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SHSW spotlight - March newsletter

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:05:19 GMT

Welcome to our March newsletter

The March edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

SHSW spotlight - October newsletter

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:19:15 GMT

Welcome to our October newsletter

The October edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

SHSW Spotlight - September newsletter

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:10:10 GMT

Welcome to our September newsletter

The September edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

Bad Vibrations: A new campaign from BSIF

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:10:20 GMT

A new campaign focusing on Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) has just launched

Bad Vibrations is a new campaign tackling the widespread confusion surrounding HAVS, produced by BSIF.

Bad Vibrations dives into:

- What HAVS is and where it occurs

- Which tools are most likely to cause it

- Methods to control exposure in the workplace

- How vibration is measured and quantified

- Relevant standards to be aware of

- Helpful links for those wishing to explore specific aspects in more depth

More than 2 million people are at risk of developing HAVS every year due to repetitive use of vibrating tools. With the right precautions taken early, this painful and sometimes irreversible condition can be prevented.

To have a look at the Bad Vibrations campaign, click here .

SHSW Spotlight - August newsletter

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:12:14 GMT

Welcome to our August newsletter

The August edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

SHSW Spotlight - July Newsletter

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:42:31 GMT

Welcome to our July newsletter

The July edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

Guidance poster campaign - July 2025

0015051992 (M Stallard) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:24:04 GMT

July takes us to the end of our health and safety guidance posters campaign

Our final guidance posters include:

- Pressure systems

- Working at height

- Energy saving

- Lifting equipment and accessories

- Road safety

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

All guidance posters are available to view throughout our blog, but if there is a particular guidance poster (or several) that you would like, please get in contact and we can send them over.

Guidance poster campaign - June 2025

0015051992 (M Stallard) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:54:39 GMT

Our June guidance poster campaign

As part of our guidance poster campaign, we covered three new health and safety topics in June:

- Sustainability

- Young workers and work experience

- Ladder safety

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

Guidance poster campaign - May 2025

0015051992 (M Stallard) — Tue, 27 May 2025 16:51:20 GMT

Our May guidance poster campaign

Our most recent guidance posters include:

- Waste management

- Safe use of power tools

- Workplace transport

- Vibration

- Workplace violence

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

Guidance poster campaign - April 2025 - Safety Horizon South West

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:27:07 GMT

Our guidance poster campaign has focused on four new health and safety topics

Our most recent guidance posters include:

- Building safety

- Confined space safety

- Lone working

- Manual handling

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

Guidance poster campaign

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:21:35 GMT

March has seen four new guidance poster campaign topics

The four topics we focused on this month include:

- Fire safety

- Chemical safety

- Gas safety

- Isolation and lock off

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

Guidance poster campaign

0015051992 (M Stallard) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:55:06 GMT

We focused on four new health and safety topics as part of our guidance poster campaign

The four topics we focused on this month include:

- Engagement

- Noise safety

- PPE

- Water management

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

SHSW Spotlight

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:58:09 GMT

Welcome to our January newsletter

The January edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

Guidance poster campaign

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:38:00 GMT

Our guidance poster campaign has returned for 2025

In 2024, we started providing useful posters filled with the basics on various health and safety topics, for use by yourself and your business. The start of 2025 looked at the following topics:

- Office safety

- Risk assessments

- New and expectant mothers

- Environmental impact assessment

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

We will see you in February with the next guidance posters.

Guidance poster campaign

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:41:05 GMT

Our guidance poster campaign has seen three new topics this month

Over the last couple of months, we have been providing useful posters filled with the basics on various health and safety topics, for use by yourself and your business. This month we looked at the following topics:

- Home working

- Slips, trips and falls

- First aid

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

See you in the new year where our guidance poster campaign continues...

Guidance poster campaign

0015051992 (M Stallard) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:41:59 GMT

We focused on four new health and safety topics as part of our guidance poster campaign this month

- Mental health awareness

- Emergency arrangements

- Ensure your vehicle is 'winter ready'

- Equipment safety

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

SHSW Spotlight

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:52:57 GMT

Welcome to our October newsletter

The October edition of our newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' - containing the latest health and safety updates and industry news - is now available.

Please click here to view.

Guidance poster campaign

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:47:14 GMT

October saw four new topics as part of our guidance poster campaign

Over the coming months we will provide a useful poster filled with the basics on various health and safety topics, for use by yourself and your business. This month we looked at the following topics:

- Compressed Air

- Display Screen Equipment

- Dust Safety

- Electrical Safety

Click here to view or contact us for more information.

Guidance poster campaign

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:32:22 GMT

This month we commenced our guidance poster campaign

Over the coming months we will provide a useful poster filled with the basics on various health and safety topics, for use by yourself and your business. This month we looked at the following topics:

- Safe Access and Egress

- Accident Prevention

- Asbestos

Make it part of your routine and follow these 5 steps to help manage stress in your workplace:

1. Reach out and talk with your staff

2. Recognise the signs and causes of stress within your workplace

3. Respond by agreeing action points to any risks that are identified

4. Reflect on actions taken – have things improved?

5. Make it Routine to check back in with your staff on how things are going

Getting started

The most important step is getting started – taking the first step to start the conversation or get prepared to have that conversation.

You can have conversations individually or in groups or teams, the key thing is to recognise any common stressors or issues being raised. You might also gather information such as sickness absence records and staff survey results if you have them.

There are 6 main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly:

• demands

• control

• support

• relationships

• role

• change

If you’re finding it difficult to know where to start, see the Talking Toolkit for a step-by-step approach of what to ask and some ideas of what to do next.

The signs of stress

More reports of stress would indicate that issues may be bubbling where you work, but there are other less obvious things to consider that can mean that workers are showing signs of stress.

A change in the way someone acts can also be a sign, for example taking more time off, arriving for work later, loss of motivation or confidence, or seeming more nervous or emotional. Across the team, this can also look like:

• arguments

• higher staff turnover

• more sickness absence

• decreased performance

• more complaints and grievances

Although employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work, diagnosing and treating stress isn’t your responsibility. Your responsibility is to identify the risks of stress and act on them.

You can use HSE’s risk assessment template to record what you’ve found and agreed to do to prevent, reduce or tackle issues.

Here are our top tips on minimising the environmental impact of water pollution within your organisation:

1. Purchase substances that have a low impact on the environment.

2. If you have a fleet of vehicles, ensure they are maintained to minimise the risk of leaking into water outlets.

3. Purchase double insulated tanks for storage of fuel and oil and ensure they are positioned away from drains.

4. Keep lids on substances when not being used.

5. Purchase spill kits and ensure employees are trained on how to use them.

6. Don’t dispose of substances down the drain or sink .

7. Install automatic taps that turn off after a few seconds.

8. Minimise the use of fertilisers and pesticides which could run off into water outlets.

9. Collect your rubbish and avoid throwing them directly into lakes, rivers, streams, and any other bodies of water.

For more information, contact us on support@safetyhorizonsw.com

Avoiding Air Pollution

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:23:14 GMT

This weeks environmental top tips focus on avoiding air pollution

Here are our top tips on minimising the environmental impact of air pollution within your organisation:

1. For organisations with a fleet of vehicles, go green . Over time, move towards vehicles that have a lower environmental impact.

2. Look into alternative energy . Undertake a review with a specialist to discuss what possibilities are available.

3. If possible, car sharing is a way of reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

4. Plan your journey to avoid congested areas.

5. Use public transport where possible. This transport will run whether there is 1 person or 100 people travelling.

6. Encourage a cycle to work scheme. It is possible funding may be available which can contribute towards a bicycle. If possible, walk to work .

7. Purchase natural products .

8. Plant more trees . Organise employee team building exercises where planting trees in your local community is not just fun but also creates a sustainable solution.

9. Stop smoking .

For more information, contact us on support@safetyhorizonsw.com

Energy management

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:10:49 GMT

This week we look at how your business can minimise the environmental impact of energy consumption

Here are our top tips on minimising the environmental impact of energy consumption within your organisation:

1. Review your energy bills from the previous year to see how much you are consuming. Create a spreadsheet to identify any increases or decreases in consumption. This is a great starting point.

2. Take a walk through each building of your organisation. Look for quick fixes such as lights left on, heating on but windows open, air conditioning on with nobody in the room, machinery left on during non-operation etc. Take pictures as this is good to reference as examples.

3. Identify if there are funding possibilities to invest in solar panels and other energy efficient technology. An initial cost could have medium terms savings.

4. Source costs for installing energy saving light bulbs. Find out how much they may save you.

5. Introduce automatic light controls. They only activate by motion in the room.

6. If you can’t invest, perhaps placing stickers next to light switches and delivering team briefings on the importance of saving energy will influence change.

For more information, contact us on support@safetyhorizonsw.com

Waste Management

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:21:54 GMT

This weeks environmental top tip focuses on Waste Management

Here are our top tips on minimising the environmental impact of waste within your organisation:

Arrange for a waste management survey to be carried out. This looks at all materials that will be making their way to landfill. It will identify ways in which you can reduce your disposal costs, potentially generate income through recycling and improve your overall environmental performance.
Can the packaging the items arrive in be changed in any way? Perhaps using recyclable material or reducing the size or volume of the packaging.
Look for items that can be returned to the supplier . When they deliver the product/material, can they take the empty containers and packaging back with them. They can be re-used .
Separation of materials is another possibility. Creating an environment where people have the option to recycle items within the workplace. This may be collected at a lower cost than general waste or potentially for free. For organisations with large volumes of recyclable materials, it is advised to speak to your waste collection company on available options.
Avoid using plastic bags . Use an alternative.
Ensure members of staff are aware of their responsibilities and that of the organisation. This can be achieved through staff briefings, training , posters or holding informal meetings about minimising waste. You may be surprised with the ideas you may receive.

For more information, contact us on support@safetyhorizonsw.com

Introduction to the Environment

Wed, 31 May 2023 09:06:10 GMT

Welcome to our latest top tips relating to the Environment

Over the next four weeks we shall be posting some thoughts and ideas on the key aspects of Environmental management and how this may impact your business.

Although we will provide more specific guidance on environmental topics, it is important that organisations consider the levels of arrangements to demonstrate some compliance with legislation:

Level 1 – Environmental policy

This can be a simple statement or a more detailed commitment towards the environmental subjects that are relevant to your organisation.

Level 2 – Environmental impact assessment

A more intrusive look at the aspects and impacts your organisation has on the environment. Like a normal risk assessment, this will identify the risks associated with the activities of the organisation and the correct control measures to reduce that impact.

Level 3 – Management system

The mature organisations will require some structured environmental management. This will include various procedures, templates, and audit schedules to demonstrate your organisation is clearly managing their responsibilities. This is an investment for those wishing to promote good environmental practice.

Level 4 – ISO 14001

Implementing your management system is essential if you are striving towards achieving ISO 14001 accreditation. You will need to appoint an EMS co-ordinator and have a clear internal and external audit regime to test the management system in line with the standard and your activities. There are many benefits for achieving this but will require investment of time.

Finally, another option is to arrange an independent environmental audit to measure current performance. This will then provide you with an action plan.

For more information, contact us on support@safetyhorizonsw.com

SHSW Spotlight

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:30:01 GMT

Welcome to our May newsletter

This month we launched our updated newsletter 'SHSW Spotlight' containing the latest updates and industry news.

Please click here to view.

Non-accredited training courses

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:28:30 GMT

New revised non-accredited training course

NEW REVISED TRAINING COURSES

Safety Horizon (South West) have revamped their own library of training courses which can be delivered direct at customer premises. We offer the following courses:

Manual handling principles: A 2-3-hour course explaining the anatomy and the importance of preventing Musculoskeletal injuries. This course can be extended to include delegates participating in assessing manual handling activities that is relevant to their working environment.

Abrasive wheels: A practical course explain the significant hazards associated with using hand-held and fixed abrasive wheels. It also covers the selection, mounting and inspection of the wheel. This course duration is normally 2-hours.

Office Essentials: This 3-hours training course is targeted for any employee working within an office environment that needs to be aware of the common hazards that exists along with our top tips for managing and controlling them.

Working at height: One of our most popular courses, the working at height course is approximately 4-hours and covers the significant issues facing industry. It is built around risk assessment and the selection of correct access equipment, working safely at height including the provision use of harnesses.

COSHH awareness: A short course explaining the main requirements of the legislation and the breakdown of the assessment process. Usually a 1-hour course.

Incident investigation: This training course/workshop will not explain the process that needs to be followed but the principles of the COM-B model and how this influences how we investigate incidents to prevent possible recurrences.

