Updated HSE ACOP - Welfare Regs.

This month the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance for employers on how to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workers.

Following consultation, HSE has reviewed and updated the Workplace Regulations Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) (L24) to make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations and so reduce the risks of over-compliance.

Following recommendations by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt in his report ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’, the ACOP was identified for review and revision, consolidation or withdrawal.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues and apply to most workplaces except for those involving work on construction sites, those who work in or on a ship and those who work below ground at a mine.

Legal responsibilities to protect workers’ health and safety are not altered by any changes to the ACOP.
HSE spokesman Chris Rowe said: ‘Across HSE we are working hard to ensure that employers have access to good-quality advice which makes clear what they need to do to protect workers.

‘The revised ACOP will help employers understand the regulatory requirements on key issues such as temperature, cleanliness, workstations and seating, toilets and washing facilities.’

The review of and subsequent revision to the Workplace ACOP was subject to public consultation and the changes were agreed by both the HSE Board and the minister of state with responsibility for health and safety.

More info: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l24.pdf

Safety Update - Respect Our Roadworkers

Safety within roadworks is important to us, it is our lives that are at risk.  This video from the Highways Agency shows how ridiculous it is to drive carelessly and too quickly around our workplace.


Please keep us in mind next time

Legislation Update - New driving laws

Just a heads up on the new driving offences and increased that have recently come into force. 

"What do the new laws cover?
Many of the offences are covered by laws that already exist, but have been hard to enforce because police had to go through the courts. Now police can issue an on-the-spot fine, handed to you on the road, so it’ll be easier for them to do so.
The standard fine for a number of offences has gone up, including:

• Speeding
• Using a mobile phone while driving
• Driving on the hard shoulder
• Ignoring traffic directions

And 2 new bits of ‘careless driving’ have been made an offence:

• Tailgating
• Lane-hogging, usually in the middle lane

What is tailgating and lane-hogging?
Many drivers might be familiar with these things without necessarily knowing what they’re called.

• Tailgating - This is when someone drives too close to the car in front. It’s usually done by drivers trying to force the car in front to move faster or to change lanes.
• Lane-hogging - Many drivers use the middle lane as a ‘cruising lane’ and drive too slowly. This is dangerous and can force cars to slow down quickly. "

 Source: Post Office web site

Which existing fines are going up?
	Offences include	Was	Now
Source: Department of Transport
Non-endorsable fixed penalty notice (where the driver does not receive points on their licence)	Failing to give way, obscuring registration number, stopping on the hard shoulder, misuse of headlights, sounding horn at night	£30	£50
Endorsable fixed penalty notice (points issued)	Using a mobile while driving, speeding, reversing on a motorway, not stopping at a red light	£60	£100
Non-endorsable fixed penalty notice	Failure to display tax disc, not wearing a seat belt when driving, driving without an MoT certificate	£60	£100
Endorsable fixed penalty notice offence	Failure to identify driver	£120	£200
Endorsable fixed penalty notice offence	Driving without third party insurance	£200	£300

Safety can be sensible

So safe people, how about this sign?  Sometimes things can get a little too complicated isn't it nice when somebody simplifies things.

There is a serious message here.  

Delivering a safety message or creating systems for people to use?

Need help simplifying your safety messages?

Call Up and Under for safety consultancy, or just to have a common sense chat. 

Tel: 01270 589615

Safety Update - Changes to RIDDOR

We would like to remind you that there is another change to safety legislation that came into effect today - RIDDOR 2013

The principal changes are:

"From 1 October 2013, RIDDOR 2013 comes into force, which introduces significant changes to the existing reporting requirements. 
The main changes are to simplify the reporting requirements in the following areas:

• the classification of ‘major injuries’ to workers is being replaced with a shorter list of ‘specified injuries’;
• the previous list of 47 types of industrial disease is being replaced with eight categories of reportable work-related illness;
• fewer types of dangerous occurrence require reporting.

There are no significant changes to the reporting requirements for:

• fatal accidents;
• accidents to non-workers (members of the public);
• accidents which result in the incapacitation of a worker for more than seven days.

Recording requirements remain broadly unchanged, including the requirement to record accidents resulting in the incapacitation of a worker for more than three days. "*

For more info see "Reporting accidents and incidents at work A brief guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)"

*Source HSE indg 453

New First Aid Rules

Changes to the rules about the HSE approving First Aid training come into force tomorrow. The HSE have issued guidance for employers.

Under the amended regulations the requirement for workplace first aid training providers to be approved by the HSE is removed from 1 October 2013.The amendments cover carrying out a first aid needs assessment and selecting a first aid training provider.

Assessing Risks - "..they can never be eliminated."

It was refreshing to read Judith Hackitt's (Chair of HSE) Blog ,when talking about the offshore industry's response to the recent helicopter tragedy.  

She commented: "There is a maturity of understanding which is shared by everyone that risks can be managed, but they can never be eliminated."

