Annual Science Review 2020 - HSE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Annual Science Review 2020
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Contents
03 Foreword Case studies
Keeping pace with change Sharing our success Managing risk well
04 Making workplaces
healthier for all
24 Innovation in battery
technology – safely enabling
the Industrial Strategy
29
30
Collaborating with Dstl to protect
people from major hazards
Providing asbestos proficiency
40 Effective containment systems
and safe plume dispersion from
laboratories
05 The HSE ‘Science Hubs’
event
25 Enabling the safe introduction
of hydrogen as a low-carbon
energy vector
31
testing schemes
Videos for the World Health Organisation
to protect workers in laboratories
41
42
Health and Safety Excellence:
leadership training programme
Development of a high-pressure
06 The HSE science and
evidence cycle
in action: 26
Supporting small employers
Advancing human
32
handling biological agents
Specialist support for the regulation of
major hazards and sharing lessons
43
44
pipeline release model
Improving tower crane safety
Assessing toxic risk from potential
Reducing work- biomonitoring to provide learned through training courses warehouse fires
associated evidence for chemicals 33 Protecting the environment: updating
musculoskeletal policy making the UK protocol for pesticide boom Tackling ill health
disorders 27 Reducing the risk of silicosis spraying drift-reduction technology 45 A new online workplace-friendly
associated with processing 34 Protecting British troops from biological risk assessment tool to reduce the
07 Events and
achievements 28
artificial and natural stones
Improving HSE’s evidence
base on occupational
warfare agents
Acting together 46
risk of musculoskeletal injury from
pushing and pulling operations
Insights into workplace challenges
15 Meet the staff exposure to wood dusts 35
36
High-quality health and safety statistics
to inform decision making
Dispersion modelling of hydrocarbon 47
to reducing work-related
musculoskeletal disorders
Improving occupational hygiene
23 Case studies
(see right) 37
released from an offshore well blowout
Investigation of fatal explosion at
Celsa Steelworks 48
control standards in the waste and
recycling industry
Estimating the scale of occupational
49 References and
publications
38
39
Incident investigation following the
death of a child in a disability lift
Discovering safety: Development of
asthma in seafood processing
tools to support risk improvement
decisions at the design stages of
construction projects
02
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Foreword
I HOPE YOU FIND this year’s science My colleague Professor David This year we have also started to
review an interesting read; the Fishwick picks up on this theme in his provide a forward look on emerging
mix of case studies helps to guest editorial, and the science and risks for our regulatory colleagues to
illustrate the breadth of problems evidence cycle in action example of help them consider if our regulatory
that we are asked to address by musculoskeletal disorders on page 6 frameworks can be used to provide an
colleagues in HSE, in other parts provides a really good illustration of appropriate response where necessary.
of government and by industry. how our approach helps to develop The emergence of silicosis risk to workers
simple, practical solutions which who cut artificial stone is one such
I also think that, when taken as are evidence based and can be example, which was identified through our
a whole, three interesting points used to catalyse change within the international networks, and has resulted
emerge: first, that our scientists, whole health and safety system. in some joint work with colleagues in New
engineers and analysts are Zealand (see the case study on page 27).
exploring how risk accumulates in It is also important that we are
complex systems and developing constantly thinking about the future In summary, I think that this collection of
approaches to mitigate these risks; and identifying the potential for stories helps to show how our practical,
second, that these risks often emerge new risks to be created or for risks pragmatic and interdisciplinary
in the interfaces found between that we already understand to approach to problem solving makes
components within the whole emerge in new settings. This review a real difference, and that by learning
system (eg between the people, helps to demonstrate how we play from the past and researching the future
the plant, the processes and the our part in exploring these issues world of work, we help to protect those
product); and finally that the most and shows how we help to ensure in work, or affected by work, today.
significant element of the system that new technologies such as
are the people in it, and the impact batteries, or new processes such Professor Andrew Curran
the variation in their physical and as introducing hydrogen into the Director of Research, Chief Scientific
mental health status has on the UK gas network, can be deployed Adviser and Head of Science
efficient functioning of that system. in a healthy and safe way. and Engineering Profession
03
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Making workplaces healthier for all
I AM CHIEF Medical Adviser for HSE who are appointed to deliver certain study on page 27). I have been lucky
and for HSENI – the Health and Safety vital functions under our regulatory enough to work with the Australian
Executive for Northern Ireland – and I framework.1 Over the last year or so research group who identified
also work as a respiratory physician we have been reaching out to them an epidemic of silicosis from this
in the NHS. As such, I see the human and offering training and networking exposure in their country and helped
tragedy caused by the failure to control opportunities so that we can learn from to facilitate some cross-comparison
risks to health in workplaces – be that a each other. Their intelligence from of materials with our hygienists and
case of occupational asthma, mental real workplaces helps ensure that our measurement scientists. The dialogue
ill health made worse by a poor medical approach is grounded by continues and I hope that by doing
line manager, or a musculoskeletal what actually happens and this helped so we can help to prevent such an
problem that prevents a worker playing us ensure that our health and work epidemic from occurring in the UK.
Professor David Fishwick giving outside with their grandchildren. I strategy took account of their views.
the keynote address at a ‘HS2’ have also seen how HSE’s research All HSE research findings are published
high-speed railway event activities have put an increasing I think that it is increasingly important as soon as we are able to do this, and
spotlight on health, and how more to share our approaches and our this demonstrates both my and Andrew
studies are seeking to link exposure research outcomes on the global Curran’s commitment to ensure that
measurements to health outcomes. stage in an attempt to learn from we publish the evidence we generate
other researchers around the to make workplaces healthier for all.
