HSE appoints new field operations director

The Health and Safety Executive has appointed a new director of its Field Operations Directorate (FOD).

David Ashton, who previously managed the northwest section of the FOD has become director of the HSE's largest operational division.

The FOD covers the construction industry as well as agriculture and general manufacturing among other employment sectors.

Ashton joined the HSE in 1977 as a trainee inspector of health and safety. He also sat on the independent investigation board into the Buncefield explosion in 2005.