Category Archives: Uncategorized


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New Year Resolutions – Health and Safety

After over-indulging at Christmas you may feel that dieting and exercise should be your New Year’s resolution. That’s all well and good, but in addition to getting fit, why don’t you do something that could potentially have a lasting positive impact not just for you, but for everyone around you?

If everyone can get through 2014 with the aim of working safely, the benefits could be extensive. From employees to Managing Directors, everyone can do their bit to bring about improvement.

It is important to remember that small steps can help to achieve a health and safety culture.

Now is as good a time as any to decide that you’re going to take that positive step.  Nobody should accept a situation where they know that  a serious accident could occur at any minute, but at the same time, they have not done their bit to do something about it.  Even something as basic as tidying up after making a mess, could have benefits.  Improved housekeeping sends out a clear signal to all staff and visitors and is something that in theory, should be easy to achieve.  Workers at all levels need to have health and safety in the backs of their minds.

Employers must ensure that people are safe during their business activities and that all staff have a level of health and safety understanding. Failure to have policies and procedures can lead to substantial business costs ranging from downtime, reputational damage, absenteeism and of course, personal liability for directors.

Remember, you can do all this at the same time as getting into shape for a marathon!

Contact us should you require assistance from a dedicated and committed health and safety person!

 

 

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Dangerous substances ACoPs consolidated

On 10 December 2013 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that five pieces of health and safety guidance have been combined to help employers more quickly and easily understand how to protect their workers from dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres.

The HSE revealed that it has consolidated five Approved Codes of Practices (ACOPs) under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR), covering issues from plant design and operation, through to maintenance.

To find out more or get your free copy to download follow this link:  http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l138.htm

 

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Be safe at Christmas!

Christmas also sees a dramatic rise in the numbers of fires and accidents in the home. According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, (ROSPA), around 80,000 people suffer accidents and injuries in their homes during the Christmas holidays every year. Many of those happen in the kitchen during food preparation, while putting up decorations – or worse, as a result of faulty fairy lights or unattended candles. As well as taking necessary safety precautions, remember that when your home is filled with party guests and overexcited children, accidents can happen. Make sure that your home contents insurance provides you with comprehensive cover for common breakages as well as fire and accidents.

 Your checklist for a pain-free Christmas

  • Mind the steps: Falling off a stepladder while putting up Christmas decorations is one of the most common accidents. Many people end up in A&E after using a faulty stepladder or reaching too far with the tinsel. Check your steps aren’t faulty, ensure they’re on an even surface and get someone to hold them steady.
  • Tree daze: The joys of decorating the tree can also end in tears. More than 1,000 people injure themselves each year by falling off a chair while putting the fairy on top of their tree or by cutting themselves when sawing off branches.
  • Fairy safe: It is essential to check your fairy lights, particularly if you’ve had them a few years, for loose, frayed or bare wires, broken bulbs and cracked plugs. Faulty tree lights result in about 350 people needing hospital treatment for burns and electric shocks each year, including children who swallow or cut themselves on broken bulbs. If you’re in any doubt about the safety of your lights, treat yourself to some new ones.
  • Candle watch: Injuries and fatalities in fires caused by candles are on the rise. Never be tempted to light candles on Christmas trees, put them on top of TV sets or other electrical appliances, or leave burning candles unattended, and always ensure you put them out before you go to bed.
  • Full fat: Grappling with the bird and roasting potatoes slathered in goose fat requires your full attention. Cooking Christmas lunch for your clan can be stressful enough without anyone suffering cuts and burns. Hot fat, boiling water, sharp knives and cluttered work surfaces can spell disaster, so keep guests – especially children – out of the kitchen to give you the space and concentration you need.
  • Pudding alert: One in 10 Britons manage to burn themselves while attempting to flambé their Christmas puddings.
  • And finally…  To make sure you and your guests don’t come a cropper, clear away wrapping paper, boxes and any other clutter begging to be tripped over.

Lets be safe out there this Christmas and ensure we reach 2014 unscathed.

Merry Christmas!!

https://www.walkersafety.co.uk/

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10 Tips for Safer Shopping this Christmas

  1. Be aware of your surroundings and who is close to you. Look for suspicious persons, etc. when you are in any area.
  2. Do not place your wallet or purse in a bag or unsecured pocket, especially where it can be seen.
  3. Shop in pairs at the very least. Take a friend or family member shopping with you. There is something to be said for safety in numbers, it’s more fun too.
  4. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with credit, charge or debit cards. Carry cash and wallets in a front pocket to reduce your chances of having your pocket picked.
  5. Do you actually need the whole wallet or purse full of cards? Could one do and the rest be left secure at home? Plus put the card cancellation number into your phone or write it down in case the card is lost or stolen then you can report it really quickly.
  6. When using a keypad either in store or at a cash point to type your pin number always shield it with your other hand to prevent others seeing what you are keying in.
  7. Do not leave bags unattended or behind you whilst examining goods or completing      transactions. They could ‘walk’.
  8. Don’t leave car phones, purses, CD cases, or any other item of value in your parked car where they can be seen whilst you are off shopping. Always conceal these items.
  9. Don’t leave purchased merchandise in your parked car where it can be seen whilst you pop back for that last item. Conceal these items also, thieves strike quickly.
  10. As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand do not switch off as you approach your car look around and under it as you approach, if anyone acting suspicious close to it move away and seek assistance.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR from Walker Health & Safety Services!!!

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Safety tips: Christmas tree

Some of you may already have your Christmas tree up. If you have or haven’t please take note of this information.

Carefully decorating Christmas trees can help make your holidays safer. Each year, the fire services respond to an average of 200 structure fires caused by Christmas trees.

Picking the tree

  • If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labelled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1″ – 2″ from the base of the trunk.
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, lights or any other source of heat.
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

  • Use lights that conform to BS standards. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Always read manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving work, home or going to bed.

After Christmas

  • Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the workplace, home or garage, or placed outside. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

 

Merry Christmas!!!