Science Review 2017

March 2017
HSE Annual Science Review 2017
Contents
03 Foreword
09 Meet the staff
17
Case studies:
Helping Great Britain Work Well 43 References and
further reading
We employ over 850 scientists, Tackling ill health: These case studies HSE scientists produce over
engineers, analysts and illustrate how our science is contributing to 100 publications a year. We
05 Events and
achievements
HSE’s Laboratory at Buxton,
medical staff, many hold PhDs
or Masters level qualifications
and Chartered status within
action to improve health outcomes.
Keeping pace with change: A selection of case studies

are committed to making
research findings ‘open
access’ – accessible online at
Derbyshire, has hosted a their professional bodies. which show how our science is being used to anticipate no cost to the user. We ensure
number of important visitors This section introduces some and tackle new health and safety challenges. open access to research
this year. Also, the value of our of our specialist staff. papers in peer-reviewed
science expertise has been Acting together: A series of case studies which journals and journal-like
recognised by others and staff demonstrate how our science and evidence conference proceedings
have been presented with is being used to promote broader ownership (provided the publisher
various awards and honours. of health and safety in Great Britain. gives this option) describing
research led by our scientists.
Managing risk well: Our science is being used to
simplify risk management and help businesses to
grow: the case studies in this section show how.
Supporting small employers: These case studies

demonstrate how we are supporting simple advice
for SMEs so they know what they have to do.
Sharing our success: The case studies in this

strategy theme show how our specialists are
using science to promote the benefits of Great
Britain’s world-class health and safety system.
02 / 56
Foreword
regulatory and policy activities, and in The science and evidence cycle within In our ‘Meet the Staff’ section, we
supporting the delivery of the Helping our Science and Evidence Strategy introduce our new team of six Priority
Great Britain Work Well 2 strategy shows how we take foresight activities Science Hub Leads. They act together
for the health and safety system. and synthesis of evidence to anticipate to focus our scientific activities
new challenges, develop the evidence in areas of longer-term strategic
This annual science review uses case base for effective interventions, and importance. I’m looking forward to
studies to illustrate how the six themes embed this in policy and enforcement presenting more of their thinking, the
within Helping Great Britain Work Well approaches so that workers and the associated outputs and subsequent
are being supported through our public are protected. This in turn helps impact of this work in future reviews.
delivery of science and evidence. The to catalyse the whole health and safety
review provides fantastic examples system into delivering effective actions This year also saw the introduction
of where our scientific work, funded to protect workers and safeguard the of the Science, Engineering and
either by HSE or by external sources, public. We open this year’s review by Evidence Assurance Committee, a
is helping to progress the strategy. illustrating our science and evidence new sub-committee of the HSE Board.
cycle in action – taking the example SEEAC has begun its work to provide
Of particular note has been the of our work to develop the evidence the HSE Board with independent and
concentrated effort undertaken to base and underpin actions to reduce objective assurance on the quality
review the evidence base to inform workers’ exposure to respirable and relevance of our science and
the development of the new Health crystalline silica (RCS) and the evidence strategy and delivery.
and Work Strategy3. This year, our incidence of severe associated health
specialists used a combination of consequences such as silicosis. We give In summary, I hope that you enjoy
WELCOME TO HSE’S second annual internal events, support from the further detail of this work in our case reading this review of our activities
science review. High-quality science, Workplace Health Expert Committee studies: these look at our RCS research over the last year. It has been a year
evidence and analysis underpin HSE’s (a scientific advisory committee to to develop the evidence base; how our of significant change in the way
risk-based, goal-setting regulatory HSE) and external consultation with scientists engage with SMEs on the risks; that we organise and populate our
regime and are vital for ensuring key stakeholders to ensure that the the development of videos to help drive portfolio of science and evidence
effective and proportionate risk new strategy was based on the best home key messages for protecting activities, and I think we are now
management that protects workers available evidence, both in published health; and the work one of our better placed than ever to use
and safeguards the public while form and from the “coal-face” of the stakeholders is funding to understand the knowledge we generate to
enabling productivity, innovation and real world of work. I hope that you will the risks in the railway industry. Help Great Britain Work Well.
growth. Our Science and Evidence agree that this approach provided
Strategy 2016-20201 is at the heart a robust yet pragmatic evidence- Professor Andrew Curran
of HSE’s approach to developing based view of the current priorities for Chief Scientific Adviser and
the evidence base in support of our action in the area of work and health. Director of Research
03 / 56
The HSE Science and Evidence Cycle in action:

Reducing ill-health from exposure to respiratory crystalline silica (RCS)
We catalyse engagement by others and improve performance We anticipate new challenges

Significant engagement by scientists with stakeholders, eg through foresight and synthesis
›› Engagement with British Ceramic Confederation such as of existing evidence
keynote speech at annual pledge, and member meetings. Identification of novel techniques
›› Support for Institute for Occupational Safety and to address RCS issues:
Health (IOSH) ‘No Time To Loose’ Campaign, including ›› In mask sampling for
lecture for Bristol branch on dust at work. exposure measurement.
›› Support for the Chartered Society for Worker Health ›› Use of exhaled breath condensate
Protection, BOHS, ‘Breathe Freely’ Campaign including to monitor inhaled silica particles.
joint ‘Spotlight on Silica’ events with IOSH. ›› Novel approaches to modelling
›› HSE Chief Medical Adviser contributes to the European disease outcome.
Lung Foundation healthy lungs campaign, including Synthesis of over 20 years of HSE and
occupational dust awareness - led to a media others’ research findings into improving
campaign including London underground posters. exposure control. Evidence review
›› Meetings with physicians in the British Thoracic Society to by WHEC on relationship between
progress the planned national Registry for Silicosis. We underpin policy and operational activities silicosis and RCS-related lung cancer.
Scientific evidence used to underpin RCS activity eg:
›› Supplementary RCS Health Surveillance Guidance
We protect workers and safeguard the public published informed by disease modelling. We provide evidence to ensure
Activities to raise awareness of control ›› New enforcement campaign agreed of risks from work activities are
measures and identify cases of ill health: over 500 silica exposed workplaces. effectively controlled
›› Introduction of updated Health Surveillance Guidance ›› Partnership work with ‘Healthy Liverpool’ and key Longitudinal Workplace
leads to identification of cases of silicosis. sectors including construction, quarries & foundries; Research Study Underway:
›› Development of worker experience ‘YouTube’ video stories. ›› Support for BOHS and IOSH on their campaigns. ›› 29 workplaces visited;
›› Delivery of commercial training course on Operational support to establish the efficacy of Local ›› 668 workers participated;
Silica Health Surveillance & Control. Exhaust Ventilation systems in stonemasons. ›› 259 exposure measurements;
›› Work with the Rail Safety and Standards Board to better ›› 20% of measurements exceeded
understand and take action to reduce silica exposures. the Workplace Exposure Limit;
›› Delivery of training for managers in brickmaking, Further information ›› 72 people found with
stoneworking and foundries on behavioural change, airways obstruction;
health issues and effective exposure control Case studies on pages 20, 23, 35, and 37. HSE Science and ›› 4 cases of silicosis;
done within strategic research programme. Evidence Strategy1, RCS Health Surveillance Guidance4 , ›› Disease model tested and validated.
›› Planning and ethical agreement to introduce multi- Silica Training Course5 , Research on RCS ill health & New research started into on-tool
disciplinary team assessment of potential silicosis surveillance6–12 , Healthy Liverpool, BOHS and IOSH13–15 extraction in stonemasons.
cases at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust.
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Events and
achievements
Events and Achievements
Visitors Events
HSE’s Laboratory at Buxton, Derbyshire, has hosted ›› Gillian Frost, epidemiologist, ›› HSE participated at the
a number of important visitors in 2016: co-ordinated the 10th Annual launch event of the Government
UK and Ireland Occupational, Science and Engineering Profession
›› In May a group from the ›› MP for Macclesfield David Environmental and Epidemiology Strategy at the Royal Society in
Government Office for Science visited Rutley, had an opportunity to see Conference which was held at October 2016. Following workshops
and toured the facilities. They were and hear about the extent of HSE’s HSE’s Laboratory in April 2016. in HSE in support of the development
particularly interested in how our involvement in the Bosley wood-flour of the strategy, Helen Balmforth,
science is used to enable innovation, mill explosion. He was impressed ›› In May HSE economists organised HSE’s Head of Data Analytics,
including the hydrogen economy. with every aspect of the investigation and hosted the annual conference presented our cross-government
work saying after the visit, ‘I know that for Government Economists in the data analytics work to underpin
›› Health and Safety Northern all those who have been affected North, in Liverpool. It included external regulatory activity and emergency
Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and by the event will be grateful to speakers, as well as the opportunity response for major natural and
Safety Authority (HSA) were hosted by know that such a full and thorough for the different participating industrial hazards. We also
HSE Chief Executive Richard Judge on investigation is being taken forward’. departments to share good practice. demonstrated the impact of science
a visit to the laboratory in February. Feedback from participants on the on improving the world of work
organisation and content of the through a stand on our specialist
›› Paul Maltby, former Director of conference has been excellent. incident investigation work.
Data at the Government Digital Service
visited in May. It succeeded in giving
him a better understanding of the
contribution that HSE can make in the
area of data science and analytics.
He tweeted about his visit with one
of ‘gov’s best data science teams’.
(right to left) HSE Chief