Risk assessment in practice: Between 4-5 hours this theory and practical course will ensure delegates not only understand the procedure of completing risk assessments, but they will also have essential practice in applying this learning within their own working environment. An essential course any person who is responsible for completing risk assessments.

Fire warden: Targeted at any person who is has some fire safety responsibilities. A 3-hour classroom course going through the principles of fire prevention, fire chemistry and the responsibilities of a fire warden as well as understanding the legislation that underpins this subject.

Environmental Awareness: A new course which is approximately 2-hours in duration is perfect for those looking to have a baseline understanding of what an organisation needs to consider managing their environmental responsibilities.

Note: All courses are assessments based with all successful delegates receiving a certificate of achievement, not just attendance.

For more information on any of these courses, contact us on support@safetyhorizonsw.com

Top Tip Tuesday - Zest for Health and Safety

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:10:42 GMT

Week 26 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on a Zest for Health and Safety

Z – ZEST FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Like passion but having a real ‘zest’ for anything health and safety is infectious and can have a positive influence on a person’s approach to preventing incidents.

If you deliver any health and safety message in a monotone, dull and boring manner you will struggle to influence an individual’s decision making. If you just ‘go through the motions’ when delivering a toolbox talk, attending a briefing, or holding a 1-2-1 conversation, how do you expect others to take it seriously?

Having a zest for health and safety in what you are delivering is the most powerful influence you can have in changing the way someone views health and safety. If an attitude towards health and safety is negative, hearing someone who is passionate about what they do can have a positive impact on how others perceive it.

Of course, understanding your subject and having that underpinning knowledge is vital when delivering the health and safety message. But if this is not delivered with passion, nobody will tend to listen. Attitude is everything. If you are unable to deliver with passion, don’t bother.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Young People at Work

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:57:17 GMT

Week 25 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Young People at Work

Y – YOUNG PEOPLE AT WORK

Having a young person at work can sometimes come with its challenges. But, managing a young person in a positive, progressive, and structured way will allow you to shape and mould a model employee in the future.

The health and safety at work regulations 1999 has a specific section relating to young workers and the allowances we need to afford these workers to keep them safe in the workplace.

What do we need to consider:

Inexperience – Younger workers will not have the experience a more senior employee has and has not experienced life in a busy workplace.
Risk awareness – We all remember being young and invincible, we would all take risks we wouldn’t even dream of taking now.
Maturity – A young worker may still be maturing physically and mentally; we need to consider this when setting certain job tasks.
Physical capabilities – A young worker may not have the physical capabilities that a more senior employee may have.
Influences – A young worker will learn from the more senior members of your workforce; the quality and content of this learning will be the key to how well the individual develops.
Hazards – Specific hazards may pose a more significant risk to a young worker. Exposure to noise, vibration, and some chemicals at a younger age can have drastic implications later in life.

How to equip our young workers with the necessary knowledge:

Risk assessments – Conducting risk assessments in the workplace is an essential ingredient in health and safety management. Prior to starting employment, a risk assessment on all workplace processes factoring in all the considerations that are necessary for younger workers will allow for extra controls to be implemented to prevent an accident to a young worker.
Training – Training is one of the best tools an employee has to create a good worker, the more training received and knowledge obtained by a young worker the better, but it is always best to keep the training relevant to the workplace and tasks to be carried out.
Supervision – A mentor system, including close supervision especially in the early stages of employment is essential. But choosing the right mentor can be the difference between a young worker adopting a positive culture or negative culture.
Instruction and information – Give the young worker as much detailed instruction and information relevant to their work.

Finally, it is always worth considering that we were all young once and we were all new to the workplace. The question we should pose ourselves is how did I learn and how could it have been better?

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Health and safety newsletter - March

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 11:59:58 GMT

Please see below for our latest communication...

Welcome to your October health and safety update from Safety Horizon (South West) containing industry news, updates and our 2023 training calendar.

Please click here to view.

Top Tip Tuesday - Xplain it correctly

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:33:36 GMT

Week 24 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Xplaining it correctly

X – XPLAIN IT CORRECTLY

We know this is cheating but perhaps some credit for improvising. This comes down to communicating the message of health and safety effectively.

You may remember that we have mentioned this in previous top tips but it’s so important to get this right. Arranging training, delivery of toolbox talks, holding meetings and preparing risk assessments are completed to influence behaviour and decision making. That’s why the content of these arrangements need to be explained correctly to ensure it is understood.

Top tips on explaining health and safety effectively

Use pictures within your documentation. The more visual it is, the more likely people will retain the information.
Involve people. They are more likely to understand what is expected if they are involved rather than lectured to.
Keep health and safety meetings an open forum. Allow joint decisions to be made but ensure you clearly explain the parameters.
Some people prefer 1-2-1 meetings. This is a brilliant way of ensuring health and safety requirements are understood.
Build in interactive workshops within training courses. Explain what you require and allow attendees to express themselves with their ideas.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Working at Height

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:37:26 GMT

Week 23 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Working at Height

W – WORKING AT HEIGHT

Falls from height have traditionally been the main cause of workplace fatalities in the UK and early figures for 2021/2022 are showing this trend continuing. It has never been more crucial to ensure when we work from height, we do it right.

In health and safety when assessing the risk of any activity we always consider how to eliminate the hazard in the first place. How do we do this when considering working at height? The question we ask is do we need to work from height in the first place. An example of this would be to look at a modern-day window cleaner. We very rarely see a window cleaner with a ladder these days, they will usually have an extendable pole to wash the windows thus completely eliminating the need to work from height.

Now, obviously the elimination of working from height will not be possible in a lot of cases so how can we make sure this is conducted as safely as possible.

Top tips:

Plan – Always plan our working at height prior to working, assess the risks involved and explore the controls to be applied to ensure we are working safe.
Scaffolding – Always ensure our scaffolding is installed by trained and competent operatives and is installed to current regulations. Always remember scaffolding needs to be inspected every 7 days or after modification or adverse weather conditions such as high winds.
MEWPS – Mobile elevated work platforms are a great way to work at height as long as they are used safely. Always ensure; operatives are trained and competent, pre use checks are conducted and recorded, damaged or defective MEWPS are not used, the ground is suitable and stable.
Ladders – Ladders, steps or hop ups are always going to be needed when working at height, but we need to make sure we are only using them if they are to en131 or professional standard. We should always conduct pre use inspections. Ladders should only be used for access and egress or working for short periods. We should also ensure the ladder is tied off and footed correctly.
Training – Ensure our operatives are trained and attend regular refresher training. Risk assessment training, working at height training, toolbox talks, and prestart meetings are all good tools to ensure our operatives are working safely at height.
Safety equipment and rescue plans – Our harnesses and fall arrest equipment should be visually inspected before each use and thoroughly inspected every 6 months. Any rescue plans need to be produced and communicated to all operatives prior to work commencing.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Vibration

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 10:34:49 GMT

Week 22 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Vibration

V – VIBRATION

Vibrating tools and equipment are an everyday essential for most of us to conduct our work but we all need to be aware of the hazards associated with exposure to vibration. Chronic conditions such as White finger, Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and Whole body vibration syndrome (WBV) are all serious effects of exposure to vibration over a period. Unfortunately, the symptoms of these conditions are sometimes not detected until it is too late.

How do we protect ourselves and our employees:

Eliminate –This is not always possible but can we introduce equipment or work processes to eliminate the need for vibrating tools.
Assess – We need to get our tools assessed for vibration and to record typical trigger times of employees. There are a number of gadgets and equipment that can be used to conduct these assessments.
HSE – Use the resources available on the HSE website to calculate exposure limits on specific tools. https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/vibrationcalc.htm .
Plan – ensure we are planning our work processes so that our employees are not exceeding their daily exposure limits.
Maintenance – ensuring our tools are regularly maintained and serviced and our tool attachments are sharp and undamaged, will reduce the vibration effect on the tool.
Communicate – Make sure all employees who are affected are informed of all findings of the assessments then, instructed, and regularly trained in the safe use of vibrating tools.
Health surveillance – Regularly assessing the health of our employees using a qualified health surveillance company will ensure we catch any issues early on so that we can re-evaluate processes and keep our operatives safe.
Regular breaks – Making sure our employees are taking regular breaks from using vibration tools.
Gloves and warm clothing – Keeping hands and other parts of the body warm during colder periods will help to prevent symptoms from developing.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Undesirable Events

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:55:30 GMT

Week 21 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Undesirable Events

U – UNDESIRABLE EVENTS

Also known as near misses, incidents, accidents, and many others. Undesirable events are things that occur which results in harm, loss, or disruption.

How do you encourage individuals to proactively report these events which then provides you with an opportunity to intervene before it develops into something more serious.

Top tips on encouraging reporting

· Encourage our employees to report a near miss however trivial they may think it is

· Reassure our employees that they will not get into trouble for reporting a near miss

· Take each near miss seriously and rectify any issues immediately

· Ensure all near miss reports are recorded and common occurrences given more resources

· Ensure near misses are discussed at health and safety meetings to highlight any issues.

The approach for investigating incidents can also help prevent a recurrence and is something to consider if you are ever involved in an investigation. This is the COM-B approach (capability + opportunity + motivation = behaviour).

Capability: Trained, physically, psychologically, and socially able.

Opportunity: The environment allows me to do it. I have enough resources and time to do it.

Motivation: Habitual. I want to do it. It’s the right thing to do.

These three things can influence behaviour and unless you fully understand the mindset of the individual, it is difficult to minimise the recurrence of undesirable events.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Traffic Management

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:42:35 GMT

Week 20 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Traffic Management

T – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Consistently for many years, being struck by a moving vehicle is unfortunately the second highest reason for fatalities in the workplace. The movement of plant, vehicles and pedestrians should be correctly planned and communicated to employees. The development of a traffic management survey is the starting point for organisations. Once complete, the preparation of a bespoke traffic management should follow.

The following should be considered when preparing a traffic management plan:

Protection for pedestrians, segregation with physical barriers will offer the best protection and greatly reduce the chance of a collision with a pedestrian.
Traffic routes need to be suitably signed, regularly checked, maintained, and have sufficient room for vehicle movements
If there are no space constraints a one-way system would help to reduce any reversing and will help to prevent vehicles colliding with each other.
Any pedestrian doors or gates that lead onto traffic routes need to be situated so that there is a clear view by pedestrians of approaching vehicles
All reversing vehicles need to be banked by a trained and competent banksman or vehicle marshal
Adequate lighting needs to be provided for vehicles and pedestrians during work at night or at times when vision is restricted.
All users of vehicles are trained and competent
All traffic management plans need to be communicated to employees in their induction on day one of them arriving on site.

We also need to review our traffic management plans; this will ensure that any improvements or issues can be identified and implemented. If there are any changes to site layouts, work processes, equipment, or personnel we will also need to review these plans in the unlikely event of an incident.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Societal Risk

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:38:32 GMT

Week 19 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Societal Risk

S – SOCIETAL RISK

Some of you may not of heard this terminology before, or perhaps it was called something else. One perception of societal risk is an individual’s view on something dangerous which is dependent on the environment they are in.

Example 1

If you opened the door of your refrigerator, would it comply with food hygiene regulations? Most people would confirm it doesn’t comply but seem to be happy to accept it. Yet, you wouldn’t accept it within a restaurant.

Example 2

People that have the ‘5-second rule’ at home. i.e., if you drop food on the floor in your kitchen, is it acceptable to pick this up within 5-seconds and place it onto a plate ready to consume? Again, would this be accepted in a restaurant where the chef drops food on the floor and picks it up within a few seconds and places it onto your plate?

These are both rhetorical questions, but you get the idea.

There are multiple examples of individuals that are happy to take unnecessary risk away from the workplace (DIY, garden work, maintenance) but once they are within the working environment, they change their approach and their attitude changes. We can play the role of gamekeeper and quickly change to a poacher when our perception of risk or working environment changes.

What can you do?

It’s difficult to have one solution for this as it is very much based on individual attitude. The best way is to hold discussions within meetings or through toolbox talk delivery on this subject. Like most things, having an open conversation and educating people increases the chance of influencing behaviour. This is the starting point to getting individuals thinking about what they do and also having an appreciation of how difficult it is for the employer at times.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Risk Assessment

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 22:22:54 GMT

Week 18 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Risk Assessment

R – RISK ASSESSMENT

Having the ability to complete good risk assessments is the most valuable tool a health and safety practitioner can possess. Although there is some debate on the difference between completing a risk assessment and assessing the risk.

