1. LegislationIn 2018, we saw a significant development in the importance of, and resources committed to, mental health. Campaigns, public figures and unions all did much to raise awareness and to signpost what organisations can do to protect the mental health of employees, and support those struggling with their mental health.
Campaigns such as #TimetoChange and World Mental Health Day both played parts in encouraging conversations about mental health. With this momentum, we anticipate continued focus on this topic and a spotlight on existing legislation.
A recent independent review, Modernising the Mental Health Act: Increasing Choice, Reducing Compulsion, finds that the Mental Health Act 1983 is “outdated and paternalistic”.
“It was written when people with a mental health problem were something to be afraid of,” said Professor Sir Simon Wessely, who chaired the review group of mental health professionals, academics and patients.
“But the way we think about mental health and illness has changed dramatically, so now they are more likely to be seen as people to be helped.”
These findings, coupled with Theresa May’s announcement to invest £2.3 billion in support for individuals suffering from mental health conditions, indicate that 2019 could be another year of significant change in this field. Continue reading
Crush injuries and fatalities sustained from being trapped between two vehicles are all too common – take the time today to check your procedures are not putting your workers at risk. Continue reading
Happy New Year, everyone!
We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in 2019.
Best wishes
Walker Health and Safety Services Limited
The company wants to ensure that it is doing all that is reasonably practicable to eliminate and/or reduce the risks from vibration when using such tools in the workplace. Here is some guidance for helping employees in your organisation use hand-held power tools.
The first step should be to formulate a policy, with the purpose to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risk of hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) arising from the use of hand-held vibrating tools and equipment. It should include the following.
A risk assessment should identify the various sources and characteristics of the vibration hazard, including the number of employees at risk, allowing for an overall risk evaluation. Those tools or processes of greatest risk should be prioritised and addressed first. It is important that the person carrying out any such assessment is competent to do so.
The basic measures for reducing occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration are to eliminate/reduce vibration by using alternative methods or equipment. Vibration transmission to the hands can be reduced by using tools fitted with “anti-vibration handles”.
Organisation at work, job rotation and suitably timed rest breaks may help to reduce vibration exposure. However, it should be remembered that the mathematical relationship between vibration magnitude and exposure time means that a large reduction in time is required before any significant effect on vibration magnitude is seen and it should, therefore, be considered low down the hierarchy of control.
It is important to provide information to employees on the risks associated with hand-transmitted vibration, as well as information on signs and symptoms of HAVS and why these should be reported to their employer, or, if applicable, to the occupational health staff as soon as they are identified.
Employees should be instructed on the actions required to minimise the risk and ways in which they can contribute to risk reduction and control, for example by maintaining good blood circulation, warming both hands and body prior to starting work in cold conditions, keeping warm while working, ensuring that tools are properly maintained, and reporting defects.
Further preventive measures include regular maintenance of vibrating tools and equipment. Information on how to correctly maintain items can be provided by manufacturers or suppliers. It is of equal importance to replace worn parts, correct unbalanced equipment and maintain anti-vibration mounts and devices.
Contact us should you require assistance.
If you want your business to run compliantly and efficiently, it’s important to pay attention to best practice in implementing health and safety policy.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website contains useful information on the workplace laws that cover the processing, manufacturing and packaging of a wide range of goods, including:
These laws therefore cover a wide range of equipment and accessories.
Packaging and labelling
As well as the safety of the goods themselves, there are guidelines about how they are packaged and marked or labelled. These are to ensure the safety of workers who handle the goods and transport them, as well as the consumers who buy them. Appropriate safety and warning labels ensure workers are aware of dangerous goods and hazards, so goods can be handled, stored, transported and distributed according to best practice.
Packaging labels are used to make sure goods are handled according to the nature of their contents by indicating, for example, if they contain something that is fragile, hazardous or delicate. They are used by manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products during storage and distribution.
Safety labels
There is a huge range of safety labels available that are designed to meet all business labelling needs. For example, most workplaces use access labels to indicate entrances and exits, accessible areas, prohibited areas and convey other access-related instructions. Fire safety labels are used to guide employees and visitors in the event of a fire, while first aid labels are used to address the treatment of injuries.
Among general safety labels are those that warn of potential hazards, such as very hot water in a washroom or hot surfaces in a kitchen. Responsible employers should clearly label where water suitable for drinking can be found and apply warning labels to outlets where the water is not suitable for drinking.
There are also specific types of safety stickers and hazard labels available for:
Legal requirements
In addition to general legislation, special requirements apply to several business sectors. These include retailers, as well as those who manufacture, process or distribute the following:
Taking the time to ensure your business is complying with workplace law is very important. If you have any doubts or questions, it’s always best to check with your local trading standards office, as this is a good way to make sure you are trading legally. You can also use your local office to report anyone trading illegally.
Finally, while complying with the law is essential, best practice for using safety labels should also become part of your internal business processes, as it will help minimise the risk of accident or injury, ensuring your employees are working in a safe, healthy environment.
Contact us should you require assistance.