Executive, Richard Judge,
with Mary Trainor, Jill Swan
and Helen Balmforth
06 / 56
Awards and honours
This year the value of our science expertise has been recognised by ›› HSE’s Statistics and Epidemiology
others who have presented staff with various awards and honours. Team were awarded the Government Mike Clayton
Statistical Service’s Presentation and receiving his
›› Helen Chambers, occupational Dissemination Committee quarterly outstanding
hygienist, has been appointed to the ‘Champion of Champions’ award contribution
UK Expert Committee on Pesticides. for their infographics statistics award from
This provides independent, impartial poster which was produced Sarah McOnie
advice to the government on the jointly with commercial and at the British
science relating to pesticides. design colleagues. www.hse.gov. Safety Industry
The appointment was made by uk/pubns/statsposter15.htm Federation.
Defra’s Deputy Director, Chemicals,
Pesticides and Industrial Emissions. ›› The Government Office for Science
featured the work of our specialists ›› Mike Clayton, Head of the Personal
›› Mike Gray, ergonomics and Graham Atkinson receiving award in response to the Ebola outbreak Protective Equipment (PPE) Team, was
human factors Principle Specialist in West Africa and the Alton Towers awarded the Outstanding Contribution
Inspector, was awarded the ‘Smiler’ ride crash, in ‘The ‘Government Award by the British Safety Industry
Chartered Institute of Ergonomics ›› Graham Atkinson, experimental Science & Engineering Story’ Federation (BSIF). This award celebrates
and Human Factors (CIEHF) Otto fire and explosion specialist, was launched in September 2016 www. the contribution Mike has made to
Edholm Award for his contribution to awarded the International Symposium governmentscienceandengineering. health and safety in the industry for
ergonomics and human factors. on Tunnel Safety and Security blog.gov.uk/the-gse-story-the-story-of- example through his work on the Fit2Fit
prestigious Achievement Award at a scientists-engineers-in-government/ PPE testing scheme. Mike was also
ceremony in Montreal, Canada in invited to join the judging panel of
March 2016 for pioneering fire-safety ›› Jason Gill, experimental fire and the BSIF 2016 Safety Innovation Awards
research. The award recognised explosion research specialist, won and to give a keynote address at
that his work is helping to build safer the IChemE ‘Hazards’ conference the 2016 annual conference of the
tunnels and save lives in tunnel fires. best poster prize for the work he International Society for Respiratory
led on ‘Vapour Cloud Explosions Protection in Japan and at the Taiwan
›› Stuart Hawksworth, Head of HSE’s in Steel Clad Structures’. Occupational Hygiene Association.
Centre for Energy, has been invited
to join the task force on standards ›› Nick Vaughan, personal protective ›› Peter Stacey, analytical chemist,
relating to the UK gas grid, set up by equipment specialist, was awarded has been invited to become an
the Institute of Gas Engineers and a ‘Distinguished Service Certificate’ assistant editor of the Annals of
Managers, IGEM. He was also invited by the British Standards Institute. Workplace Exposures and Health.
Mike Gray (left) being presented with his to join the international editorial board
award by Ian Randle, CIEHF President. for the new Hydrogen Safety Journal.
07 / 56
›› John Saunders, measurement ›› For the second year running, and the police, educating and now HSE’s New Science,
specialist, has been invited to sit on our Economic Analysis Team enforcing this road risk’. Sarah Bell, Engineering and Evidence
the steering committee of the Institute has been rated number one in West of England, Traffic Commissioner. Assurance Committee
of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers, government for their economic
and to participate in an international impact assessments during 2015/16. ›› Chris Barber, Deputy Chief Medical In March 2016 HSE’s independent
expert workshop on sulphur Adviser, was appointed Chair of the Science, Engineering and Evidence
hexafluoride in ventilation studies ›› Anne Helen Harding, technical British Thoracic Society Occupational Assurance Committee held its first
being hosted at the French National team lead epidemiology, was and Environmental Lung Disease meeting. This group of external
Institute for Research and Security. appointed as an expert member of Specialist Advisory Committee experts is providing independent
the North West Greater Manchester and objective assurance on the
›› Owen Butler, analytical Research Ethics Committee. ›› Mary Trainor, Head of Science quality and relevance of HSE’s
chemist, has been invited to join Impact and Quality, was elected to science strategy and delivery.
the Editorial Board of the Royal ›› HSE’s Data Analytics Team were the position of Chair for the Scientific
Society of Chemistry’s Journal of shortlisted for the Civil Service Awards Steering Group of PEROSH, the
Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. 2016, in the ‘Analysis and use of Partnership for European Research
evidence’ category. The team worked in Occupational Safety and Health.
›› Paul Hamey, Head of the exposure with Ordnance Survey and the Cabinet
team in HSE’s Chemicals Regulations Office to incorporate information from ›› Professor David Fishwick,
Division, was awarded an MBE for the national population database Chief Medical Officer, delivered the
services to the regulation of pesticides. into Resilience Direct (RD) – an online 2016 Lane Lecture16 : a prestigious
A specialist in human exposure to application used by ministers and annual lecture in the field of
pesticides, Paul is recognised as a the emergency services to better occupational health in the UK at the
world-leading plan their response when natural University of Manchester Centre for SEEAC (from left) Professor Len
regulatory and man-made disasters occur. Occupational and Environmental Levy, Dr Lesley Rushton, Professor
scientist and Health. This showcased how we need Peter Buckle, Professor Neil Bourne
had a key role in ›› Nina Day, senior engineer, led the to think about the impact of getting and Professor Martyn Thomas.
the introduction transport load safety work which was things wrong on respiratory health
of harmonised highlighted in the Annual Reports of at the individual, organisational
European the Transport Commissioners 2015- and national productivity level.
guidance 16 to the Secretary of State. ‘Safe
on exposure Loading has been high on the safety ›› Kate Jones, Biological
assessment. agenda for some time… I particularly Monitoring Technical Team Lead,
want to commend the national work was invited to join the International
Paul Hamey Nina Day … has done with the Driver Advisory Board of the Annals of
with his MBE and Vehicle Services Agency (DVSA) Work Exposures and Health.
08 / 56
Meet
the staff
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Meet the staff
Nell Townsend Melissa Reed

Regulatory chemist Regulatory ecotoxicologist
role HSE plays in everyday life and MELISSA HAS WORKED at HSE for eight
chemical regulation. Nell comments years, following the movement of the
that she received comprehensive Pesticides Safety Directorate from the
on-the-job training and excellent Department of Food and Rural Affairs
support from her colleagues and to HSE, with a total of eleven years
managers while finding her feet in in the role. Before joining the civil
her new role: ‘There is such a friendly service, she held two post-doctoral
and engaging atmosphere in the posts focusing on ecotoxicological
office, I was made to feel welcome’. modelling, one in archaeology and
one in aquatic ecotoxicology.
Nell values the fact that she is
contributing to the safety of She is involved in all aspects of
consumers on a day-to-day basis ecotoxicology, mainly assessing the
and appreciates the atmosphere of risk from chemicals to all organisms
scientific discussion and working with (animal and plant) in the terrestrial
specialist colleagues. In addition to and aquatic environments. She has
her technical role, Nell is a member of retained her interest in ecological
the Learning and Development team modelling and has contributed
which enables her to mix with a wide to a number of international
range of colleagues from new recruits projects including ‘CREAM’, which of mechanistic effect modelling for
to senior managers. She says ‘I enjoy was a Marie Curie Initial Training risk assessment of plant protection
organising the training events and Network focussing on mechanistic products and the other evaluating a
NELL JOINED HSE as a regulatory hopefully I contribute to the continued effect models for ecological honey bee colony model for use in risk
chemist in June 2014 and works in development of my HSE colleagues’. risk assessment of chemicals assessment. She is also a UK flexible
HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division. and a Society of Environmental member of the European Chemicals
On a day to day basis Nell assesses Nell features on this video Toxicology and Chemistry workshop Agency Environment Working Group
the physical chemistry properties of (www.youtube.com/ aimed at providing guidance for biocides and attends EFSA peer
pesticide and biocide products and watch?v=3UDjUJ7Ni8g) where on applying ecological models review meetings on behalf of the UK.
active substances and evaluates specialist staff share their to regulatory risk assessment. Asked why she enjoys her job Melissa
residues data in food, conducting experiences of how they came says, ‘I’ve had an interest in ecology
consumer risk assessments. Prior to to HSE and the positive impact Melissa has also been involved in since I was a teenager and working
this Nell was studying for her PhD in it has had on their career. two European Food Safety Authority as an ecotox specialist allows me to
phosphorus/carbon main group (EFSA) expert groups: one producing apply my interest and knowledge to
chemistry. As a new recruit, Nell a Scientific Opinion on good protecting the environment. It can
found it interesting to discover the modelling practice in the context be challenging but never dull’.
10 / 56
Jules Tuvey Nick Bailey

Specialist diving inspector Diving safety scientist
JULES JOINED HSE in early 2012 NICK JOINED HSE in 2004 as a scuba
having worked at the University of diving specialist. He originally learned
Plymouth for 10 years. He qualified to dive during his time in the Royal Air
as an HSE Part 1 Commercial Diver Force, attaining a number of instructor
in 1997. Since graduating as a Civil qualifications. He then spent 9 years
and Coastal Engineer he taught HSE in the scuba diving industry, where he
Professional Scuba to scientific and developed his knowledge of scuba
engineering undergraduates and equipment and gained a number
took part in numerous postgraduate of manufacturer qualifications.
scientific diving projects. He was also
a part of the hyperbaric medical Much of his time at HSE has been
team at the local dive chamber, spent on incident investigations,
dealing with serious diving casualties both occupational and recreational.
and chronically ill patients. He Using laboratory apparatus that
has recently completed HSE’s can simulate dives under controlled
Regulatory Training Programme. conditions, Nick is able to forensically
inspect diving equipment, and carry
As a part of a team of regulatory out equipment tests at conditions
diving inspectors, Jules has worked similar to the incident being
with scientific, recreational, investigated. Work on scuba diving
media and commercial diving has given Nick a lot of experience of
contractors. His work has included part of the evidence either at inquest Jules Tuvey (left) and Nick Bailey dealing with hyperbaric conditions,
numerous inspections and accident or during a prosecution. During frequently used in the tunnelling
investigations including fatalities. one investigation microbiological industry, and he recently gave a
During a diving accident investigation, testing was carried out after potential keynote speech in Hong Kong at
faults with diving equipment may contamination was identified by Nick. the Occupational Safety and Health
be identified as a potential cause of Seminar. He says ‘I get the chance to
the incident. The equipment is sent Jules says ‘Commercial diving has do almost something new every day’.
to HSE’s Laboratory at Buxton, where always been regarded as a major
Nick Bailey undertakes thorough hazard industry and I know that we Nick has also worked on other aspects
testing regarding its performance, are increasing diving safety. The wide of personal protective equipment,
both against the Standards and for range of diving projects and the including respiratory protection,
the incident conditions. The scientific variety of people involved with them thermal stress and head protection.
reports produced can form a key makes the job really interesting’.
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William Harris Paul Brereton

