A stress risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what in a workplace could cause staff to suffer from work-related stress. This is so that you can weigh up whether you have done enough, or should do more to prevent harm. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 employers have a […]
Who should make the report? This is the “responsible person”, usually the employer. Under what circumstances should you make a report The reporting requirements relating to cases of, or deaths from, COVID-19 under RIDDOR apply only to occupational exposure, that is, as a result of a person’s work. What to report You should only make […]
Are you are using a scaffold tower or mobile tower or indeed, any item of work at height equipment in the workplace? Whether you are an employee or a self-employed person, the Work at Height Regulations apply to you. You must ensure that not only the person building the tower is competent but also those who specify, […]
This month we have a guest article by Chris McGrath providing an overview of the Draft Building Safety Bill that will aim to improve building and fire safety, so that people will be, and will feel, safer in their homes. Why this Bill? On 14th June 2017 a fire broke out at the Grenfell Tower, a 24 […]
If you wear a mask at work that relies on making a seal with your face then you need a face fit test. Who should be tested? All wearers of tight fitting face pieces e.g. respirators or compressed air breathing apparatus require a fit test. Why wear high performance respiratory protective equipment, then compromise the […]
What is a near miss? A near miss is defined as an event that, while not causing harm, has the potential to cause injury or ill health. Whilst near misses are usually individual events, they can also occur at the same time as accidents. An accident should also be reported as a near miss if […]
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released figures for 2019/20. The full annual workplace fatality figures can be found here. Lowest year on record The provisional annual data for work-related fatal accidents revealed that 111 workers were fatally injured at work between April 2019 and March 2020. This is a rate of 0.34 deaths […]
Air compressors are exceptionally versatile, supremely useful, and functionally essential to industries from automotive to pharmaceuticals. But they are only as valuable as they are safe. Safe operating and maintenance procedures ensure worker safety. They will also protect equipment, reduce downtime, increase productivity, and lower long-term operating and capital costs. Compressed air can cause serious […]
Many First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualifications have expired since the 16th March 2020. The HSE have announced an extension to them to the 30th September 2020. This only applies to ones that have expired since 16th March. The Resuscitation Council (UK) have issued an update about performing […]
Working during COVID-19 (written 7/7/20) During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have had to close or have experienced a decrease in productivity. To combat the Coronavirus, certain measures must be put into place for a business to operate safely and for employees to be protected whilst working. Conduct a COVID-19 risk assessment Employers should conduct […]