The task of completing a risk assessment is usually recorded in generic form. These are usually completed as a desktop exercise and used for commercial or procurement requirements to demonstrate a process.

Assessing the risk is a different dynamic. Physically entering the work environment to analyse what is being done, who is doing it; and how they are doing it. It is more precise. It is relevant to what is being done and clearly demonstrates some interaction between the assessor and the assessed.

Here are some top tips to ensuring your risk assessments not only end up as suitable and sufficient, but also a solid and professional document that shows it is being managed well:

Train as many people as you can in risk assessment principles. The more that are trained, the more valuable they become.
Ask your most valued team members to get involved in risk assessments. Select individuals who have a positive attitude towards health and safety. People who have the right attitude.
Carry out a walkthrough assessment identifying all the different areas and tasks that will require a risk assessment. Don’t prepare risk assessments for specific topics (working at height), look at the tasks and activities they are performing (clearing guttering).
Once you have confirmed your list, split the assessment of risk between some of the individuals you selected. Allow them to find out all the information, record it and then report back to you or their immediate line manager.
Review their findings and start to prepare/record each risk assessment. Remember to involve the people that complete these tasks so they are engaged and can have an input.
Once finalised, the library of risk assessments can then be implemented with all personnel having access to them at any time.
Keep them under review and only make modifications if there has been a change.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Passion

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:13:46 GMT

Week 16 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Passion

P – PASSION

Is there anything more powerful than someone who is passionate about what they do?

Passion in what you are delivering is the most powerful influence you can have in changing the way someone views health and safety. Passion is infectious. If an attitude towards health and safety is negative, hearing someone who is passionate about what they do can have a positive impact on how others perceive it.

Of course, understanding your subject and having that underpinning knowledge is vital when delivering a health and safety message. But if this is not delivered with passion, nobody will tend to listen. Attitude is everything. If you are unable to deliver with passion, don’t bother.

Need more help on presentation techniques? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Office Safety

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:25:42 GMT

Week 15 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Office Safety

O – OFFICE SAFETY

Let’s not forget that health and safety management isn’t just about heavy industry. There are many requirements that need to be planned and managed within many office environments. Here are our top tips for the main office health and safety issues to remind you of what you should consider:

Fire safety – Fire risk assessment is where you need to start. If your building and operation is low risk, you may be able to complete this yourself. If your premises and the activities you carry out are a little more complex, appoint a competent person to do this. All other fire safety requirements will be identified from this.
Computer use – Office working, home working or hot desking will still require an assessment to ensure it is set up directly. An individual display screen equipment (DSE) assessment will also be required to ensure an individual’s interaction with the workstation is controlled. Headaches, focussing difficulties and upper limb disorders are the most common and recognised ill-health issues experienced by office workers.
Electricity – Fixed wiring (main electricity) inspections and portable appliance testing (PAT) are both legal requirements for every office environment. Visual inspections can be applied but should be an extension to the other inspections and not a replacement for them.
Slips and trips – Carpet tiles that have worn, cables running through the office, spillages in the kitchen are the most common slip and trip hazards. Replace carpet tiles, tie up cables, run them under flooring and ensure employees clear up spillages immediately are the simple control measures you can adopt. It is important that these items are communicated during an employee induction.
Manual handling – Provide equipment which reduces the need to manually pick up items. Encourage employees to carry less and reduce how far they are walking when carrying something. Manual handling training is advised for all office employees.
Legionella – If applicable, an independent assessment is advised if you store stagnant water. Run showers every week. Using shower head cleaning substances to stop bacteria building up. For facilities with multiple rooms, temperature checking, and recording is required.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Health and safety newsletter - January 2023

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:07:17 GMT

Please see below for our latest communication:

Welcome to your January health and safety update from Safety Horizon (South West) containing industry news, updates and our 2023 training calendar.

Please click here to view.

Top Tip Tuesday - Noise

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:26:47 GMT

Week 14 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Noise

N – NOISE

Noise is another subject that falls under the health umbrella and is also labelled by some professionals as a ‘common workplace hazard’. The term ‘common’ can be interpreted as it applies to a lot of workplaces.

Even though it is labelled a common hazard, there are many organisations that do not control, manage noise, or even realise that it is a potential problem. Noise is measured in decibels (dB) with various processes; machinery and environments have different levels. Here are our top tips to help you:

Do you have a noise issue? Walk around your workplace, consult with employees. If you must raise your voice to have a normal conversation from 2m away, the noise level may be too high.
Do your employees use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour each day? If so, see if you can source any information from the manufacturer that may indicate the noise level.
Arrange a noise assessment or perhaps do this yourself. Source a decibel reader and measure the exposure around the noisy areas or equipment you are concerned about. Position it in different areas each time to measure the noise. Perhaps directly next to the noise issue, 10 metres away and then 20 metres away. This will then provide you with a measure of how far the noise is travelling.
If the decibel level is 80dB or above, record this and seek some competent advice on what to do next. If the decibel level is below 80dB, you still may be able to reduce this or as a minimum, keep this under review.
Inform your employees on what you have found. It doesn’t matter what the results are, it is important they understand.
If you are looking to reduce the noise levels, sourcing alternative equipment which is quieter is something to consider. Speak to the various manufacturers about the noise impact and what alternatives are available.
Avoid unnecessary banging, especially metal on metal.
Avoid spending so long in noisy areas.
You may be able to encapsulate the area where noise is a problem. At least it can be contained so the number of people exposed is minimal. Use barriers or other ways to reduce the impact.
Select correct hearing protection. Ear defenders provide total enclosure although ear plus is acceptable for short duration. Make sure the decibel reduction level is enough.
Train your employees on how they can protect themselves including how to fit and maintain hearing protection.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Mental Health and Wellbeing

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 09:14:30 GMT

Week 13 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Mental Health and Wellbeing

M – MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Mental health and wellbeing are gathering pace at a significant rate with employers and safety professionals struggling to adapt. This is partly due to lack of understanding and in certain situations, lack of commitment. A starting point is to recognise there may be an issue which requires some intervention.

Looking for signs

If you recognize that an employee starts acting differently, this may be the early signs that they are under pressure. Some of the signs to look out for:

Argumentative – they seem to be more agitated and dismissive during conversations.

Punctuality – they are late for meetings or simply do not attend.

Not responsive – they delay or even may not reply to messages or calls.

Mistakes – you identify more errors in their work.

Complaints – negative feedback from co-workers or customers.

Nervous – they just look uncomfortable during discussions and can become more emotional.

Apart from the usual suggestions such as policies, procedures and risk assessments, here are our top tips to support and manage issues on mental health and wellbeing:

Hold regular meetings. Either in a group or on a 1-2-1 basis. Ensure they feel involved and engaged.
Let individuals know you are there to support them.
Display posters or stock information leaflets in the workplace on mental health and wellbeing. They may be encouraged to read it or take it home.
Encourage lunchtime walks with colleagues. Avoid eating at desks.
Arrange team social events as this provides a different environment.
Make fruit available within the kitchen or canteen. Encourage healthy eating.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Lone Working

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:08:15 GMT

Week 12 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Lone Working

L – LONE WORKING

Working alone and lone working are different things but are sometimes perceived as being the same. So, what is the difference?

Working alone examples

Driving a vehicle. Although you are alone in your vehicle, there are other road users that could raise the alarm in an emergency.
An individual working independently, but with other people from different organisations.

Lone working examples

Someone working in isolation such as a security guard, cleaner, an individual working late in an office or workshop.
A contractor undertaking work in an isolated part of a building or site.

Top tips:

Where possible, always avoid lone working. The risk could be too great. Can two people carry out the task?
If it cannot be avoided, restrict what tasks can be done by a lone worker such as tasks which are a significant risk.
Prepare an emergency plan for any person that is lone working. What? When? How?
Consider issuing lone working devices. These will raise the alarm if something goes wrong.
Is there a contact list for employees to use if something has gone wrong? What about out of hours working?
Whatever arrangements you decide to, a risk assessment is something you will need to prepare and ensure your employees are informed of your findings.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Kinetic Lifting

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 11:11:31 GMT

Week 11 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Kinetic Lifting

K – KINETIC LIFTING

Yes, we could’ve used manual handling but that would be too easy. Kinetic lifting sounds more interesting (and more technical). In simple terms, how can I manually handle an object without causing an injury. There are many techniques which can help avoid injury. Here are our top tips:

Manual handling assessment - Identify any tasks and activities where lifting, moving, or handling heavy and awkward items poses a significant risk of injury. This could be injuries to any of the muscle groups to the upper limbs, ligaments, discs, and tendons. Injuries to hands and fingers can also be a result of activities involving lifting, carrying, and putting down.
Stay close – if you are unloading from a vehicle, park as close as possible to the delivery area.
Mechanical aids - Try and introduce mechanical aids to help. This may include a pallet truck (manual or electric), trolleys, sack trucks, or it could even be a grab machine. Can the manual element of the task be removed?
Carry less – simple idea which we realise can take longer but allows you to not stretch yourself. Plus, you get more steps in!
Keep the load close – Balance is key. Where possible, avoid overstretching and extending your arms to lift or handle a load. Slide the load towards you. Elevate the pallet truck to waist height. Keep the load as close to the body as possible.
Training – many employees in most industries will require some form of information and training on how to adopt correct lifting techniques. Make sure you plan this training whether it is through classroom, e-learning or practical demonstration, ensure they have the right knowledge to apply the correct decisions.
Stay fit – a strong core can help when handling. Warming up is also essential rather than attempting to handle something when you are cold.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Just be patient

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:06:05 GMT

Week 10 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on developing staff

J – JUST BE PATIENT

Within the many organisations and individuals that we continue to support, it is fair to say that some people ‘just get it’ straight away but there are others that will need a little more time. This is not a reflection on the person delivering the message. Nor is it a reflection on the person receiving the message. Here are our top tips for helping a sustainable health and safety culture:

Think about your delivery of the health and safety message. Some people may be embarrassed that they have struggles with retaining information or cannot read well. Perhaps it’s a more private discussions rather than a team one.
Can the information you’re trying to communicate be delivered in an interactive way. Perhaps using visual aids or providing a demonstration of what is required.
Allow team members to feel the experience themselves. Only when you are involved, will you truly understand.
Mistakes will be made. Things will be missed. Some information will be forgotten. Allow this to happen. Encourage and support. This will have more of a positive impact over time.
Don’t discipline instantly. Provide feedback and set expectations. You could drive issues underground due to fear.
There is no immediate solution to this. Creating a proactive health and safety culture will happen once team members see the value and want to change.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Involvement

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:14:12 GMT

Week 9 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Involvement

I – INVOLVEMENT

Other keys terms used for this is engagement, consultation, and communication. All can be achieved through involving team members in all aspects of health, safety, and environmental performance. Here are our top tips and how to get the most out of them:

Let team members lead on certain aspects i.e., risk assessment. Encourage them to take risk assessments into the workplace and challenge them. Allow them to make suggestions and alterations to the documents.
Use their experience and knowledge. Encourage them to take part in workplace inspections and safety tours.
Encourage them to attend steering group or best practice meetings. Let them take part and have their say.
Avoid decisions being made by managers. Joint decisions are best.
Ask if they feel confident to deliver toolbox talks and team members briefings.
Involve team members in incident investigation.
Be transparent with everything you do. Build trust. Allow team members to make decisions.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Health Surveillance

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:07:04 GMT

Week 8 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Health Surveillance

H – HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

The introduction of employment medicals can not only confirm your employees have not developed any occupational diseases, it gives you the opportunity to identify any issues early and can also project the value of your business. Here are our top tips on health surveillance:

What does your policy say? Look at your risk assessments and the type of health hazards your team members may be exposed to. Make a list of who is exposed to each health hazard.
Research a local occupational health professional and seek some advice and clarification on what you require. Ask for a cost and timings.
Some options may include intrusive medicals whilst other options could be self-assessments and questionnaires.
Don’t forget to speak to them about pre-employment screening.
Once you arrange health surveillance, ensure each person is consulted on the findings.
Finally, any health surveillance records must be kept for a minimum of 40 years.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Gas Safety

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:51:44 GMT

Week 7 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Gas Safety

G – GAS SAFETY

Many workshops use various types of gas and other pressurised cylinders. This can include propane, oxygen, argon, and acetylene. A risk assessment should be undertaken for any activity involving the use of gas and although most people that use them are competent, we have provided some top tips as a reminder for all those fantastic welders and fabricators out there:

Fixed operation

Prior to operation look for cracks, splits, warping or any other damage which may pose a risk on gauges, regulators, valves, hoses, and torches.
Make sure no particles of dirt have built up in the cylinder outlet.
Fume extraction may be required within workshop environments. Extra care should be taken when cutting or welding materials containing zinc, chrome, nickel, or those painted or coated with materials.
Use welding screens and remove any combustible material that may ignite that is close to the work area.
Personal protective equipment must be inspected before use. Do not use oxygen to blow down clothing as the oxygen enrichment will increase the rate of burning.

