HSE focuses on the manufacturing industry

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is concerned about the high number of deaths and injuries suffered by workers in the manufacturing sector. This industry employs 2.5 million workers, which is around 8% of the total UK workforce. 
 
 

According to the latest HSE statistics, the manufacturing sector had the second-highest number of work-related deaths, behind the construction sector.
  
The main causes of accidents in manufacturing are contact with moving machinery, falls from height, collisions with vehicles, and being trapped under heavy fallen objects.
  
The HSE has recently launched a strategy called "Protecting People and Places," which aims to keep workers safe and maintain Britain's position as one of the safest countries to work in.
  
The HSE has announced a new safety inspection initiative targeting manufacturing sites that use silica, which can cause fatal lung diseases if silica particles are inhaled. Brick and tile factories, foundries, stone sites and kitchen worktop manufacturers commonly use silica and can expect a visit from HSE inspectors. They will be looking for evidence that effective measures are in place, such as adequate ventilation and the correct use of PPE (personal protective equipment), including respiratory masks.

The HSE has a wide range of enforcement measures to use on companies that put workers at risk by not complying with health and safety regulations. These include large fines and jail sentences for business owners. 
 
Manufacturing plant operators should prepare for an HSE inspection by testing and reviewing existing safety procedures and training staff in health and safety compliance.