Materials scientist Noise and vibration specialist inspector
As a materials scientist for HSE, Will

has been involved in a number of
high profile investigations helping to
minimise their risk of reoccurrence. Will
is also exposed to a range of research
projects spanning a variety of industry
sectors. He is currently involved in the
structuring and delivery of a Strategic
Research Program on ‘Advanced
Materials and Manufacturing’. This
research program focuses on various
aspects of both composite materials
and additively manufactured (3D FOR OVER TWENTY five years, Paul has that we can propose improvements
printed) materials. His involvement been helping HSE to equip industry with to EU Directives and European
in this project has allowed him to the advice and tools it needs to manage Standards when they are found weak.
present the research at a number of risks from occupational exposure to
internationally attended conferences. noise, hand-arm vibration and whole- Collaborative work with manufacturers
body vibration – to prevent deafness, of powered hand-tools and the most
WILL JOINED HSE in October 2013 Will says, ‘The varying nature of the dead hands and bad backs. Paul influential purchasers of those tools
straight from university. He is part of work I complete is really enjoyable contributes to our guidance on the good has contributed to large reductions
the Materials Science team at HSE’s and keeps me up to date on practice management and control of in the hand-arm vibration hazard in
Laboratory in Buxton. He specialises engineering techniques and practices those risks, provides training and advice tools available for purchase. Paul
in composite materials, primarily used across a wide range of industries. for our operational inspectors on and his team are now pursuing
their design and use in industry. Using modern engineering and reasonably practicable controls and widespread integration of proven
He is involved in HSE research and materials to help solve safety related assists at court as an expert witness. noise controls into new machinery.
incident investigation work, as well as issues is personally satisfying and
supporting a range of commercial helps support HSE’s objectives’. Paul works closely with our noise and Compliance of manufacturers with
customers with their research and vibration specialists to develop the their duty to produce machines with
has completed failure investigations knowledge that underpins negotiation minimum risk from noise and vibration
for global oil and gas companies. and drafting of fit for purpose makes it easier for employers to meet
Since joining HSE, Will has started legislation, standards and guidance their duty to manage the remaining
his PhD, researching the effect that for the protection of workers and for risk. Where non-compliance is found,
damage has on the safe continued free trade. Quality research ensures Paul and his team are ‘on hand to
use of composite materials used in that our advice on control of noise provide advice, assist with investigation
the offshore oil and gas industry. and vibration risks remains current and or provide expert evidence’.
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Alison Higgins and Bev Bishop

Social researchers and Joint Heads of Profession for social research
ALISON AND BEV work in the Economic Bev’s main areas of work have been safety. This has included developing Alison has a key role supporting
and Social Analysis Unit and have around evaluating the effectiveness an evaluation strategy for HSE and policy teams when conducting post
shared the role of Chief Social of our interventions and applying developing the ‘INSPECT’ tool to apply implementation reviews and was part
Researcher since 2012. They both behavioural insights to health and behavioural insights to health and safety. of the group who drafted the cross
joined HSE as principal researcher government guidance. Recently she
officers but with varied backgrounds has been working closely with policy
in social research. Alison started work colleagues, psychologists, and an
as a government social researcher in economist to assess the effectiveness
1997 and has previously worked for of the Control of Asbestos Regulations.
the Department for Communities and
Local Government and the Department Both Alison and Bev work closely with
of National Savings. Bev started her economists to provide evidence-
career as a university lecturer in 1993 informed impact assessments and
and has worked in analytical roles with specialist colleagues to design
in academia, research consultancy and conduct a variety of research
and government social research in projects to inform or evaluate our
the UK, New Zealand and Japan. interventions. The work is both
varied and multi-disciplinary.
The role of Head of Profession involves
setting the strategic direction of They represent HSE on external boards
the profession across government such as the Government Social
and delivering this within HSE, Research Board, Cross Government
for example through upholding Evaluation Group, UK Evaluation
professional and ethical standards Society, and the Paris Risk Group
and improving the use of social (an international network of social
science evidence in policy making. scientists working in risk agencies).
The role also involves supporting
existing Government Social Research
(GSR) members and ensuring new
members are recruited and promoted
in accordance with GSR standards.
Alison Higgins (left) and Bev Bishop
13 / 56
The Fluid Dynamics Team
THE FLUID DYNAMICS Team was set up

in 1998 to provide Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) modelling expertise
for HSE. The need for this expertise
was identified as a result of the 1987
King’s Cross fire where it was used to
help understand the phenomena
that led to rapid fire spread. The
Fluid Dynamics Team has evolved to
provide expertise in a wide range of
areas including occupational health,
as well as major hazards such as
fire, explosion and gas dispersion.
It provides support to HSE in many The Fluid Dynamics
different ways including research, Team (left to right):
regulation and incident investigation. Adrian Kelsey, Simon
Coldrick, James
Members of the team come from Hoyes, James Stewart,
different backgrounds including Matthew Ivings, Rachel
mathematics, engineering and Batt, Simon Gant,
particle physics with the majority of Andrew Newton
the team holding a PhD based on
CFD modelling. The team has wide
experience analysing and modelling the team is highly varied and no two the real world. As computers have Much of this work has been carried
fluid flows using approaches ranging pieces of work are ever the same. become more powerful and software out through European projects
from simple empirical/integral has become more accessible, models and collaborations with other
models to large complex three In hazard assessment, the ability to have advanced to the point where institutions that have similar needs
dimensional CFD simulations. predict consequences, rather than it is possible to create predictions and requirements to HSE. The team
measure them or wait to learn from an that appear highly realistic. A great publishes its work widely to help
The team work frequently within accident, is almost essential. However, deal of the team’s work involves promote best practice in the use of
large multi-disciplinary projects and since predictions are based on a evaluating models and developing models, share its work with industry
as a consequence carry out most simulation of reality there is always a formal procedures against which and to encourage the continued
of their work in collaboration with need to examine the correspondence models can be evaluated to assess improvement of models.
experimental scientists. The work of between the model predictions and whether predictions are fit for purpose.
14 / 56
HSE’s Priority Science Hub Leads
LAST YEAR, ENGAGEMENT with HSE The Hub Leads come from a variety of The individuals and their associated Priority Science Hubs are:
policy, enforcement and scientific academic backgrounds (including
specialists led to restructuring HSE’s mathematical modelling, materials Joe Januszewski Helen Pitts
portfolio of scientific work into six engineering, social science research, Regulatory frameworks, The right intervention strategy for
priority hubs. Each hub is led by a epidemiology and geospatial which are fit for the future the British industrial asset base
Priority Hub Lead. Although each data analysis) and bring a wealth Exploring issues such as - how will Exploring issues such as - how materials
Hub Lead is responsible for shaping of experience to the role. Each has current regulatory frameworks and structures degrade over time and
their own area of responsibility, a track record of undertaking high accommodate expected trends in ensuring we have effective, evidence-
collectively they contribute to ensuring impact science and all have a work demographics, working patterns, based safety checks, calibration,
we have the necessary scientific and strong understanding of the role of technologies, health hazards, and testing requirements for existing
analytical intelligence to underpin scientific and analytical evidence new uses for old substances. and new (newer) technologies.
our regulatory and commercial in the regulatory context and the
activities, and that the impact of our science-policy interface and have Yiqun Chen Nick Warren
science and evidence on the health the ability to take strategic oversight The right evidence for the future Taking responsibility for health at work
and safety system is maximised. of research activities. They work Exploring issues such as – what is the exploring issues such as - identifying
with a wide range of colleagues appropriate evidence to improve and and developing the evidence that
HSE’s Priority Hub Leads (left to across HSE e.g. policy makers, update our understanding of industry is needed to help people in the
right): Yiqun Chen, Helen Pitts, operational and communications issues and workforce targeting. health and safety system take more
Nick Warren, Steven Naylor, Helen staff, foresight and commercial responsibility for health at work.
Beers and Joseph Januszewski specialists and other scientists. Helen Beers
The impact of demographic Steven Naylor
changes on the health and Learning lessons from our
safety of the future workforce incident investigations
Exploring issues such as - the impact Exploring issues such as - the methods
of multigenerational working, by which the knowledge generated by
migration and other social trends our incident investigation activities are
on workforce skills, capabilities, captured, recorded and subsequently
safety culture and behaviour. stored. Joe says, ‘What I am enjoying
most about the role is being involved
with different regulatory colleagues to
develop common solutions. It’s great
to get into the detail of how regulators
discharge their responsibilities
and how science can help’.
15 / 56
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Case studies
Tackling Keeping Acting Managing Supporting Sharing
ill health pace with together risk well small our success
change employers
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Tackling ill health
Underpinning the new Health and Work Strategy for

Great Britain with best available evidence
THE NEW ‘HEALTH AND Work Strategy To ensure that the strategy and professionals, and current apprentices.
for Great Britain’ aims to be a catalyst associated plans are underpinned and The multi-stranded approach What were the benefits?
for delivering real and substantial informed by best available evidence, included: focussed reviews of recent
improvements in occupational HSE scientists refreshed the evidence scientific literature; focus groups During the refresh of the evidence
health. Stakeholder engagement base on health and work. A robust and and questionnaires; compilation of base on health and work,
on the draft strategy began with its pragmatic process was developed statistics; a prioritisation exercise; and engagement with external groups
publication in December 2016. to meet the timescales needed by foresight activity to explore the future was a hugely valuable sense
policy colleagues. This involved world of work. Engagement within HSE check to ensure that policy makers
contributions from: HSE’s scientific on the implications of the evidence and scientific experts were not
experts, policymakers and operations included a workshop-format event with developing ideas in isolation.
specialists; external scientific experts; the HSE Management Board facilitated The evidence refresh, combined
and external groups - health and safety by the HSE Chief Scientific Adviser with active engagement with
representatives, practising health care and the HSE Chief Medical Adviser. policymakers on its implications,
ensured that the draft Health and
Work Strategy is informed by best
available evidence. Perhaps most
importantly, the resulting health
priorities have been influenced
by some of those just embarking
on their own working lives.
For more details, see Developing

the evidence base for a new
health and work strategy for
Great Britain17, A man with a
Plan18 and draft Health and Work
Strategy for Great Britain and
plans: http://www.hse.gov.uk/
aboutus/strategiesandplans/
health-and-work-strategy/
18 / 56
Improving detection of exposure to carcinogens in the electroplating industry
HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (CRVI) The measurement of total chromium in A promising alternative might be
compounds are classified as both a urine sample is a widely accepted exhaled breath condensate (EBC). What were the benefits?
skin and respiratory sensitisers and biological monitoring practice for An EBC sample will represent what is
carcinogens. Occupational exposure exposure assessment. However, after present in the lungs, making it ideal for The study shows that all
can cause a range of health effects exposure to CrVI our bodies naturally understanding inhalation exposures workers within electroplating
from nosebleeds and skin irritation convert it to the non-toxic trivalent with the possibility of detecting companies can be exposed
to respiratory problems and cancer. form. Therefore, urinary chromium the toxic chromium form, CrVI. to CrVI compounds, including
Electroplating is one industry where levels will reflect both chromium bystanders. The publication of
workers are at significant risk of CrVI species and all exposure (for example Our specialists developed a novel this novel analytical method
exposure, primarily by inhalation. dietary and occupational). analytical method to separate and has improved scientific
measure both chromium species. understanding of exposure
A pilot study collected both urine and emphasised the need for
and EBC samples from workers exposure assessment and worker
potentially exposed to CrVI and a protection in order to ensure that
control group (not occupationally risks resulting from work activities
exposed). The occupational group are effectively controlled.
consisted of CrVI workers, bystander
workers and administrative staff For further details, see
within electroplating companies. The Development of a method for the
results showed that all workers had simultaneous detection of Cr(III)
significantly higher levels of CrVI in EBC and Cr(VI) in exhaled breath
than the control group, in addition to condensate samples using µLC-
higher total chromium levels in urine. ICP-MS19 , and for HSE information
on working with chromium, see
Chromium and you. Working with
chromium – are you at risk20 ?
19 / 56
Developing the evidence base to reduce lung disease

