As individuals we carry out risk assessments all the time – from where and when to cross the road to whether to pull out at a junction when driving a car.
These assessments are done quickly and are based on experience, the information available and an individual’s judgment and common sense.
So how do we carry out an effective risk assessment at work?
The IOSH Midland West District, presents a one day event to educate and raise awareness of Risk Assessments.
If you would like to attend the event please contact IOSH or Walker Health & Safety Services
http://www.iosh.co.uk/branches/midland/our_districts/west_district/risk_management_workshops.aspx
The event was published in the Shropshire star -take a look.
Contact us …. 0845 834 0400
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is seeking views on proposed guidance on the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (as amended).
It consulted in late 2012 on proposals to amend the 1981 Regulations. This was in response to Professor Ragnor Löfstedt’s recommendation (in his review of health and safety legislation, Reclaiming Health and Safety For All) to remove the requirement for HSE to approve first aid training and qualifications. This consultation seeks views on the content of revised guidance to help duty holders decide on appropriate arrangements for the provision of first aid at their business.
Subject to parliamentary approval, the intention is for the legislative amendments giving effect to this change to be commenced 6 October 2013.
DO you have trained members of staff competent to carry out first aid duties?
Contact Walker Health & Safety Serviced for advice.
0845 834 0400
The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision to give tax breaks on health initiatives at work has been welcomed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) as “good for employers and their employees”.
Prior to the presentation of the Budget, IOSH had urged George Osborne to remove tax disincentives on employer-provided therapies and vocational rehabilitation programs.
In his Budget speech, the Chancellor announced that the Government would introduce a targeted tax relief, so amounts up to £500 paid by employers on recommended schemes are not treated as a taxable benefit in kind.
According to the safety body, each year more than 130 million working days are lost to sickness absence. In February 2011, the Government commissioned Dame Carol Black and David Frost to conduct an independent review of sickness absence.
The Chancellor’s move on health programs at work follows recommendation made in the report, Health at Work — An Independent Review of Sickness Absence, which was released in January 2013.
Commenting on the news of the tax breaks for health initiatives, IOSH said, “IOSH has been calling for this for many years and a recent IOSH-commissioned survey of UK SMEs… showed considerable support for these sorts of Government incentive.”
IOSH described the concession as “an important start” which “recognises that removing tax disincentives could help encourage more employers to provide useful support for ill or injured employees”.
IOSH added, “Removing tax disincentives and encouraging employers who want to do the right thing for their employees is a win-win situation for everyone. It’s good for employers and businesses, it’s good for workers and their families, and it’s good for the economy and society as a whole.”
If you would like assistance with health and safety contact us for a free consultation.
Walker Health & Safety Services 0845 834 0400
Under UK fire safety legislation, the responsible person has a duty to ensure that, where necessary, premises are equipped with fire detectors and alarms.
Selecting the appropriate level of fire detection and warning system will normally be determined by the categories of systems given in the British Standard BS 5839–1: 2002.
In some buildings with special fire safety requirements, some form of automatic fire detection (AFD) will be required.
The type of detector must be appropriate for the particular environment in which it is to operate.
Those responsible for using the system must undertake routine monitoring and testing to ensure the system will operate as designed in an emergency.
Those responsible for designing, installing, using and maintaining the system have a duty to ensure false alarms are minimised.
Appropriate documentation and records relating to the fire detection and alarm system must be retained on the premises.
If you require assistance with fire safety please contact Walker Health & Safety Services 0845 834 0400