Mobile operation

Prior to using, ensure that both van doors are open and remain open throughout the use of the propane and oxygen.
A good ventilation is always required.
Take care not to enrich the normal atmosphere with oxygen, as small increases will dramatically increase the burning rate of all combustible materials.
Combustible materials need to be removed from the area prior to welding or cutting.
Never weld or cut in an area where there is flammable material or explosive dusts and vapours.
Flashback arrestors should be installed. Due to the length of some hoses, non-return valves are fitted to each blow pipe connection.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Fire Safety

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:10:41 GMT

Week 6 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Fire Safety

F – FIRE SAFETY

One of the biggest impacts to an organisation is suffering a severe fire. Many organisations that suffer a significant fire, never trade again, and decide to close. Here are our top tips to prevent this potential impact:

Carry out a fire risk assessment of your premises and workplace. If you have one, look at it again to make sure it is still correct.
Make sure people are trained on what to do in the event of a fire and hearing the fire alarm.
Appoint and train fire wardens.
Introduce routine inspections of your workplace to identify any issues or concerns.
Keep ignition and fuel sources separate. Don’t put them together.
Test your fire alarm every week. Not from the main panel but by the break glass points you may have installed. Test a different one every week.
Arrange a fire drill every year. Complete evacuation of the premises. Don’t tell people it’s going to happen.
If hot works is being carried out on your premises, stop this at least one hour prior to team members finishing work. At least if an issue does arise, someone will be there to raise the alarm.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Environmental

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:28:21 GMT

Week 5 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Environmental arrangements within the workplace

E – ENVIRONMENTAL

Environmental arrangements are something every organisation must now consider introducing to ensure they comply with relevant legislation and to also demonstrate they consider the moral and ethical impact that they have. Our top tips are:

Think global but act local. There is a wider issue but if all organisations and individuals can make a difference within their control, this will help. Small changes first.
As well as having an environmental policy, conducting an environmental impact assessment will identify if you have any issues and what you can do to minimise it.
You could even undertake a waste management survey to see if savings can be made on what you may be paying for going to landfill.
Reduce how much packaging you purchase. Can you reuse it or send it back to the supplier. Recycling items within the organisation is much better that sending it to landfill.
Install automatic sensors on lights so they are not left on accidentally.
If that’s too expensive, display stickers next to light switches to encourage team members to turn them off.
Practice using spill kits just in case the real thing happens.

There are so many initiatives to consider. Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Dust

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 06:40:42 GMT

Week 4 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Dust

D – DUST

One of the hot topics the Health and Safety Executive has targeted this year is dust. This is not about asbestos dust as we covered that a few weeks ago. This is about construction and quarrying dust. Various industries have this problem whether it is dust created by equipment within an enclosed area, or dust created over a large area by machinery. Both can be an issue. Our top tips are:

Select equipment where extraction is built in. Any dust then is removed at source. The cost of not doing this could outweigh the cost of investing in the equipment.
Protective masks can be used but should not be your first choice. If you use them, ensure team members are face fit tested to ensure it is secured correctly. Team members who are clean shaven will have a better chance of ensuring it fits closely.
Maybe deliver a toolbox talk to team members so they are aware of the risks that exposure to dust can cause.
Dust created by mobile plant can also cause problems which is why regular dust suppression is advised on dry sunny days.
Mobile plant cabins should also have air conditioning and non-fabric seat coverings.
Adequate cleaning arrangements are something else to consider so any dusty overalls are cleaned as part of the workplace controls. Team members are not then taking any dust into their personal vehicles and homes.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Health and safety newsletter - October

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 11:26:14 GMT

Please see below for our latest communication...

Welcome to your October health and safety update from Safety Horizon (South West) containing industry news, updates and our 2023 training calendar.

Please click here to view.

Top Tip Tuesday - Chemical Safety

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:29:25 GMT

Week 3 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Chemical Safety

C – CHEMICAL SAFETY

You may transport, use, store, or handle chemicals in your workplace (perhaps you do all of them). If you do, there are a few top tips to follow to ensure you remain compliant. These are:

Make a list of all the chemicals you have on your premises.
Ensure you have a material safety data sheet for these chemicals. If you don’t have one, contact the organisation you purchased them from. They should provide you with one.
Review the material safety data sheet. Have you got the correct storage for this chemical? What about the correct personal protective equipment?
Any chemicals that pose significant risk (corrosive, highly flammable, toxic), you will need to prepare a detailed and bespoke COSHH assessment.
Any team member interacting with this chemical must be informed of the COSHH assessment findings and trained in how to minimise risk of contact.
Don’t remove labels on chemical containers.
Place lids back onto the chemical when you have finished.
Any soaked cloths should be disposed of correctly.
Don’t forget to have good emergency arrangements in place such as burns kit, first aid kits and officers.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Building Safety

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:19:04 GMT

Week 2 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Building Safety

B – BUILDING SAFETY

Normally this will be titled ‘Facilities’. The title isn’t necessarily important, but the responsibilities are very much the same. Organisations that are responsible for managing buildings will need to consider several health and safety requirements which include, but not limited to:

Fire – a fire risk assessment initially with many items that require managing.
Risk assessment – for users of display screen equipment (using computers), for the office environment, handling substances, manual handling tasks, accessing areas etc.
Gas – ensuring your boiler is serviced and well ventilated.
Legionella – if applicable, a water risk assessment needs to be arranged which will specifically advise on cleaning and checking temperatures amongst other things.
Electricity – portable appliance and fixed wiring testing.
Disability discrimination – Disability access assessment for employees, visitors etc, to ensure arrangements are in place.
Transport – a traffic management may be required if you have many vehicles using your premises or if there is a combination of large and small vehicles interacting.
Contractors – ensure they are controlled when working within your building.
Welfare facilities – ensure they are provided and kept clean.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Top Tip Tuesday - Asbestos

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 08:12:48 GMT

Week 1 of our Top Tip Tuesday focuses on Asbestos

A – ASBESTOS

Many people are already aware that asbestos is currently the biggest occupational health issue globally and the United Kingdom are not excluded from the drastic figures that continue to be published.

Top tips to protect your employees and your business is mainly around surveys and training.

Confirm if the building you occupy or manage was built before the year 2000. If you’re not sure, check the legal documents you received when you purchased the building. If you’re renting, check the lease agreement.
Arrange an Asbestos Management survey but make sure you select a competent contractor. This will confirm where asbestos may be present within your building and advise you how to manage it. They make take samples to confirm the type of asbestos.
If you are carrying out any penetration of walls, partitions etc, you will require a Refurbishment and Demolition survey (R&D). Don’t go breaking into walls without doing this first.
Make sure you act on the advice given by the management survey report. Don’t just ignore it and file it.
Ensure your employees are trained. UKATA courses are the most recognised. Be careful just relying on online courses as this can be frowned upon. Use online training as the occasional refresher training but arrange classroom training initially as this will guarantee your employees get all the right information. Be aware your employees may need non-licensed training.

Not sure what you need? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.

Environmental management support

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:19:13 GMT

We now offer environmental management support for you and your business

As of the 1 ^st October 2022, Safety Horizon (South West) is able to offer competent environmental advice and consultancy.

If you currently have a Health and Safety annual support package with us there is an opportunity for you to add this to your current package, if not you can call us to discuss.

Please see below for more information or contact us direct.

Health and Safety newsletter - August

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:03:52 GMT

Our latest health and safety update is out.........

Our latest newsletter is now available - please click here to read.

Stay safe!

Welfare at work

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 09:55:00 GMT

Employer responsibilities

Welfare at work.

Sometimes overlooked when considering Health and Safety at work, welfare plays just as a significant role in keeping workers fit and well.

Recent times with the immergence of Covid-19 have highlighted the need for hand washing facilities with clean running water. Rules set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 state ‘ Employers must provide welfare facilities and a working environment that is healthy and safe for everyone in the workplace, including those with disabilities'.

Company responsibilities

It’s important that we have a gentle reminder of what an employer’s responsibilities are with regards to welfare at work:

· enough toilets and washbasins for those expected to use them.

· where possible, separate facilities for men and women – failing that, rooms with lockable doors

· clean facilities – preferably with walls and floors tiled (or covered in suitable waterproof material) to make them easier to clean

· a supply of toilet paper and, for female employees, somewhere to dispose of sanitary dressings

· facilities that are well lit and ventilated

· hot and cold running water

· enough soap or other washing agents

· a basin large enough to wash hands and forearms if necessary

· a way of drying hands, such as paper towels or a hot-air dryer

· showers where necessary, for particularly dirty work

· You must always consider the needs of those with disabilities.

What about temporary worksites?

· You must provide or have provided by the client, flushing toilets and running water, for example with a portable toilet. If this is not possible, use alternatives such as chemical toilets and water containers.

· Using public toilets and washing facilities should be a last resort and not because they are a cheaper option. This would not be acceptable if it is possible to provide facilities on-site.

Stay safe.

Mental Health

Thu, 19 May 2022 13:30:44 GMT

A look at the signs and support available for mental health and wellbeing

Mental health

I’m not sure the words ‘Mental health and wellbeing’ would have been discussed on a regular basis in all work environments 20 years ago. It was no doubt perceived as a taboo subject and a lack of understanding would have ensured it was ‘flippantly’ thrown to one side by many people who felt it is a sign of weakness.

How times have changed, for the better.

Social recognition, employer recognition and improved knowledge of this subject is creating a working environment which is far more positive than it was all those years ago.

Or is it?

Are these just ‘buzz words’ some organisations promote, or something that they believe in and see the value of.

Below are some reminders of the symptoms and suggestions to help people understand what to look for and how to respond.

What are the signs?

Unfortunately, the signs that someone is suffering with their mental health can be missed or put down to other factors. It is hidden. Not visual. It’s psychological. Not physical. Being aware of changes to colleague’s behaviours and moods can be a good indication and the signs can include, but are not limited to:

· Being confrontational and unwilling to cooperate.

· Timekeeping is inconsistent.

· General decision making is questionable compared to previous experience.

· Signs of suspected alcohol or drug misuse.

· Quieter than normal and slightly withdrawn.

· Extremes of emotion.

Support inside the organisation

· Look for changes. Don’t wait for a complaint or an issue to be raised. Intervene.

· Talk openly and informally with colleagues. The more structured it is the more resistance you may encounter.

· Prepare a policy on mental health and wellbeing. Use it as part of your induction. Ensure colleagues have access to this policy. It shows commitment.

· Develop a risk assessment but involve other people. Get their feedback as they may have great ideas on some of the issues within the organisation.

· Have open talks with team members. Let them know you realise the importance of the subject. They may not respond immediately, but they know the subject is important to you.

Support outside the organisation

Actively work to support individuals and create an environment where those with mental health conditions can talk to someone or seek guidance from other sources such as MIND. 03001233393 www.mind.org.uk

If a colleague feels valued and believe that you understand the subject, there is a good chance they will be open and talk. If they don’t talk, provide them with information on how to seek help.

Stay safe.

The control of moving vehicles

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:16:18 GMT

Traffic management within the workplace

The control of moving vehicles.

Being struck by moving vehicle accounted for 25 fatal injuries to workers in 2020/21, representing 18% of the total number of deaths over the year.

Consistently year on year this is the second cause of fatalities. Many of us only encounter moving vehicles on the highways and keep ourselves safe by following Government advice and applying common knowledge, much of this installed into us from an early age.

But, within a lot of industries, moving plant and vehicles on site come with its own risks.

Preventing contact.

There are many different arrangements that can be considered to minimise the risk of vehicle collisions and contact with other vehicles. The following items are just a few of the consideration’s organisations can adopt:

· Training – Competency is key. Always ensure any person responsible for driving and maintaining vehicles have the necessary qualifications and training to demonstrate competency. You may want to introduce an authorisation system.

· Traffic management – A good traffic management system on site including speed limits, one-way system, and other speed control measures such as ramps.