from exposure to respirable crystalline silica
Reliable measurement of workers’

exposure to RCS is essential to
understand the context of the health
information obtained through this
study. To this end we are developing
new techniques such as in-mask
sampling and Raman spectroscopy.
Our new miniature sampler fits inside
a worker’s RPE and has the potential
to make workplace exposure
measurements more relevant for
employers, occupational hygienists
and researchers alike. Allied to this,
in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam
University, we have improved the
sensitivity of RCS detection by using
Raman spectroscopy analysis.
Our interpretation of findings from the

workplace study has been enhanced
through the development of a ‘virtual
population disease model’. This is
UP TO HALF A MILLION workers are To better understand the risks from 2,500 sets of lung function a computer simulation of the GB
routinely exposed to respirable RCS and identify effective approaches measurements. The study includes workforce that allows the long-term
crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure can to protect workers’ health, we are piloting an intervention incorporating health and economic impact of
lead to a number of lung diseases undertaking a longitudinal study training for workers and managers, interventions to be evaluated. Working
including silicosis, Chronic Obstructive of RCS exposed workers in plus tailored advice on control with our scientific partners from the
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and stoneworking, brick-making and strategies. The participating sites Partnership for European Research
lung cancer. HSE research suggests foundries. We have undertaken have responded positively and on Occupational Safety and Health
that over 500 workers die each year comprehensive exposure and health are making changes to improve (PEROSH), we have used this model to
from lung cancer as a consequence assessments for approximately the control of RCS. The next phase estimate the number of cases of COPD
of RCS exposure. Even more are 700 workers from 30 sites. We have of the study will determine the that could potentially be prevented
likely to suffer from COPD caused made over 1,000 personal exposure impact of these measures. by rigorous compliance with a
or made worse by their exposure. measurements and more than proposed EU exposure limit for RCS.
20 / 56
Early indications are that HSE’s revised identified to HSE physicians. We are
guidance on health surveillance for now embarking on new research What were the benefits?
RCS exposed workers is leading to work to identify whether and to what
new cases of worker ill health being extent this is happening across GB. The evidence from this research programme is informing HSE’s
policymaking and operational activities to reduce the risks of occupational
lung disease from respiratory crystalline silica (RCS). It has:
›› supported engagement on against which future changes

improving working health and the impact of interventions
with the stoneworking, can be determined;
brickmaking and foundries ›› influenced the choice of
industries – industries where industries included in our targeted
RCS is a significant concern; inspection campaigns; and
›› provided a robust evidence ›› informed the supplementary
base on worker health in guidance that we provide
these three industries; on control of RCS exposure
›› provided benchmarks for and health surveillance
control, exposure and health for exposed workers.
For further information, see A microsimulation model for the development

and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease12 and
Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica
(RCS): Guidance for occupational health professionals4 .
21 / 56
Highlighting asbestos as a potential cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS The analysis confirmed a statistically last 40 years, both in men and women.
(IPF) is a rapidly progressive scarring significant association between the A similarly strong linear relationship What were the benefits?
disease of the lungs with no known rising annual mesothelioma and IPF between historic asbestos imports and
cause. The pattern of scarring in IPF mortality that has been seen over the mortality due to IPF was also noted. This study is the first to highlight
is however similar to that seen in asbestos as a potential cause for
asbestos-related fibrosis (asbestosis), IPF - an increasingly important
which in contrast is usually slowly global health problem. There
progressive. The incidence of IPF is has been significant interest
rising in the UK, with an estimated in this work from occupational
5,000 new cases per year without health specialists. Building on
any apparent explanation. Previous this finding, HSE specialists will
studies have demonstrated that the be undertaking a collaborative
rising mortality due to mesothelioma research project with Imperial
and asbestosis can be predicted College, London (funded by the
from historic asbestos usage. Wellcome Trust) to conduct the first
national case-control study of IPF,
To explore whether there could be estimating life-time occupational
a potential link between IPF and asbestos exposure by job titles.
asbestos exposure, our researchers
compared annual numbers of For further details, see Importance
deaths due to IPF, asbestosis and of past occupational exposures in
mesothelioma (an asbestos-related the rising incidence of idiopathic
pleural cancer). They also looked pulmonary fibrosis in the UK21, UK
to see if there was a relationship asbestos imports and mortality
between historic national asbestos due to idiopathic pulmonary
imports, and numbers of deaths. fibrosis 22 and Estimating lifetime
As there a long time gap between asbestos exposure in patients with
asbestos exposure and disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 23 .
development, the research considered
imports 48 years prior to death.
22 / 56
Understanding the extent of health risks from respirable

crystalline silica in the railway industry
What were the benefits?
This work has given the rail

industry clear direction to better
understand the risk to workers
from RCS exposure during ballast
handling. This evidence will enable
better targeting within the industry
of available resource to improve
the control of risks to health.
RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE silica (RCS) better understand the issue. Firstly, ›› Three trackside visits to review risk
is a major cause of long latency our specialists liaised with a range control and working practices on
occupational lung disease in Great of industry stakeholders to scope common ballast handling activities.
Britain. Rail industry stakeholders the problem. Based on the findings, ›› Production of a specification
have identified that worker exposure a targeted programme of work document for the rail industry to
to RCS is an issue within their sector was agreed with RSSB focussing use when procuring exposure
but do not fully understand the extent on ballast handling activities. measurement services.
of the health risk. The Rail Safety and Ballast is the crushed stone used ›› A comprehensive review of existing
Standards Board therefore brought as a bed for railway tracks. The RCS exposure monitoring data.
in our occupational hygienists to programme of work comprised: ›› The proposal of an exposure
monitoring programme for the
rail industry to develop evidence
to enable them to better assess Funding Source:
the health risk to workers from RCS Rail Safety and Standards
exposure in ballast related activities. Board (RSSB)
23 / 56
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Keeping pace with change
Evaluation of hazardous substance consequence models

applied to new technologies and materials
TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC from major To address this knowledge gap, the confidence can be given to existing
incidents involving the use, storage ‘SAPHEDRA’ European platform was consequence models and tools when What were the benefits?
and transportation of hazardous started in 2015 with seven collaborating they are used for assessing new and
substances, risk assessments are used organisations. This collaboration is emerging risks. Within the collaboration, Our specialists have provided input
to inform decision-making by both developing a procedure and a set HSE researchers have reviewed existing to this European platform based
industry and regulators. Mathematical of experimental data to evaluate model evaluation protocols and made on their extensive knowledge
consequence models for the release, consequence models and tools. The recommendations for the structure and and experience of evaluating
dispersion, fire and explosion of procedure’s aim is to understand what content of the evaluation method. consequence models for use in
hazardous substances are used in major hazard risk assessment.
these risk assessments. However, the The outcome of their review is
reliability of existing consequence now published and is being used
models and tools can be uncertain as part of the ongoing wider
when they are used for assessing new scientific collaborative work. The
materials, new technologies, or old overall aim is to support robust
technologies used in new contexts. For risk assessments by industry
instance, new contexts could include and regulators for new and
assessing the risks of hydrogen in emerging technological risks.
refuelling stations, and transportation
of imported liquefied natural gas. For details, see the website
at http://projects.safera.eu/
project/14. This includes details
of the model evaluation approach
and a list of experimental data
suitable for the validation
of consequence models. For
the HSE report see: Review of
consequence model evaluation
protocols for major hazards under
the EU SAPHEDRA platform24 .
24 / 56
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Keeping pace with change
Decontamination: protecting first responders, healthcare workers, patients and the public
AIRBORNE DISINFECTION, air Our microbiologists use their

purification and other interventions considerable experience of What were the benefits?
can be used to limit the spread of decontamination testing for the
infectious microorganisms, such evaluation of products and equipment Our decontamination service
as MRSA and Ebola. This helps used in areas such as biosafety, has informed effective
to protect workers such as first biosecurity, pharmaceuticals and decontamination of areas such
responders, healthcare workers healthcare. As part of this work we as hospitals, emergency vehicles
and others who may come in to assess the effectiveness of numerous and accident sites and to advise
regular contact with hazardous types of test equipment, including on decontamination in the event of
microorganisms or following an automated room fumigation systems, malicious releases, protecting the
accidental or malicious release. UV light carousels and filter based workforce and public from infection.
air purifiers. Using our controlled
atmospheric chamber we are able For further details of our
to create bespoke microbiological decontamination research,
test atmospheres and surface see Comparison of multiple
challenges to independently verify systems for laboratory whole
the effectiveness of these systems room fumigation25 , Proven
for our customers. To achieve this we and Praised – new technology
prepare microbiological challenges goes anywhere to kill infectious
comprising bacteria, spores and viral organisms 26 , Increased efficacy
materials, all carefully cultured and of pulsed UV-C against microbial
presented on a variety of surfaces pathogens 27, Expert assessments
or as an airborne ‘bioaerosol’. help fight infection28 , and
Vomiting Larry: a simulated
Recently our team of internationally vomiting system for assessing
recognised experts has been asked environmental contamination
to assist Thales Alenia Space UK, from projectile vomiting related
providing rigorous, independent to norovirus infection29 .
microbiological assurance that
their Inertial Measurement Unit
for the Airbus Rover Module for Funding source:
the ‘ExoMars 2020’ Programme, Commercial Service. Includes
will be free of microbiological funding by Thales Alenia Space
contamination when it leaves Earth UK, Thales Alenia Space Italy,
for operation on the surface of Mars. European Space Agency
25 / 56
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Acting together
Improving the safety of firefighters breathing apparatus
THE FIRE SERVICE, along with the other It is possible that moisture ingress series of breathing simulator testing
emergency services, often put their identified might have been an regimes, using different breathing What were the benefits?
lives at risk while providing a service inevitable consequence of quick, apparatus units in controlled
to the British public; it is paramount repeated re-use of breathing experimental environments, to This research has provided
their equipment works correctly. For apparatus; particularly in large scale determine the cause of the moisture valuable information to the fire
firefighters, breathing apparatus, which fire incidents and during training ingress. An evaluation of repeated service to enhance the safety of
enables them to enter hazardous exercises. Our experts carried out a cylinder charging was also carried out. firefighters. Our recommendations
environments is one such item of key have been used to review their
importance. Our researchers have procedures relating to the quick
carried out independent breathing re-use of breathing apparatus,
apparatus incident investigations, how they charge their cylinders
looking at the failure of pressure and how they monitor their
gauges and warning whistles. The breathable air quality.
findings pointed to a potential build-
up of moisture in the pneumatics For more information, see
of the breathing apparatus, which Respiratory protective equipment
could potentially cause harm to those at work: a practical guide30 ,
relying on this piece of equipment. Striking the balance between
operational and health and safety
duties in the Fire and Rescue
Service31, Common Causes of
breathing apparatus failure32 , Are
firefighters ‘fit’ enough to wear
a respirator? 33 and The benefits
of a collaborative approach
to scientific research34 .
Funding source
Chief Fire Officers Association
26 / 56
Investigation into the Alton Towers fairground ride incident
THE HORRIFIC CRASH on the Smiler

