The HSE has issued their latest annual statistics for levels of work related injury and ill health in the UK. These statistics cover the year April 2019 to March 2020 and are not thought to have been significantly affected by Covid-19. The figures show that 1.6 million workers were suffering from work related ill health (new or long term) in … Read More
MINIMISING MANUAL HANDLING RISKS
With figures recently released by the HSE showing that handling, lifting or carrying accounted for 19% of all non-fatal injuries to employees in 2019/20 it is important that employers take steps to protect workers from risks associated with hazardous manual handling activities in the workplace. With the busy run up to Christmas and January sales, there can be extra risks … Read More
WHICH INSPECTOR IS CALLING?
The HSE are making a particular effort to carry out as many spot checks and inspections as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic with a particular focus on making sure that workplaces are Covid-secure. In order to do this they have announced that in addition to their normal inspectors they are using approved providers to carry out the spot check calls … Read More
GAS DETECTOR SAFETY ALERT
Sampling tubes are sometimes used to extend the reach of gas detection devices and/or to allow detection at an increased distance from the user. Following a recent incident where a gas detector failed to detect the presence of a flammable vapour the HSE have released a safety alert highlighting the risk of misleading gas detection readings associated with the use … Read More
CHEMICALS AND NORTHERN IRELAND POST BREXIT
The Northern Ireland Protocol was introduced as part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU, to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, whilst ensuring that the UK, including Northern Ireland, could leave the EU as a whole. Therefore, it included a number of special provisions which apply only in Northern Ireland from 1 January … Read More
TALKING ABOUT STRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
In normal years it is estimated that around 600,00 workers suffer from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (new or longstanding) and over 12 million working days are lost to these causes. With added anxiety caused by Coronavirus, it is no surprise that this is a serious issue. Previously the HSE launched a “Talking Toolkit” to help line managers have conversations … Read More
SOUNDING THE LOCKDOWN ALARM (NOT COVID-19)
For clarity we will start with a quick note that this is not another article about Coronavirus. It is common for properties to be fitted with fire alarm systems to alert people to a fire and to inform them to evacuate the building. There are a number of different types of alarm system that can be installed depending on the … Read More
TALL CRANES AND LOW FLYING OBJECTS
Any tall object, such as a tall building or a crane can pose a hazard to aviation especially when close to an airport or aerodrome or on a flight path. In order to minimise the risk, regulations require particular hazards to be notified to the authorities, illuminated and suitably marked. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have recently issued new … Read More
REVISED GUIDANCE FOR WORKING ON ROOFS
Falls from height are a frequent cause of death and serious injury. Working on roofs presents a number of risks including falls from unprotected edges and falls through fragile materials. These risks don’t just affect construction workers, others who may be at risk include people carrying out repair, cleaning and maintenance work, surveyors and others. The HSE have published and … Read More
HAND ARM VIBRATION: AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Power tools and work processes are a common source of exposure to hand arm vibration in many industries. Regular and prolonged exposure can lead to long term serious disabling health effects for exposed individuals. Conditions include hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 establish exposure limits and action levels and … Read More