· Segregation – Cleary marked walkways and physical barriers to ensure pedestrians are segregated from moving vehicles are a good control measure. Support this with signage and physical and visual crossing points.

· Vehicle marshals – Reversing vehicles account for many injuries and fatalities. Having trained vehicle marshals such as a banksman and making sure they are used can reduce risks.

· Driver pre-checks – Conducting regular driver pre checks on plant and vehicles will ensure our equipment is at its best and safe to use for driver and pedestrians.

· Security – It is essential that our sites and any plant and vehicles on them are secure and not accessible to unauthorised personnel. Simple security measures can often be the most effective.

· Visibility – Making sure you are clearly visible to drivers by wearing high visibility clothing will reduce the risk of an injury or fatality.

· Lighting – During hours of limited visibility, the provision of task lighting is important to maintain a level of vision for both vehicle operators and pedestrians.

· Awareness – Being aware of your surroundings is essential. Site based personnel will be familiar but ensure you cover traffic and pedestrians’ arrangements within your induction especially for non-employees.

Need help?

Safety Horizon (South West) have completed many traffic management reviews over the years and can support you in suggesting the right control measures that suit your site. Contact us for more details.

Stay alert and stay safe.

Latest newsletter

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:06:31 GMT

Our latest health and safety update is out.........

To view our March health and safety newsletter, containing all the latest health and safety updates, please click here .

Working at Height

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:44:37 GMT

FALLS FROM HEIGHT IS STILL THE BIGGEST ISSUE.....

Consistently, falls from height is still top of the HSE accident statistics with a high number resulting in fatalities. Although the exact figure has reduced in recent years there is still an issue with the decision-making of organisations and individuals.

TOP ISSUES

There are a number of factors which contribute to the lack of management of working at height activities. These include, but are not limited to:

· Working at height tasks are not correctly planned with little consideration to carrying out a ‘proper’ risk assessment.

· Lack of training. This doesn’t just include use of equipment but also awareness training and following proactive working at height principles.

· Inadequate protection introduced against falls from height.

· Selection of incorrect equipment for the tasks being undertaken. Too many people opting for ladders where alternative equipment could be used.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

When planning any working at height tasks, there are a number of measures for you to consider before starting work.

Avoid:

Before you consider working from height can you:

· Construct at ground level and raise up using lifting equipment?

· Use extendable tools to complete the works from the floor?

Prevent:

If we must work at height can we prevent the risk of a fall by…

· Using exsisting safe work places such as a flat roof with edge protection

· Utilising collective protection such as MEWP’s or edge protected scaffolding

· Providing personal protection such as fall arrest systems

Minimise:

· Minimising the distance and consequence by installing safety netting and airbags/soft landing systems

· Providing personal protection such as harnessed work restraints.

Equipment:

It’s vital we ensure any equipment used...

· Is suitable and adequate for the job. Ladders if used should conform to EN131 trade/Class 1 industrial or professional.

· Is visually inspected before use to ensure no defects and thoroughly inspected every 6 months

· Scaffolding needs to be erected by trained and competent workers and regularly inspected.

· Harnesses and lifting straps need to be visually checked before use and thoroughly examined every 6 months

· Remember ladders should only be used for access and egress or for short, light duties with 3 points of contact maintained at all times and only used if a risk assessment determines that other equipment is not practicable to use.

Training:

Make sure all staff are trained…

· Hold regular tool box talks

· Make sure employees have working at height training

· Ensure all employees are aware of the statistics and are included in plans.

WE CAN HELP

Safety Horizon (South West) can offer support with working at height which includes specific classroom training, delivery of toolbox talks and preparation of risk assessment and policies. Contact us for more information.

Stay safe

The New Fire Safety Act 2021

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 12:05:59 GMT

Details relating to the new Fire Safety Act

This has been expected and will come into force in 2022. The changes are in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as a consequence of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

What are the changes?
The changes to the existing act apply to multi occupancy residential properties and encompasses any premises other than a single dwelling. The act also puts the onus on the duty-holders and/or building owners, known as the “responsible person” or lease holder to ensure they are conforming to the new act.

To improve fire safety the “responsible person” must ensure they conduct a suitable fire risk assessment covering the structure external walls, internal doors and windows and any attachments such as balconies, cladding and insulation.

The changes to the act also cover the suitability of access doors to individual flats that open onto communal areas. The doors need to be fully compliant and regularly maintained. The fire doors will need to have all the correct intumescent and fire-rated hardware, as well as a risk assessment.

These changes also make it easier for enforcement officers (Fire Service and Government) to prosecute the “responsible person”

Are you affected?
Yes. If you are the “responsible person” of a house converted into two flats or a high rise building with hundreds of apartments you need to conduct a risk assessment and ensure adequate fire safety measures are in place.

When do the changes come into effect?
Although passed in April 2021 the changes are not due to come into effect until 2022 (full date to be set) with a possible grace period. Although no date has been set, we recommend acting now, the safety of lives and the cost of damage to property should always be a priority to all.

Priority action
Ensure your fire risk assessment is reviewed.

COSHH essentials

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:15:52 GMT

COSHH basics to be aware of.....

What is COSHH?

Mention the word COSHH and immediately harmful liquids spring to mind, bottles of chemicals and aerosols labelled with pictograms and warnings. Are all very common within the workplace and at home. But the regulations surrounding the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health cover so much more…

What should I be keeping myself and others safe from?

COSHH regulations should be very much at the forefront of all our health and safety plans. Many of our workplaces deal with Hazardous substances in one form or another. Considerations should be given to all aspects covered by COSHH. Substances covered by the regulations include…

Solids, Dusts, Fibres, Fumes, Gases, Mists, Vapours, Liquids, Fungi, Bacteria and very much in the news, for the last two years, viruses.

Know Your symbols.

The European symbol system for pictograms on packaging and safety data sheets make it easier to assess the risks posed by hazardous substances ( see below).

Things to do

1. Make a list of all the substances you currently store or use in your business.

2. Make sure you have information on these substances. This is usually a document that is sent by the supplier called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

3. Any of those substances that pose a significant risk should be formally assessed.

4. Ensure you consult with your employees on the substances they are handling or using.

5. Keep these assessments under review.

Stay safe.

Changes to personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:25:32 GMT

Our January blog looks at the upcoming changes that employers need to be aware of...

From 6 ^th April 2022 the introduction of new Personal Protective Equipment Regulations may affect your organisation.

What’s new?

The main changes extend the duties and responsibilities of the employer and employee to Limb (b) workers (dependent contractor). Generally, workers who come under limb (b):

· Carry out casual or irregular work for one or more organisations.

· After 1 month of continuous service, receive holiday pay but not other employment rights such as the minimum period of statutory notice.

· Only carry out work if they choose to.

· Have a contract or other arrangement to do work or services personally for a reward (the contract doesn’t have to be written) and only have a limited right to send someone else to do the work, for example swapping shifts with someone on a pre-approved list (subcontracting).

· Are not in business for themselves (they do not advertise services directly to customers who can then also book their services directly).

Does this apply to me?

Yes, by 6 April 2022

· If you’re an employer with both employees and limb(b) workers, you need to ensure that there is no difference in the way PPE is provided to your workers.

· If you are an employer with only limb(b) workers, you need to ensure that your workers are provided with PPE free of charge, where required. This means assessing the residual risk once all other measures (such as engineering controls) have been taken.

Top tip

If you employ regular sub-contractors or agency workers, treat them like your employees and issue them with the correct personal protective equipment.

Stay safe

Workplace transport

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 12:40:48 GMT

In his November blog, our senior director looks at workplace transport and how to create and maintain standards that minimise the chance of an incident....

WORKPLACE TRANSPORT

According to the HSE almost 5000 accidents involving workplace transport occur every year with approximately 50 of these resulting in a fatality.

The type of incidents that occur are falling from vehicles, being struck or crushed by them. The majority of incidents where vehicles are struck by a moving vehicle is when they are carrying out a reversing movement.

CREATING STANDARDS

The main areas in which to focus on when creating and maintaining standards are:

Safe site:

There are many areas that need to be considered when creating and maintaining a safe site for vehicles to manoeuvre safely. These include:

· Visibility and lighting – especially during twilight operations or where blind spots may be present.

· Speed limits – depending on the layout of the site, speed restriction may vary but should be imposed.

· Signage – providing clear information to drivers of what is expected in certain areas.

· Segregation – can large vehicles and small vehicles be separated to avoid potential collision. What about pedestrians. Can they move around the site safely? Are physical barriers required? Do you have a one-way system?

· Reversing movements – these should be kept to a minimum but perhaps providing a banksman may help?

· Loading and unloading – is this carried out in a separate area to where vehicle movements are active?

· Parking – this should be away from key transport movement areas.

· Tipping and sheeting areas – these may be applicable in certain industries and should be positioned in a safe area away from other moving transport.

Safe vehicle:

All round visibility is something that manufacturers and users have improved over the years which helps the operator understand their surroundings. Reversing cameras, reversing alarms, strategically positioned mirrors, sensors and flashing beacons are standard features on the majority of workplace transport.

Ensuring a system is in place for pre-start inspections (identifying potential defects) is paramount along with regular servicing of vehicles which ensure the best opportunity for issues to arise.

Safe driver:

Competence and training are the most obvious control measures to creating a safe driver but also consider fitness to work. Are the vehicle operatives healthy with no underlying condition which may affect their decision making? Is the operator taking prescribed medication which has potential side effects?

All transport drivers should be authorised by the business to show effective management control.

PLAN

A starting point for any business would be initiating a traffic management plan to be prepared. This would include a review of the current site layout and supporting arrangements and provide some structure on additional arrangements to minimise the risk of pedestrian and vehicle collision.

It is important to consult with employees and/or their representatives at each stage of this process as they possess invaluable knowledge of the site and the current arrangements.

Once the plan has been created, a solid site layout can be created which will not only form part of your site induction and site rules but will also minimise the chance of an incident.

Stay safe!

Mark Stallard – CMIOSH, FIIRSM, FIQ, DipSM, DipEM

Hybrid working

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:20:29 GMT

Mark's October blog looks at the recent move towards flexible working conditions

HYBRID WORKING

The anticipation and excitement of returning to the workplace after working from home for some people will also bring uncertainty and apprehension for others. The pandemic has readjusted an organisation and individuals’ perspective about flexible working conditions.

Working from home just doesn’t work for some people whilst others prefer it. Many organisations now are giving their employee the empowerment to make that decision.

FLEXIBILITY

The introduction of ‘hot desks’ within a working environment is trending and becoming the normal approach when offering flexible working conditions. Balancing home life commitments, travel time, productivity and staff wellbeing are something that many employers now embrace and are seeing the benefits in so many ways.

THE ARGUMENT

There are positives and negatives of introducing hybrid working as it creates and maintains the benefits of both home and office working. The list below are some examples with many more that could be added to both lists.

ASSESSMENT

For organisations that introduce hybrid working, there is still a responsibility for ensuring that consideration is given to creating a safe working environment. A self-assessment, checklist or guidance document is a good starting point in ensuring that the correct equipment is available for staff working from home which will influence productivity. Contact us if you would like more details.

Stay safe!

Mark Stallard – CMIOSH, FIIRSM, FIQ, DipSM, DipEM

September newsletter

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:14:05 GMT

Welcome to our September newsletter....

Our September newsletter containing health and safety updates, Safety Horizon (South West) news and our 2022 training calendar is now available to view:

https://mailchi.mp/8aeb346576cc/shsw-newsletter-4959742

Managing Asbestos

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:42:29 GMT

A look at how to manage asbestos in the workplace

SEPTEMBER 2021 - BLOG

MANAGING ASBESTOS

It is common knowledge that asbestos claims over 5000 deaths every year within the United Kingdom with many additional people suffering from one of the many associated diseases such as mesothelioma.

If your company occupies a building that was built before the year 2000, it may contain asbestos. The initial Regulations for asbestos was introduced in the year 2000 which ensured it was illegal to use any form of asbestos within any new building or refurbishment.

What do you need to do?

1. Arrange an asbestos management survey if you occupy a building that was constructed before the year 2000.

2. If the building was built before the year 2000 and you are planning some internal work which will be intrusive, a Refurbishment and Demolition survey is required.

3. If the survey confirms that no asbestos was detected, you need to do nothing else apart from file the report.

4. Any confirmation of asbestos must be managed. The survey report will advise on the best action which may include one or more of the following: removal, encapsulation, labelling and monitoring.

5. Employees who may be exposed to asbestos fibres through the work they carry out, must be suitably trained.

How do I select the correct training?

