Weekly Compliance Update: HSE Cracks Down on Machinery Safety

Hello everyone, Mark here from Livius Training. As we head into November, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been busy, and unfortunately, the latest round of prosecutions serves as a stark reminder of why we do what we do. Just this past week, we have seen multiple reports of serious injuries—including a finger amputation at an engineering firm—stemming from failures to properly guard dangerous machinery. It is a sobering reminder that safety isn't just paperwork; it is about ensuring every single person goes home in the same condition they arrived.

The HSE’s recent enforcement activity highlights a recurring theme: companies are failing to implement effective measures to prevent access to dangerous moving parts. In one recent case, a company was fined after a worker was dragged into a conveyor mechanism. These aren't just statistics; they are preventable tragedies. Whether you are running a workshop in North Yorkshire or managing a manufacturing site elsewhere in the UK, the legal duty under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) is clear: you must ensure that equipment is safe for use and that risks are controlled.

Beyond machinery, we are also currently in the middle of Stress Awareness Week. The HSE is pushing its Working Minds campaign, reminding us that work-related stress is a major cause of ill health. It is not enough to just have a policy on a shelf; you need to be actively identifying stressors and talking to your team.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pace of regulatory change, you are not alone. At Livius Training, we have been helping businesses across Yorkshire and the wider UK navigate these requirements since 2009. We believe in practical, accredited training that actually makes a difference on the shop floor.

What should you do this week?

• Review your guarding: Walk your floor today. Are all fixed guards in place? Are interlocks working, or have they been bypassed? If a guard is missing or damaged, stop the machine immediately.
• Check your risk assessments: Ensure your assessments for machinery and workplace transport are up to date and reflect how the work is actually done, not just how you think it is done.
• Talk to your team: Use Stress Awareness Week as a prompt to check in with your staff. Ask them what is causing them pressure and listen to the answers.

Compliance doesn't have to be a headache. Whether you need a refresher on First Aid at Work, COSHH, or specific machinery safety training, we are here to help. We pride ourselves on being trainers who care about people, not just ticking boxes.

If you want to ensure your team is protected and your business is compliant, get in touch with us at Livius Training. We would be happy to chat about your specific needs or help you book onto one of our upcoming courses.