Monday 19th September is to be a bank holiday for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
This is a historic moment for the United Kingdom and a significant global event.
We have decided to come together with the nation to commemorate Her Majesty’s reign.
Therefore, Walker Health and Safety Services will not be operational on Monday 19th September 2022. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday 20th September.
Are your FLT drivers fit to drive?
As the ‘medical considerations’ section of the HSE publication Rider-operated lift trucks explains, although there is no specific legal requirement for forklift truck drivers to undergo medicals, it is recommended that they do. This is because an employer would need to ensure those selected are able to safely control and operate lift trucks. Drivers should be reasonably fit, both physically and mentally, and possess the learning ability and potential to become competent operators.
Workers should be free from disabilities, either physical or psychological, that might pose a threat to their own health and safety or the safety of others who might be affected by them operating lift trucks. Fitness for operating should always be judged on a case-by-case basis. You will need to do a risk assessment to identify any hazards associated with the job and working environment and to identify areas of concern. Never allow anyone who is unfit because of alcohol or drugs (prescription or recreational) to drive a lift truck.
People with disabilities do not need to be excluded and may have developed skills which compensate for their disability. You should obtain medical advice about their suitability for the particular work they will be required to do. Reasonable adjustments may be required to enable some disabled people to work as lift-truck operators. The Equality Act 2010 is likely to apply.
The Drivers’ Medical Unit at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) publishes guidance aimed at health professionals regarding lift trucks on the road, but this can be applied to all work with lift trucks.
For most work with lift trucks, a standard of fitness equivalent to that for the Group 1 entitlement (ordinary driving licence holders) would be appropriate. Activities such as working in a particularly demanding environment, working at night, or moving highly toxic or explosive materials would probably be more appropriate to the Group 2 entitlement (heavy goods vehicle licence holders).
You may choose to screen potential operators before placement and then follow the guidelines for Group 2 licences, which require medical examination every five years from age 45, and every year from age 65 (in line with licence renewal periods). Always seek medical advice where there is any doubt about a person’s fitness to operate a lift truck.
It may be useful to apply a selection test to avoid wasteful attempts to instruct unsuitable trained. Read more about medical fitness and FAQs.
Contact us for further information.
Why have this talk? Exposure to vibration can result in serious injury and disability.
Also, vibration and sound waves can travel through the ground and cause disturbances to the environment and local community, as well as causing structure damage over time.
What will this talk cover? The sources, effects, and methods of overcoming excessive vibration and reducing nuisance to others from vibration.
Who is most at risk? Those who regularly use high-vibration tools, equipment and machines.
Harm caused by vibration
Hand–arm vibration damage is mostly caused by hand-held power tools, for example
Whole-body vibration can be caused by, for example:
Do you have any questions for me?
Contact us for further information.
Why have this talk? Exposure to vibration can result in serious injury and disability.
Also, vibration and sound waves can travel through the ground and cause disturbances to the environment and local community, as well as causing structure damage over time.
What will this talk cover? The sources, effects, and methods of overcoming excessive vibration and reducing nuisance to others from vibration.
Who is most at risk? Those who regularly use high-vibration tools, equipment and machines.
Toolbox Talk: Vibration
Harm caused by vibration
Sources of vibration
Many items of equipment and plant can cause vibration.
Hand–arm vibration damage is mostly caused by hand-held power tools, for example
Whole-body vibration can be caused by, for example:
How to prevent and control vibration
Questions for employees
Do you have any questions for me?
Contact us should you require further information.
Why have this talk? Statistics show that alcohol and drug misuse are increasing in the workplace. This talk is to make all employees aware of their responsibilities and understand that alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace can lead to accidents.
What will this talk cover? The effects of alcohol and drugs on your safety and that of others.
Toolbox Talk: Alcohol and Drugs at Work
Alcohol is a depressant drug which reduces brain function. This means it does not mix well with work. In high risk industries, alcohol increases the risk of fatal accidents.
If you drink, don’t drive. Many drivers who are killed in road accidents are over the legal alcohol in blood limit.
All drugs can affect your ability to work safely because they can slow down your reaction times, affect your co-ordination making you clumsy, affect your decision making and distort your vision. As a result, the chance of having an accident at work is increased when you are under the influence of drugs.
If you become aware that somebody is on drugs in the workplace, inform your line manager. You may feel it has nothing to do with you but you need to prevent others getting hurt because of their actions.
If you get offered drugs, say no, it is far better to work safely. Drugs and work don’t mix. Don’t let it become a problem for you and if is, get some help.
Some signs of colleagues being under the influence of drugs include watery eyes, dilated pupils, running nose, constant sniffing, tight lips, sores, ulcers, trembling, fatigue and irritability. If you see it, report it.
Contact us if you have any questions.
