Risk assessments and training are essential bosses told

Employers have been warned carrying out risk assessments and providing staff with sufficient training for their jobs are essential to creating a safe working environment.

It follows the news that a local council has been found guilty of breaching three health and safety regulations at Maidstone crown court.

Medway council admitted liability after an employee was performing repairs on a tractor-drawn mower when the safety mechanism preventing the blades rotating failed resulting in the worker suffering partial amputation of two fingers on his right hand.

The subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found no routine maintenance schedule was in place for the machinery, a protective shield was missing and the safety guard was damaged beyond the point of repair.

In addition, none of the green-keeping staff had received any training concerning the safe use and maintenance of the machinery.

David Fussell, the HSE inspector, said the council failed in its most basic duties towards its staff.

"There was a systematic failure to train staff and to provide maintenance of the machinery. There were no risk assessments for the mower, which regretfully is proven by Mr Brown's case and ultimately affected the safety of the employees," he said.

A risk assessment involves a careful examination of the potential dangers employees face in the workplace and what measures need to be taken.