Health and safety is of vital importance to ensure the wellbeing of both employees and members of the public, especially in the healthcare and other public-facing sectors. There are times when this can be forgotten, however, and it often results in disastrous consequences.

A waste product vessel, operated by Serco, and based in Portsmouth experienced a hydrogen sulphide leak well above acceptable levels in July 2011. The barge’s crew started to feel seriously ill from the exposure and two required hospitalisation.

After a detailed investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which revealed a number of issues, the company was fined £50,000 plus a further £60,000 in costs.

The case demonstrates the need for adequate health and safety training, no matter what the industry. A good training provider can help offer relevant and up-to-date programmes to ensure your organisation is fully compliant with the latest regulations.