A starting point will be the ½-day Category A: Asbestos awareness course. This training is for anyone who could unknowingly disturb asbestos while carrying out their normal every day work, or those who may influence how work is carried out in a building built before the year 2000.

This could cover a number of different occupations and would advise you contact us at training@safetyhorizonsw.com to find out if this is something you should consider.

The benefits of asbestos awareness training are:

1. An increased awareness of the nature and properties of asbestos and its effects on health.

2. Be familiar with the types, uses and likely occurrences of asbestos in buildings and where appropriate items of plant.

3. Where to obtain information on asbestos in premises prior to commencing work.

4. What to do if suspicious materials are found.

5. How to use appropriate workplace precautions, including the risk assessment process, or seek advice on workplace precautions, in respect of the risks of asbestos.

6. Undertake work activities in a safe manner and without risk to themselves or others.

7. Have an awareness of the key aspects of the asbestos regulations and how they fit into the broader context of health and safety legislation.

8. Procedures to be followed when coming into unintentional contact with asbestos and an understanding of the appropriate emergency arrangements.

This training should be refreshed annually. Contact us to book on our next course running on 26th November 2021

Stay safe!

Matthew Welsman. DipNCRQ, GradIOSH, MIIRSM

Handle it the right way!

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 08:52:48 GMT

Is manual handling really an issue?

HANDLE IT THE RIGHT WAY

IS MANUAL HANDLING REALLY AN ISSUE?

It certainly is. For many years, injuries that have directly resulted from manual handling tasks have been constant. Over a third of all reported workplace injuries are attributed to one of the many definitions that manual handling covers i.e., lifting, putting down, pushing and pulling.

The moral impact alone is staggering. Restricting individuals from normal functions that can no longer be performed. This can potentially lead to affected people struggling to adapt to these changes resulting in mental health challenges for them and other family members. The legal impact to an organisation can be significant if they are unable to demonstrate compliance through initially assessment of risk and core training on the subject.

Financially, this could also spiral out of control with increasing insurance claims, raising premiums followed by the some of the hidden costs that businesses just don’t measure (loss of time, business interruption).

Finally, the raising cost to the economy runs in to many billions and is argued to be the biggest single contributing issue to all injury claims within the UK.

MINIMUM STANDARDS

There are varying standards that can be introduced to minimise the risk of potential musculo-skeletal injuries but the main two are:

Risk assessment:

This is a specific manual handling assessment not a general workplace assessment. The Health and Safety Executive have many tools to assess manual handling activities but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple review of the tasks and activities your employees carry out where there is a significant risk of primarily upper limbs is a great starting point.

Take photos, speak to employees and gather as much information as you can about the people carrying out the task, the equipment they are handling, the environment they are working in and the actually functions being performed. Once you gather this information, you can look at each aspect and discuss if they can be improved.

Training:

The usual ‘knees bent – back straight’ training has a place but perhaps a more specific type of knowledge would be better received. Something that is relevant to the employees own workplace or industry perhaps.

Delivering the fundamentals of back care and kinetic lifting is essential. Participating in practical exercises within their own working environment is a brilliant way of engaging and also ensuring they can accurately apply the correct handling techniques within their own workplace.

Start with these two as these will identify new improvement levels if delivered correctly.

Stay safe!

Mark Stallard – CMIOSH, FIIRSM, DipSM, DipEM

Measuring performance

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:40:50 GMT

Measuring Health and Safety

MEASURING PERFORMANCE

MEASURING HEALTH AND SAFETY

Some people have the view that ‘If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it’.

There is some truth in this statement. Managing your health and safety outputs (accidents, incidents) has been ever present within tender documents, procurement questionnaires and also to demonstrate good health and safety performance.

These are known as reactive indicators. Indicators that only measure the outcomes of your health and safety system does have limitations. These reactive measures could suggest that you are effectively managing health and safety through the low number of incidents occurring. Or have you just been lucky?

PROACTIVE v REACTIVE INDICATORS

Successful performance within health and safety may be determined by introducing and managing a number of measurements which cover proactive (inputs) and reactive (outputs) of health and safety data. The table below provides an example of what you can consider.

In practice, the more proactive inputs you have to measure performance this should reduce the number of reactive outputs and will lead to improved overall health and safety management.

MEASURING GUIDANCE

There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to measuring health and safety performance. Some organisations choose to complete inspections on a frequent basis whilst other decide on a more formal approach which is normally a comprehensive audit which is undertaken less frequently.

Whether you decide on a safety tour (unscheduled walk around), safety inspection (usually an easier tick/cross format) or a compliance audit (detailed action plan in the form of a traffic light system), finding the best measuring tool that fits your business is important.

As a guide, the following frequency can sometimes be selected:

Health and safety inspection – weekly – monthly

Health and safety tours – monthly to quarterly

Compliance audit – annually – 3 yearly

The frequency will depend on the risk profile of the organisation, the number of issues identified from the previous report or the internal policies that have been implemented i.e. low risk organisation would be a 3-year audit, medium risk organisation would be a 2-year audit and high risk organisation would be annual audit.

INTERNAL v EXTERNAL?

Trying to determine the best approach to measuring performance can have positives and negatives impacts.

There is a perception that encouraging internal staff members to undertake inspections/audits can be a great way of developing individuals and the organisation taking ownership. The possible negatives can be internal measurement creates a subjective view of performance.

The counter option is to arrange external inspection/auditing. More costly but a guarantee that a more objective approach would be used.

The majority of organisations select a combination of both internal and external measuring. This will ensure that a more accurate and balanced approach is created with the organisation reaping the benefits.

For a discussion on deciding the best health and safety performance measurement options, please contact us.

Mark Stallard – CMIOSH, FIIRSM, DipSM, DipEM

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 14:01:33 GMT

Welcome to our June newsletter....

Our June newsletter is now available for you to download, containing the latest Health and Safety updates/news and training information.

Please click here to view

Sustainable safety and health

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:25:02 GMT

A look at the sustainability movement and the importance of safety and health within it.

SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATION

Is it correct to say that employers are truly sustainable when they ensure the safety, health and welfare of their employees?

The sustainability movement has steadily gained power and traction within many organisations. It is fair to say though that in recent history sustainability has been primarily rooted in the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations.

Organisations have been using sustainability as a platform for decision-making and creating transparency. Many are not looking to redefine or reinvent sustainability but occupational safety, health and wellbeing can sometimes be left behind playing catch up.

Once example communicated to me a few months ago from a company Director was ‘A building, no matter how energy efficient or healthy it is for occupants, is not sustainable if a construction worker is killed while building it’. This made me think about a number of different scenarios where this could apply.

Equipment, no matter how responsibly sourced the materials are, is not sustainable if a worker loses a limb during manufacturing. So perhaps it’s true, employers are only truly sustainable when they ensure the safety, health, and welfare of their employees.

Safety, health and wellbeing must be sustainable as its development will meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

ASSESSING YOUR CURRENT CULTURE

Sustainability has been driven through UK industry by ever increasing procurement processes who require visual examples of an organisations commitment towards it. The preparation of a generic policy will satisfy these supply chain responsibilities and as long as it is signed by the overriding person at the top, it will suffice.

Does this go far enough?

Many policies that I have viewed on sustainability doesn’t even mention safety, health and wellbeing. If the occasional one does, I’m not convinced they actually practice it or really believe it is something they embrace and integrate into day-to-day operations.

Of course, I am not saying health and safety isn’t managed and seen as not being important but there are many organisations that drive performance through reactive indicators (accidents, damages to equipment, insurance claims). These outputs can be low at times and lead decision makers within a business to think everything is going well and their systems are working.

Perhaps the focus could be on proactive inputs that sustain an organisations performance (training days, safety conversations, employee engagement meetings). A positive reflection on the resource that is used to input within an organisation that can sustain low outputs.

FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL v MANAGEMENT CONTROL

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of choosing a full-time safety and health professional against the management team taking responsibility. There are good arguments for both.

Some concerns lie with the appointment of full-time professionals that managers can tend to relinquish their safety and health responsibilities as there is someone to do this for us. On the flip side, having that expertise internally may be the correct decision for some organisations. Somebody who is always there to provide support, assistance and structure. This cannot be under estimated but is this sustainable for an organisation?

I have heard the term over many years, ‘let the managers manage’. Let them take ownership and responsibility for health and safety. Surely, they are the best people to deliver the message to ensure understanding with employees and successful integration.

Having an army of safety and health managers will create a more sustainable health and safety culture than the appointment of one professional who attempts to drive change with little impact.

WHATEVER WORKS BEST FOR YOU

The requirements placed upon organisations to demonstrate they are sustainable will increase in the coming years. Satisfying procurement questions with ‘yes’ answers and signed policies is only the initial stage. Having to clearly show how you are sustainable is fast approaching.

This is a great opportunity for organisations to ask themselves if sustainability is actually something they believe in and if so, does safety, health and wellbeing form a part of it? If so, you will have no issue in providing the evidence to satisfy the supply chain expectations. If not, this may catch you up at some stage and the opportunity for greater rewards may become more difficult to achieve.

Mark Stallard – CMIOSH, FIIRSM, DipSM, DipEM

We are back!

Tue, 04 May 2021 14:38:04 GMT

A reminder as employees return to the workforce

We are back!

Although the majority of businesses have continued throughout lockdown many will be starting or have started to bring back employees into the working environment. Many of these employees may have been furloughed or working from home. Either way, their exposure to potential risks within the working environment may have been limited.

Time to refresh our critical risks perhaps?

Just remind me.

Don’t miss the opportunity to review your risk assessments, make any necessary changes and consult your employees throughout this process. I know they should already know but just in case, remind them.

Some employees may have forgotten. It’s not something they have had to think about. The last thing we need is an immediate return to work and a potential incident.

This doesn’t have to be an onerous thing to do. It could possibly be a re-induction. A refresh on the key risks associated with their job role. A reminder of their duties and responsibilities perhaps?

Don’t do nothing. Do something, even if it’s just a small thing. Sometimes these little opportunities to discuss health and safety can have the biggest influence.

Lead by example and show your employees it’s important.

Stay safe!

Classroom training is back!

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:40:44 GMT

Information about our return to face-to-face training

As we begin to see the easing of restrictions we are very much looking forward to a return to classroom based training and want to update you on the Health and Safety courses that we offer our customers.

CLOSED COURSES AT YOUR PREMISES

We have now taken bookings for the remainder of 2021 for organisations that require training on the following topics:

• Manual handling principles

• Working at height essentials

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

• Risk assessment in practice

• Abrasive wheels

From 17th May – 18th June 2021: up to 6 delegates depending on the size of classroom.

From 21st June 2021: up to 10 delegates.

OPEN COURSES AT OUR PREMISES

Our open courses start back on Friday 21st May 2021 with the IOSH Working Safely. We will revert back to classroom training unless a client requires a specific request for us to deliver by Zoom.

Courses we have planned for the rest of 2021:

• Site Manager Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

• Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

• CITB Health and Safety Awareness

• UKATA Category A: Asbestos Awareness

• IOSH Leading Safely

• IOSH Managing Safely

• IOSH Managing Safely Refresher

• IOSH Working Safely

• IOSH Health and Wellbeing

• IOSH Fire Safety Awareness

If you would like to discuss booking courses, please email us on training@safetyhorizonsw.com where we can provide you with any information.

Consultation

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:08:49 GMT

Health and Safety consultation with your employees

Consultation

The importance of ensuring your staff understand not only their legal responsibilities but also specific company responsibilities has never been more important.

How we deliver the health and safety message can have a positive or even a negative impact on your audience. Do we really expect our own employees to see the importance of it if our attitude towards health and safety is negative, not thought provoking or doesn’t inspire our audience?

Methods of consultation

Finding the right methods to deliver the message for your business is key. Classroom training, on-line training, e/learning, tool box talk delivery, staff briefings or even the company induction are just a few to ways in which we can consult with our staff.

Some of you may already use a number of these which is delivered by your personally or by other colleagues. The question is….do they really listen?

Top tips

For those of you that are not experienced or may lack confidence in delivering the health and safety message, here are a few tips:

Be excited by health and safety – if your approach is negative and you don’t particularly like the subject, it will be noticed.

Plan your talk – don’t just read from the sheet. Maintain eye contact and make sure you understand the keys points you want to get across.

Ask open questions – seeking yes or no verification is not the best way to confirm if attendees to your talk understand the key points. Find out what they know and fill in the gaps if they are not sure.