HSE also maintains a national network world. A good example is the work
of doctors, appointed doctors and described in this report on the Professor David Fishwick
approved medical examiners of divers artificial stone issue (see the case HSE Chief Medical Adviser
04
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
The HSE ‘Science Hubs’ event
IN OCTOBER 2019, Professor Andrew policy activities, and members of the
Curran, HSE’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Chief Scientific Adviser’s office. The
hosted the first joint event for the Science Hubs are a focus for HSE’s
members of HSE’s Science, Engineering science and research activities and
and Evidence Assurance Committee are led by senior scientists in the areas
(SEEAC) and HSE’s Research of focus.3 The aim of the Research
Committee and sub-committees. Committee is to ensure that HSE’s
SEEAC is a group of external experts research priorities and commissioning
who provide independent and are aligned to HSE’s needs.
objective assurance to the HSE Board
on the quality and relevance of its This major event, with over 50
science and engineering strategy and delegates, provided an opportunity
delivery.2 The Research Committee, to explore: the overarching
and associated sub-committees for commissioning and science planning
each of HSE’s six ‘Science Hubs’, are approach; work underway to update
chaired by Professor Curran, and the evaluation approach for the impact
comprise external scientific experts, of HSE science; the synergies and
HSE senior leaders for regulatory and interactions across the science hubs;
Samantha Peace (left) HSE’s Director of Field Operations Division,
with Kate Jeffrey, Hannah Elhamami and Jo Sproston
and any current challenges so that we and depth of science and engineering
continuously improve our approaches. carried out within HSE. It provided
Delegates also considered how the an opportunity to truly see how HSE
changing world of work is impacting works together and, with the help of a
on our policy and regulatory number of external experts, delivers
approaches. In addition, delegates impactful outcomes that help reduce
had the opportunity to meet HSE death, injury and ill health across
scientists and hear about their work Great Britain. The focus on current
at an informal lunchtime event. issues, balanced with significant
effort to mitigating future risks, gives
HSE Board member and SEEAC Acting confidence that, this ‘One HSE’
Chair Ken Robertson said, ‘This was a approach to science and engineering,
Chris Flint (right), HSE’s Director Energy Division and Ian Indans fantastic event covering the breadth will really make a difference.’
05
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
The HSE science and evidence cycle in action: 4 reducing work-associated musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) such as pain and disorders of the back, limbs and neck
We catalyse engagement by We anticipate new challenges through
others and improve performance foresight and synthesis of existing evidence
We catalyse engagement We anticipate new
›› Our ergonomists offer training by others and improve challenges through foresight
and synthesis of
›› HSE’s Foresight Centre identifies potential MSDs
performance
courses on manual handling, existing evidence challenges from the changing world of work.14
upper limb disorders and ›› Evidence synthesis by HSE ‘s Workplace Health
display screen equipment5 and Expert Committee (WHEC) – position paper ‘Work-
consultancy on reducing MSDs: associated musculoskeletal pain: the role of HSE’.15
1660 delegates have been trained ›› Our ergonomists provide policymakers
on 151 courses over 17 years and with information on emerging approaches
they have spoken at hundreds We protect workers to reduce MSDs, eg potential use of
of industry events, as well as and safeguard wearable sensors and exoskeletons.
the public We provide evidence to
contributing to developing and ensure risks resulting
from work activities
delivering the HSE 2018 ‘MSD are effectively controlled We provide evidence to ensure risks from
Summit’6 – over 130 delegates. work activities are effectively controlled
›› Our statisticians publish working
days lost due to MSDs7 – used to We underpin operational ›› HSE ergonomists and physicians work with
make the case for improvements. and policy activities European counterparts through the Partnership for
European Research in Occupational Health and
We protect workers and Safety (PEROSH) to develop advice and guidance
safeguard the public on assessing sedentary behaviours at work.16
›› HSE physician-led research into sit stand
›› We developed HSE’s MSD ‘Toolkit’- desks and sedentary behaviours.17
Assessment of Repetitive Tasks ›› Evidence from our applied ergonomics research
(ART), Risk Assessment of Pushing published in reports and peer-reviewed
and Pulling (RAPP), and Manual We underpin operational and policy activities papers: over 90 publications in 20 years.18
Handling Assessment Charts (MAC
and v-MAC).8 The toolkit is used in ›› Insight specialists develop qualitative evidence on MSDs
Great Britain and internationally; in three sectors to inform policy and interventions.10 Further information
Chile has translated it. ›› Applied ergonomics research used to inform
›› HSE’s MSD guidance and advice interventions, eg manual handling in kerbside See the case studies on pages 45 and 46,
for industry is informed by recycling11 and midwives using birthing pools.12 and references 6–18 which include research
robust scientific evidence.9 ›› HSE scientists and analysts develop evidence related to reducing work-associated MSDs.
that informed development of HSE’s Work and Meet two HSE ergonomists on page 19.
Health Strategy: MSDs made a priority.13
06
Events and achievements
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Events and achievements
Visitors Commenting after his visit, Sir Patrick Andrew Curran, the Chief Scientific
said, ‘A big thank you from me and the Adviser, and Clive Fleming, the Head
HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton has hosted team for a terrific visit. You have a very of Policy Profession. The visit included
a number of important visitors and events in 2019. impressive set-up and an engaged presentations and discussion on: HSE’s
and engaging team of scientists. Both use of regulatory intelligence to support
›› In June, Sir Patrick Vallance, the more about the science, engineering purpose and expertise shone through.’ better regulation and wider cross-
Government Chief Scientific Adviser, and evidence that HSE undertakes government needs; risk assessment
and Professor Tom Rodden, Chief to support our policy and regulatory ›› In February, Air Marshall Sir Richard specialist support to enable the Space
Scientific Adviser for the Department activities. They met with scientists Garwood, Chair of the Tri-Branch Industry Act; work to enable the healthy
for Digital, Culture, Media and and engineers from around HSE, Management Board of the three and safe deployment of advanced
Sport, were accompanied by Martin including our Chemical Regulations Accident Investigation Branches of materials; and a tour of the wider
Temple, Chair of the HSE Board, and Division, to talk about the approach the Department for Transport, which site including discussion on our work
Dr David Snowball, HSE Acting Chief we take to difficult challenges – both cover air, marine and rail investigations, to enable the hydrogen economy.