Ride at Alton Towers in June 2015 What were the benefits?
injured 16 people including two
teenage girls who required leg During the prosecution, HSE
amputations. Their carriage crashed incident investigation specialists
into an empty carriage stalled provided impartial expert evidence
midway round the 14-loop ride. for the court. Sentencing, Judge
Michael Chambers QC said ‘This
A multi-disciplinary HSE team was a needless and avoidable
conducted a fast-paced investigation accident’. Merlin Attractions
into the causes of the incident. Operations, the fairground
The investigation by specialists in operator, were subsequently
engineering, control systems and fined £5 million after admitting
advanced imaging focused on: the health and safety breaches
reason for the empty car stalling; that directly led to the crash.
the workings of the electrical control
system designed to stop the ride in the For HSE 3D graphics of the Smiler
event of a fault; and the operation and ride, see https://www.youtube.
management of the ride by fairground com/watch?v=KPFjJxqYJ3I
staff. Using CCTV footage and laser
scans, the team confirmed that high For more information and
gusting wind had contributed to the guidance on safe practice in
empty carriage stalling. The focus of fairgrounds and amusement
the investigation then moved to the parks, see: http://www.hse.gov.
safety-related systems which directed uk/pUbns/priced/hsg175.pdf
the progress of the trains through the
ride. This identified that operational
errors led to the collision. Investigators
found the root cause to be a lack of
detailed arrangements for making
safety-critical decisions. The whole
system, from training through to fixing
faults, was insufficiently robust to
prevent a catastrophic outcome.
27 / 56
Estimating the costs to Britain of work-related cancer
UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMIC and Our economists, with support from effects on quality of life, and loss of
wider impacts of work-related cancer our epidemiologists and statisticians, life in the case of fatal cancers. The What were the benefits?
is important to inform HSE’s regulatory undertook new research to estimate analysis accounts for a broad range of
decision making and engagement in monetary terms the total annual impacts from work-related cancer and This is the first estimate of the
with stakeholders on the case for economic burden of new cases how the costs fall to different groups: costs of work-related cancer
proportionate risk management in of work-related cancer in Britain in individuals, employers, government, in Britain. It provides the most
the workplace. Monetised estimates 2010. This novel research included a and society as a whole. The research comprehensive indicator of
are used by HSE in Regulatory Impact methodology to value the ‘human derived estimates for all 24 work the overall burden on society
Assessments and other evaluations costs’ of cancer, over and above related cancer types identified in the available. The results suggest
and economic analyses. financial impacts, in terms of the HSE Cancer Burden Study, which was that the total economic costs of
published in 2010, based on both the new cases of work-related cancer
known and probable carcinogens in GB in 2010, arising from past
classified by the International working conditions, were around
Agency for Research on Cancer. £12.3 billion. Individuals bear the
vast majority of the costs of work-
related cancer. The results are now
informing HSE decision making
and the case for proportionate risk
management in the workplace.
For further details, see Costs to

Britain of work-related cancer35 .
28 / 56
Developing a survey for dutyholders who have received an inspection visit
TO OBTAIN FEEDBACK from dutyholders being surveyed. It is mailed every The evidence from the responses is that
who have received an inspection visit, month to a random sample of 10% most dutyholders respond positively: What were the benefits?
our statisticians designed a concise of businesses who have received an 89% of dutyholders who responded
Dutyholder Survey. The survey aims to inspection visit. The average response to the survey stated they had taken The Dutyholder Survey has
test the assumption that our interventions rate is 45%. Our statisticians collate action as a result of an inspector’s provided insights about how it
are effectively focussed and do not the results and provide a monthly visit. The results also ‘continue to feels to be on the receiving end
impose unnecessary burdens on those report to colleagues across HSE. indicate a high level of satisfaction of an intervention. There are
with HSE and the way we conduct data for two years (2014/15 and
inspections’36. For instance, in 2015/16: 2015/16) and this is now being
84% of those surveyed considered used in more detail to identify
that inspection was done in an any areas for improvement.
efficient and effective manner; 81%
considered that the inspector provided For further details see, the
practical advice; and 82% considered Dutyholder Survey results in HSE’s
that the outcome of the visit was Annual Report 2015-16 pages
proportionate to risks identified. 17-18 at http://www.hse.gov.uk/
aboutus/reports/ara-2015-16.pdf
Our statisticians have since widened
the remit of their survey work to
provide a survey design, control and
analysis service for HSE colleagues.
29 / 56
Estimating the failure frequencies of major accident hazard pipelines
MOST MAJOR ACCIDENT hazard One of the inputs to HSE’s flammable specialists have updated the
pipelines transport flammable fuels pipeline risk assessments is the existing version. This included: What were the benefits?
at high pressure. In the event of a ‘PIPIN’ (PIPeline INtegrity) model for
release, the fuel could ignite and determining failure frequencies. ›› Updating the historical incident The updated model ensures
potentially harm people in the PIPIN uses two approaches: one data used by analysing that HSE’s land-use planning
vicinity. HSE provides advice to local based on operational experience information from the UK Onshore advice is based on robust up-
planning authorities on planning data, and a predictive model that Pipeline Operators’ Association to-date evidence on failure
applications near these pipelines. uses structural reliability techniques and European-wide sources. frequencies. This contributes
The aim of this advice is to mitigate to predict the failure frequency due ›› Developing an enhanced to ensuring that HSE advice to
the effects of a major accident on to third party activity only. To ensure numerical solution method. local planning authorities is not
the population. The advice is based that PIPIN reflects best available ›› Updating the model’s scientific overly cautious, thus enabling
on ‘cautious best estimates’ of risk. information, our risk estimation basis in liaison with our development and growth while
engineers and metallurgists. safeguarding the public.
The updated model was tested using For further details, see HSE
the specifications for several hundred research reports 37–41, Failure
pipelines representative of the GB data within PIPIN42 and Major
pipeline network. On average, the accident hazard pipeline
predicted failure frequencies were failure frequency calculation
reduced. In the majority of cases, using fracture mechanics43 .
this leads to either no change or a
reduction in the size of the land-use
planning zones around pipelines
that are used to provide advice
to local planning authorities.
30 / 56
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Managing risk well
Understanding ‘people factors’ that drive safety culture

improvements at a timber and builders’ merchants
AFTER SURVEYING THEIR staff using

our Safety Climate Tool, Ridgeons, a What were the benefits?
large Timber and Builders’ merchants
needed to better understand The combined survey and focus
the “people factors” driving their group intervention helped to
internal survey results. The company raise overall safety awareness
wanted a clearer understanding levels in the company. Other
of staff opinions, and how these benefits included benchmarking
influenced safety culture, in order their survey scores against
to enhance safety performance. other organisations, providing
a baseline against which to
Our experts worked with Ridgeons measure future performance.
to run four focus groups with front
line staff and supervisors. The focus Ridgeons said “The focus groups
groups gave staff an opportunity to worked due to the independence
explain their understanding of the of [the] facilitator and the output
key issues arising from the survey. As gave us meaningful direction for
our facilitators were not part of the the next phase of our H&S journey”.
company, their independence was
seen as important in obtaining open For further information on our
and accurate feedback. The feedback Safety Climate Tool, see
provided a solid basis for further http://www.hsl.gov.uk/
interpretation and understanding of products/safety-climate-
the survey findings. Staff feedback tool, The development of HSL’s
was seen by the company as a key Safety Climate Tool – a revision
input to formulating a viable and of health and safety climate
meaningful action plan to develop survey tool44 , and Developing
their safety culture and performance. a benchmarking service for
HSL Safety Climate Tool45 .
Funding source:
Ridgeons Ltd
31 / 56
Improving understanding of very large vapour cloud explosions
MAJOR INCIDENTS WORLDWIDE at: Buncefield, UK (2005); Amuay, is to increase understanding of the
have involved large vapour cloud Venezuala (2012) which resulted in physics of very large vapour cloud What were the benefits?
explosions. Very large vapour clouds 41 fatalities and over 86 casualities; explosions . In particular, it is important
extending to many hundreds of San Juan, Puerto Rico (2009); and to identify what circumstances The review has shown how safety
metres from the leak point have Jaipur, India (2009) which resulted in lead to a severe explosion rather assessments for large sites that
occurred at a range of sites such as 11 fatalities and over 200 casualties. than a less harmful flash fire. store and process flammable
fuel depots, refineries and pipelines. These incidents have shown that substances should be modified
For instance, in less than a decade, one important need for improving HSE specialists have collaborated to give an improved analysis of
there were catastrophic explosions the assessment and control of risks with the US Department of Transport risk. The study has also shown the
to review historical vapour cloud potential benefit of flammable
explosion incidents. The research has gas detection systems in reducing
identified two major findings. Firstly, risk. These are particularly useful
most of the major incidents with the where a large cloud would
most disastrous consequences were accumulate over a long period,
caused by relatively small but sustained when time is available to track
leaks in very low wind speeds. In down and isolate the leak before
these weather conditions, vapour an explosion can occur. This is
accumulated around the source of the important for protecting workers
leak and only moved away under the and safeguarding the public.
influence of gravity. The vapour clouds
were still flammable many hundreds of For further details see the
metres from the leak point. Secondly, project report Vapor cloud
the research identified that once a very explosion historical review46
large cloud forms, it is very likely that and A review of very large
a severe explosion will occur rather vapour cloud explosions47.
than a flash fire. In fact, no examples
of flash fires in very large gasoline
clouds were identified. This type of
scenario is currently not included
in many risk assessments, and has
not been the normal assumption in Funding source:
emergency planning. Therefore, these US Department of
findings have significant implications Transportation Pipelines and
for the assessment, control, and Hazardous Materials Safety
mitigation of major flammable risks. Administration and HSE
32 / 56
Reducing Legionella outbreaks associated with cooling towers
LEGIONELLA IS AN infectious HSE’s Legionella Committee asked our

