf countries.