Executive, on a visit to HSE’s Science the pragmatic, practical solutions visited to learn more about HSE’s Clive Fleming noted afterwards that,
and Research Centre in Buxton. Their we develop, and the investigations forensic incident investigation work. ‘It definitely impressed and helped
visit provided an opportunity to learn we do into why things go wrong. He toured the outdoor large-scale reinforce their understanding of HSE
test facilities, the storage facility for as an innovation-friendly regulator.’
material and structures retrieved from
incident investigation sites, and indoor ›› In November, Professor Alan
laboratory facilities. Sir Richard said, Penn, Chief Scientific Adviser for the
‘I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and Ministry of Housing, Communities
was able to get a good feel for the and Local Government and Chris
capabilities that you have on site. Your Pook, Deputy Director of the
flexible programme allowed me to Government Office for Science,
see a great deal and provide some were welcomed by Professor Curran.
food for thought as to how we could Their visit included discussion on
become a bit closer as two government the wide-ranging application
organisations with the shared aim of HSE scientists’ expertise and
of preventing death and injury.’ experimental capabilities to support
other government departments. The
›› In September, Chris Carr, the visit included meeting our experts to
Head of the Better Regulation hear about our expertise in fires, risk
Executive, which leads the regulatory assessment, and impact of chemical
reform agenda across government, exposures on health including
Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Andrew Curran was welcomed to HSE by Professor protecting incident ‘first responders’.
08
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Events ›› In January 2019, the Thomas Ashton
Institute20 held a major event21 on
›› The ‘Discovering Safety’ ‘Hazards from Ageing Infrastructure’
programme19 was formally launched in partnership with the Institute for
in June 2019 at the Lloyds Register Chemical Engineering, IChemE,
building in London. This ambitious and the Hazards Forum. The event
programme of research is funded considered infrastructures such as
by Lloyds Register Foundation and offshore oil and gas platforms and
delivered in partnership by HSE and onshore major hazard plants. David
the University of Manchester, through Glass, an HSE specialist mechanical HSE’s 100% Hydrogen H21 Test Facility
the Thomas Ashton Institute.20 It engineering inspector, presented
seeks to deliver health and safety the importance of leadership in be part of the H21 programme, and ›› A PEROSH Expert Workshop
benefits through a data-driven managing ageing and asset integrity, in particular, that we are housing on work-related stress was hosted
global community. Research is being particularly in preventing hazards this new specialist facility here in by HSE in May 2019.23 PEROSH
undertaken to better understand the from loss of primary containment, Buxton. We are sure this will become is the Partnership for European
global health and safety landscape and the campaigns that HSE is a key component in providing the Research in Occupational Health
and its challenges, and how best using to ensure dutyholders are evidence which will enable hydrogen and Safety; its aim is to strengthen
to access and use data to develop managing ageing appropriately. to become a safe, clean and resilient research in Europe through a
solutions for maximum benefit. component of our approach to partnership of national European
›› HSE’s ‘100% Hydrogen H21 Test achieving zero-emissions by 2050.’ institutes affiliated to government
Facility’22 was opened at HSE’s
Science and Research Centre in July
2019. It is the first ever experimental
test facility for pure hydrogen and is
part of ‘H21’, the world’s largest project
to reduce carbon emissions to meet
climate change targets. It is funded
through Ofgem’s Network Innovation
Competition and led by Northern Gas
Networks. The project results will be
critical in determining if it is safe to
HSE’s ‘Discovering Safety’ team: Hannah convert millions of homes across the
Elhamami, Michelle Hawkins, Helen country from natural gas to hydrogen.
Balmforth (Programme Director), Matt Andrew Curran, HSE’s Chief Scientific
Clay, Steven Naylor and Kate Jeffrey Adviser, said, ‘We are pleased to PEROSH Expert Workshop, hosted by Phoebe Smith (centre right)
09
HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Harpur Hill Primary School celebrating British Science Week with (left to right) Jackie Morton, Micah Stocks Greaves and Paul Johnson
or social insurance systems. ›› British Science Week March the visit, said, ‘It was great to take designed by RSC volunteers and
The workshop was attended by 2019: Inspiring the next generation hands-on science into school! The students from the University of Sheffield
experts from 10 European institutes of Scientists. HSE marked the week children asked lots of questions and and Sheffield Hallam University. In
and hosted by HSE psychologist with scientists from HSE’s Science and got fully involved in all the activities!’ October, a formal celebration function
Phoebe Smith. Delegates shared Research Centre visiting nearby Harpur was held in Sheffield followed by a
the latest knowledge about, Hill Primary School to bring ‘STEM’ ›› 2019 International Year of the social evening for local chemists
and approaches to reducing, (science, technology, engineering and Periodic Table marked its 150th with a periodic table made entirely
work-related stress from a multi- maths) subjects to life. Fun, science- anniversary and impact on the of cupcakes. Jackie has organised
disciplinary perspective including based activities included: polymer modern world. HSE chemist Jackie an annual schools’ chemistry quiz for
physicians, psychologists and chemistry explained through making Morton, a member of the Royal schools in Sheffield since 2013 and
ergonomists, and identified slime; chromatography explained Society of Chemistry (RSC) Atomic this year’s prizes included periodic
common research challenges through making colourful Mother’s Spectroscopy Group, helped to table themed backpacks and card
and needs. HSE policy makers Day cards; and how UV light boxes organise a range of RSC celebration games. Jackie also chaired a special
Kathryn Fuller and Rob Vondy can be used for health and safety events. In March, a public event in symposium in November at the RSC’s
attended as observers. training. Dr Jackie Morton, biological Sheffield’s Winter Gardens engaged London headquarters covering the
monitoring specialist, who arranged children in experiments and crafts breadth of atomic spectroscopy.