Don’t rush – too many inductions are rushed as the person delivering it has a number of other work commitments that need attention. This is a great opportunity to reinforce the importance of health and safety to new staff members.

Blended learning – the best training combines information, discussions and interaction. Ensure your training delivery covers all of these (not matter what the subject is) as it is the best way for delegates to retain information.

Set a program for delivery – planning a series of talks throughout the year provides structure and ensure you cover all the main topics. Of course, be flexible as additional topics may take precedent but at least you know you are in control.

Make it relevant – there is nothing more boring that having a discussion on a subject that isn’t relevant to your audience. They will be more engaged if there is something in it for them.

Involve different people to meetings – you will be surprised how much value there is when inviting different people to safety meetings. Fresh ideas and a valuable feedback on what’s good and what’s bad can not be under estimated.

Stay safe!

Customer feedback

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 13:11:00 GMT

Feedback from our recent IOSH Managing Safely three day training course

We appreciate receiving feedback from our customers and these are just a few from our recent IOSH Managing Safely training course, a n engaging course that will inspire your staff, and one that we thoroughly enjoy delivering.

Fire Safety

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 12:29:21 GMT

March blog

FIRE SAFETY

The impact of a fire in any business, operation or property can be catastrophic. Not only the human impact but also the affect it will have on a business. Some simple tips will direct you to making sure you complete the first step in fire safety management, completing a risk assessment.

Our premises or operation has never had a fire risk assessment completed!

If this is the case, seek some advice immediately. If you are responsible for premises, a construction project or are a landlord you will need to ensure that a specific fire risk assessment is carried out.

You may feel you are competent to do this yourself or you may have access to someone who can help. Your first step is to ‘ask the question’ to someone who can offer you the right advice. This will then decide on your next step. It is likely you will need one.

We had a fire risk assessment completed a few years ago but I’m not sure where it is.

If you cannot locate your fire risk assessment then I would suggest a new one is completed. The assessment will be essential not only to comply with relevant legislation but may also be required to satisfy insurance policies.

A fire risk assessment was completed 2-years ago but our business and premises have changed.

If it was completed 2-years ago then there is a good chance it will be current although the changes to your business/premises may alter the arrangements you have introduced. It is advised to review the assessment and consider the changes made.

Our fire risk assessment was completed last year and our business and premises are still the same.

Just a simple review of the fire risk assessment would be fine. This can be a read through the assessment just to make sure it is accurate with a signature and new date to confirm you have reviewed it.

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment will identify the correct control measures required to meet the needs of your business or operation. There is no ‘one size fits all’. Each assessment is different.

Stay safe!

COVID-secure workplace

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:42:25 GMT

Making your workplace COVID-secure during the coronavirus pandemic

This guidance (from the HSE website ) is for employers, but workers and the self-employed may also find it useful.

It gives an overview of the things you should do to help make your work and workplace COVID-secure.

Risk assessment
Social distancing
Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing
Ventilation and air conditioning
Talk to workers and provide information
Working from home
Vulnerable workers

Risk assessment

You should start by updating your risk assessment to manage the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your business. This will help you to understand what you should do to work safely and protect people.

Social distancing

Where possible you should keep people 2 metres apart. If this is not viable, keeping 1 metre apart with risk mitigation is acceptable.

Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing

Keeping your workplace clean and frequent handwashing reduces the potential for coronavirus to spread. It is a critical part of making and keeping your business COVID-secure.

Ventilation and air conditioning

Good ventilation (including air conditioning) can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. There are simple steps you can take to improve ventilation while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your workplace.

Talk to workers and provide information

Consult and involve people in the steps you’re taking to manage the risk of coronavirus in your workplace so you can:

explain the changes you’re planning to work safely
make sure changes will work and hear their ideas
continue to operate your business safely

Working from home

If your people are working from home you should:

provide the equipment they need, for example a computer, phone and videoconferencing facilities
keep in regular contact with them, making sure you discuss their wellbeing

Vulnerable workers

Make sure you consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus and put controls in place to reduce that risk.

Source: HSE website

Groundhog Day

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 12:20:11 GMT

How are your staff adapting?

GROUNDHOG DAY

For those people who are either furloughed or working from home, everyday feels the same. Some of us struggle to remember what day it is as every day is ‘Groundhog Day’ (worth a watch if you haven’t seen it).

For those of us who have embraced this change and adapted – well done! There will be some of our team members though that will be struggling with the isolation or perhaps trying to balance work with children being at home. You are not alone.

LOOKING FOR SIGNS

If you recognize that an employee starts acting differently, this may be the early signs that they are under pressure. Some of the signs to look out for:

Argumentative – they seen to be more agitated and dismissive during virtual conversations.

Punctuality – they are late for virtual meetings or simply do not attend.

Not responsive – they delay or may not reply to messages or calls.

Mistakes – you identify that more errors are being made in their work.

Complaints – negative feedback from co-workers or customers.

Nervous – they just look uncomfortable during discussions and can become more emotional.

If you work with the same people you will get to know certain habits and personality traits within your team. Anything that may appear to be different or out of the ordinary will indicate a potential concern.

SUGGESTIONS

If they are happy to talk about it, then great. This at least provides an opportunity for them to communicate how they are feeling. It would be great to understand if any issues may be related to work (meeting deadlines, not understanding what is required), or factors outside of work.

Acting early can reduce the impact of pressure and make it easier to reduce or remove the causes. If managers are worried that an employee is showing some of these signs, they should encourage them to see their GP. These signs can be symptoms of other conditions. If there is something wrong at work, and this has caused the problem, managers should take action.

Stay safe!

Back to work

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:36:59 GMT

January blog......

HANG IN THERE!

Wishing everyone reading this blog a safe and productive new year. It’s important to remember that no matter how difficult it is at the moment we are closer to the finish than we are the start. Hang in there!

BACK TO WORK

Some organisations take the opportunity at the start of the calendar year to arrange and deliver ‘back to work’ training. This is an annual arrangement of refreshing some of the key health and safety topics that their employees need to ensure their understanding is maintained.

There are a number of ways in which this can be delivered to your employees whilst maintaining social distancing:

1. Use an open room (such as a workshop or factory floor) to ensure everyone has enough space between each chair/desk. Use a screen to show any information.

2. You can use a boardroom/training room but minimize the numbers at any one time. Perhaps run a morning and afternoon course to ensure everyone is captured.

3. Make it site based. If your employees are straight back to work, why not capture them with tool box talks in between some of their work. You could have colleagues to help capture other employees at different sites.

4. Using video conferencing to relay the message is an option widely used at this moment in time. Introduce breakout rooms to maximise people’s interaction and engagement.

I’m sure there are other options available but these appear to be the most popular. Whatever platform you decide to deliver this information at least there is a commitment to relay the information. Please don’t be an organization that doesn’t do anything and doesn’t invest in their employees.

Stay safe!

December newsletter

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 15:05:15 GMT

Safety Horizon (South West) newsletter - December edition out now

Our December newsletter is out, please take a look for the latest health and safety news, coronavirus updates, safety alerts and Safety Horizon news:

https://t.co/QuaUUgfu7t?amp=1

December blog

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 11:39:31 GMT

A light hearted look at the festive weeks ahead......

Even during the most difficult times it’s important to remain positive. Although 2020 has been challenging for so many people, the forthcoming festive period can potentially create additional pressure. Here are a few light hearted tips to make the next few weeks a little bit easier.

If people frustrate you shop online. Avoid the shops and the potential confrontation. Some people are rude and this will just annoy you. Sit in the comfort of your home and let the shopping arrive at your door.

Cut your spending in half. Some family and friends do nothing all year and expect a decent present at Christmas. Don’t bother. Save your money. If they complain, who cares. This may limit how often you see them next year so it’s a bonus both ways.

Do you want the best Christmas decorations in the street. Go for it. Don’t worry about the neighbours and get in the Christmas spirit. Watch Deck the Halls, this is what you should be aspiring to.

Eat as much as you want. Why not? There’s nothing else to do. Stock up on food and stuff your face as much as you want whilst sat in front of the TV. A reminder to stock up heartburn tablets though.

Watch lots of films. There are so many Christmas films to watch so why not create your own advent (one or two films per day). Get your feet up, scoff loads of chocolates and snooze if you want to.

Only host people you like. Dependent on what tier you are in could help - what a result some people might say. Avoid inviting the family members who cause problems and why not use the current lockdown restrictions as a reason to maintain your happiness.

Buy your Christmas dinner prepared. Why peel potatoes and prepare vegetables when you can buy it all pre-packed. Might be a little more expensive but it takes too much time all that preparation.

If you don’t like Christmas, Drink more. Trust me, you need it. As long as you’re not driving or working the following day, why not have some extra drinks. It blocks everything out and makes the day pass quickly.

Of course, all of the above is said 'tongue in cheek' and we wish you a very safe and merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

Best wishes

The Safety Horizon team

Annual workplace injury and ill-health statistics for Great Britain

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 12:39:29 GMT

HSE have published their 2019/20 report...

Statistics released yesterday (4th November 2020) show that Great Britain is still one of the safest places in the world to work with the lowest number of deaths on record.

However, more than half of Britain’s working days lost in 2019/20 were due to mental ill-health.

The annual report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) includes statistics for work-related ill health, workplace injuries, working days lost, enforcement action taken, and the associated costs to Great Britain.

The emergence of COVID-19 as a national health issue at the end of final quarter of 2019/20 does not appear to be the main driver of changes seen in the 2019/20 data, although it is possible that COVID-19 may be a contributory factor.

HSE has been at the heart of work across government for getting Great Britain’s workplaces Covid Secure. As part of HSE’s response to COVID-19, it has continued to support the wider health response through working closely with National Public Health Bodies, Local Authorities and local health teams.

Figures show that around 693,000 workers sustained non-fatal injuries in 2019/2020 and 1.6 million workers suffering from work-related ill-health.

The statistics, compiled from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and other sources, illustrate that in Great Britain in the 2019/2020 period there were;

111 fatal injuries at work

1.6 million working people suffering from a work-related illness

38.8 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury

325 cases were prosecuted and resulted in a conviction. Fines from convictions totalled £35.8 million

In 2019/2020, the estimated economic cost to Great Britain totalled £16.2 billion with 38.8 million working days lost.

In response to the report, Sarah Newton, HSE Chair said:

“The Covid pandemic has focussed attention on the health and safety issues people face in the workplace. HSE remains committed to taking action where workers are not protected, to ensure the guidance and assistance we provide for employers in managing risks is the best available, based on the latest evidence and science.

“Although Great Britain continues to be up there with the safest places in the world to work, these figures highlight the scale of the challenge HSE currently faces in making Britain an even healthier and safer place to work, this includes our role in the response to the pandemic to ensure workplaces are Covid Secure.

“We must continue to drive home the importance of managing risk and promoting behaviours to ensure employers work right so that workers are able to go home healthy and safe at the end of each day.”

The full annual injury and ill-health statistics report can be found on HSE’s website .

Source: Health and Safety Executive, 4th November 2020

Engaging change

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:06:54 GMT

The changing way we communicate during 2020

ENGAGING CHANGE

One of the biggest changes in the working environment during 2020 is the way in which we communicate. The face-to-face opportunities are limited and although telephone conversations are useful, they don’t really engage people.

You don’t get to see people’s reaction or facial expressions through a telephone call so the option of utilising video conferencing was a positive step in not only creating a feeling that we are in the same room but ensuring we keep in contact with each other and not feel isolated.

EVOLVING

It’s fair to say that prior to lockdown my knowledge of video conferencing was limited but like many things the more you use it the more familiar you become. Evolving from a participant through to being the organiser may seem a small change but requires some detailed familiarisation to ensure it runs smoothly.

Now most of us are back to work there is still a reliance on using video conferencing for many of our meetings and this is not likely to change any time soon. With this social change, it is important that businesses also adapt to these changes.

Offering licensed training courses via video conferencing was something that a lot of us have never done before. Carrying out research, preparing strict administration procedures, getting them approved and planning the course format were some of the challenges faced by me and many others.

VIRTUAL v CLASSROOM

You cannot replace the engagement of a full room of delegates who are interacting with each other during a training course. The animation of the trainer, the passion and the ability to influence people’s mindset is something positive trainers thrive on. Although my company is back to delivering classroom training, we are also offering the virtual option.

The virtual training has got better. It is now more interactive. My learning of how breakout rooms work has been a positive impact in trying to create some interaction between delegates. It has also been a positive for some clients who are still furloughed, working from home or maybe shielding with the thought of sharing a classroom environment not a great one. It also allows some flexibility and will cut down on any travelling time.

