by Martin Jefferies

mjefferies@thekmgroup.co.uk

A campaign to reduce accidents at vehicle repair workshops in Thanet found a quarter failed to meet minimum legal requirements.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), responsible for safety in the workplace, trialled its Common Approach to Vehicle Enterprise (CAVE) programme in October.

Officials paid unannounced visits to a number of local firms, including tyre and exhaust fitters, service centres, MOT inspectors and mechanical repairers.

Businesses of all sizes, from main dealers to small enterprises, were inspected and quizzed about slips and trips, manual handling and working at height, as well as machine safety, lifting equipment and electrical hazards.

Companies in Canterbury, Dover and Shepway were also targeted.

Alison Benfield, a local HSE inspector, said four prohibition notices and seven improvement notices were given to East Kent businesses but insisted feedback from the scheme had been “encouraging”.

She added: “We’re confident these measures will contribute towards improved safety in these areas and a countywide project is planned for the early part of next year.”

The CAVE results were published as the HSE revealed the number of major workplace injuries in Kent and the South East rose to 3,586 in 2008/9.
Statistics show that 15 workers were fatally injured - lower than the 23 deaths recorded in 2007/8.

Around 4.6 per cent of people in the region believe they are suffering from a work-related illness - higher than the national average of 3.9 per cent.
Heather Bryant, regional director for the HSE in the South East, said: “Protecting people from harm caused by work remains important irrespective of the economic climate.

“These statistics tell a story of individuals and families who have suffered. They underline the real risks that people face in work every day.”

• Related article: Medway and Swale are the most dangerous places to work in the South East