10HSE Annual Science Review 2020
›› The ‘HSE Connect 2019’ event ›› 2019 ‘Health & Safety Expo’: ›› The Chartered Institute of
in February 2019 brought together colleagues from across HSE Ergonomics and Human Factors
industry, the regulator, trade unions represented the organisation at (CIEHF) held a regional group
and intermediaries to showcase this event, the largest of its kind in meeting at HSE’s Science and Research
good health and safety practice. the UK. Live demonstrations of our Centre hosted by HSE specialists
The event included workshops by scientific work were given along with Andrew Pinder and Matt Birtles.
HSE foresight specialists on new and insights into our ‘Shared Research’ Additionally, HSE colleagues, including
emerging health and safety issues programme. Ed Corbett, HSE Technical specialist inspectors, worked in
associated with digitalisation and Fellow and chartered occupational partnership with CIEHF to launch a new
the changing nature of work. psychologist, gave a keynote speech ‘Risk Reduction Through Design’ Award
‘Are we doing the right stuff’24 and which aims to help employers devise
Jen Webster, human factors specialist, new and innovative ways to reduce the
gave a presentation on HSE’s research impact of musculoskeletal disorders.
on extended working lives.
›› International Women in
›› Research needs for occupational Engineering Day, ‘INWED’, in June,
health: Professor Andrew Curran, HSE which celebrates and raises the
Chief Scientific Adviser, and David profile of women engineers, was
Fishwick, HSE Chief Medical Adviser, proudly supported by HSE. Some of
facilitated discussion at an event our women engineers spoke about
hosted at the House of Lords by their roles in the organisation on
Lord David Blunkett on research HSE’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
needs for occupational health
following the publication of an
HSE-funded report by the Society Cat Makison-Booth and ‘Vomiting Larry’
for Occupational Medicine.25
Cat says, ‘Demonstrating the work
›› Raising research profile: HSE we do on documentaries and shows
microbiologist Cat Makison Booth like QI (which I’ve learnt stands for
and her research tool ‘Vomiting Quite Interesting) is a free and in this
Larry’, HSE’s humanoid simulated case fun, albeit slightly scary, way
vomiting system, visited BBC television to showcase how we help create a
to take part in a ‘Queasy Quacks’ safer world in a practical way that Aneta Nêmcová celebrates INWED 2019
Andrew Curran speaking medically themed episode of the is accessible to a wider audience
at HSE Connect 2019 satirical quiz programme ‘QI’. than is normally achievable.’
11HSE Annual Science Review 2020
Awards, honours and achievements ›› Chris Keen, HSE Technical Team
Lead for Occupational Hygiene
The value of our scientific expertise has been recognised by others Practitioners and Chair of the British
through various awards, honours, and other feedback. Occupational Hygiene Society
(BOHS) Breathe Freely in Construction
›› Stuart Hawksworth, Head of HSE’s quotes 32 Stuart saying, ‘In just the past Campaign, has been invited to
Centre for Energy and Major Hazards, two years, the pace at which new lead the new BOHS ‘Breathe Freely
and President of the International hydrogen technologies and hydrogen Champions Programme’ to help
Association for Hydrogen Safety (IAHS), fuel applications have emerged is younger hygienists to develop their
has been made visiting professor of indicative of just how important this ability to present and engage with Chris Barber at the British Thoracic
hydrogen safety at Ulster University. fuel source can be for the future, stakeholders. She has also been newly Society Summer Meeting
As IAHS president, Stuart opened including increasing reliance on elected to the BOHS Board of Trustees.
the International Conference on renewable energy sources. Clearly, Statement. This new document will
Hydrogen Safety in Adelaide, Australia it is also a fuel with enormous clean provide updated guidance for primary
in September 2019: the event had energy export potential as countries and secondary care, highlighting best
delegates from 22 countries and all over the world seek to increase practice for the investigation, diagnosis
included presentations of 6 peer- renewables in their total energy mix.’ and management of this challenging
reviewed papers involving HSE condition. Chris can be heard talking
scientists.26–31 Scientific American ›› Steve Forman has been made a about occupational respiratory
Fellow of the Faculty of Occupational disease in a video made at the 2019
Medicine. This is in recognition British Thoracic Society Education
of his significant contribution to and Training Summer Meeting.33
occupational medicine which
reflects what Steve has achieved ›› Chartered Status has been
inside and outside of HSE and awarded to: James Forder, chartered
his professional standing as Chris Keen chemist with the Royal Society of
viewed by his senior peers. Chemistry; and Jonathan Hall and Paul
›› Dr Chris Barber, HSE Principal McCann, chartered engineers with
›› Paul Pitts, exposure Medical Adviser, NHS consultant the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
assessment and control specialist, respiratory physician, and current
has been invited to chair the chair of the British Thoracic Society ›› Emma Shanks, exposure
International Advisory Committee Occupational and Environmental Lung assessment and control specialist,
on hand-arm vibration. Disease Specialist Advisory Group, has has been re-elected to the council of
been invited to chair the development of the Institute of Acoustics. This will be
Stuart Hawksworth a new BTS Occupational Asthma Clinical Emma’s third consecutive 2-year term.
12HSE Annual Science Review 2020
‘Inspirational Committee Award’ ›› Rosie Whitbread, risk specialist, that they meet the principles that
on behalf of the Royal Society of was praised for her contribution represent global best practice. This
Chemistry’s Toxicology committee. to an expert panel undertaking a reflects the quality of our training
The committee have created a review of energy research activity courses which are built around current
series of short videos of toxicologists at the University of Nottingham. real-world expertise, are delivered
to showcase the variety of careers Panel Chairman Mike Colechin by scientists and health and safety
available in toxicology. HSE’s head of said ‘Your personal contribution experts and are fully aligned with
computational toxicology, George to this outcome was brilliant. You the requirements of the regulator.
