This Week at theEHP: 14 May – 18 May

This week at theEHP we report on the FSA’s training videos, Newham’s milestone, the 2nd Housing Report & RPT Decisions.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have published ‘The Way we live now: What people need and expect from their homes’. The research report sets out how people are using their homes now, what they look for when choosing a home and what they think needs to happen to improve the home-buying experience. The report, the first of its kind for over 50 years.

This Week at theEHP: 07 May – 11 May

This week at theEHP we report on a fatal accident at Warwick Castle, FSA research on FHRS, RPT Decisions & prosecutions.

Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, the company that operates Warwick Castle, were recently convicted of failing to protect the health and safety of visitors. In this Warwick DC case, a visitor to Warwick Castle suffered fatal head injuries when he fell 13-14 ft from the Bear & Clarence Bridge into the dry moat below. The press release is available here & a detailed case summary by Daniel Mulryan is available here.

Housing: Newham’s licensing scheme reaches a milestone

ALL 257 private rented properties in a key Newham ward have now been licensed. Newham Council achieved the milestone earlier this month (May) in Little Ilford. That ward – which has been officially declared a Neighbourhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) – is seen as just the start by the council. It wants to extend the scheme to cover the whole of Newham. It would become the first borough in the country to license all private landlords. Consultation is currently underway.

Housing: The way we live now

New research published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) reveals extreme measures some Brits take to squeeze into their homes and highlights what people really want and need from their homes The vacuum cleaner stored at Mum’s house a 20 minute drive away; BOGOF supermarket food deals kept in the boot of the [...]

Opinion: How to make effective use of a food safe diary – Safer Food Better Business.

An exception reporting diary such as the SFBB diary was created by Salford University HACCP Centre as a way of allowing small food businesses to comply with HACCP principle to establish documented records. The alternative is for the business to keep records that record actions taken at every control point and critical control point. (By Anthony Bowmer of RSA Food Safety)

Opinion: Food safety management – What can go wrong & the consequences!

Impeccable food safety management is of major importance to the reputation and success of any food business, a fact which is very rarely appreciated by the “food-buying” public. But what happens when an aspect of the production, service or delivery of food does not meet the required industry standards? (by Jill Taylor)

Health & Safety: HSE prosecutions in brief 14 May – 18 May

Welcome to HSE prosecutions in brief. An overview of this weeks prosecutions by the HSE. Recycling firm fined after worker crushed to death An Ystrad Mynach recycling firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a yard foreman was crushed to death. 56 year-old Norman Mayne from Newport died after he [...]

Health & Safety: Landlord prosecuted after builder falls to his death

A landlord has been fined after a self-employed builder died while replacing a roof on a property in Middlesex.

Environmental Protection: Action taken on noisy neighbour

A noisy neighbour from hell had their music equipment seized by council officers. The action was taken in partnership with the police to stop serious noise nuisance.

Environmental Protection: Annual statistics for fly-tipping in England

Fly-tipping incidents in England have decreased by 13.5 per cent between the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 to 820,000 incidents.

Public Health: Public health map for Europe taking shape

The foundations for a public health map for Europe, with a focus on environmental factors, have been laid, as part of an innovative HPA led project.

Public Health: Fine for dog owner who refused to clean up

Islington Council has warned irresponsible dog owners they risk a criminal record if they don’t bag and bin their pet’s waste.