As I read back on these few comments, I can see there is a strong case for attending virtual training. There are some real benefits but not for one minute would I say it is better than attending classroom training. It just offers an alternative. So, don’t be apprehensive about it, as its better than you think.

For more details on our forthcoming virtual or socially distance classroom courses, please contact training@safetyhorizonsw.com

Stay safe!

Health and Safety in procurement

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:13:08 GMT

The procurement process

WHICH ACCREDITATION DO I CHOOSE?

The commercial risk for many businesses can be critical especially if they are expected to demonstrate an acceptable standard health and safety management. The number of accreditations available can be confusing and deciding on which one to choose can be made by the client not the business owner.

I say this ‘tongue in cheek’ as the business owner ultimately makes the final decision but when the ‘carrot’ of potential work is dangled as a temptation somehow these decisions are forced upon them in the hope that future work will materialize. There are no guarantees sometimes as this is the first stage in either being added to sustaining your position within the procurement supply chain.

My advice has always been the same since I started Safety Horizon (South West) 14 years ago. You are not legally obliged to obtain any accreditation but commercially you could be. If the lure of potential gold is likely, then it will be a good investment to seek these accreditations. If you are not under such commercial pressure to do it, then it would be understandable to hold back and save your money.

COMMERCIAL BENEFIT v IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

There is varying view on whether obtaining an external accreditation through SSIP actually improves a business health and safety performance or does it just create an environment where boxes are ticked? It is fair to say that obtaining any accreditation through SSIP is certainly an opportunity to measure your business against a recognized standard and will highlight potential gaps. It is not a guarantee but merely a measure of your current performance through a desk top exercise.

TOP TIPS

We support a number of businesses with their procurement needs and we have the time they sometimes struggle to find. Also, we are the professionals, we understand the process and the evidence required.

Tip 1 – make sure all of your health and safety documentation is up to date especially within the last 12 months.

Tip 2 – Plan your documentation one month before the accreditation expires. Give yourself plenty of time.

Tip 3 – Do not back date any documents. As well as cheating the system and yourself, it will also jeopardise your accreditations and legal responsibilities if found guilty.

WE CAN HELP

If this is something you need help with, all you need to do is the following:

1. Provide us with your log in details. We will take a look at what you need.

2. Send us all the information you have. Anything else is needed, we can do this for you.

3. Relax and let us complete this right through to completion.

For more details, contact mark.stallard@safetyhorizonsw.com

Stay safe!

September newsletter

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:57:05 GMT

Safety Horizon (South West) newsletter - September edition out now

Our September newsletter is out, please take a look for the latest health and safety news, coronavirus updates, safety alerts and Safety Horizon news:

https://mailchi.mp/7d9a9c82d407/shsw-newsletter-4804594

The right advice

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 08:25:57 GMT

Competent advice must be the right advice

ACCESS TO THE RIGHT ADVICE

Access to ‘competent advice’ can be varied and sometimes received as being ‘by the book’. Although competent advice is not only essential legally but provides an opportunity for the recipient to understand what they should do.

Sometimes this advice can be misunderstood or perceived in a certain way or in serious cases not understood at all resulting in no action being taken.

Competent advice is paramount to any organisation but the right advice is critical. Being able to fit this advice into a niche business is essential. Too many simple questions result in elongated and confusing answers. The right advice will ensure the following:

• It is in line with legal and moral responsibilities.

• It fits within the current resource available to a specific business.

• It will ensure the current culture can embrace it as a value and not as an obstacle.

• It gets done and it works.

ACCESS TO NO ADVICE

Of course, there are business owners and organisations who have access to no advice. Some of which feel they don’t need with others not realising they need it. Access to competent advice is a legal requirement under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety Regulations if the company employs 5 people or more.

This can be appointed internally as long someone has the required level of knowledge, experience and training but for those companies that do not have the internal resource, it makes sense to appoint someone externally who can offer this resource as and when it’s required.

Seek that professional support and view it as an opportunity for your management team to use as an external mentor or coach. Guide your management team in the right direction. Whatever you do, don’t do nothing.

Stay safe!

Don't forget the other risks

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:06:15 GMT

We all know that coronavirus is the hot topic but please remember the other risks...

As the majority of businesses head back to normal working routines the main focus is around the arrangements for mitigating any risk against Coronavirus. Of course, this is important and should be the priority but please don’t lose sight of the other risks that were there prior to the lockdown period.

This may include some of the most significant hazards that your employees and others may be exposed to (fire, handing substances, noise, manual handling, work equipment). All of these will still require some changes when introducing new controls around coronavirus and your normal operations.

Top tips:

Fire Safety:

• Check your fire log book. Does it need to be updated? Can we change the paper version to an electronic version?

• What happens when you have a non-routine fire drill? How will we maintain social distancing during an evacuation and roll call?

• What about any personal evacuation plans?

Work equipment:

• What will be the change over for shifts and operating the same equipment?

• How will the equipment be maintained?

Handling substances:

• Will the procedure for accepting deliveries still be the same?

• Will delivery notes need to be signed or is electronic confirmation enough?

• What happens if there is a spillage?

Noise and vibration:

• Hearing protection should not be shared. Is there enough provision for everyone?

• How will exposure times be monitored and recorded?

Manual handling:

• Are there activities where two people are required to work in close proximity? Can they maintain social distancing?

• Are mechanical aids being shared (pump trucks, sack trucks)?

The above list is by no means exhaustive but a general prompt to think about the interactions with a handful of common hazards that exist in a lot of working environments. Coronavirus is a top priority at the moment, and rightly so, but don’t discount the others.

Stay safe.

COVID Secure

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 06:31:00 GMT

Please ensure your business is COVID secure and that you are adhering to Health and Safety laws - keep yourself, staff, customers and others safe. HSE inspectors are carrying out spot checks....

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling for businesses in Great Britain to make sure they’re COVID-secure as more sectors re-open and the country get back to work..

Inspectors are out and about, putting employers on the spot and checking that they are complying with health and safety law. Being COVID-secure means being adaptable to the current guidance and putting measures in place to control the risk of coronavirus to protect workers and others.

There are five practical steps that businesses can take to do that:

Step 1. carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment in line with HSE guidance

Step 2. develop increased cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures

Step 3. take all reasonable steps to help people work from home

Step 4. maintain 2m social distancing where possible

Step 5. where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk.

Philip White, Director of Regulation at HSE said: “Becoming COVID-secure should be the priority for all businesses. By law, employers have a duty to protect workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. It’s important that workers are aware of the measures that will be put in place to help them work safely.

“Ensuring workplaces are COVID-secure will not only reassure and increase confidence with workers, but also customers, partners and the local community. Nobody wants lockdown measures to be reversed and the Government has made clear that it will not hesitate to do so if the virus is not properly controlled.”

As inspections are ongoing, HSE has been utilising a number of different ways to gather intelligence and reach out to businesses with a combination of site visits, phone calls and through collection of supporting visual evidence such as photos and video footage.

Some of the most common issues that HSE and local authority inspectors are finding include: failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime – particularly at busy times of the day – and providing access to welfare facilities to allow employees to frequently wash their hands with warm water and soap.

HSE will support businesses by providing advice and guidance; however where some employers are not managing the risk, HSE will take action which can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.

Philip continued: “All sectors and business of all sizes are in scope for inspections and we will ask questions of duty holders to understand how they are managing risks. We understand that the vast majority of employers want to make their workplaces secure and are doing everything they can to keep people and their business safe and healthy.

“Ultimately, becoming COVID-secure benefits the health of our nation; the health of our communities, of businesses and the health of the UK economy. As a nation, we can’t afford not to become COVID-secure.”

Source: HSE website

Understanding your employees

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 09:25:40 GMT

Monthly blog from senior director, Mark Stallard

There are some fantastic employers out there. Employers who really care about the people they work with. Many of them have continued to keep their businesses operational ready for when people return to some normality.

The real proactive and caring employers will have ensured they maintained some contact with their employees throughout the lockdown period. Checking they are ok. Keeping them up to date with progress. Passing on information that might be applicable for when they return.

Although a huge amount of credit goes towards these individuals, remote contact and virtual contact is not the same as face to face.

As your employees will begin a phased back to work process it’s important to offer some tips to ensure this runs as smoothly as possible:

TIPS

1. Always maintain some form of communication prior to them returning. Explain what you have done and what you are going to do. Set the scene before their first day back.

2. Let them have an opportunity to raise any concerns or apprehensions they may have.

3. On the first day back, arrange a face to face meeting with each individual. Talk through the risk assessment you prepared for COVID-19. Show them what arrangements you have made.

4. Discretely monitor their behaviour.

5. Please keep in mind they may have older children at home and may need to take extra personal calls. Be patient with them.

6. Offer additional support on any work they are doing. Being away from the workplace can have an impact on work performance. Some individuals may take a little time to get back to normal.

7. Be a good person. Never lose sight that people respond better when they are treated well.

Best of luck to all those people who will be starting back at work shortly.

Working safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - protecting vulnerable workers

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:37:12 GMT

How to protect your vulnerable workers during this time

As an employer, you have a legal duty to protect workers from harm. You should make sure you consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus and put controls in place to reduce that risk.

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the government has defined some people as clinically extremely vulnerable (shielded).

Shielded workers are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus. They cannot return to workplaces before at least 31 July 2020 in Scotland, from 1 August 2020 in England and from 16 August 2020 in Wales when shielding is paused.

You can find guidance on shielding and protecting workers, explaining who is clinically extremely vulnerable, from Public Health England, Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Wales.

Supporting shielded workers returning to work

You should talk to shielded workers about their working arrangements and take every possible step to enable your workers to work from home.

When shielding is paused, where it is not possible for workers to work from home, you must regularly review your risk assessment, and do everything ‘reasonably practicable’ to protect those workers from harm.

If workers are in the shielded categories, explain what will be done to protect them, for example doing tasks where stringent social distancing guidelines can be followed.

This also applies to workers living with someone in the shielded group.

You can find more advice on shielding and protecting vulnerable people on GOV.UK.

Pregnant workers

During the outbreak, pregnant workers have been advised to follow stringent social distancing to reduce the risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

There is a long-standing requirement for employers to put in place measures to ensure workplace safety where a significant health and safety risk is identified for a new or expectant mother.

Some pregnant workers will be at greater risk of severe illness from coronavirus. They should have received a shielding letter from the NHS advising them:

to stay at home where possible
that they are not expected to be in a workplace
Employers will need to take this into account in their risk assessment.

If you cannot put the necessary control measures in place, such as adjustments to the job or working from home, you should suspend the pregnant worker on paid leave. This is in line with regulation 16(3) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

HSE has specific, non-COVID advice for new and expectant mothers.

Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/protect-people

June newsletter

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 09:47:52 GMT

Safety Horizon (South West) newsletter - June edition out now

Our June newsletter is out, please take a look for the latest health and safety news, coronavirus updates, safety alerts and Safety Horizon news:

https://mailchi.mp/60d135383856/shsw-newsletter

5 steps to working safely when returning to work

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 09:01:48 GMT

Returning to work during coronavirus

5 steps to working safely

Practical actions for businesses to take based on 5 main steps.

1. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment

Before restarting work you should ensure the safety of the workplace by:

carrying out a risk assessment in line with the HSE guidance
consulting with your workers or trade unions
sharing the results of the risk assessment with your workforce and on your website

2. Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures

You should increase the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning by:

encouraging people to follow the guidance on hand washing and hygiene
providing hand sanitiser around the workplace, in addition to washrooms
frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly
enhancing cleaning for busy areas
setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets
providing hand drying facilities – either paper towels or electrical dryers

3. Help people to work from home

You should take all reasonable steps to help people work from home by:

discussing home working arrangements
ensuring they have the right equipment, for example remote access to work systems
including them in all necessary communications
looking after their physical and mental wellbeing

4. Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible

Where possible, you should maintain 2m between people by:

putting up signs to remind workers and visitors of social distancing guidance
avoiding sharing workstations
using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep to a 2m distance
arranging one-way traffic through the workplace if possible
switching to seeing visitors by appointment only if possible

5. Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk

Where it’s not possible for people to be 2m apart, you should do everything practical to manage the transmission risk by:

considering whether an activity needs to continue for the business to operate
keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
using back-to-back or side-to-side working whenever possible
staggering arrival and departure times
reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering’

Source - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/5-steps-to-working-safely