Loizou, is one of those profiled – see brought everything I thought you
‘We have your poison data’.34 would to the panel and more.’ ›› Simon Gant, mathematical
modelling specialist, has been
›› UKAS accreditation has been ›› HSE Training and Events has appointed chair of the Atmospheric
awarded to HSE’s Science and received a gold accreditation status Dispersion Modelling Liaison
Research Centre to the new ISO award for our HSE-NEBOSH partner Committee. Members are from
17025:2017 standard for our testing training course. The award recognises 12 government departments or
and analytical services, and to the Learning Partners who can prove agencies, and scientific institutes
Kate Jones receiving her ISO 17043 standard for our Proficiency
‘Inspirational Committee Award’ Testing sample production.
›› Kate Jones, biological monitoring ›› Tim Aldridge, risk specialist,
specialist, has been invited as an contributed to a Parliamentary briefing
expert member of the International note from the Parliament Office of
Society of Exposure Science working Science and Technology (POST)
group on exposure data production. on ‘Evaluating UK natural hazards:
She also accepted, as chair, an the national risk assessment’.35
›› Ian Pengelly’s peer-reviewed
research paper36 on the investigation
of possible coffee industry worker
exposure to diacetyl, a potentially
harmful chemical, was selected as
the ‘Editor’s Choice’ in the Annals
of work Exposures and Health
in recognition of its quality and The Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Group chaired by Simon Gant (centre back)
George Loizou: ‘We have your poison data’ importance for occupational health.
13HSE Annual Science Review 2020
from the UK and Republic of Ireland. which reviews the institute’s work. The ›› HSE’s Chief Medical Adviser,
The committee reviews scientific invitation is particularly to review INRS‘s Professor David Fishwick, gave a
understanding of atmospheric research on workplace exposures to keynote speech at the ‘Celebrating
dispersion and related phenomena chemicals including fibres, metals, the Best in Health and Safety by
for applications such as regulation nanoparticles and aerosols. Design’ HS2 high-speed railway
of discharges from industrial plant. event held to showcase industry best
›› Brian Crook, microbiologist, has practice, increase understanding
›› ‘Science, policy and public achieved the significant milestone of health and safety by design,
opinion: How the wheels turn’: Mary Trainor in a video about of 100 peer-reviewed scientific and raise standards for the rail and
science and policy in HSE is the topic science and policy publications, 97 of which were wider construction industry. Professor
of three videos 37–39 in this series, published while Brian was at HSE Fishwick graphically demonstrated
which is produced and released by and describing it in a way so that it is or was working on research the life-limiting outcomes of exposing
the European Plasticisers Association. really clear to our policy colleagues funded by HSE.18 lungs to dust and told delegates,
HSE Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor and to make sure that uncertainties ‘I want designers like you to put
Andrew Curran, and colleagues at are well explained.’ Mary Trainor, physicians like me out of a job.’
HSE’s Science and Evidence Centre, Head of Science Impact and Quality,
share their perspectives on working Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office ›› HSE’s Research Ethics Panel,
at the science and policy interface. which is accredited to the University
The videos are raising awareness ‘We provide evidence that informs of Sheffield Medical School Research
internationally of HSE’s approach to policy. It’s an iterative process, we have Ethics Panel, received positive
using robust scientific evidence to a dialogue. I’m very optimistic about feedback from the latter’s first
inform policy and have, collectively, the future of science, the fact that it’s audit. The audit team commented,
been viewed over 25,000 times. becoming multidisciplinary – all of that ‘HSE takes its research ethics
has to come together to provide the responsibility seriously and has
‘We try and start that process in capability we have now to solve the invested considerable staff time in
partnership with policy makers; problems of the future.’ George Loizou, raising awareness of research ethics
understanding the real question Head of Computational Toxicology among the staff and in developing
they want to answer is absolutely robust ethics review processes.’
critical to helping them address the ›› Delphine Bard, exposure
issues of concern.’ Professor Andrew measurement specialist, has been
Curran, Chief Scientific Adviser. invited by the French national
Research and Safety Institute for
‘Our role is to make sure we the Prevention of Occupational
are providing robust scientific Accidents and Diseases, INRS, to join
evidence – explaining, articulating the panel of international experts Brian Crook celebrating 100 publications
14Meet the staff
HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
Aneta Nêmcová / Richard Isherwood
Materials Scientist / Principal Mechanical Engineer
on fatigue of magnesium alloys.
Following an Erasmus training
placement, she then applied her skills
as a post-doctorate researcher at the
University of Manchester, focusing on
surface treatments of light alloys.
Aneta’s move from academia to HSE
in January 2019 enabled her to put her
experience of materials failure modes
into immediate use in a number of
incident investigations. Her work so
far has covered corrosion of process
plant pipelines, fatigue failures in Richard joined HSE in 2005 at a time Richard says, ‘I enjoy the variety of
fairground rides and fracture of of major concerns on tower crane different engineering disciplines and
heavy-machinery components in a safety. He led forensic engineering environments that you experience
fabrication workshop. Aneta is also a investigation into the Battersea crane at HSE and the opportunity to work
member of the team working on the collapse (2006), the Liverpool crane closely with colleagues of different
optimisation of composite wraps for collapses (2007 and 2009) and experiences and disciplines when
ANETA AND RICHARD are members pipe repairs as part of an HSE/industry structural damage to the jibs of a trying to understand the reasons
of the Engineering Materials Team shared research project, focusing on particular crane model in 2013/2014, behind an incident occurring.’