I would like to believe that there is a similar attitude demonstrated in the best companies in the construction industry.  It is always interesting to note that the more hazardous an activity, the lower the relative number of accidents seems to be.

From my many years of climbing and mountaineering I can easily understand this.  You develop an internal sense that increases your level of attention as the number, and severity, of hazards increase.  What you are doing is assessing risks, constantly then responding.  THe effectiveness of the response is determined by training and experience. Even the best can get it wrong and suffer the consequences.

The formal written risk assessment does many things, a couple of the most useful being to share knowledge and communicate to all members of a team.  Often they are seen as a record for backside covering, but this is looking at the process from the wrong end.

Today I am back in real world after a brief excursion into the mountains, I won't forget that "...hazards never go away" (Judith Hackitt's Blog).

If we can assist you with preparing risk assessment or providing risk assessment training feel free to contact us on 01270 589615

Making Good Decisions

I spent yesterday sea kayaking off the coast of Anglesey.  I was acting as a mock student for a group of aspirant leaders.  As it was a training course there was a detailed, well thought out risk assessment.  We had been well briefed and knew what we had to do.

However it didn't stop there. Throughout the day everyone in the group continued to make decisions based on the changing conditions and unfolding opportunities.  We communicated our varying states of fatigue and desires to try to squeeze through ever narrowing slots in the jagged rocks.

It all worked out well with all of the paddlers going home safely after an exciting day.  so, thank goodness for the risk assessment.  mmmmmmm, it probably goes deeper than that, the whole team had a good appreciation of the risks involved and the skills to deal with the conditions. The risk assessment can only ever provide a framework for a safe day, real safety relies on the right culture,  communication and people making good decisions.

If you want to talk to us about developing an excellent culture of safety call 01270 589617

Get the Paperwork Right

As it is a holiday week can you forgive me a lighthearted serious post?

We all know that we live in a paperwork mad society, but some of it is worthwhile.  Take risk assessments. Yes of course we all do that in our head, but what if you have lots of experience and make good decisions?  What if these decisions are not shared by your less experience colleagues?  So now can you can see why a formal system of sharing information can make a difference.

The same goes for COSHH assessments, work instructions and specifications.  Specs can run to book lengths, so why imagine you can remember the detail!

And while on the subject of having the correct paperwork how about this man?

If you need assistance with risk assessment preparation or training give us a call 01270 589615

Safety Update - Free Seminar

We like to help you keep up to date when we can and this has just come to our attention.

Free health and Safety event - Working at Heights Seminar to be held in Bradford on Tuesday evening 25th June.

Getting closer with Up and Under

Obviously we will be very happy to help you with your work at height needs whether they be projects at height or over water, or if you require specialist training for safe work at height

Safety Monday

This morning I was greeted by the sight of  builder backside hanging over the edge of my neighbour's roof parapet, he was manfully wrestling a window frame from his precarious perch, and ………..I did nothing,

spot the safety provision

Although this attitude might just about be acceptable in private life it is not acceptable in a work environment, where we all have a responsibility to prevent (if possible) and report dangerous behaviour.

Holding on with his backside

I am a little ashamed to report that I am a little tired of approaching people in the street and bringing to their attention the risk they are taking.  Surprisingly, not once have my heart felt pleas received grateful thanks.  The usual answer, to my respectful concern for their safety, ends in “….. off!” so today I just walked past - I hope he is OK!

And following up on the subject of our attitude to health and safety, I read an interesting article in the Guardian this morning, I don’t think I have got that paranoid yet.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/12/health-and-safety-eh

And finally we have mentioned a number of public consultations on H&S legislation in the past.  If you are interested in what the next step is follow the link to find the Final Impact Assessment from the “CD243 - Public consultation on proposals to simplify and clarify RIDDOR reporting requirements”

http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd243-update.pdf

It gives some interesting insights into how decisions are made - that is if you can get through the jargon.

I’m off home now, hopefully there won’t be one of those body shapes from the cop shows on my neighbour's front lawn.

Work safely or you may damage a perfectly good lawn

Safety Update - Are Ladders Banned?

Ladders are banned aren't they?!?

Well, actually despite the over riding fear of their use, there are circumstances where they can be the safest means of undertaking a task.  The guidance from the HSE seems to be assess the task and choose the most suitable means of access. So Risk Assessment!

As with all access equipment, selection, storage, inspection and safe disposal are important issues that need to be addressed by a competent person.

Entrainment, our training division, offer courses dealing with a range of work at height issues including safe use of ladders and ladder inspection.  These courses can be offered at our training centre or at your site, subject to suitable training areas being available.

Want more info: Call 01270 589615

Acknowledgement: Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0

Legislation Update - First Aid Training

Following a review of First Aid Training Provision it was determined that the HSE's current approval process goes beyond the minimum requirement laid out in EU legislation.  Therefore it is expected that changes to the current edition of L74, ‘First Aid at Work’ (Approved Code of Practice and Guidance)  are expected in October 2013.

As an interim the HSE have published three draft guidance documents.

