Smart card clocking network aids staff health and safety
Leave a Comment
Yesterday (March 12, 2012) a plant in Cornwall had to be evacuated of many of its employees. The casualties have been taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro complaining of symptoms like vomiting and confusion in a case of suspected gas poisoning. Staff working in the vegetable packing area at Riviera Produce at Connor Downs began to complain of “feeling unwell” at about noon. Seventeen have been taken ill so far including two ambulance staff.
Time and Attendance South West takes care of your staff’s health and safety provision using our Smart Card based clocking and entry networks. A typical set up is shown with two smart card readers to control entry and exit. This gives better management control as the T3511 controller can differentiate which reader was used so you know who is left in the building. This is essential for producing an accurate Fire Roll Call register. A break glass unit unlocks the door, from the inside, in an emergency.
Thirty-two workers at a Penzance factory are fearful for their jobs as the government may close it. One of the Remploy staff at the disabled workers facility in Cornwall summed up the shock Colin Gray, who is also the Penzance plant health and safety officer, said: 
A firm said it had “robust contingency plans” in place to deal with industrial action at a Swindon hospital. A spokesman for the contractors Carillion confirmed “with regret” the resignation of an unnamed manager following allegations of harassment at the Great Western Hospital, saying: “We have conducted in the region of 100 interviews as part of this process.” Carillion added it was 
Cheltenham and Gloucester owner Lloyds Banking Group has suffered a ‘double whammy’. It has been forced to set aside £3.2 billion to cover compensation for those customers who were mis-sold payment protection insurance. This error has resulted in board bonus payments being claimed back, although the bank has not yet formally announced plans for the return of some of the money. The BBC’s business editor Robert Peston claims the bonus move may have a deterrent effect on unwise future banking deals.
A 19-year-old Weston-super-Mare man has denied starting a fire that gutted a Somerset mansion. Nathan Philip Goldfinch of Kingstone Road pleaded not guilty to arson at Taunton Deane Magistrates’ Court yesterday (February 15). With three other men he is accused of causing a fire at Sandhill Park Mansion in Bishops Lydeard in November. Stuart James Walter (22) of Slade Lane, Lympsham, Marcus William Tancock (19) of Manilla Crescent, Weston, and a 17-year-old from Cheddar who cannot be named for legal reasons also appeared in court. 
Long-term unemployment has become a big problem in Devon with the number of people affected more than doubling over the past five years. There were 2,675 workless people claiming benefits for more than a year in 2011, up from approximately 1,080 in 2007. Those out of work and claiming benefits in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth reached 21,843 in January, a rise of 2,100 over the past year. Torbay had the highest unemployment rate of 4.9%; Plymouth 4%; and Devon 2.4%.
This morning (February 10, 2012) about 15 shops in Swindon town centre had to be emptied following a gas leak. Employees and customers were evacuated after Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Regent Street at about 9am. A fire service spokesman said the leak happened when workmen accidentally cut through a gas mains cable outside Burger King. The shops have since been reopened after gas engineers from Transco and Wiltshire police all attended. 
The Gloucestershire-based firm SuperGroup has revealed new distribution centre plans which mean 60 jobs are at risk. The company, which owns the Superdry and Cult brands, is moving its distribution operation from a site in Barnwood, Gloucester, to Brockworth. Although the company has made a multi-million investment in the new premises fewer people will be required to run it. A spokesman said a consultation with affected employees would start on Friday and would run until February 27.
The Territorial Army (TA) centre in Clifton could be converted into a primary school. Developers are in talks to take over the lease in this area of Bristol while the TA will get purpose-built facilities elsewhere. The TA has a long association with the centre as the Society of Merchant Venturers, which owns the site, let the Army Reserve use it from the 1930s onwards. The council prefers reuse of the historic building rather than bulldozing it.
The ‘Bearpit’ subway in Bristol – which has been the site of much anti-social behaviour in the city – is set to receive a £1 million revamp. The ‘Bearpit’ is at St James Barton Roundabout, which links Stokes Croft and Broadmead in the city centre. The announcement follows a campaign by the local Bearpit Improvement Group, which wants to fill in subway tunnels and raise road crossings to street level.