and Mechanical Engineering how best to inspect wrapped pipes including the crane collapse onto
Team respectively at HSE’s using non-destructive methods. the Whitehall cabinet building. New recruit Aneta echoes these
Science and Research Centre. The findings were summarised in sentiments: ‘The sense of collaboration
The teams work closely together Richard graduated from Salford several industry safety alerts and across the different groups is strong,
on incident investigations, using University with an honours degree two HSE reports,40, 41 which have giving the opportunity to learn from
their complementary skills to in mechanical engineering in 1989 been instrumental in improving experienced specialists such as
understand the interaction between and became a chartered engineer tower crane safety. Richard has also Richard. I enjoy the opportunity of
material and component in in 2001. He worked as a design worked on investigations involving applying my scientific knowledge for
complex failure investigations. draughtsman and spent over 15 years plant vehicle stability, hydraulic fitting understanding the causes of failures,
in an engineering research and failures, rollercoaster collisions and helping to avoid these in the future
Aneta completed her MSc in materials development role, including failure derailments, replica revolvers for use and ultimately to improve safety.’
science and engineering at Brno in investigations, providing technical on stage, assessment of mobility
the Czech Republic, followed by a support in the marine propulsion scooters, aircraft ejector seats and a
PhD on effects of surface conditions and power generation industries. number of explosion and fire incidents.
16HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
Dan Howard Colleen Butler
Chemist Senior Human Factors Specialist
voltages or physical abuse. In COLLEEN JOINED HSE in 2008 after
order to gain understanding of completing her PhD in human
the failure modes of the batteries factors research at the University of
under test, Dan has taken a lead Southampton. As a senior human
role in setting up a mobile mass factors specialist at HSE’s Science and
spectrometer to enable high- Research Centre, Colleen’s work has
resolution analysis of gaseous hazards primarily involved applying human
produced during battery failure factors expertise in the process safety, oil
(see the case study on page 24). and gas, aviation and energy sectors.
This involves analysis of all aspects of the
Dan has also had the opportunity to organisational system, including people,
get involved in the design and build processes, and equipment, to help
of a bespoke experimental test rig identify where to prioritise interventions
to enable the study of gas forming for enhanced safe performance.
reactions. In many cases, the gases
formed are toxic and/or flammable, Colleen’s areas of expertise are in
requiring careful consideration of human error, organisational learning
how the experiments are carried and fatigue risk management.42–44
out safely and preferably without She has supported a number of
DAN IS A MEMBER of the Hazardous damaging sensitive instrumentation. organisations to understand their fatigue
Materials team at HSE’s Science and Added to this, the fact that the rig has risk and build and implement fatigue ‘With the changing nature of work,
Research Centre. Having obtained to be operable remotely provides a risk management systems. Colleen understanding how organisations
his PhD in chemistry at the University significant additional challenge. has a strong interest in extracting and need to constantly adjust to create
of Manchester, Dan joined HSE in sharing good practice in fatigue risk safety is core to HSE’s work. I really
July 2018 and has been involved in In each of the projects he has been management across industry and has like the challenge and learning
experimentally focused research involved in, Dan has engaged directly recently been exploring opportunities to opportunities this presents from
programmes involving battery testing with a range of cross-government do this in the offshore oil and gas sector. a human factors perspective. I
and reactive chemical systems. and industry stakeholders. Dan particularly like figuring out how
says, ‘I have particularly enjoyed Colleen also provides human factors I can help industry identify and
In the battery testing work, Dan is working with others to develop support to HSE’s regulatory activity. manage the less visible human
part of a small team investigating the and deliver test regimes to meet This has involved assessment of safety performance related risks like
behaviour of lithium ion cells when common research goals.’ reports, revision of HSE guidance fatigue. It never gets tiring!’
they are subjected to conditions and the provision of expert witness
outside their normal operating window statements in incident investigations.
such as excessive temperatures,
17HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
The Mechanical Engineering Specialist Inspectors Team
THE MECHANICAL Engineering
Specialist Inspectors Team in HSE’s
Field Operations Division has been
one of the traditional ‘heavy industry’
based disciplines, providing technical
support to incident investigations,
with team members using their
previous industrial experience to give
professional advice. However, as the
British economy has evolved and
new technologies and applications
for machinery have developed, the
team has grown and adapted to meet
these changes, recruiting from a wider
industrial and service sector base.
Although machinery may have
changed, the approach taken by the Left to right: Mike Cooke, Mike Goodwin, Mike Downes, David Rudland, Rob Marr, Paul Grady, Sheldon
team remains the same: consistently Taylor, Dominic Swan, Mick Raynor, Dave Schofield, Peter Dodd, Ian Simpson, Andrew Crouch
applying core scientific principles to
new applications. The work is always and work practices to support our designer, installer or user are meeting making process by HSE and the specialist
varied, whether that’s inspecting tool- regulatory inspectors, to try to explain those benchmark expectations inspector may be subsequently required
room machinery, mobile construction why something unsafe has occured and, if they’re not, what needs to to give testimony based on that
plant, lifts and escalators, combine (or could occur) and ascertain what be done to address the risk gap. report, in court as an expert witness.
harvesters or providing technical the benchmark standard is for a given
assistance on fairgrounds, inflatables, issue or work practice. As professional Often the site visit is the more The mechanical engineering specialist
care homes, or even the failure of engineers, they strive to identify the straightforward part of the job. inspector doesn’t just inspect or
a cross bar on a goalpost. Indeed, root cause of a mechanical failing Following this, the specialist inspector investigate incidents. They campaign
it was a mechanical engineering and prevent a reoccurrence. Where will compile technical reports, for better health and safety practice
specialist inspector who provided necessary, a team member will recording everything they have done by crafting and reviewing internal
technical support in the investigation lead the technical aspect of the accurately and impartially – these guidance, attending industry working
of an incident on a movie set. investigation, calling in engineering provide the evidence for what was groups and committees, delivering
specialists at HSE’s Science and done, the analysis undertaken and presentations to professional forums
The team’s role is to provide forensic Research Centre or other specialists conclusions reached. Ultimately, and becoming involved in British
analysis of mechanical equipment when needed, considering whether the this report forms part of the decision and international standards work.
18HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
Chris Quarrie / Andrew Pinder
Specialist Inspector in Human Factors and Ergonomics / Ergonomist
CHRIS AND ANDREW have worked Andrew has a PhD in ergonomics
together for many years and are and joined HSE in 1996, prior to which
based at HSE’s Bootle headquarters he carried out research on human
and Buxton Centre for Science and strength. His expertise on manual
Research respectively. They were part handling and musculoskeletal
of the HSE team which won a 2019 Spirit disorders supports HSE policymakers
of One HSE Award45 for launching and specialist inspectors, as well
the ‘Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk as external organisations.
Reduction through Design’ Award with
the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics Andrew has written on the effectiveness
and Human Factors (CIEHF), of which of manual handling technique
both are registered members. training and is a member of a PEROSH
technical group that won the Applied
Chris and Andrew played important Ergonomics 2017 Best Paper Award
roles in the development of HSE’s risk for work on wearable devices.16
assessment tools for musculoskeletal
disorders: the Manual Handling Andrew’s epidemiological work
Assessment Charts (MAC and includes prospective validations of
V-MAC); 46,47 Assessment of Repetitive whether the US NIOSH lifting equation51
Tasks (ART); and Risk Assessment of and the MAC tool can predict lost-
Pushing and Pulling (RAPP)(see the time low-back injuries and he has
case study on page 45). They were also examined the feasibility of carrying
influential in the development of HSE’s out an intervention study to prevent
guidance on Upper limb disorders in the Chris Quarrie Andrew Pinder the incidence of musculoskeletal
workplace (HSG60) 48, and the Manual disorders in the workplace.
Handling Operations Regulations (L23).49 Chris currently acts as the primary point and ergonomists, Reducing manual
of contact for regulatory colleagues handling risks in carpet retail His work on manual handling includes
Chris is a specialist inspector in on enforcement and advice on (INDG439) 50 was developed. This looking at household kerbside waste
human factors and ergonomics musculoskeletal disorders. Through guidance was welcomed by industry collection11 (see the case study on
and has had several different roles site visits he has identified a number and can also be used to manage page 46) and brick packing workers.
within HSE since joining in 1999. After of higher-risk workplace activities, for the risks associated with delivering
gaining his degree in ergonomics example those associated with the other items such as white goods. It
at Loughborough University, he manual handling of carpets during demonstrates how HSE works with
worked within an ergonomics delivery activities. Working alongside stakeholders to develop fit for purpose
consultancy prior to joining HSE. trade associations and HSE policymakers advice and good practice information.
19HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
Rhiannon Williams Mark Woods
Fire scientist Health Scientist
MARK HAS A background in
biomedical science and worked
in the NHS and pharmaceutical
industry, before joining HSE in 1995.
He has a PhD in haematology
from the University of Sheffield.
As a health scientist at HSE’s
headquarters in Bootle, Mark’s main
role is to manage HSE’s permissioning
schemes for appointing doctors to
conduct medical surveillance and
fitness to work assessments as required
under health and safety regulations.
Mark says, ‘I enjoy the variety of
RHIANNON JOINED HSE in January 2016 to find their ignition temperatures, The work covers statutory medicals work that I am involved in and
as a support scientist within the Explosive an important consideration when required for individuals working with the challenges it can present. My
Atmospheres Team at the Science and such products are used in car air- asbestos, ionising radiation, lead role provides an opportunity to
Research Centre, moving to a new conditioning systems, for example. and specific chemicals, as well as work with policy, regulatory and
post within the Fire and Thermofluids those working in compressed-air scientific colleagues and contribute
Team in 2018. She has contributed Rhiannon is currently studying for a Fire tunnelling and commercial diving. evidence to help inform policy.’
to numerous experiments, incident Engineering Degree at the University of The role includes advising doctors on
investigations and research projects Central Lancashire – sponsored by HSE. the appointment process, providing
across both these research areas. guidance on how to conduct statutory
She says, ‘Working for HSE has given medical examinations and auditing
As one of the technicians within the me the opportunity to develop my the performance of appointed doctors.
battery safety projects team, Rhiannon skills and knowledge in both science
is often found working on the effects and engineering. I thoroughly Mark also provides guidance and
of battery abuse or misuse, such as look forward to progressing in my advice to internal HSE stakeholders
creating short circuits, overheating career, working towards my degree, and external stakeholders, including
and overcharging – which can lead expanding my professional network other government departments,
to thermal runaway or cell failure. and researching in an area which, not on occupational health issues.
only am I passionate about, but will
At other times, she is involved in the also give me the ability to change,
testing of new refrigerants in order and perhaps even save, people’s lives.’
20HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
Alison McGillivray / Zoe Chaplin
Risk Assessment Specialist / Consequence Modeller and Risk Assessment Scientist
ALISON AND ZOE both work at HSE’s study an page 42). She is responsible
Science and Research Centre. for the ongoing development of
HSE’s risk assessment model for
Alison joined HSE in 2005 after pipelines, which is used to provide
completing her undergraduate information for land-use planning
degree in physics with meteorology purposes. This involves reviewing,
and her master’s degree in remote developing and implementing
sensing and image processing, new mathematical models as
both at the University of Edinburgh. required, as well as more general
maintenance of the existing systems.