bacterium capable of growing microbiology specialists to analyse What were the benefits?
in warm water systems in the built the underlying causes of these
environment. It spreads via droplets Improvement Notices. Sometimes This identification of the most
and aerosols, causing the lung there were multiple reasons, and we common causes of compliance
infection Legionnaires’ disease. recorded 501 failings. These included: failure is being used by HSE to
Major outbreaks can result, with target areas to improve dutyholder
multiple infections and fatalities, ›› 114 attributable to inadequate compliance. Improved compliance
through colonisation of industrial risk assessment (not being up should reduce the likelihood of
evaporative cooling systems (cooling to date or incomplete); legionella colonisation in cooling
towers). Over a 10 year period, 229 ›› 136 attributable to poor written towers and associated infection
cases with 10 fatalities had been control schemes (being absent or risk. Follow-up inspections are
attributed to such systems in Britain48. lacking sufficient information); and being conducted at selected
Consequently, HSE and the Office ›› 247 attributable to poor sites to assess improvements in
for Nuclear Regulation initiated an implementation of control schemes compliance and to ensure that
inspection programme of dutyholders (cooling towers not being cleaned risks to the workforce and public
with cooling towers, to determine or properly checked, lack of are effectively controlled.
compliance with the standards training of responsible persons).
described in HSE’s Approved Code of For more information, see
Practice (L8). Inspections of 1,906 sites Legionnaires’ disease. The
with cooling towers were carried out control of legionella bacteria in
between April 2013 and August 2014. water systems. Approved Code
Compliance was assessed against of Practice and guidance49
agreed criteria and contraventions and Control of legionella:
of health and safety law were Inspection of evaporative cooling
found at 33% of sites. Improvement systems and investigation of
Notices were served at 12% of sites. outbreaks of Legionnaires’
disease50 . Data were presented
at a major UK conference
attended by key stakeholders,
Combating Legionella 51.
33 / 56
Understanding the hazards posed by flammable oil mists
This joint project has shown there is

a specific hazard from low pressure
fuel leaks that was not recognised
before but can now be controlled
safely. It has also shown that in
some cases costly hazardous area
classification around an oil system
is not necessary. In a broader
context, this work is one more
step towards improved guidance
for all oil mist situations helping
to reduce the risk to workers.
For further details, see Area

classification of flammable
HIGH FLASHPOINT OILS do not normally HSE was joined by 15 other that computational fluid dynamics mists: summary of joint-industry
produce flammable atmospheres. organisations to advance models could predict droplet sizes project findings 52 , and for more
Under some circumstances, for understanding of the formation of and concentrations with reasonable information on Hazardous Area
example if a leak in a pressurised ignitable mists. A literature review accuracy, allowing a wider study Classification and Control of
system creates a fine mist of oil confirmed that information was of the size of flammable cloud that Ignition Sources, see www.
droplets, they could still pose relatively sparse and sometimes might be produced different leaks. hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/
a hazard. There is very limited contradictory or inconclusive. Using techmeasareaclas.htm
understanding of the formation equipment at Cardiff University,
and ignition of oil mists, and so practical tests showed that different
current guidance on such hazards is fluids could have significantly different
limited, brief, and largely qualitative. behaviour. For example, kerosene mist
This means that dutyholders (and could be ignited at the lowest leak
regulators) lack the information to pressure tested while one hydraulic
accurately assess any hazardous fluid was difficult to ignite even at high
area around a given oil system. pressures. Modelling work showed Funding source:
HSE Joint Industry Project
with industry sponsors
34 / 56
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Supporting small employers
Engagement with small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

on the risks of respirable crystalline silica
HSE HAS A SIGNIFICANT programme The Mineral Products Association We accept it…’53. This initial link has
of research on the risks to workers of (MPA) has also worked very closely since enabled an excellent dialogue What were the benefits?
ill health from respirable crystalline with HSE during this research. Professor to develop on the development of
silica exposures (see pages 4, 20 Fishwick and HSE’s Chief Inspector of practical workplace interventions This engagement is allowing our
and 23). This is providing significant Construction were invited to address to reduce silica-related ill health. technical specialists to discuss
opportunities for engagement their annual Health and Safety Award and learn about the practical
between HSE researchers, including Conference in November 2015. Finally, this research has led to issues faced by those working in
HSE’s Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Nigel Jackson, MPA’s Chief Executive new opportunities to engage with SMEs, and is disseminating key
David Fishwick, and the worksites and said: ‘It is clear from the debate that the Institution of Occupational messages to help SMEs further
industrial sectors involved. Much of health needs to be elevated to a Safety and Health, leading to two reduce the health risks posed by
this involves SMEs. For example, work position equivalent to that of safety workplace seminars, targeted at silica exposure. For further details,
with the British Ceramic Confederation, and that the challenge to MPA and workers themselves, relating to dust see David Fishwick speaking at the
one of our collaborators for this its members has been clearly set. exposures and respiratory ill health. British Ceramic Confederation 2016
research, has led to invited speaker Conference: https://www.youtube.
roles for Professor Fishwick. The aim is: com/watch?v=fcUn1emU80U
›› To allow a technical two-way

discussion between those who
run SMEs and HSE’s researchers to
enable a mutual understanding
of the problems faced by
modern workplaces, and
how to develop solutions.
›› To disseminate within the sector
the key messages on solutions
to improving worker health.
Professor David Fishwick

presenting to the Mineral
Products Association
35 / 56
Improving health-related risk assessments in the workplace
GOOD QUALITY RISK assessments for For small to medium-sized enterprises Our occupational health experts
health related issues are central to (SMEs), managing workplace developed a course to help the What were the benefits?
effective health risk management in risks shouldn’t be complicated or general health and safety practitioner
the workplace. However, there is often costly. Delegate feedback from better understand the ‘invisible’ This course provides access to our
less confidence and understanding our other health related training risks associated with exposure to expertise on health-related risk
amongst general health and safety courses indicated a need for hazardous substances, noise and assessments. Our delegates have
practitioners when it comes to the a course dealing specifically vibration. We aim to encourage a included both SME dutyholders
‘health’ side of health and safety. with health risk assessment. more confident approach to these and health and safety consultants
issues. The course explains how to who support SMEs. Sharing our
conduct risk assessments to meet knowledge via the course supports
legal requirements, and importantly, a key element of the Helping
how risk assessment should fit Great Britain Work Well strategy,
into an overall risk management giving SMEs simple advice so
programme. We aim to debunk they know what they have to do.
the myth that risk assessment is a Delegate feedback has included:
pointless, bureaucratic burden by
showing that effective actions to ‘[The] course delivered very well
reduce harm and protect the health with enthusiasm from lecturers,’
of workers, should all flow from an Graeme Kay, Promtek Ltd.
effective risk assessment process.
‘Excellent insight into basic health
assessment need…’
Sandra Babbings,
Prohms Health Care.
For further information see: http://

www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-
training-courses/improving-your-
health-related-risk-assessments
36 / 56
Using videos of real-life worker ill health stories to help drive

home key messages for protecting health
be filmed during an interview with

Professor David Fishwick. David is What were the benefits?
HSE’s Chief Medical Adviser and a
practising respiratory physician with These videos have allowed HSE’s
the NHS. David worked closely with occupational health specialists
both Terry and HSE policy colleagues to use real life personal ill health
to develop an appropriate storyboard. stories to help make the point
Terry then told his story to camera; that ill health caused by work has
using his own words. Although various a very real human cost. David
final versions of the video were Fishwick says, ‘all of those with the
produced for differing audiences and responsibility to reduce health risks
uses, each summarised the health to workers should work collectively
problems that Terry now has to deal to prevent the “next Terry”.
with every day of his life, the impact
of these problems on his life, and the For further details see the HSE
key messages he had for younger videos with Terry the Stonemason
workers, workplaces and regulators. https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=mHacjn4qjoQ
This video has been viewed regularly and Phil the Welder at
from HSE’s website and YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/
It has been shown at a variety of watch?v=z8J_Uc_BifY
HSE, and external events that are
considering how best to get simple
preventative health messages over
DURING HSE INTERVENTIONS to reduce Through our programme of research to a variety of audiences including
occupational asthma, we developed on the risks to workers of ill health from workers and dutyholders in small
videos of a real-life sufferer’s story respirable crystalline silica exposures and medium enterprises. Given its
to use as part of communicating (see pages 4, 20 and 23), our team of resonance with audiences, Terry’s
with workers and dutyholders about occupational health specialists has wife, Christine, has also recently
risks. We found that these videos with access to workers, and patients, who been filmed giving her view on the
‘Phil the Welder’ are a powerful way were previously exposed to silica, but same set of events, bringing out very
of driving home key messages. have gone on to develop chronic emotionally the tragic personal,
lung problems including silicosis. family and wider consequences
Terry, a stonemason from Merseyside of having a family member made
who developed silicosis, agreed to ill by workplace exposures.
37 / 56
HSE Annual Science Review 2017 Case studies | Sharing our success
Developing a forecasting model for surface water flood impacts
FLOODING IN THE UK can be HSE researchers worked with project Our team led the development of the
devastating for the people affected. partners in the meteorological and impact component, using a novel What were the benefits?
Flooding of homes, businesses and hydrological sciences to develop approach that undertakes the
infrastructure can have impacts on a forecasting tool for operational majority of the detailed processing The tool was embedded within
physicial and psychological health, implementation in the forecasting in advance so that operational Met Office systems and trialled
damage property, and cause severe systems at the UK Met Office. The tool flooding advice can be generated for case study flooding events
disruption of transport and networks. applies innovative methods linking quickly. Validation of the tool has during summer and autumn 2016.
Surface water flooding is particularly cutting edge weather forecasting been undertaken based on an The tool has provided valuable
dangerous as it is hard to forecast, and and impact assessment to provide innovative approach using news new information to forecasters
is dependent on rapidly occurring, rolling assessments of the surface reports developed in partnership during the trial phase. Full
localised extreme rainfall events. water flood risk in England. with King’s College London. operational implementation
at the Met Office will help
Preparing for, and responding, the forecasters provide more
to flooding events requires timely informed risk advice to responders
and informed advice, based responsible for civil protection.
on up-to-date information and
scientific understanding. Evidence For further information, see the
from recent flooding events has project reports available on
prompted a demand for warning Natural Hazards Partnership
systems that account for both the website http://www.
flood hazard and the impacts. naturalhazardspartnership.org/
science/hims/surface-water-
flooding/, Natural Hazards
Partnership Surface Water Flooding
Hazard Impact Model: Phase 2
Final Report 2016 54 and A surface
water flooding impact library
for flood risk assessment55 .
Funding source:
Flood Forecasting Centre
38 / 56
Aeroengine fire test facility to support aircraft safety
Working with leading

