Neals Notes October 2000
At Last A Movement Down.
The latest workplace accident statistics have indicated a trend in number and rate of injuries to workers in the year ending March 2000. The fatal injury rate fell from 0.9 to 0.8 per hundred thousand workers and the major injury rate from 108.8 to 107.5 compared with the previous year. The Government has set target figures 10% lower by 2010. However Construction Industry injures have returned to the 1997-8 level rather than continuing the downward trend from the best ever figures returned for 1998-99. However there has been a drop in estimated fatal injuries in the service, agriculture, manufacturing and extractive and utility supply industries.
Virtual Reality and the Migraine Sufferer. A report describing and analysing the effects that Virtual Reality system have on users has been published by the Health and Safety Executive. The study identifies typical uses of VR in the workplace and the type of people expected to use them. Researchers established that regardless of system type, Head Mounted Display, Standard Desktop Monitor, Standard Projection Screen Display or Reality Theatre some users experienced nausea symptoms. Those with a history of migraine attacks were worst affected with the symptoms lasting up to eight hours compared with the standard ten minutes experienced by non-migraine subjects. The study covered 221 participants and 70% reported the nausea symptoms. Copies of the report entitled Incidence of Virtual Reality Induced Symptoms and Effects are £20 and can be ordered on 01787 881165 or fax 01787 313995 from HSE Books
An Approach for Employers to Examine Work-Related Stress. The HSE has published new research on an approach employers can use to examine work-related stress in their organisation. Called Organisational Interventions for Work Stress: A Risk Management Approach, this research by a team at the University of Nottingham led by Professor Tom Cox CBE focuses largely on the issues of work design and management and includes social and organisational contexts.
Six case studies are used which are drawn from 19 different projects conducted in collaboration with ten major British companies. All these companies employed more than 250 people. Copies are £25 from HSE Books on 01787 881165 or fax 01787 313995.
Annual Report from HS Commission Welcomes Improvements in Accident Statistics. The number of worker fatalities in the period 1999/2000 is expected to fall from 253 the previous year to 218 which represents the lowest number of deaths reported since the introduction of new reporting regulations. HSC Chair Bill Callaghan says that "the toll of injury and ill-health is still too high, the HSC warmly welcomed last years initiative when Revitalising Health and Safety consultative documents were launched .
The bad news, however, is that the fatality rate in the construction industry increased by 18% from 3.8 to 4.5 per 100,000. The rate in agriculture and manufacturing fell by 19% and 38% respectively.
Brief Guide to Accident Investigation. The British Chambers of Commerce and the TUC have organised a series of seminars around GB as part of the Good Health is Good Business campaign with financial support from the HSE. Part of this drive for information has been A Brief Guide to Accident Investigation which is based on the advice provided to safety reps by the TUC. It draws on HSE materials but further guidance from the HSE is likely if a new legal duty to investigate reportable injuries, dangerous occurrences and diseases is placed on employers. If you are not sure where your local Council is look on website www.britishchambers.org.uk
Record Participation for European Week for Safety and Health. A record number of organisations booked in to take part in this years European Week for Safety and Health which finished on October 22nd. The focus was on musculoskeletal disorders and back problems generally with the latest figures showing that an estimated 642,000 people in the UK believed they were suffering from a musculoskeletal problem affecting their back caused by work. HSE says that such conditions cost employers between £312 and £335 million. ( A recommended method of drawing your employees attention to correct handling procedures etc is provided by Safety Points range of striking wallcharts and posters from 0208 653 4648 Fax and phone).
UK Organisations get European Awards for Health and Safety measures.R Twining & Co Ltd of Tyne and Wear and GMB |London region of Chelsmford Essex are among 16 organisations across Europe to receive awards from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. These awards are made in recognition of good practices in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders will be presented in Spain late in November. R Twining replaced all the workstations on a production line making numerous ergonomic improvements while GMB got theirs for a project involving the reintegration of workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders through the use of voice recognition. More information on www.osha.eu.int/ew2000
Neal visited the Sandown Safety Show with the following catching his eye. Advanced New Technology ( 01825 713058)hand held computers to eliminate paperwork and to increase data recording accuracy. Systems include equipment for PAT Fire inspections, risk assessments, audits and accident management.
BX Plant Sales (01243 781970)Trolleys for handling drums when forklifts are not efficient or effective. Award winning design.
Benchmark Technologies (01633 877569)industrial skin protectant that also provides emergency pro-temp protection against acids leaking through pinholes was demonstrated by the MD Peter Friswell.
Colas Limited (01342 711000)roll-out non slip surface for pedestrians. Suits steps, platforms, and walkways equally well.
Fosse Liquitrol (0116 247 7907) for industrial spill control and absorbing products including loose particulate, socks, booms and sheets.
PCD Maltron (0208 398 3265) presented an anti-RSI keyboard which has got over 700 sufferers from RSI back to work. It looks as if it has been left on a radiator and then hit with a hammer, but it works!
Nederman Ltd ( 01771 334721) provides fume extraction, dust extraction, self retracting hose and cable reels, welding curtains and welding helmets.
Senflow Systems UK Ltd ( 02476 223579) manufactures and supplies radio based lone worker alarm systems for industry and commerce. Includes personal attack and affray alarms.
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