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Recent news has drawn attention to the importance of addressing hand injuries in the workplace more effectively; with Siemens factories bringing in a 'Zero Harm' policy. In many areas of employment, the hands are used intensively - especially in manufacturing industries – and this can result in injury, especially due to stress and strain. The involvement of big businesses in aiming to reduce workplace injuries, with a particular focus on hands, is growing. This emphasizes the importance of safety being upheld as well as those affected by inconsistent standards coming forward, as suggested by personal injury experts such as The Accident Team. Addressing hand injuries through legal support as well as prevention is set to be a significant focus over the coming months.

Sonae Industria (UK) and Valmet Ltd (formerly Metso Ltd) have been brought to justice following the accidental deaths of two employees at the factory in Kirkby, Merseyside. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Mr Elmer, 27 and Mr Bibby, 25 were carrying out maintenance on plant machinery on 7th December 2010, when the conveyor belt unexpectedly began to operate, pulling the men in. The untimely deaths could have been avoided had there been adequate procedures in place to ensure the safety of the employees and contractors on the site.

The campaign for Road Safety Week this month has already started. Brake, a road safety charity who works with communities and organisations across the UK, strives to stop the devastating loss of lives on UK roads each day and campaigns to make roads and streets safer for motorists and pedestrians alike, particularly children.

A Lancashire firm has been investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident which left an employee with serious facial injuries and blind in one eye.

One of Britain's largest food manufacturers, Baxter's has been fined after worker Jodie Cormack was severely injured while working on a production line.

Approaching winter the roads can quickly become dangerous for motorists and cyclists alike. Deterioration of roads across the UK account for a considerable amount of accidents on council owned land.

According to a survey of housing tenants by the firm AXA Business Insurance, up to 71% of landlords have not yet installed carbon monoxide detection alarms in their properties. These are potentially shocking statistics, implying that the vast majority tenants could be in a position of enhanced risk in their own homes.

According to recent research released by Post Office Travel Insurance, during this year so far 38% of travellers have suffered an injury or harm whilst on holiday. Most people would be surprised that such a significant proportion of holiday-makers are affected. Of course many of the injuries are relatively minor. The most common afflictions include insect/animal bites (25% of those affected), people suffering from food poisoning (14%) and extreme sunburn (8%), but even some of these injuries may be more serious. The absolutely essential step in all these cases of injury is to seek appropriate medical attention.

A recent report by a prominent British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, suggests that clinical negligence is becoming an increasing concern for the NHS. Whilst the financial costs are high, the human cost is even more significant for those who have found themselves the victim of negligent medical care. The report seeks to stress the importance of stringent health and safety measures in medical practice to ensure patients are protected at all times. Furthermore, it suggests that patients should be entitled to increased compensation where the damage is long-term or irreversible.

A new report released by Kwik-Fit Insurance has revealed that more than one in five drivers taking hay fever medication (out of 2002 interviewed) had been involved in an accident, due to the side effects of the drug. A further 16 per cent said they had experienced side effects, but had not had an accident. Up to half of the people surveyed, said that hay fever medication made them drowsy, with some even stating that it had led to blurred vision or 'impaired thinking'.