aircraft engine and airframe
manufacturers, tests with our new
aeroengine facility contribute
in an important way to the
safety of future aeroplanes and
help protect the passengers
and crew that fly on them.
For more information, see

http://www.hsl.gov.uk/what-
we-do/fire-resistance-testing-
and-fire-proof-testing
AVIATION SAFETY HAS a high profile For several years up to 2015, a team of At the end of 2015, HSE invested
across the world, and accidents HSE researchers had been supporting in a new, automated, facility and
have devastating personal and an external contractor to deliver training for our staff to enable us
societal impacts. The aircraft such tests at our Buxton site. However, to deliver component tests to the
industry is very aware of the need customer demand was exceeding required international standard.
for engineering controls to manage that partnership’s available resource.
the risks to aircraft users. As part of
the demonstration of airworthiness,
fire-critical parts of aeroengines,
including structural components,
control systems and fire separation
wall seals, all need to be tested to Funding source
show they can perform effectively Commercial service
in the event of an emergency.
39 / 56
Fire testing of fuel tanks for wheelchair-adapted vehicles
MOST VEHICLE FUEL tanks are made out

of steel. In some cases, for example What were the benefits?
where only a small number of tanks
are required or where complex shapes Together with the other tests,
are needed, moulded plastic tanks the fire test helps ensure that
have clear advantages. In order to be the vehicles in use on our roads
approved for use on the roads, such are safe. The recent work on
fuel tanks need to pass a whole range adapted vehicle tanks will
of strength and integrity tests, including help to increase mobility and
test for behaviour in the event of a fire. travel options for wheelchair
users, potentially helping to
A team of HSE specialists provide improve their quality of life.
a commercial service for the full
range of this testing. Probably the The testing carried out at
most challenging, and certainly the Buxton meets the requirements
most spectacular, of these tests is of UNECE Regulation No. 34:
the fire test. The most recent of these Uniform provisions concerning the
tests was carried out on behalf of a approval of vehicles with regard
client who converts vehicles to carry to the prevention of fire risks 56 .
wheelchairs. A modified bodyshell
containing the new, plastic tank is
mounted over a set of rails that allow
a large pan of burning petrol to be
moved underneath it. After 60 seconds,
the intensity of the fire is reduced by
placing a perforated screen above it.
The fire continues to burn for another
60 seconds before being removed.
This simulates a fire from burning petrol
spreading underneath the vehicle,
perhaps spilled from another car
involved in a serious road accident.
Funding source:
Allied Mobility
40 / 56
Supporting international development through sharing

knowledge on regulating the oil and gas sector
We worked together to strengthen

cooperation, coordination and
information sharing related
to the development, oversight
and enforcement of safety and
environmental protection of oil
and gas resources, enabling the
regulator and safeguarding the
workforce, public and environment.
For further information on HSE’s

approach to control of major
accident hazard sites on and
offshore see www.hse.gov.
uk/comah/, www.hse.gov.uk/
offshore/offshore-oil-and-gas.
pdf and http://www.hse.gov.
IN 2013 THE MEXICAN Congress independent regulator that oversees of management arrangements, uk/pubns/books/l154.htm
approved a bill to allow companies the oil and gas industry, to safeguard sharing elements of good regulatory
other than state-owned to pursue the workers, public and environment. practice and identifying health and
enterprises in the national oil and gas safety training needs. As part of this
sector for the first time since 1938. This ASEA sought HSE’s experience we held workshops for ASEA staff and
“Energy Reform” required enhancing as a respected world leading supported industry engagement
Mexico’s institutional framework to offshore regulator. HSE carried out a events in Mexico. The success of
promote the successful opening project funded by the UK Foreign & the project led to follow-up support
up of the sector. In this context the Commonwealth Office’s Prosperity to provide training focussed on
National Agency for Industrial Safety Fund to support ASEA as Mexico major accident hazard awareness
and Environmental Protection of moved away from a self-regulation and prevention. This included
the Hydrocarbons Sector (ASEA) model within the national oil working visits to the HSE’s Health and
was created as a decentralised company to having an independent Safety Laboratory in Buxton and to Funding source:
administrative body of the Ministry regulator. This knowledge transfer Aberdeen where a number of UK UK Foreign & Commonwealth
of Environment (SEMARNAT). It is an project included independent review companies shared their expertise. Office’s Prosperity Fund
41 / 56
Identifying interventions to reduce private vehicle load security issues on the road network
Highways England Traffic Officers Our specialists were asked to undertake they sell to help customers transport
work on the Strategic Road Network to a project to identify interventions to goods by road. An assessment of the What were the benefits?
remove debris and deal with incidents. reduce the occurrence of load loss retailer’s customer interface (services,
This is important for keeping traffic incidents on the Highways England’s signage and provisions) in relation to This work led to a number of
moving and reducing delays. Traffic network. As part of this project, a loading and load securing, collection practical recommendations
Officers in the East Midlands Region consultation process was held with and delivery was made, as well as for both Highways England and
highlighted to our team that they Highways England and the furniture an assessment of the load securing the furniture retailer to reduce
regularly attend incidents on the M1 retailer; staff were asked about their straps sold by the retailer. Observations the risk of shed loads. This will
motorway corridor involving shed understanding of the issues and their of activities within the store’s loading help both organisations work
loads they believe to have originated existing policies and procedures. They area were undertaken during the day, together to prevent potential road
from a nearby furniture retailer. were also asked about the equipment on a weekend, and on an evening incidents, and reduce disruption
during the week to explore any to the Strategic Road Network.
variation in purchases or behaviour.
The information gathered during For further details, see Load
these exercises was used to identify Securing: Vehicle Operating
possible interventions to reduce the Guidance, 2015, DVSA57.
occurrence of load loss incidents.
YouTube videos: Load securing:
roles and responsibilities ;
Load security: how DVSA
enforces the rules and Load
security; consequences of
poor load security58 .
For more information on our work

on heavy goods vehicle safety,
see The use of vehicle structure
in load securing on heavy goods
vehicles 59 and Access to and
work on flatbed vehicles 60 .
Funding source:
Highways England
42 / 56
Safeguarding the public: Technical advice to the Singaporean government

on quantified risk assessment guidelines for major hazards
SINGAPORE HAS AN industrial zone