The documents deal with assessing First Aid needs in the workplace, the second addresses selection of appropriate training providers, while the third presents a selection of example scenarios to help employers with the assessment of First Aid needs. Full details can be found here

As progress continues with this important change we will keep you informed.  Remember the old regs still apply until the new ones are published.

If you need any health and safety advice please contact us 01270 589615

Safety Training is always available from www.entrainment.co.uk

Legislation Update - The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013

Catchy title eh?  We flagged these revisions up earlier in the year and subject to Parliamentary approval it is now in place.

The full list of measures being removed are:

• Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922
• Gasholders (Record of Examinations) Order 1938 
• Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations 1960
• Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Repeals and Modifications) Regulations 1974
• Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Exemptions) Regulations 1980
• Gasholders and Steam Boilers (Metrication) Regulations 1981
• Locomotives etc Regulations 1906 (Metrication) Regulations 1981
• Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982
• Docks, Shipbuilding etc (Metrication) Regulations 1983
• Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989
• Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances (Amendment) Regulations 2002
• Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010
• Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes (Amendment) Regulations 2010

For more information see - http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/repeals-revocations.htm

 

We hope you find these regular safety updates useful.  If you would like any assistance with safety training, auditing or other guidance please contact us 01270 589615

Safety Update - How's Your First Aid Knowledge?

If somebody in your workplace, your sports club, at the supermarket or even at home collapsed in front of you, would you know what to do?

Can you answer these questions?

• Do you recognise the symptoms of a Heart Attack?
• Do you recognise the Symptoms of a Stroke?
• Can you check somebody’s pulse?
• How do you check if somebody is breathing?

These are all essential skills and a small amount of knowledge could help save someone’s life. If you haven’t had first aid training please consider getting some.

And finally if you are waiting with a patient who’s heart has stopped, do you know where the nearest defibrillator is? There are more and more of these life saving pieces of kit becoming available. For a list of publically available defibrillators (PADs) check out this web site. If your company, shop or sporting club has one that is not listed here see if you can get it registered.

Friday Fun - First Aid

OK I agonised about this one. It was sent to me after a recent incident - out of work - where I had to administer CPR.  There is a useful lesson in it, so it isn't purely gratuitous.

Probably one for the boys though!

Latest Project - Culverts and Bridges

A recent project demonstrated the versitility of the Up and Under Inspection offering.  The works included the requirement for engineers trained in confined space working to undertake principal inspections of two culverts. 

Following on from this the same team was able to undertake the inspection of a single span underbridge and a 12 span viaduct, this time utilising a MEWP which - you guessed it - they were also qualified to use.

So what if they needed to use rope access to get to some parts of the structure - yes right again - they could have done that oh and a pontoon for inspection over water - got it covered.

So what we are saying is that we can offer you a comprehensive inspection package with Engineers with a wealth of professional and technical experience.

So what can we help you with? Inspection, Testing, Investigation?  Problem structures?
Contact us on 01270 589615

HS Update - First Aid

It is likely that there will be a shake up in the landscape of first aid training if the HSE's Plan to stop formally approving providers of training goes ahead.

Consultation, which closed on 3rd December 2012, explored te idea that employers would have to satisfy themselves that training providers are suitable.  If the proposals are agreed, the changes could come into force in April 2013.

Watch this space we'll keep you informed with progress on this issue.

We provide a range of safety related services including

• Audits
• Consultancy
• Training

Want to know more?  Call us 01270 589615

Recent Projects - Keeping Warm

We were recently asked to combine our rope access skills and our fabrication nouse to solve a clients problem. Thermal movement had led to some slippage of the lagging and it’s protection in a steam generation plant. Working on live equipment we installed new lagging and purpose made covers to bridge the gaps.

Drilling newly fabricated covers

 The client was particularly pleased that the works were undertaken without significant disruption to the plants operations.

Installing new covers with power rivetters

 We have a range of experience of working in and around power plants including:

•  Pipe lagging
• Surface cleaning
• Painting
• Cladding repairs

 If you want to discuss a project please contact us 01270 589615

Safety Update - Machinery Use

The HSE is highlighting a range of issues by producing a series of Tool Box Talks. One of the latest relates to the use and maintenance of machinery.

Below are a list of simple dos and don'ts taken from the HSE Site.  The full Tool Box Talk can be found here.

Dos and don’ts of machinery safety for workers


Do…

• check the machine is well maintained and fit to be used, ie appropriate for the job and working properly and that all the safety measures are in place – guards, isolators, locking mechanisms, emergency off switches etc
• use the machine properly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective clothing and equipment required for that machine, such as safety glasses, hearing protection and safety shoes

Don’t…

• use a machine or appliance that has a danger sign or tag attached to it. Danger signs should only be removed by an authorised person who is satisfied that the machine or process is now safe
• wear dangling chains, loose clothing, rings or have loose, long hair that could get caught up in moving parts
• distract people who are using machines
• remove any safeguards, even if their presence seems to make the job more difficult

We hope that this information is useful in helping you work safely.

Acknowledgement: Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0