As we continue to suffer from skilled labour shortages throughout the UK we have noticed an increase in the number of incidents in the workplace involving the use/misuse of Fork Lift trucks, the majority of incidents involving untrained operators.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, there are about 1250 accidents involving fork lift trucks per year in the UK, of which approximately 10 are fatal. Continue reading…
All organisations must have appropriate emergency response plans in place for coping during any unforeseen crisis or disaster that threatens to interrupt their normal operation. This includes emergencies caused by power cuts and fires, by adverse weather events, such as heatwaves, floods and extreme winter conditions, and those caused by serious security alerts, such as terrorism and bomb threats. Continue reading…
As we move into December the weather is still remarkably mild for the time of year, but don’t let this fool your drivers into a false sense of security. The onset of winter brings with it a huge range of risks on the road, with the possibility of adverse conditions that can change multiple times within one journey. It is important to be as well prepared as possible. Continue reading…
Anyone who works for the employer needs to know how to work safely and without risks to health. The employer must provide clear instructions and information, and adequate training, for employees.
As an employer this can seem to be an insurmountable task, however, the law does permit a proportionate* approach, for example a low-risk business would not need lengthy technical training. Providing simple information or instructions is likely to be sufficient. Continue reading…
Construction sites can be a health and safety nightmare, with multiple hazards to be identified and managed. Responsible employers are aware that they have a duty of care to employees and site visitors, and manage their site effectively through scrupulous risk assessment and accident prevention procedures. One such measure is training employees with regard to safe working practices. But what about those untrained members of the public who enter the site uninvited? Continue reading…
LEV is an extract ventilation system that takes dusts, mists, gases, vapour or fumes out of the air so that they can’t be breathed in. Properly designed LEV will:
The law says you must control the risks from hazardous substances (the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)). Installing LEV may help you to do this. However, beforehand, you should consider other options first where it’s reasonably practicable to do so, such as: Continue reading…
Not only is it a legal duty, but it makes basic business sense to appoint individuals within your organisation to assist in meeting your health and safety legal duties. There are a number of legally enforced appointments detailed in specific Regulations; the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations to name but a few. Here is a little guidance on what the appointments mean to the employer: Continue reading…