with a high density of major hazard What were the benefits?
installations, including petrochemical
and other chemical industries, The new Quantified Risk
focussed on Jurong Island and the Assessment guidelines have
nearby mainland. This includes been issued, supporting the
strategically important industries management and control of
including three refineries. HSE was major accident hazard risks to
asked to help the government of safeguard the public in Singapore.
Singapore to provide detailed advice Following on from this work, HSE
on new technical guidelines and is supporting Singapore in its
criteria for land planning decisions, move to a UK style Control of
to enable cumulative risk from the Major Accident Hazard (COMAH)
industrial operations to be evaluated safety case approach – a growing
in order to safeguard the public. trend worldwide. A formal
Memorandum of Understanding
We provided an in depth analysis with the Ministry of Manpower has
of their current criteria and risk been agreed to further enable
assessment methodologies, cooperation across a wide range
comparing this with other approaches of health and safety topic areas.
taken across the world. We developed
new quantified risk assessment For other information on
guidelines and the criteria for toxic, HSE’s approach to land use
flammable and explosive hazards planning for major accident
that allow consistent proportionate hazard sites, see http://www.
decisions on land use planning to be hse.gov.uk/landuseplanning/
taken on a sound scientific basis. These about.htm and HSE’s land use
guidelines were supplemented by planning methodology61.
substantial guidance documents and
stakeholder meetings with industry
and senior figures from government
agencies to support engagement. Funding Source:
Singapore Economic Development Board, leading a consortium of
agencies: the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the National Environmental
Agency, the land owner (JTC) and the Ministry of Manpower.
43 / 56
44 / 56
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surveillance-and-exposure-control manchester.ac.uk/epidemiology/
thorax.bmj.com/content/70/
COEH/aboutus/lectures/ 23 Barber CM et al ‘Estimating
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multiple systems for laboratory whole operational and health and INtegrity model (PIPIN) HSE 2015 www. a benchmarking service for HSL
room fumigation’ Appl Biosafety 2011 safety duties in the Fire and hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1037.htm Safety Climate Tool’ Hazards XXIII
16 (3) 139-157 http://apb.sagepub. Rescue Service www.hse.gov. Southport UK 12-15 Nov 2012 222-229
40 Data updates to HSE’s PIPeline
com/content/16/3/139.full.pdf+html uk/services/fire/duties.pdf https://www.icheme.org/~/media/
INtegrity model (PIPIN) HSE 2015 www.
Documents/Subject%20Groups/
26 Proven and Praised – new 32 Common Causes of breathing hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1038.htm
Safety_Loss_Prevention/Hazards%20
technology goes anywhere to apparatus failure Emergency services
41 Summary of the rewrite of Archive/XXIII/XXIII-Paper-30.pdf
kill infectious organisms. Hospital times October 2015 16 (5) 96
HSE’s PIPeline INtegrity (PIPIN)
Times (Oct 2016) Pixel West 46 Atkinson G., Hall J., McGillivray A.
33 Are firefighters ‘fit’ enough to wear model HSE 2015 www.hse.gov.
Healthcare ISSN-2398-5070 ‘A Review of Vapour Cloud Explosion
a respirator? Emergency services uk/research/rrhtm/rr1039.htm
Incidents’ HSL Report MH/15/80. HMSA
27 Increased efficacy of pulsed times December 2015 16 (6) 52
42 Chaplin Z ‘Failure data within PIPIN’ 2016 https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/
UV-C against microbial pathogens.
34 The benefits of a collaborative Chemistry Today 2016 34 (3) 44-47 meetings/MtgHome.mtg?mtg=111
Inside Hospitals (Aug/Sept 2014)
approach to scientific research http://old.teknoscienze.com//articles/
http://backoffbacteria.com/ 47 Atkinson G et al ‘A review of very
Emergency services times chimica-oggi-chemistry-today-
wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ large vapour cloud explosions’ 16th
October 2016 17 (5) 97 failure-data-within-pipin-the-health-
Inside-Hospitals-SEPTEMBER14.pdf Mary Kay O’Connor International
and-safety-executive-rsquo-s.aspx
35 Costs to Britain of work-related Process Safety Symposium October
28 Expert assessments
cancer HSE 2016 www.hse.gov. 43 Chaplin Z ‘Major accident 2016Texas A&M University http://
help fight infection. Inside
uk/research/rrhtm/rr1074.htm hazard pipeline failure frequency psc.tamu.edu/uploads/papers/
Hospitals (Aug/Sept 2014).
calculation using fracture mechanics’ Edited%20Abstracts/Day%202/
36 Dutyholder Survey results in
29 Makison Booth C ‘Vomiting Proceedings IChemE Hazards pdf/Atkinson%2c%20G._A%20
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reports/ara-2015-16.pdf 44 Sugden C et al ‘The development
contamination from projectile vomiting
of HSL’s safety climate tool - a revision 48 Legionella outbreaks and
related to norovirus infection’ J Infect 37 Update of pipeline failure
of health and safety climate survey HSE investigations; an analysis
Prevent 2014 15 (5) 176-180 http://bji. rates for land use planning
tool’ Contemp Ergon 2009 Proceedings of contributory factors HSE 2012
sagepub.com/content/15/5/176 assessments HSE 2015 www.hse.gov.
of the International Conference http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/
30 Respiratory protective equipment of Ergonomics London 22-23 April hsl_pdf/2012/hex1207.pdf?eban=rss-
at work, a practical guide www.hse. 38 Rewriting the PIPIN code http://www.crcnetbase.com/doi/ legionnaires-disease
gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg53.pdf to use a Monte Carlo solution abs/10.1201/9780203872512.ch26
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47 / 56
49 Legionnaires’ disease. The control 54 Cole SJ et al ‘Natural Hazards 58 Load securing: roles and Publications
of legionella bacteria in water Partnership Surface Water Flooding responsibilities, Load security: good
systems. Approved Code of Practice Hazard Impact Model: Phase 2 Final practice, load security; how DVSA HSE scientists are committed to
and guidance HSE 2013 www.hse. Report’ www.naturalhazardspartnership. enforces the rules and load security: making research findings accessible
gov.uk/pubns/books/l8.htm org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ consequences of poor load security online at no cost to the user. We
NHP-HIM-Surface-Water-Flooding- DVSA 2015 https://www.youtube. ensure open access to research
50 Control of legionella: Inspection
Phase-2-Final-Report.pdf com/playlist?list=PLevp0xVZc7FJ6VR- papers in peer-reviewed journals and
of evaporative cooling systems
xvFqhRJx2KfDVtx8 journal-like conference proceedings
and investigation of outbreaks of 55 Aldridge T et al ‘A surface water
(provided the publisher gives
Legionnaires’ disease HSE 2015 flooding impact library for flood risk 59 The use of vehicle structure in
this option) describing research
www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/ assessment’ E3S Web of Conferences load securing on heavy goods
for HSE led by our scientists.
og/ogprocedures/inspection/ 3rd European Conference on Flood vehicles HSE 2016 http://www.hse.
control-of-legionella.htm Risk Management (FLOODrisk gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1078.htm
2016 publications by our scientists
2016) Lyon France 17-21 Oct 2016
51 Combating Legionella 60 Access to and work on flatbed are listed below. This covers:
18006 http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/
Birmingham Sept 2016 https:// vehicles HSE 2016 http://www.hse. publications in peer-reviewed
e3sconf/20160718006
combatinglegionella.hvnplus.co.uk/ gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1079.htm journals; papers in conference
56 UNECE Regulation No. 34: Uniform proceedings; research reports;
52 Gant S et al ‘Area classification of 61 HSE’s land use planning
provisions concerning the approval of conference abstracts; and articles in
flammable mists: summary of joint- methodology www.hse.gov.uk/
vehicles with regard to the prevention trade and professional magazines.
industry project findings’ Hazards landuseplanning/methodology.pdf
of fire risks https://publications.
26 Edinburgh, UK 24-26 May 2016
europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/ For a full list of details from previous
https://www.icheme.org/~/media/
publication/eea20583-6b50-11e6- years see http://www.hsl.gov.
9b08-01aa75ed71a1/language-en uk/resources/publications. HSE
also commissions reports from
Archive/XXVI/XXVI-Paper-38.pdf 57 Load Securing: Vehicle Operating
researchers in other institutes, for a
Guidance DVSA 2015 www.gov.uk/
53 MPA Health & Safety Conference full list of research reports published
government/publications/load-
and Awards 2015 Confirms ‘Health by HSE see http://www.hse.gov.
securing-vehicle-operator-guidance
and Wellbeing’ as a Top Agenda uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm
Issue and Celebrates Innovation
and Achievement Press release
Mineral Products Association
19 November 2016 http://www.
mineralproducts.org/15-release30.htm
48 / 56
Publications in peer- Batt R et al ‘Modelling of stably- Burdett G et al ‘Airborne asbestos De Matteis S et al ‘Occupations
reviewed journals stratified atmospheric boundary exposures from warm air heating associated with COPD risk in the
layers with commercial CFD software systems in schools’ Ann Occup large population-based UK Biobank
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collaborative approach to scientific
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research’ Emergency Services
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occupational respirable crystalline is-changing/?cid=searchresult
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silica exposure in the EU’ Occup
learning-what-are-they/ Beers H ‘Infographic: what does
Environ Med Occupational Health:
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Think Globally, Act Locally EPICOH Beers H ‘Artificial intelligence: current
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2016 Sept 4-7 2016 Barcelona, Spain. trends and future developments’
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Wiggans R et al ‘Impact of work-
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related respiratory symptoms on
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Respiratory Journal : ERS International hindering artificial intelligence?’
Congress 2016 Abstracts 2016 Safety and Health Practitioner Beers H ‘Graphic: ‘Gigs’, not careers’
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Beers H ‘Graphic: The changing Beers H ‘Artificial Intelligence: National statistics publications Further information
nature of work will affect gender Discussion and conclusions’
Exposure to lead in Great Britain 2015
differently’ Safety and Health Safety and Health Practitioner For information about health and
March 2016 http://www.hse.gov.uk/
Practitioner 2016 http://www.shponline. 2016 http://www.shponline.co.uk/ safety, or to report inconsistencies
statistics/causdis/lead/lead.pdf
co.uk/graphic-the-changing- artificial-intelligence-discussion- or inaccuracies in this review, visit
nature-of-work-will-affect-gender- and-conclusions/?cid=ema- Mesothelioma mortality in Great www.hse.gov.uk/. You can view HSE
diferently/?cid=searchresult Marketing-15%20November%20 Britain 1968-2014: (6 July 2016) guidance online and order priced
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Beers H ‘How will artificial intelligence
Daily%20Update-CTA- causdis/mesothelioma/index.htm HSE priced publications are also
impact on our jobs?’Safety and
available from bookshops.
Health Practitioner 2016 http://www. Fishwick D ‘Learn lessons from Statistics on fatal injuries in the
shponline.co.uk/how-will-artificial- safety - it’s time to focus on health’ workplace, Great Britain 2016:
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intelligence-impact-on-our-jobs/ Safety and Health Practitioner 2016 (6 July 2016) http://www.hse.
www.hse.gov.uk/research/index.htm.
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Beers H ‘The influence of artificial
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intelligence on future skills’ Safety Violence at work 2015 March 2016 © Crown copyright If you wish
and Health Practitioner 2016 http:// Shanks E ‘Kill noise. Don’t let http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/ to reuse this information visit
www.shponline.co.uk/the-influence- it be killer noise’ Emergency causinj/violence/violence-at-work.pdf www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm
of-artificial-intelligence-on-future- Services Times 2016 17(1) 52 for details. First published 03/17.
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Stacey N ‘Chair’s remarks’ edible crops in the UK (published
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Beers H ‘How AI could benefit the usage-survey-outdoor-vegetable-
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world of work and impact on OSH’ crops-in-the-united-kingdom-2015
Safety and Reliability Society
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Newsletter March 2016 300 1 Pesticide Usage Survey –Edible
2016 http://www.shponline.co.uk/
outdoor crops (published October
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2016) https://www.gov.uk/government/
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Annual Science Review 2017
Our scientists, engineers, physicians and
analysts use their extensive expertise,
knowledge and capability to make a
positive impact on the working world.
This review uses case studies to describe
the contribution their work makes to
helping Great Britain work well.

Science Review 2017

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March 2017

HSE Annual Science Review 2017

Keeping pace with change: A selection of case studies

Supporting small employers: These case studies

Sharing our success: The case studies in this

The HSE Science and Evidence Cycle in action:

We catalyse engagement by others and improve performance We anticipate new challenges

Events and Achievements

(right to left) HSE Chief

Awards and honours

Nell Townsend Melissa Reed

Jules Tuvey Nick Bailey

William Harris Paul Brereton

As a materials scientist for HSE, Will

Alison Higgins and Bev Bishop

Alison Higgins (left) and Bev Bishop

The Fluid Dynamics Team

THE FLUID DYNAMICS Team was set up

HSE’s Priority Science Hub Leads

Underpinning the new Health and Work Strategy for

For more details, see Developing

Improving detection of exposure to carcinogens in the electroplating industry

Developing the evidence base to reduce lung disease

Reliable measurement of workers’

Our interpretation of findings from the

›› supported engagement on against which future changes

For further information, see A microsimulation model for the development

Highlighting asbestos as a potential cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Understanding the extent of health risks from respirable

What were the benefits?

This work has given the rail

Evaluation of hazardous substance consequence models

AIRBORNE DISINFECTION, air Our microbiologists use their

Improving the safety of firefighters breathing apparatus

Investigation into the Alton Towers fairground ride incident

THE HORRIFIC CRASH on the Smiler

Estimating the costs to Britain of work-related cancer

For further details, see Costs to

Developing a survey for dutyholders who have received an inspection visit

Estimating the failure frequencies of major accident hazard pipelines

Understanding ‘people factors’ that drive safety culture

AFTER SURVEYING THEIR staff using

Improving understanding of very large vapour cloud explosions

Reducing Legionella outbreaks associated with cooling towers

LEGIONELLA IS AN infectious HSE’s Legionella Committee asked our

Understanding the hazards posed by flammable oil mists

What were the benefits?

This joint project has shown there is

For further details, see Area

Engagement with small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

›› To allow a technical two-way

Professor David Fishwick

Improving health-related risk assessments in the workplace

For further information see: http://

Using videos of real-life worker ill health stories to help drive

be filmed during an interview with

Developing a forecasting model for surface water flood impacts

Aeroengine fire test facility to support aircraft safety

What were the benefits?