Alison’s main specialism is
consequence modelling for major Zoe has been involved in projects
hazard risk assessment, using investigating the possibility of
mathematical ‘integral’ models such repurposing gas pipelines for
as Phast52 and Drift.53 Over the past hydrogen or carbon dioxide usage.
nine years she has used her skills in a Previously she has worked on the
number of HSE incident investigations investigation into the Shoreham
to model the extent and consequences Airshow crash,59 aircraft crash rates,
of uncontrolled releases in onshore electric car charging at home, and
and offshore environments (see the offshore windfarms, to name but a few.
case study on page 36). She has also
been heavily involved in consequence Zoe says, ‘I love the wide variety of
modelling for carbon capture and work that I do. I am constantly learning
storage (CCS) scoping projects for Zoe Chaplin (left) and Alison McGillivray about new technologies and industries,
industry.54 On one particular project as well as meeting new people, all
she modelled the consequences Alison says, ‘Incident work is so varied on mathematical models for various of which I find really interesting.’
associated with a CCS demonstration in causes and consequences, it’s industries including transport and
plant where 1 million tonnes of interesting trying to understand why weather. She has a degree in Most recently, Alison and Zoe have
carbon dioxide was being injected something happened and how it mathematics from the University both been actively involved with
into underground storage over a trial can be represented by a model. of Bristol and a master’s in fluid supporting the UK Space Agency in
period of three years in Decatur, Illinois. Work can pop up when I least expect dynamics from Cranfield University. identifying suitable methodologies
it, so it keeps me on my toes.’ to assess the risks from spaceports for
Other areas of interest to Alison include Zoe’s work is varied, although her vertical and horizontal launches. This is
providing training, and COMAH and Zoe joined the Risk Assessment main specialism is major accident to help with the government’s intention
offshore safety case assessment. Methods team in 2008, after working hazard pipelines 53,55–58 (see the case to develop the UK space industry.60
21HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Meet the staff
Shaun Donaghy Jackie Morton
Chief Economist Biomonitoring Specialist
SHAUN IS AN economist with a JACKIE IS A principal scientist within
background in health and work. HSE’s Biological Monitoring Team.
He joined HSE in 2018 from Public Her expertise is in monitoring human
Health England where he led the exposures to toxic elements and
development of a prioritisation inorganic substances. These range
framework for local authorities and from ‘traditional’ heavy metals such
return on investment tools. Before as lead, cadmium and mercury to
that, Shaun worked in the Department elements of carcinogenic concern,
for Work and Pensions for ten years – such as arsenic and hexavalent
he was the policy lead for mental chromium, and sensitisers including
health and employment as well beryllium and nickel. Jackie
as the economic adviser for the has pioneered new analytical
Mesothelioma Act and the review of techniques and approaches
the GB Work Capability Assessment. including hair analysis for methyl
mercury, arsenic speciation in urine
Shaun has enjoyed being able to and chromium speciation in exhaled In addition to her innovative
feed into the strategic direction of breath condensate. All these analytical research, Jackie is a
HSE and contribute to the wellbeing techniques have enabled more scientist who very much believes in
of Bootle colleagues through weekly specific determination of exposures staff development. She has been
mindfulness groups. Working on to these hazardous elements.61–64 a mentor and co-supervisor to
statutory research and analysis as well several PhD students, including those
as commercial and strategic work has Jackie’s current projects include doing part-time research at HSE,
enabled him to quickly get to know the development of single particle and supports others in academic
people from across the organisation. analysis, which may allow the study. She is actively involved in
differentiation of respirable outreach activities, including science
Shaun says, ‘I came to HSE to crystalline silica exposure,65 for primary schools and through
develop myself and broaden my which causes silicosis and other volunteering for her local section
experience, I’m very happy to say lung diseases, from exposure of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
that it has exceeded my expectations. to soluble silicates. She is also
What I didn’t expect is how warmly further developing speciation Jackie says, ‘I really enjoy
I’ve been welcomed. I manage a methods, with a focus on communicating my passion for
fantastic mixed team of researchers manganese, a neurotoxin, where analytical chemistry and helping
and economists – the people of it is currently difficult to interpret others to understand its value, be that
HSE are its biggest strength.’ results from the measurement of with colleagues, research students
manganese in biological fluids. or the scientists of the future.’
22Case studies
HSE Annual Science Review 2020 Case studies | Keeping pace with change
Innovation in battery technology – safely enabling the Industrial Strategy
THE UK GOVERNMENT Industrial Strategy
sets out how government is building a What were the benefits?
Britain fit for the future – ensuring that
our country can embrace and benefit By bringing together industry,
from the opportunity of technological researchers, standards makers
change. Unlike industrial revolutions and regulators, this HSE event
of the past, our new industrial strategy has strengthened knowledge
needs to be powered by sustainable, and awareness of the technical
clean energy. As such, there is growing challenges needed to enable the
demand for batteries for electrification. safe introduction of innovative
energy technologies that
The government is investing heavily contain lithium-ion batteries –
in research and innovation, and new a key pathway to an electrified
facilities to scale-up and advance economy and a sustainable,
the production, use, and recycling clean energy system.
of batteries. Initially focus is on
the automotive sector to meet the For more information see
growing demand for electric vehicles, Innovation in battery technology. 66
investment in this area will help
advance battery development for other
applications for an electrified economy.
New technologies introduce new
challenges – including health and Jonathan Buston, HSE battery safety expert
safety. HSE responded to these
challenges by hosting ‘Innovation in Keynote speakers gave the latest There were over 175 delegates
Battery Technology – Safely Enabling thinking within industry and at the event including:
the Industrial Strategy’.66 This event government, combined with technological innovation
brought together stakeholders across presentations from HSE specialists specialists; risk management
regulators, industry, academia, who shared insight from working with specialists; emergency services
researchers and standards makers to industry on managing risks related and first responders; equipment
focus on meeting the technical and to the handling, storage and use of manufacturers; health and safety Funding source
scientific challenges – ensuring that energy systems containing lithium-ion professionals; and policy advisers. Commercial events
safety scenarios are understood, and batteries across different applications and training
potential risks are effectively controlled. and real-world hazard scenarios.
24You can also read
